Finding Peace

This week I wrestled with making a decision that would have brought significant changes to my life. I pondered the best choice, trying to factor in each component – my financial state, the future, how it would impact my personal happiness, and what it would mean for my current relationships. For two days my mind was occupied with the issue, restless, without peace. Then finally, the matter was settled by circumstances beyond my control. Relief!

Most of us have come to those kinds of crossroads in life, haven’t we?
And no one likes living in that kind of limbo, lacking serenity.

There is a choice I made long ago that provides me with the deepest peace.

It was and is and will always be the most significant choice of my life. I responded to the invitation of God’s Spirit to trust Christ Jesus as my Savior and was granted peace with God and life everlasting.  

This Good Friday finds me worshipful, grateful for the amazing goodness of God that we can know through His Son, Jesus. Come with me to a passage that captures the essence of what happened at Golgotha that Friday so long ago. Golgotha was a hill outside Jerusalem where the Romans took Jesus to be crucified. The name is Aramaic for "place of the skull."  

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.”  (Colossians 1)

We who were separated from God by sin, guilty, and captive of the Evil One needed rescue. The chasm was too great to be closed by any attempt at morality or goodness. God loved His creation and took the initiative. He gave Jesus who was the “God-man,” fully God, yet fully human, bearing “all God’s fullness.”

For what purpose did HE come to this earth? The Scripture says “to reconcile all things” to God. That is what happened at the Cross. He was the Last Sacrifice for sin, the offering of His life is the Way for us to know peace.

Ponder that today! Because of Jesus you and I are now “holy in (God’s) sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”  This is the Gospel of Christ.

Good Friday is the heart of the Good News of God, a message received by faith which changes everything about us, making us, once again, God’s own children. Have you trusted Him?

The rest of the story was told on the First Day of the Week, when the Empty Tomb was found with the assurance that we, like Him, will live forever in the home of the Father.

Take this word from the Word with you in your mind and heart today. Spend some time “near the Cross” and let the peace with God become the foundation of life, the peace of God.

“Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God.

For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.”
(Hebrews 9:13-15)

Wonderful peace! Amen

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For the whole world!

The reality of suffering and evil that exist all around me are too real to me today. This globe knows millions who live among the devastation of war. Thousands die when strong men order missiles and bombs to fall. National leaders care little for the people of the street who live with the results of their decisions. Greed drives nations and causes ordinary people to suffer in poverty.

Closer to home, bullying bosses make life miserable for their employees,
families divide when petty people choose to fight and hate.
Oh yes, my sins are real to me, too.

So, on this first day of Holy Week I can identify, in a small way, with the tears of Jesus after His raucous welcome into Jerusalem on what we call “Palm Sunday.” Luke says that “as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.”  (Luke 19) He saw the awful sorrow that would come on that city’s people in years ahead, something that they might have avoided if they had accepted Him as their Messiah.

On this week’s journey to the Cross and onward to Resurrection Sunday, I want to feel something of the weight of sin so that I will better worship the One whose sacrifice changes everything for those who believe Him and accept His grace. Peter tells us that “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2) Those are such wonderful words, even more meaningful against the backdrop of human depravity.

Think about that, my friend. Jesus knew the depths of evil that terrible day. He carried the sin of slave traders, war mongers, child-abusers, and murderers. He carried sins less dramatic to us – jealousy, pride, greed, lust, and apathy about spiritual matters – that most of us experience. No wonder His anguish caused Him to groan and cry out.

Crucifixion was a horrible and cruel way to execute a person, but Jesus’ cries went beyond the suffering of His body. He, the Perfect One, felt the guilt of the whole world in an unimaginable moment when He took it all on His shoulders and gave His life to make a way for us to be right with God, our Creator-Father.

John’s words cannot be read casually as we think of that. He says, “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”  (1 John 2)

Let me offer three thoughts about our response to the Cross of Jesus.

First, let’s worship with true wonder.
“That God should love a sinner such as I, how wonderful is love like this.
Such love, such wondrous love!”  says the old hymn. If we rush too quickly past the ugliness of the Cross in our hurry to know the joy of Easter, we will not worship as we ought. Our salvation becomes all the more rich when we ponder the depths from which Christ Jesus has lifted us.

Second, let’s choose to live in His grace and with grace towards others.
We need not live in guilt or shame when we remember the Cross, because what He did there is finished, the work of atonement for sins complete. The inspired writer of Hebrews contrasts the yearly sacrifice of the first Covenant with the final sacrifice of the New. We learn this – “But he (Christ) has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,  so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”  (Hebrews 9)

My sin, your sin, the sin of the world was paid for, in full, at the Cross, by the sacrifice of the Final Lamb, whose shed blood was sufficient for the redemption of the world for all time!

So, third, let’s become messengers of Life and Hope!
Christians should NOT be known for their condemnation of others. We should be the most hopeful people in the world! Our message is not about death, it is a word of life. Paul says “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. 

And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  WE live in peace with God, and we lead others to know that peace, too. In this work, evil is defeated. The broken are made whole. Those who suffer are comforted. Oh, what a Savior.

So, this Holy Week, may we live soberly, pray to know the cost of our salvation, even while we anticipate the great promise of the Resurrection that brings us to life eternal in the home of our Father. Amen.
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Surprise!

