The Word of the Day: Power

Psalm 89:11-13

and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,  (Ephesians 1:19-20 NIV)

As you go through your day remember that God's arm is endued with power. That power raised Christ from the dead and is the same power that changes us, protects us, provides for us and keeps us in Christ.

Eat Like a Grown Up

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Hebrews 5:14 NIV 

My youngest son has now hit his teens and his taste buds are beginning to mature. He still prefers pizza, but, he'll eat a good steak now.  

As you mature you learn what is good for you and makes you stronger. Spiritual maturity is when we constantly train ourselves to distinguish good from evil. 

Let me ask you this: Shouldn't that be easy?

Receive Mercy, Find Grace, and Thank God

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 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 4:14-16 NIV

As is my custom on Sundays, I would like to thank God for his many blessings. 

I thank him for providing Jesus, his Son, to be our great high priest. 

I thank Jesus for empathizing with my weaknesses.

I thank Jesus for his mercy and grace that I find in his Presence.

What else can we thank God for today?

We Do - He Do

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 

Hebrews 3:1 NIV

I know that proper English would be, "What we do and what he does." But, my point is to simply remind us to fix our eyes on Christ and remember that he is faithful to hold on to us. 

But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Hebrews 3:6 NIV

Dealing with Temptation

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 2:17-18 NIV

I wouldn't be surprised that if they took a poll and asked people why they didn't talk to someone else when they were being tempted - struggling with sin - they would say that they didn't think anyone would understand. Besides the fact they everybody is dealing with something, the good news is that Jesus does understand. 

Sin isolates, separates. The enemy would have us believe that no one else struggles like you do. Another lie is that you need to get yourself together, repent, before you seek Jesus' help. 

The truth is that Jesus is the perfect High Priest because he suffered when he was tempted and he is able to help us who are being tempted. Remember, being tempted is not a sin, because Jesus was tempted and he never sinned.  Since the Bible says that Jesus is able to help, then we need to turn to him for help and trust him at that moment. 

Superior Savior

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Hebrews 1:1-4 NIV

I have this fly fishing vest the I bought several years ago from Orvis. I went fishing with a few guys this one time and one of the fellas told me he bought his vest some place for about $15.00. Of course mine cost a bit more than twice as his. But, his was less than a year old and already tearing while mine was a few years used and still looked pretty new. So, while he will buy a new cheaper vest every few years and in end spend more, I am getting the most out of my Orvis vest. They say, "You don't buy an Orvis for yourself, you buy it for your son." It's true, my son is going to get my Orvis vest and fly fishing rig. 

In a much more dramatic fashion Christ is superior as Savior in comparison to any other supposed savior. He is more than just Savior, he is heir of all things, the Maker of the universe, the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. He sustains all things, provided purification for our sins and sits at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. He is superior to anything and everything. 

Two things hit me. One is that he is the Superior Savior. There is no other "savior" that will do. The other truth is that he sustains us. Only faith in Christ has real value. Every thing else may look good at first and the cost may seem less, but in the end, they won't be enough. Even more so than my Orvis vest in comparison to a cheap one, faith in Christ is superior and lasting and the only one you will ever need. 

Word of the Day: Faithfulness

Psalm 89

with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
   through all generations. (:1c )

you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. (:2c)

The heavens praise your wonders, Lord,
   your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. (:5)

You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. (:8c)

love and faithfulness go before you. (:14c)

nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. (:33c)

Lord, where is your former great love,
   which in your faithfulness you swore to David? (:49)

Good: Just Do It

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Titus 3:1-2 NIV

Sometimes I think I'm always ready for a fight. Maybe it's because I deal with middle school students and there is always a few who spend every waking moment just trying to think of ways to cause mayhem. Or maybe I'm just contentious by nature.  

In contrast to the world, which teaches people to insist on and assert their own rights, as a Christian I am supposed to seek to put other first. What hit me this morning was the phrase, "be ready to do whatever is good". What does it mean to be ready to do good to my wife and children today? What does it mean to be ready to do good to those I will encounter at work or out and about doing chores? 

