Illuminated Life

"He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear""- Mark 4:21 (NIV).

Light is illuminating! We, as children, used to play a game at night. Everyone stepped out of the room, while the remaining person strategically moved all the furniture to different locations within the room. Then the light was turned off. You had to enter the room alone and navigate to the designated spot on the other side of the room, in a now unfamiliar environment and blindly. Once to the other side, the light was turned on and we would all laugh. It looked so easy then, but while blind it had felt difficult and awkward. That's life in a nutshell. Without the Light of God in our lives, we are the blind stumbling around, when all we really need to do is reach out to the Light and our lives will be forever illuminated. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear what the Light has revealed.  

Strict Training

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever"- 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV).

When I was younger, much younger, I signed up to run a 5K. We just called it a three-mile race back then. My training program was to run one mile every other day. I thought if I could run one mile, I could run three...right? The day of the race, the Carolina Canter, I ran a nice one-mile stretch, but then my body began to complain and it got louder by the minute, until I finally slowed to a walk to collect myself. Needless to say, I did not win the race; but, I did learn a life lesson: You must have the self-discipline to train yourself for the race. Paul used a race as an analogy to our winning a crown and entering into our eternal reward. In verse 27 he says, "I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." The prize awaits those who had the self-discipline to enter into strict training to compete in the games. Will you be ready when the games begin?

First Place

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"- Matthew 6:33 (NIV).

We get so wrapped up in our "to-do" lists; including, family, jobs, exercise, church (don't raise your eyebrows at me), friends, home, holidays, civic duties, etc, etc, etc. Read the first eight words of today's Scripture. First things should be first, but so many times the act of seeking God gets pushed back to the back burner. Is it because He isn't sending you 10 texts each minute, emails one after the next, calling you on the phone over and over again, whining and pulling at your apron strings? Now read the last part of today's Scripture. There's the answer to your time management problems. Seek the Lord; give Him first place in your day, and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

In Line

"Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done"- Acts 19:18 (NIV).

People were ready to give up all their evil ways when they saw God working powerfully through Paul in Ephesus. God is all powerful; He has told us: "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things" (Isaiah 45:7). Nothing like a jolt of real fear to bring about confession and repentance. Living a life as a follower of Christ removes the fear of God's judgment. So, why don't more people choose a relationship with Christ and fall in line behind Him? We live in a culture of self-gratification. We want the biggest, the best, and the most and we want it right now. The devil knows this and he uses our self-indulgent desires to lure us into a stupefied sense of "all's right in my world," while we become anesthetized to the evil permeating our life. That is, until God demonstrates His presence and we fall on our faces in fear, asking for forgiveness. "The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (1 John 3:8). The answer is Jesus; it's always been Jesus. Get in line behind Him.   

Be Still and Know

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still"- Exodus 14:14 (NIV).

The ESV translation says you need only to be silent. Israel, at the time of Jesus' birth, was under Roman rule and occupation. Try to visualize foreigners in our country collecting heavy and, often, unfair taxes, armed soldiers stationed throughout our cities and countryside, with the strength to take what they want and leave us with only our life; some of us would retaliate, so the interlopers would cruelly make examples out of those who didn't comply. That's the Israel Jesus was born into. The night Jesus was born, there was a stillness, a silence. A portion of the lyrics to the 1818 lyrics of Silent Night are "Silent night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright...sleep in heavenly peace." In the middle of all the offenses of the Roman occupation, Bethlehem was being still. Bethlehem was silent. And God was ready to deliver them out of the darkness into new life. That silent night ended with angels heralding the good news: "Peace on earth, and mercy mild..."Christ is born in Bethlehem"" (Hark the Herald Angels Sing). Jesus was overcoming the world. The Lord will fight for you. "Be still and know" (Psalm 46:10a)

People or God?

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ"- Galatians 1:10 (NIV).

Imagine how good it must have felt for Edmund Hillary to be the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. There seems to be a strong desire in each of us to be validated; either by parents, friends, teachers, bosses, spouses, etc. Every hilltop moment of validation is temporary though; you will not be satisfied with man's approval for very long. You'll just move on to some other goal in which to be validated. Yes, even Edmund Hillary continued climbing other mountains, I'm sure trying to recapture that feeling and gain recognition. Paul, in today's Scripture is saying that, to be a servant of Christ, our need for validation should only come from Christ Jesus. That strong desire for validation was placed in each of us for Him and, in truth, only He can satisfy that desire. "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). Who do you seek validation from: people or God? The real question is: Whose servant are you?