Ever found yourself in the middle of a situation that you never thought possible? Maybe it is a great thing and you feel ‘lucky’ that it happened to you. Or, more likely, it is some sad or difficult development that blindsided you.

If you are a planner like me, you have a preferred path, goals set, and preparations made to achieve those things. It is good to plan and prepare. I love the old saying, “Those who aim at nothing, hit it every time!”  The surest way to live aimlessly is to drift with the currents.

 There are those things we think could be possible, but that we hope never happen to us. We purchase insurance to repair our vehicles in the event of an accident but we hope never to make a claim. I know injuries are possible in various situations and I take precautions to make them less likely. That’s just common sense. But …

There are always unforeseen things that come our way, things that change everything – like divorce, chronic illness, career loss, a relationship that breaks down without explanation, natural disaster, and even spiritual crises.  It’s not always the awful, terrible.  Good things can disrupt our lives too – an unexpected promotion, an opportunity in business, conceiving a child, the discovery of love, or spiritual awakening!

Christian, through it all the critical choice is faith –
“Lord God, steady me on my way, keep me faithful and true!” 

In the times that test us with sorrow, without a renewal of faith we may well turn into bitter and miserable people, full of self-pity.
In times of great blessing, without grounded faith we may grow apathetic about the things of God, feeling that we have life in our grasp, under control.

I am a great believer in what are called ‘spiritual disciplines,’ things like regular church attendance, service, generosity, prayer and meditation, and regular Scripture intake. We do not do these things because they will make God love us more, nor are they a way to eliminate every surprise along the way.  Regular disciplines of the Spirit ground us, build strength of character, and create channels for the Holy Spirit to flow into our life.

Jesus told a story to illustrate the importance of building a solid foundation. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  (Matthew 7)

Surprises will come. That’s life! In spite our best preparations we will deal with unforeseen circumstances. Build a foundation that will hold up in those days.

In the book of James, the Spirit urges us to greater faith. Let this word from the Word encourage you today, knowing that God is Lord of all. "Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. . . . The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." (James 5:13, 16, NLT)  Join Job in this declaration of faith today. "But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside." (Job 23:10-11, NKJV)

Amen.

More than an act

This weekend, I watched some gifted teenage students step into roles for a stage production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Nick, who is a kind and grounded young man, transformed into the selfish and cruel archdeacon of Notre Dame. Other students convincingly became soldiers, gargoyles, and street people. Rachel brought Esmeralda to life, singing “God Help the Outcasts” with such heartfelt emotion that real tears rolled down my cheeks.

But when the curtain fell, the costumes came off, and the characters faded—the students returned to being themselves.

Let me ask you this: how do you understand what it means to be a Christian? Is it something you put on—like a role you play on Sundays or around certain people? Or is it who you truly are?

How wonderful to know that people who are the children of the Heavenly Father. do not just act like a Christian. In Christ, that is who we are.

Jesus met a man hungry for spiritual reality, a religious leader who apparently felt a disconnect between how he acted and who he truly was. Knowing his need Jesus told Nicodemus – “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.  So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’”  (John 3) 

What a revelation! We are born into God’s family, becoming children of God, not by human heritage or religious effort, but through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit Who is accepted by faith. This makes a whole new way of living possible.

Paul teaches us that “this means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”  (2 Corinthians 5:17)  This way of life emerges from the inside out. We gain a new identity through Jesus and it changes the ways in which we think and act. It is never just a role we learn, it is a way of life.

A person who has not come to Christ in faith and received the gift of the Spirit will only find himself frustrated by trying harder to ‘act like a Christian’ through determination. With concentration and effort he can control the natural impulses but in a time of stress, fatigue, or excitement his true nature will break through the act.

Having experienced the new birth and entered the life of the Spirit, we can take up Paul’s direction “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

In this new life in the Spirit, every day is shaped by Christ in us.
Love replaces hate.
Peace replaces fear.
Hope replaces futility.
Life overcomes death.
Eternity envelopes time.

I want to end this thought today with excerpts from one of the most magnificent passages in the Scripture, the 8^th chapter of the book of Romans. Those inspired words are full of meaning, describing the new life of the Believer.

Meditate on this word from the Word and then go be that person that God made you to be.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death… 

Letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. …

You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8)

Thank God, we are alive in Him, a new creation. Let’s live that way!
Amen

 

Your Life Depends on It

Most mornings, around 5:30, I awaken and my first act is to turn on the lights in the  bedroom!  I love light! Yesterday a gray, foggy morning made me feel depressed, but with the arrival of the sunshine later in the day, my spirits lifted.I truly do love to watch the sun’s ray breaking through the trees at the edge of my backyard, splashing my little corner of the world with warmth, making the colors brilliant. Light changes everything!

Without the light of the Sun, life would end.  We may survive a season in the darkness, but to thrive we must have light. God’s creation requires the energy of the sun to sustain us and the ‘magic’ of photosynthesis turns that energy into sustenance that makes its way up the food chain.

A consistent theme in the Holy Scripture is “light.”  
Light, in the Word, represents God's presence, truth, goodness, life, and salvation.