In a world of rebellion I am to be obedient to the law. Engulfed by social media where brutal unrestrained smack talk reigns, I am to slander no one. In this world of friction, inconsideration and arrogance I am to humbly be considerate of others as a peacemaker for Christ. Do whatever is good. 

The Power of No

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Titus 2:11-12 NIV

One aspect of the grace of God that we often overlook is the power we are given to say no. The world does not teach you how to control desires. Think about things we have heard our whole lives. "Falling in love." "Men are dogs." "It's only natural." 

The grace of God means that we are no longer slaves to sin. Desires, emotions and passions are all subject to faith in Christ. He is above all things (see Ephesians 1:19-23). That does not mean you won't ever feel things, have desires or be passionate. But, Christ is Sovereign and his grace frees us from all other masters. We are free to, by faith in Christ, be self-controlled, upright and godly in this present evil age. 

The power to say no gives me the grace to say yes to serving others and loving others in Jesus Name. 

Thank you, Father, for my father(s).

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,
   extol him who rides on the clouds;
rejoice before him—
   his name is the Lord.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
  is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,
   he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Psalms 68:4-6 NIV

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being my Father, for giving me an earthly father, for allowing me to be a father, and for the fathers in Christ I had, who were godly men pointing me to you.

Stand Strong and Battle On!

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:18 NIV

We are in a war. Some battles are longer than others. You might feel like you're in a WW1 trench warfare type extended battle. It will end. God will be victorious. 

In Paul's battles he was shipwrecked, beaten and left for dead. Yet, in the end, he could say that God would rescue him from every evil attack and bring him safely to his heavenly kingdom. 

Whatever the battles, the evil attacks, God will rescue you and bring into his heavenly kingdom. Stand strong and battle on!

Not Your Faithfulness, His

   Here is a trustworthy saying: 
If we died with him,
   we will also live with him;
if we endure,
   we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
   he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
   he remains faithful,
   for he cannot disown himself.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 NIV

The grace of God is amazing. Remember Peter when he denied Christ in the courtyard (Matthew 26:69-75)? The thing that sticks out to me is that Peter was that Peter followed Christ there (see Luke 22:54). Peter fell forward. His faith kind of faltered but, he was still following. He could of gone home or into hiding like most, but, he stumbled forward. Yes, he denied Christ at that moment, but when Christ looked straight at him he wept bitterly. We all know that Christ reaffirmed Peter in John 21. Peter was faithless, Christ remained faithful. 

We may have our moments where we are faithless, but, Christ remains faithful. Christ in you, the hope of glory. 

Be Strong in Grace

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

2 Timothy 2:1 NIV

I think I can be strong in a lot of things but, not have grace. I can be strong in my opinions. I can be strong in my convictions. I can be strong in my stand against injustice. But, I can be lacking in grace. 

Isn't that what the Pharisee's were like. They were confident in what they thought the Scriptures taught. They were willing to defend what they thought was right. And they pursued people who didn't obey the law with brutal consistency.  But, they didn't have a clue about grace. 

As Christ was on the cross, placed there by the people he came to save, between two criminals while Roman soldiers were casting lots for his clothes, he said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing?" (Luke 23:34). I can't imagine a greater example of grace, strength in grace, than that. 

Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for being so gracious to me, even now. Give me strength in your grace to give to others. 

How come no one is...?

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV

What is the gift of God which is in you that you need to fan into flame? What is your passion? What it is you wonder why nobody does that? 

I once attended a church and there was no one greeting at the doors, so, I picked up some bulletins and started handing them out and greeting people. I did that for quite a while. Sometimes fanning into flame simply means "just do it". Sometimes it means start studying or going on a short term mission trip. Just start. Just serve. 