Great Love

"Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them"- John 14:21 (NIV).

Jesus instructed His followers that if they loved Him, they would keep His commands (v.15). How many parents have echoed those same feelings and been let down by one of their children? Have you heard a parent say, when dispensing punishment, "This hurts me more than it hurts you." What hurts is that all parents internalize their child's disobedience as lack of love for them. Now, as a parent, I can understand how God felt seeing His children in disobedience. Punishment was required. The punishment truly hurt God the Father more than it hurt us; Jesus suffered our penalty and sponged the offenses from our record. The stark difference, in this case, is that the guilty person didn't suffer the consequence; instead, God provided His innocent Son to take our penalty. We, as God's adopted children, in each act of disobedience, tell our Heavenly Father we don't love Him, but each time we are obedient we tell God we truly love Him. "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1a). 

Look Forward

"Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions"- Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV).

We tend to look back and sigh at days gone by: the good old days. According to Scripture, we aren't supposed to look back. Paul said, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" (Philippians 3:13). Our Lord and Savior also taught, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Every athlete, who runs a race, knows the perils of looking back during the race; you can lose your balance, fall and be disqualified. There are so many memories in our past, but each had a hand in creating who we are today: more mature disciples of Christ. With Scripture telling us not to look back, why would we want to be like Lot's wife? She was told not to look back and we know the outcome of her disobedience; she was certainly disqualified from her race. We must look forward in our race, keep our balance, and yearn for the new adventures God has designed for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Noticable

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth"- John 1:14 (NIV).

It's been 27 centuries since the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in a little village just south of Jerusalem (Micah 5:2). Jews had been waiting on the Messiah to come for centuries. The Jewish Talmud reads, "The King Messiah...from where does He come forth? From the royal city of Bethlehem in Judah" (Berakoth 5a). Bethlehem wasn't a town to be noticed, but that sleepy little town bore witness to the Messiah's glory, the glory of the one and only Son of God coming into this world; His world; His creation. How many citizens of Bethlehem would have walked by this scene and thought the tiny baby was the King of kings and Lord of lords? They probably would have thought He was due the least of notice. Let us bear this in mind when we pass by those who appear to be poor, homeless, and helpless in our small realm of existence. Remember, Jesus said that whatever you did for the least of others, you did for Him (Matthew 25:40). Take notice of those around you who are in need; you will be filling their greatest need by showing God's love and they will have seen His glory. 

Blinded By This Age

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God"- 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV).

Glaucoma is a silent thief. It begins with loss of peripheral vision, moves to tunnel vision and proceeds to permanent loss of vision. Most are unaware of the damage unless they see their eye doctor on a regular basis. People who have been a victim of glaucoma warn others to have their eyes examined. We can equate this story of loss to the silent thief of this age, who blinds the minds of unbelievers until they can no longer see the glory of God. The evil one causes a different type of damage over time, to the eyes of our hearts, so we can't see what he's been doing, how the world has fallen for his deceptions or how God's glory seems to be fading from sight. Just as the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his family, to warn them of the torment of hell, here was Abraham's reply: "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them" (Luke 16:29). To combat the possibility of being blinded by this world we need to see our Doctor on a regular basis and warn others to have the eyes of their hearts examined. Do not be blinded by this age.

Profit

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you"- Luke 6:38 (NIV). 

Today's Scripture promises the more a person gives, the more they will profit, but the blessing goes beyond the one, to the many, and the glory will always go to God. I'll never forget the documentary I watched about a Christian believer who had helped build a school, and met other community needs, without having any money or resources of his own. He relied entirely on God. People would come to him with their needs and he would tell them: "I don't have (whatever the need was), but I'll pray about it and if God gives it to me, I'll give it to you." I thought, how wonderful to be that man; a man who gives all the glory to God and uses God's answered prayers to help others. He didn't seem to be profiting from it at all, according to today's culture; yet, the more the man gave away the more answered prayers came his way. He would have robbed himself of a major blessing if he had tried to make a profit from any of the resources God had sent his way. I am convinced that the words this man will hear when he first meets Jesus will be, "Well done good and faithful servant! Come and share your Master's happiness" (Matthew 25:23). There's his profit! 