David sang that “the Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27)
Jesus declared “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8)

Think deeply on those words and ask “Is God truly my Source, the Person who makes true and eternal life possible for me?  Do I draw from Him my strength, my hope, my joy – just as the earth draws on the light of the sun for survival?” Yes, friend, God’s light is that essential for us if we desire to truly live.

When we turn to Christ, in faith, we find a whole new identity.  Paul says “you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”  (Ephesians 5) Christians who are filled with the Spirit of God can live a supernatural life, one of purpose that shines brightly into the darkness of this present world.

Jesus says that He is the LIGHT of life and that we are to carry that light wherever we go, in what we say and do.  His commission is simple and clear. “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:16, NLT)    

I remember a happy song of a past generation that captures something of the joy of living in God’s Light. Evie Tornquist sang,
“Step into the sunshine,get out of the shade.
This is the one time that you've got it made
And you can feel yourself smilin' way down to your shoes.
Step into the sunshine, find the great Good News.”

Are you living in the darkness of hatred, bitterness, pride, greed – ignoring the goodness of God?
Does life lack clarity, leaving you with feelings of emptiness, like you are stumbling around?
Step into the sunshine of Christ’s love, by faith. Give yourself, your situation, to Him with a simple prayer – “Lord Jesus, here I am in need of the Light.”  I pray that you will feel the warmth of the Son’s light making it’s way into your life.

The word from the Word comes from John who loves that theme of light. He says ^“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1)

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O God, early in the morning I cry unto you.
Help me to pray. And to think only of you. I cannot pray alone.

In me there is darkness.
But with you there is light.
I am lonely but you do not leave me.
I am feeble in heart but you do not leave me.
I am restless but with you there is peace.

In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience.
Your ways are past understanding,
but You know the way for me. Amen.

(Dietrich Bonhoeffer - 1906 – 1945,
Martyred by the Nazis for his faith)

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The Power of the Truth

Last week, I reconnected with a man I’ve known for years. In his youth, he was entangled in drugs and crime. But then he encountered Christ, turned his life around, and built a future many would consider blessed. He married, started a business, and lived in a beautiful home. Yet, after decades of stability, addiction crept back into his life. Over time, he lost everything—his marriage, his business, his home, and his self-respect. Witnessing the wreckage of his present life shook me to my core, and I wept for my friend’s self-inflicted suffering.

I do not judge him because I understand the power of temptation. While I may not fully grasp the grip of addiction, I know that each of us faces our own unique lures. For some, it is pleasure; for others, pride or greed. The truth remains: if we listen to the seductive voices of "the world, the flesh, or the Devil," the outcome will never be good.

In Genesis 3, the story of temptation unfolds as humanity encounters a Beautiful Liar. Twisting God’s words, he entices Eve by suggesting that God is withholding something good from her. He plants doubt: “Did God really say…?” When Eve clarifies God’s command, he boldly contradicts it: “You won’t die! God knows that when you eat it, your eyes will be opened. You will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The deception works. Eve sees the fruit as desirable and eats. She shares it with Adam, who also eats. Instantly, they realize their nakedness and cover themselves in shame (Genesis 3).

I want to scream—“He lies!”—because this same deception plays out millions of times every day. People hear the enticing voice of temptation and ignore the truth.

Are you listening to the serpent’s whispers?

• Is he telling you that another car, a new house, or a trendy pair of shoes will fill your emptiness?

• Is he offering a shortcut to success, asking you to compromise your integrity?

• Is he luring you with fleeting pleasures to escape life’s difficulties?

He lies!

Luke records Jesus’ encounter with the Devil in the wilderness. After fasting for forty days, Jesus was hungry. Then, “the Devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.’ But Jesus answered, ‘No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone’” (Luke 4:2-4, NLT).

Jesus countered every lie with truth. He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3: “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (NIV). Every temptation Satan presented was met with the power of God’s Word.

When questioned about true discipleship, Jesus declared, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32, NLT). Truth may be hard to accept, but it is always liberating.

Admitting our failures and sins is difficult. No one enjoys confronting their shortcomings. But when we meditate on God’s Word and allow the Spirit to shape our understanding of Him, the world, and ourselves, we experience true freedom.

Need a place to start? Here are truths about you, declared by your Heavenly Father:

• You are more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)

• You are the apple of God’s eye. (Psalm 17:8)

• You are a joint heir of with Christ of Heaven's riches. (Romans 8:17)

• You are a beloved child of God. (1 John 3:1)

Silence the Liar with the Truth and find 'life abundant.'

Here’s a word from the Word:  “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:9-11, NIV)

Choose life and truth today. Let Christ, through the Spirit, defeat sin and death for you.

Love Endures!

Tomorrow, I have the privilege of consecrating a marriage, officiating the wedding ceremony of two wonderful people I have known since they were children. What we will do in that sacred moment is holy work—the beautiful creation of a new family. As I anticipate their special day, my thoughts drift back to when I first fell in love and became a young husband 50 years ago.

I first saw her on a Sunday morning in June 1974, in church. A week later, when we shared our first kiss, a surge of emotion left me delirious with desire. On January 10, 1975, we were married. Our early days were filled with the bliss of new love. Then, life happened. Within two years, we had a child, then another. By our seventh year, she was a tired mother of toddlers, and I was a young minister consumed by church work.