Fight the Good Fight, Fight the Right Fight

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

1 Timothy 6:11-12 NIV

Recently I saw a commercial for a video game where someone yells, "Fight!" and people just start running to go see it. Then the scene shifts to the middle of town as one of the combatants strikes the decisive blow and everyone winces and groans, "OOHHHH!" It's kind of like we all need some cause to believe in and fight for. Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight. 

Our fight is the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Think about the battle we are in even now. Here in the United States the politically correct crowd wants to intimidate people of faith into changing their beliefs to fit into modern politically correct dogma. If you believe what the Bible says about gender issues, sex, and marriage you (according to the PC crowd) are a bigot and living with morals from the dark ages. 

I am not fighting for a political cause, I am fighting to stand in and for the truth held in the Scriptures. That is the good fight, that is the right fight.

Thank God for His Comfort

A blessed Sunday to you all! Today we remember to rest in the Lord. Psalm 86:17 reminds us that God has comforted us. 

I am first of all reminded of John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (KJV) 

I am also reminded of the many times that the Spirit has comforted me through many painful and difficult circumstances. It wasn't in the highlights that I really learned that God is always with me, whether I feel his Presence or not, it was in the depths of pain, conflict and fear that I learned he is always with me, comforting me with the knowledge that he will never leave me or forsake me and he will use all things to work his good in my life. 

That leads me to our final thought and that is found in 2 Corinthians 1:4, " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 

Advantage, Servant

Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:13 NIV

When I first moved to the area I live in now I started to attend a church a friend of mine was attending. I got involved right away and started serving. I met people and began to develop some friendships with some of them. After about three or four months my friend said, "How is it that you have only been going here for a few months and you already know so many people and I hardly know anyone even though I have been coming for a few years?" 

If you want to get connected you have to get involved. It is very difficult to get to know people at your church if all you do is show up for church on Sunday and maybe a mid-week study. The larger the church the more so this holds true. Serving breaks the solitude. Being part of the church is different than just going to church. It is a matter of involvement and connection. 

The other "advantage" to serving is that your faith gets tested. If you start to serve, you will encounter trials you may not experience if you just go to church. Some of these trials can be a bit shocking if you are not prepared for it. Remember, God's plan is to strengthen you through the test and the enemy's desire is to destroy your faith by any means necessary. Maybe you will learn that God provides what you need. Perhaps you will see that God is faithful, even when you aren't as faithful as you think you should be. Or you may just learn that God chooses the weak and foolish to confound the wise. Whatever it is, the grace of serving results in great assurance for those who serve. 

First Things First

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

After making sure, in chapter one, that Timothy's head and heart were in the right place Paul instructs him to pray (petition, pray, intercede and thank God) for all people, especially those in authority. Paul says to do this so that we may live peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness. 

The end of it all is that through the witness of our lives people, people we come in contact with, will be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. As of now, the world around us is not saved and definitely does not know the truth. Honestly, we can't argue the world into the kingdom of heaven. But, we can love everyone around us. So, our prayer should be to be godly and holy in this dark and wicked world. 

Father, we thank you for all those in authority and pray that you would lead and guide their decisions. Have your Sovereign hand upon them. Help us to stand in you, living godly and holy lives by faith and grace. Give us the love we need for each person you put in our lives. Shine your light upon our world through us today. Praise be to you in us today!

I Am The Worst

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:15-17 NIV

Being a guy I, of course, enjoyed watching The Three Stooges growing up. There is a bit they did where they each offer to let the other ones go through the door first then they all go at the same time and bump into each other. 

In a way, our humility should be a bit like that, each of us almost bumping into each other realizing that we are the worst of sinners. God doesn't save us to show how good we were, he saves us to show how merciful he is. I feel that if God uses me in any way it is not because I am such an awesome disciple, he uses me to show that he can use anyone, even someone like me. 

Word(s) of the Day: Slow to Anger

Thank you, Lord, for being slow to anger. I am too easily angered and yet, your patience, forgiveness, mercy and grace demonstrate your unfailing love, being slow to anger. Praise be to you!  