Cultivation

"He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth"- Psalm 104:14 (NIV).

A day in the garden is tranquil, therapeutic...for the soul. The body is a different story. Thigh muscles, I didn't know I had, were introducing themselves to me following a day of picking green beans. That's because I'm not using those same thigh muscles when I pick up a can of green beans in the grocery store. Gathering in food has become so effortless, mindless, that most of our children don't know where or how we really get our food. Some of our store bought food doesn't even look like real food: dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets, waffle fries, fish sticks. No wonder children balk at the hot meal lines in our schools. We, as a people, in choosing the effortless path, have become soft and we're passing this heritage down to our children. We've softened in our physical life, but that same mindset has bled over into our spiritual life too. Do we cultivate, work at, feeding on the Word? Or do we, warm a pew every now and then, effortlessly, and call it being fed spiritually? Sadly, we pass that heritage down to our children, too. There's the easy way and the hard way: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Cultivate the heritage you want to pass down, because life does depend on it.

Rebelling Against Authority

"Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves"- Romans 13:2 (NIV).

Fact: All authority is established by God (Romans 13:1). Today's Scripture warns of judgment if we rebel against those in authority over us; in addition, God's appointed leaders will have to give an account, to God, of how they watched over us while they were in authority (Hebrews 13:17). God's plan is that each support and encourage the other or one or both will come under His judgment. What about a Hitler or a Stalin? If the governing authority conflicts with Biblical teaching, "We must obey God rather than men" (Act 5:29). The Bible doesn't say we are to obey a governing authority that is in direct contradiction with God's commandments. As history has shown us, the Hitlers and Stalins of the world will come under God's judgment one day and fall. Paul gives this advice: "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" (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Amazed and Unscathed

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze"- Isaiah 43:2 (NIV).

Where does that confidence come from? It comes from God: "For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" (v.3a). God will allow hard and trying times into our lives, but He hasn't forsaken us, nor is He punishing us. Our valley becomes the canvas of His work; it is only then that He is spotlighted for all to see. He is our Savior and Deliverer in troubled times. You may have been praying for God to do a work in your life and yet became distraught when hard times fell upon you or your loved ones. But then the Savior lifts you to your feet, you have not been swept away; you have not been burned up...God receives all the glory; His power revealed in your struggle. "For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen" (Romans 11:36). Remember as you stand amazed and unscathed; God has done a work in your life. Your prayer has been answered. Glory to God!

Look at the Heart

""But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart"" 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV).

God had rejected Saul as king of Israel and told Samuel, God's prophet, to go to Bethlehem to anoint the next king. Samuel knew the new king would come from the line of Jesse, but when he saw tall, good looking Eliab he assumed he had to be God's choice (v. 6). No, God's intended was the youngest of Jesse's sons, who wasn't even invited to the anointing; instead he was out tending the family's sheep. God looks at the heart, not the outside, of those He chooses to place in leadership positions. America is headed to the voting booths tomorrow to choose our next president. Pray and seek God's will for your choice tomorrow. We should not look at the outward appearance of the candidate, but look at their heart and then vote. God bless America; one nation under God!

Keep Jealous First

"Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God"- Exodus 34:14 (NIV).

Jealous: We most often equate the word negatively, but today's Scripture reveals God's name is Jealous. He is a jealous God. He doesn't want to share us with anything in all of creation, real or not real. Anything we put before Him has stepped over the line He has drawn in the sand. Personally, I have a daughter getting married, so I'm busy with all the details, details, details. My heart is full of joy with each preparation toward the plans that will allow this wedding to unfold into a celebration of love. Doesn't that sound like what God wants; am I not doing the work of the Lord? There's a thin line between the joy of God's blessing in bringing these two young people together and where I've made the event into an altar I kneel before, instead of God who blessed me with it. We know the order of priority: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:13). Let's keep Jealous where He should be: First. This holy prioritizing will cause everything else to fall into it's proper place. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans" (Proverbs 16:3).