During the 41 years I had the privilege of being Bev’s husband, I discovered a dimension of life I could never have known as a single man. Together, we were stronger than we could have been alone. The wisdom of Solomon rings true:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." (Ecclesiastes 4)

Too many marriages end when passion matures into a deeper love that isn’t always recognized or appreciated. Some prioritize the thrill of being "in love" over love itself. When the heart-stopping emotions of early passion fade, they assume love has died. But that doesn’t mean marriage must settle into dull routine.

Despite what our culture portrays in songs and movies, love extends far beyond desire and roses. The older couple who finish each other’s sentences, who sit together in silent understanding, have discovered a love that newlyweds don’t yet know exists.

The Bible often uses marriage to illustrate God’s relationship with His people, and for good reason. Many come to Christ in a moment of crisis or deep searching, experiencing a spiritual "honeymoon" filled with relief, love, and purpose. Yet, over time, that initial excitement can wane. Scripture verses that once stirred deep emotion may feel routine. Prayers may seem to echo unanswered in an empty room. Worship can become more about habit than heartfelt adoration.

If you find yourself in that place, don’t abandon your faith. Instead, seek a deeper intimacy with God—one built on commitment, gratitude, and the anticipation of His eternal promises. True spiritual maturity is found in faithfulness, even in the silence. Some, mistaking the absence of emotional highs for a lack of faith, search for another church or abandon spiritual practices altogether, falling into apathy or worldly distractions.

Having been raised in Pentecostal traditions, I now recognize that much of what we called “revival” was, at times, a longing for the emotional intensity of early faith. But true renewal doesn’t look backward—it reaches forward. Yesterday may be a sweet memory, but we cannot relive the thrills of the past.

As we walk through this season of Lent, take time for silence. Seek God beyond the ways you have known Him before. Be open to a fresh experience of His love. Let go of the expectation that church services must always leave you tingling with excitement. Instead, rededicate yourself to serving Him and to being part of a church community—just as in marriage, through both the joys and the challenges.

I am overjoyed for the couple who will stand before God and their families as I lead them in their vows. Their love is beautiful, but I know they will face trials that will require them to renew their commitment again and again. Likewise, I rejoice for the person who has just found faith, glowing with the thrill of discovering God’s love. And I pray that they, too, will remain faithful when trials inevitably come.

Put your hope in God. Here is a word from Scripture—one you may have heard before, but take time to reflect on its call to mature love. Then, go love God and live in the fullness of His joy.

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."
(1 Corinthians 13:7-13, NLT)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

How do you see?

It’s a new week. How are you entering it?  Are you groaning, sighing, seeing only the piles of obligations that stretch in front of you?  Did you wake up with a sigh or a song?  Let’s be reminded that we can choose our perspective and our responses. 

Let me offer a little homely illustration. Yesterday, I picked up my container of recyclable cans as I left for church, planning to empty the container into the bin alongside the garage. Just as I opened the door, the container slipped in my hand, spilling cans onto the floor, making a mess. As irritation began to rise, so did the recall of the Word that counsels “in everything give thanks.”  I repeated the phrase like a mantra while I cleaned up the mess and then drove off to church with a much better attitude than I might have developed if I gave in to the temptation to feel annoyed over a trivial incident.

I realize that the circumstances of life are often much more challenging than a mess on the kitchen floor, but the principle remains the same – we can choose joy and thanksgiving, opening up to the Spirit of God and letting Him reshape our problems into possibilities, what we perceive as an obstacle into an opportunity to experience His grace.

As you look over those responsibilities of the week are you seeing only the weight of obligations that others are imposing on you, or are you seeking out the opportunities that life and the Holy Spirit have prepared for you?

A great prayer is for ‘new’ sight. A story from the Old Testament book of 2 Kings teaches us the importance of seeing with eyes that are informed by faith!

Elisha, the mighty preacher in Israel, was pursued by the armies of Syria. He and his servant were in a village called Dothan. One morning the servant went out to see those soldiers surrounding the town and knew that capture and death were inevitable! For good reason, he was terrified. He reported to Elisha - “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?”

Elisha saw the problem and because he had eyes of faith also saw the solution. He told that fearful man - "Don’t be afraid! For there are more on our side than on theirs!" Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, "O Lord, please make them blind." So the Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked." (2 Kings 6:16-18, NLT)

Take that ‘impossible’ person to the Lord and ask for insight to deal with the relationship.
Present that situation that stands in your way like a mountain and pray to ‘see’ the way through.
Carry your broken heart to God in prayer and ask that He will give you courage to let it heal.

God does not ask us to ignore the reality of our lives, but He does teach us that reality is not just what we see with our natural eyes! 

George Barna writes this about the kind of Christians that gain a God-shaped insight for life.

• People of prayer.
Visionaries don’t stop praying about their calling. They keep at it, striving to remain sensitive to God’s leading as they seek to carry it out.

• People of action.
They carry out a plan by organizing it into manageable steps. As they seek God’s provision along the way, sure enough, God grants them progress one step at a time.

• People of perseverance.
Regardless of obstacles, they are driven to follow God’s leading. They are unshakable in their resolve to do His will.

• People of excitement.
Life is no longer a grind. They know God has called them to a special outreach. This is an electrifying experience: why shouldn’t they be excited?  (Discipleship Journal)

Do you dread tomorrow? 
Pray this simple line - "Lord, open my eyes and let me see!"