What to Hold On To

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 NIV

I think sometimes we unintentionally fall into a few traps. In our sincerity to try to please God and we can miss the simplicity of the amazing grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. We sometimes seek that illusive experience where we suddenly understand it all and our faith becomes unshakeable. 

There is no mystical experience that turns us into super-saints that never sin, doubt or waiver. There is the wonderful truth that Jesus died to cover all our sins, he is faithful even when we are not, and his love for us will never be broken. 

There was a famous theologian who was interviewed near the end of his life and asked what was the most important thing he learned. He thought for a moment and then replied, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

Worthy of His Calling: A Prayer

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NIV

He Will Do It

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV

Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you that you sanctify us through and through. Keep us blameless until your coming. Praise be to you because you are faithful and will do it!

What's Your Ambition?

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV

The contrast between ambition and a quiet obvious. Often straight ambition makes you think about trying to succeed with glory. A quiet life makes you think about peace and stability. I think Paul is trying to get us to seek to live godly lives that glorify Christ, passionately, but, with humility and grace. 

Honestly, I think a lot of what I tried to do as a young Christian became more about me being known as a great Christian, rather than Christ showing himself great in me. The world glorifies the messenger. Christianity glorifies Christ. Christ in me, the hope of glory. 

Our genuine, humble service of others should gain their respect not their applause. We are not trying to look good as servants of Christ, we are trying to show Jesus' goodness to the world. 

Word of the Day: Abounding in Love

Abounding in love. God is abounding in love for you. If you look at these verses the context is not la la land. The circumstances are not all rosy, comfy and cozy. There is forgiveness. Where forgiveness is needed, sin happened. A cry for mercy is a plea to not receive what you deserve. David acknowledges there will be days of trouble but, he  would call on God and God would answer him. God's faithful love will always be there abounding in forgiveness, goodness and mercy.  God is abounding in love for you.

Just Please God

On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 

1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV

You can try to please yourself, you can try to please others, or you can try to please God. If you try to please yourself it's easy to rationalize the results. If you try to please others you end up at the mercy of peoples whims and emotions. But, if you try to please God you end up concerned with doing what is right. 

Please God and you will do what is best. You won't try to make yourself the center of attention because the gospel is about Jesus. You won't try to make the "felt needs" of others the complete focus of your outreach because the gospel is about our need to have sin and its' effects dealt with in us. You will try to please God and lift up Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. That pleases God. 

Notes from a men's study: You Are Being Built

On Wednesday mornings I am blessed to attend a men's Bible

study. The following is something that ministered to me. I hope it blesses you. 

you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

1 Peter 2:5 NIV

God is building you. You may feel like a stone; hard, dead and stuck in the shape you are in. But, the truth is that God has made you new, made you alive in Christ, and is shaping you into the image of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

You are a living stone, being built by the author and founder of our faith.

The Word of the Day is Mercy: God Listens to My Cry for Mercy

Thank you, Lord, for your mercy. Thank you that we can call on you for mercy all day long. Praise you because you listen to our cry for mercy and in the day of trouble you will answer us!

Set Your Heart and Mind Right

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

Twice a year I have to reset my clocks and watches for day light savings time. I wish they were all like my phone that does it automatically, but no, most I must do myself. 

I guess we all wish our hearts and minds would reset themselves automatically, but no, it's something we must consciously do ourselves. That is the purpose of having daily devotions, going to church and  studying the Bible; to reset our hearts and minds on things above. We know we are going to work (at home or away). The thing is live with heaven in mind. Know that Christ is seated at the right hand of God, interceding on your behalf. It's not really thinking, "I can't wait to get to heaven" so much as how can I live for Christ hear and now, today, and bring heavens reign into my life. 

Lord, help us to live for you today. Reign in us today. Bring your glory, your grace, mercy and forgiveness through us today into this dark world. Praise be to you in us today!