Trust God with that situation that you see as a problem. Ask Him to turn obligations into opportunities in which His power and His honor shines through you, where you are, at this present time.

The word from the Word is a familiar promise. Spend a few moments meditating on this passage as you start this new week and let God show you the opportunities that are all around you and the power that He will pour into you.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  (Philippians 4)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Shallow roots?

Is your faith in Christ Jesus strong, a rich resource for you, giving you the kind of convictions that shape your thoughts, words, and actions?  Or, is ‘faith’ a Sunday thing, a kind of sentimental experience, or just a tradition handed down from your grandparents?  In 2025, the ‘faith’ of millions is at risk, collapsing when tested or questioned.

A genuine relationship with Christ will make us dedicated, committed, and solid Christians. Mere emotionalism or sentimentalism about Jesus will not survive over the long haul of life. A rugged faith rests on Scriptural truth, and is strengthened by regular practices of prayer, worship, meditation, Bible intake, and service. That kind of faith which is woven into everyday life will be a well of renewal when tragedy, death, disappointment, or temptation comes our way.

Paul urged Timothy to let a rugged faith develop. "My son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ... endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:1,3, NKJV) Do many American Christians understand that? I think not! The challenge of being Jesus’ disciple is often hidden under soothing words about comfort. I know that God does not asking us to seek out misery, but He does ask us to get into training, to do the hard stuff – that leads to spiritual maturity.

I find myself asking God to take away the tough choices instead of praying for courage to live through hard things with faith and a focus on eternity. You probably do that, too.

Yet when we always try to avoid hard choices and steep pathways our faith will not become resilient and strong. IF we step away from service that demands sacrifice, IF run away from the work of forgiveness, IF we refuse to face the hard facts about our sins and weakness, the roots of faith will not grow deep into the soil of our lives.

Yes, many of us choose wide detours that keep us on smooth highways that keep us from breaking a holy sweat!  But, those choices also make our spiritual muscles non-existent. Jesus will lead us through deep valleys as! ll as onto high mountains. He will take us through seasons that cause us to hunger deeply for more of God.  He said "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NLT)

Perhaps you wonder why a person should work so hard to own what cannot be seen or held in our hands? 

The answer is found in our destination.  Heaven is our true home, not this present world. Peter calls us “temporary residents and foreigners” (1 Peter 2) in this present world, pilgrims who have their hearts set on the eternal home with the Father.  Yes, Christians, we live kingdom lives now, marked by eternity.

Will we live like Abraham?   "By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God. " (Hebrews 11:8-10, The Message)

Beware of a “Christianity” that seeks perpetual prosperity and unending happiness. Reject the preachers whose sermons are as padded as the pews in their churches. That kind of faith will break down when real adversity shows up; and it will.

If your idea of Christian faith is a search through the Bible for a search for the daily promise, marked by prayers that say nothing other than ‘bless me, Jesus’ – your roots are shallow, your faith subject to wilting in the heat of real life.

Jesus told a teaching story about a man planting a field. Some seed fell onto the hard pathway and never sprouted. Some, He says, fell into rocky soil. “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.”  (Matthew 13)

He spoke of vibrant faith in the closing words of that story, the kind of faith I desire. “Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.  … The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Here's a word from the Word. Note especially the outcome of a rugged faith. "It will bring you much praise and glory on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed."

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.”  (1 Peter 1 NLT)

My life will not end

My younger brother jokes with me about my age and declares “I’m going to live to be 500 years old.” Yes, it’s a joke and he knows it. Even reaching 100 years is a rarity. However, I know this – I am alive eternally! My body will eventually cease to function, but Jerry will go on. Jesus says “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” (John 11) That’s not a joke!

Ever built a sandcastle on the beach only to have a wave sweep in and wipe it out? After two or three waves have flowed over the beach all evidence of your creation is gone. What a great illustration of the temporary nature of life in this present world. Pondering the brevity of life and recognizing the shifting sands of our existence, we could fall into despair! 

Some respond to the inevitability of their mortality by adopting the philosophy of ‘eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.’   While it is important to live fully, to love well, and to enjoy life, we are wise to remember that the grave is not the end, that we are eternal beings destined to meet God, face to face.

An old Gospel song I heard years ago included these lyrics -
With eternity’s values in view, Lord.
With eternity’s values in view;
May I do each day’s work for You, Lord,
With eternity’s values in view.

We do not have to wait for Heaven to live as an eternal being. Eternity begins now. We can enjoy the hope, the promise, the goodness of God even while we remain in these mortal bodies because we have, by faith, started to live with Heaven in our heart.

Death is not a terror to that person who has the assurance of eternity. Next month we will celebrate the Resurrection, remembering Christ’s empty Tomb, which is the evidence of death’s defeat.

Begin to enjoy the best life possible in this temporal world by remembering Eternity, keeping in mind that today’s choices are framed by the fact that this short transit in time will be followed by a timeless existence in the Presence of God.

A Christianity that remembers Heaven and Eternity will be richer, right now in this world! Paul writes "if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world. But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again." (1 Corinthians 15:19-20, NLT)

Are you tempted by despair as you realize just how quickly life is passing?
Are you tempted to try to create immortality with grand schemes?

Choose instead to know, love, and serve Christ Jesus who is the proof of Eternity, Who has opened the way from death to life.  Receive the gift of eternal life and make His Way your way today.

The word from the Word encourages us.  We can live as eternal creatures, entering into life without end – even now in this world that is passing away. That’s no riddle. It is a fact! "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." (1 Corinthians 15:55-58, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Those who keep you standing

In the earlier years of adult life, I tended to be a “Lone Ranger,” doing life on my own. My desire to finish tasks in what I considered to be an efficient way took priority over building relationships and teams. With time, I discovered that experiences are richer when shared, that results are much more lasting when they are a team effort, and that both wisdom and steadiness are found in mutual relationships.

As I ponder the days ahead, approaching my 70^th birthday, I know with greater clarity just how important those connections with others are. I recently stood at the hospital bedside of a man I have known for years who is truly alone. No longer able to care for himself, his situation is tragic and desperate. I’m sure he regrets the bridges burnt and relationships severed when he was stronger and able to live on his own terms in the world. Now, he needs others and has no one!

Are you investing yourself in others, serving sacrificially, loving fully, engaged in the ‘give and take’ of human relationships? The core value of the Christian life is LOVE, not the cheap sentiment of a greeting card, but the deep and profound connections with others that nourish us in this world.

The first generation of Christians practiced a radical kind of hospitality, accepting others, mutually encouraged by complementary spiritual gifts. Their communities of love were noted by the world in which they lived. Were their churches perfect? No way. Paul corrected and cajoled Believers who allowed themselves to be divided in factions to restore the unity of Christ. But they did, much more than we do, understand the importance of being ‘together,’ built into a temple from which Christ’s goodness shined.

The Word reminds us of our mutual need. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. … The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. … God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”  (1 Corinthians 12)

The more we understand the call to connect and choose to live with love and acceptance of others, the greater the beauty of the Church will be, the more effective she will be in her mission, and the more joy we will find in the journey! We cannot just nod our heads and go on living as critics, judges of others, or “Lone Rangers” IF we want to please Christ and finish the race well.

One of the great benefits of strong relationships with our ‘brothers and sisters’ in the faith is steadiness. Everyone of us will encounter storms in life. All kinds of situations will arise, some of our own making, some just seeming to happen to us without evident cause, which will threaten to overwhelm us. We can draw from the resources of relationships when this is our way and be held up, steadied on the way.

When my late wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer 11 years ago, it felt like life had come to a full stop. I wondered how I would survive if my best friend, my partner, my lover was taken in death. What I found was the power of the love of others. My children surrounded us with love and support. Our church family gave love in myriad ways. After her death, so many gave me space to grieve and appropriate encouragement to go on! It is beyond my imagination to know what life might have been like without those rich relationships.

Again, let me ask, are you investing in others? That phrase is intentional! Strong, supportive relationships do not just happen. They are created and built over time with intention, commitment, love, and time. It’s not too late to begin!

I close with a dramatic story from Exodus. Moses, the amazingly strong leader of the Israelites, led them boldly out of Egypt. At first, he tried to lead alone but was exhausted by his work. He changed tactics and built a team. One day, this was his experience. Check it out.

“So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.” (Exodus 17)

Who will hold up your hands during the battle? Think about it! Amen.

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(Video of this blog at this link)

In Pursuit of Greater Joy

We love “more” don’t we? Last year, I found a story about a national seafood restaurant chain’s experience with an offer of “endless” that made me laugh. Customers were offered as much shrimp as they wanted with their meal as part of this promotion. In just three months the chain lost $11 million in unforeseen expense associated with that offer; discovering that a lot of us are gluttons.

A current promotion for a cruise line features a rotund fellow extolling the joys of “more” as he enjoys free drinks, meals loaded with calories, and other perks on the ship. Every time I see the commercial, I am amused by the irony of running such an appeal to overindulgence during the Lenten season which traditionally invites Christians to practice self-denial.

 Given free rein our appetites will consume us!  But, there is a choice we can make which will lead us to greater joy. Jesus points to that choice when He says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24).  That is not likely your favorite passage from the Gospels, nor, honestly, is it mine!

A devotional writer (Jeremy Linneman) urges us to rethink our response to Jesus’ call. “This is rightly understood to be one of Jesus’ most intimidating challenges. But it is also one of his most subversive invitations. “Get off the road that leads to death,” he’s saying. “Choose instead this unexpected way to the good life—through denying and dying to self.”

When we constantly choose the road on which we give in to our every desire, feed our every whim, and indulge each call to comfort, something happens to our character that is ugly. Self-love takes over and we turn into selfish people.  The ability to be gracious, to endure the inevitable losses that come in the human experience is replaced by an insistence that life be lived on our terms all of the time.

Wants are redefined as needs.
The admiration of beauty is replaced by a craving to own it.
Discontent overwhelms every good thing, making it impossible to appreciate the day’s blessings.

Americans bemoan the loss of civility in our culture, wondering why we are so confrontational, so angry, so quick to take offense.  It is no mystery.  We have fallen in love with ourselves and believe that ‘our way’ is the only way, that our desires must be met without delay.

Jesus call to self-denial does not come from some mean place that says, “if I cannot enjoy life, neither can you.”  His invitation is not meant to rob us of the ability to enjoy things that are nice, or comfortable, or fun!  Rather, He wants us to understand that our greater joy is rooted in love, service, and worship.

Linneman writes – “Self-denial, on the other hand, leads to a joyful submission to the Father. It is the freedom to reject the ways of the world—its anger, greed, and envy. Self-denial is an active choice to become like Jesus in his radical inner simplicity and wholehearted devotion to the Father. It is what the late Tim Keller called a “blessed self-forgetfulness.”

Two roads are in front of you and me today. We are given freedom to choose the way we take.

We can chase after satisfaction of the desires of our body, convinced that happiness will be found in having ‘more’ – money, fun, pleasure, food, things, sex, etc.!  The wisdom of Heaven reminds us that “the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.” (1 John 2)

Or we can turn our hearts to God, desiring Him, asking the Spirit to help us find that “life to the full” that is found in Christ alone. Honestly, this choice is not usually the easy one, for it requires dying to Self first, before we can say Yes to the life of the Spirit.

Will you choose the greater joy?

The word from the Word is drawn from Paul’s inspired wisdom sent to his spiritual son, Timothy. Pray for insight as you read them and may you find the joy that lasts as you respond with a ready ‘yes.’

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.”  (1 Timothy 6)

Lord, lead us to true and lasting joy through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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(Video of this blog at this link)

 

BRUTE FORCE

The TV drama I was watching subtly sold the idea that the ‘bad’ guys can only be vanquished with more muscles, more willingness to use violence, and guns! As the villain appeared to be winning, I found myself cheering on the ‘hero’ who bent the law and left a trail of blood and death to gain the upper hand. Sure, it was ‘just a story’ but it is a sub-text in the larger world in which we live, isn’t it? So many voices insist that violence must be met with violence; that power is the ultimate way to influence others.

Is it really?
Are the best ways to settle a dispute with another person to use our fists or words to crush them, to silence them?  

Humans build more bombs and bigger guns (both literally and figuratively) when they feel a threat. Just look at the world in which we live. We are surrounded by a culture of fear and that fear causes us to spend $billions on security agencies and armies. On a personal level how often do we choose to respond to a threat with some sort of power play?

Let’s step back from the debate about ‘just war’ to think about our own relationships, how we individually, as followers of Jesus, manage conflict and deal with perceived threats to ourselves.

Jesus leads us in a way that is the polar opposite of dominant power!  His words are often ridiculed or rejected as idealistic and unworkable, but they are His direction for us. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.  If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”  (Matthew 5)

That way of life is not a choice offered from weakness. To willingly endure evil without reciprocity demands great faith, a certainty of God’s ultimate justice, and a deep trust in His power.

One of the ongoing tragedies of Christianity are those so-called “Bullies for Jesus” who like to use select passages from the Bible to bludgeon those with whom they disagree, who turn differences over principle or doctrine into personal wars. From the Crusades of the medieval ages to the modern church ‘wars’ our choice to adopt the ways of our world disgraced our Lord and ignored His message.

Paul, the founding pastor of the church in Corinth, moved on to other ministry and the leaders who followed him in that local church attacked his ministry and his character. “He’s nobody, no good, and his message is flawed,” they said. Christians were confused, torn by division, and became caught up in superficial spirituality.

Did Paul return with allies to hammer that church back into submission to the Gospel and to himself?  Did he threaten them if they failed to get in line? 

No, he just told them the truth and he prayed for them.  He explained his actions saying that he was not afraid, nor was he retreating from the conflict. Rather, he was trusting God.  He then writes these amazing words that should shape our responses. "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NIV)

Christian friend, as we enter this holy season of Lent, walking through a time of reflection before we finally come to the celebration of the Resurrection, let us take up the challenge to live as the meek in a world that admires power.  Let us step back from harsh rhetoric that condemns those with whom we have difference.  Let us pray for faith to ‘lay down the sword’ and take to our knees in prayer.

Jesus’ greatest work was done at the Cross, a symbol of utter defeat. As He hung there, naked, bleeding, suffering, dying – the elites mocked Him, considering Him to be ‘despised and rejected’ but His willingness to give His life, led to the defeat of sin and Satan and opened the way to eternal life to a sin-filled world.

I make it my prayer to be like Him!  Oh that I would lower my fists and open my arms, that I would seek to defeat evil with love, even if that choices comes with great cost to me.  How about you?

Here’s the word from the Word. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. … the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." (James 3:13, 17-18, NIV)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing

The Bible tells many stories of heroes whose failures were written down for the ages, told to cause us to understand the amazing grace of God.
Abraham, of great faith, lied to save his own skin.
David’s Psalms are the classics of worship, yet he sinned terribly.
Peter was declared the rock, but he denied Jesus while the Lord was in great distress.

We all have a story, don’t we? Our sins may be less dramatic than those mentioned above – things like selfishness, greed, lust, or laziness – but they are failures none the less. As I thought about this subject, an old hymn came to mind which includes these lines:
“Jesus! What a strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
Tempted tried and sometimes failing,
He, my strength my victory wins.”

Christian friend, both the strength to overcome temptation and the renewal of our relationship with the Lord IF we fail centers on the Person of Our Great Savior, Jesus.

At the point of being tempted, our own resolve is not sufficient to overcome the pull of the “world, the flesh, or the Devil.”  We must lean on Jesus! The counsel of the Spirit is this – “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 11) Who among us has not been blindsided by some sin at the very moment we thought we had everything under control, when life was great?

Our best defense is a good offense, to borrow a phrase.  Remaining in a place of humility before the Lord, regular worship (both individually and with the Church), feeding our mind with Truth and our heart with prayer are important steps to take if we want to be an overcomer. But ultimately, the focus is on Jesus – our prayer being “keep me near Your heart.”

When we fail and yes, we will, we go to Him without justification or excuse. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4) Let’s not take the path of Adam, hiding from God in shame. Instead, let’s receive the grace He gives freely to the humble.

Are you struggling with your “humanity” today, focused on the stains, the failures, the flaws, the sins in your life?   You need not live apart from your God, nor should you consign yourself to a place as a second-class Christian. Instead, bring it all to Jesus. Own the sin then leave it with Him, forgiven and made new.

His grace is amazing.
His love is profoundly unlike any human love.
His peace is like the ocean depths.

Live in this place, dear friend, the place of great peace and, ironically, the place of greater victory over the temptations we encounter in this life.

The word from the Word is taken from the astoundingly beautiful 8^th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans.  May this be a word of life for us today.
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.  …

You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”  (Romans 8)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

 

The full lyrics of the hymn quoted above -

Our Great Savior

Jesus! What a friend for sinners!
Jesus lover of my soul!
Friends may fail me, foes assail me;
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Hallelujah what a Savior.
Hallelujah what a Friend.
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! What a strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
Tempted tried and sometimes failing,
He, my strength my victory wins.

Jesus! What a help in sorrow!
While the billows o'er me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort helps my soul.

Hallelujah what a Savior.
Hallelujah what a Friend.
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Our Great Savior- J. Wilbur Chapman © Public Domain

Demons? Really?

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Three centuries ago humans regularly died from mysterious illnesses, the causes unknown. Infections were not understood. How certain diseases spread from person to person remained a puzzle until the discovery of germs! In the late 18^th century, physicians figured out that tiny, nearly invisible pathogens called bacteria could rage through the body and often be transmitted to others by unwashed hands, shared eating utensils, even coughs and sneezes.   

 Then, just 150 years ago, an even smaller source of illness was discovered, the virus! Living inside of healthy cells, these microscopic bits of DNA replicate themselves rapidly, bringing on misery like the common cold!

There is another invisible world that causes a different kind of suffering in our lives and in the world in which we live. It is the realm of spirit, the demons that move unseen to destroy all that is of God and good. Some of you are shaking your head, confounded that a modern educated man would subscribe to such ‘superstition!’  To be sure, there are many enduring myths that surround the idea of angels and demons, but of their reality, I have no doubt.

The Gospels, which tell us the stories of Jesus, are filled with His encounters with those suffering under the power of demons. The letters to the Churches reference the reality of demons and the Devil with Peter urging us to “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”  (1 Peter 5)

Demons are the agents of evil, the fallen angels that followed Satan (Lucifer) in his rebellion against God. Cast down, they remain a potent force in this world. They are not gods, nor are they all-knowing or all-powerful, yet we must not trivialize them nor ignore them. Having said that I quickly add that Spirit-filled Christians need have no fear of them, either!  James tells us to “humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  (James 4)

When we come to Christ Jesus in faith, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, becoming holy temples where He lives. The work of evil, the power of the devil, and the influence of demons is broken by the Presence of God in us. That is why we need not live in fear of being somehow ‘possessed’ by demons. Jesus’ death and Resurrection broke the power of the Devil. However … I must ask …

Do you take the spirit realm seriously?
Do you unwittingly extend hospitality to the Devil, inviting his demons into your life?
How so?

The Bible says that our actions can ‘grieve the Spirit of God.’ (Eph. 4:30) The Word goes on to explain that we make choices that extend hospitality to the Spirit or that makes Him feel unwelcome! "Do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. … Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:30-32, NLT) Another passage warns of giving ourselves over to violent anger which, if held onto, provides ‘the Devil with a foothold in your life.’

Just as a light displaces the darkness in a room, so God’s Spirit displaces evil in us when He is given a place of priority in our thoughts, our words, and our actions.  

Jesus told a story that makes me shudder when I think of the implications. Read it thoughtfully, prayerfully.  He said  “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order.  Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.”  (Matthew 12)

Then, if necessary, do some house cleaning. Make your heart a home to Christ and you’ll never be at risk for what Jesus describes in this teaching.

Are you troubled by habitual failing of sin?
Do you feel oppressed by evil, soul sick?
Turn to Jesus, honestly, openly, inviting the Spirit to enter your life in a new way, bringing refreshing renewal.
You can, by His authority, speak to the unseen demons, directing them to leave, refusing to give them the ability to influence or harass you. Speak in faith, dismissing evil in the powerful Name of Jesus, and live!

The word from the Word comes from the amazing 8^th chapter of Romans. Meditate on the promise and live in the freedom of the Spirit.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death…^. God sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. … Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace…But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.”

Amen!

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(Video of this blog at this link)