Unmasked

"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God"- 3 John 1:11 (NIV).

Today is a perfect day for this verse: Halloween. Many little witches and goblins will appear on doorsteps to collect up their candy tonight. Today's Scripture, though, isn't about Halloween, but about how people view you. What costume do you wear? Do they see an ambassador of Christ? Their perception of you goes beyond your own persona to those you associate with: If you play in the mud you're bound to get mud on you. This broken world lifts up the tough guy, the rebel, as exciting and interesting. Don't fall into this trap. "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons" (1 Corinthians 10:21). Remember who you are and Whom you belong to. I'm praying you see little angels when you open your door tonight and they see who you really are. If you are still chained to what the world wants you to be, take that mask off and be who you are meant to be. His!

Forgiven and Forgiving

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful"- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV).

Has anyone ever left something of importance in your care, trusting you for its safekeeping? It may have been someone's pet, their home, legal documents, a precious possession or their guarded secret. If so, you have been honored by that person: They trust you. "Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfect. By this we may know that we are in Him" (1 John 2:5-6). Trust is not doled out, it is earned. Breaches, intentional or not, have to be repaired and, hopefully, the process of building the trust begins anew. Let's look from the other perspective: Has anyone ever proven unfaithful to you, you feel you can no longer trust that person? They've asked for forgiveness and wait upon your acceptance. Remember you, too, have fallen short of His glory. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). There is our example: forgiven and forgiving. Build anew; the relationship will be blessed and stronger.   

Trail Pheromone

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest"- Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV).

My husband has capped our new porch with stone and cement, then sealed it to protect against the environment. It looks formidable; why then, does he still find little places where a procession of ants are getting through? A can of ant spray sits outside; a permanent porch ornament until the ants are driven away. Even in this hostile terrain the ants march out to do their daily foraging to harvest food. God gave ants a chemical they secrete called "trail pheromone." Wherever they go they leave a trail for other ants to follow that leads from the nest to the food. Each subsequent ant reinforces the trail as they go out and back to the nest with the harvest. Unlike the ant, Christians have a Commander, but like the ant we, too, have a harvest to bring in. God gave His children a similar "trail pheromone" to leave, a scent for others to follow when we wade out into the fields. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere" (2 Corinthians 2:14). Each trip we leave a trail to follow; reinforced by the next Christian, we continue to march out in procession gathering in the harvest.       

On Guard

"Then He said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions"- Luke 12:15 (NIV).

Don't we love to hear people compliment us on our home, clothes, car, job, etc? Have you seen the car sticker that says, "He who dies with the most toys wins!"? I heard a radio talk show host make the comment that our possessions possess us: physically, emotionally and financially. Look at the amount of time and money it takes to maintenance our possessions: cleaning, updating, repairing, protecting. How about the expression of "Keeping up with the Jones?" Now you have the sin of greed and pride clawing at your soul. Each possession steals a part of your life and shackles itself to you. Granted, we need a home, clothes, car, job, etc; however, there's a tipping point when your life consists of an abundance of possessions. How much of your life do you want to invest into your possessions? "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10; ESV). Satan steals life away and Jesus gives life abundantly. Be on your guard.  

Finding Mercy

"The man said, "The woman You put here with me-she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it"" (Genesis 3:12 (NIV).

Throwing a person under the bus is a new expression and it's used quite frequently. When we find ourselves in a compromising situation we tend to pass the blame onto others. Adam was the first to do so; he threw Eve under the bus. I wonder if Adam thought God would punish Eve and he would be absolved? Would Adam have sat there and let Eve take the fall alone; I think he very well might have done just that. Remember, Eve was Adam's wife; his soul-mate, but he had more fear of God's judgment than he did of his wife. Proverbs 28:13 says, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Don't think too harsh of Adam; a few minutes later Eve threw the snake under the bus. The point is that we alone are accountable for our thoughts, words and deeds. Let's learn to be accountable to God and find mercy.     

Too Much At Stake

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain"- 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV).

We discovered we have a family of raccoons living in an old tree behind our house. We saw the mother, while sitting on our porch in the cool of the evening, with three kits in the top fork of the tree. Once she saw us she began trying to get them back into their den. She carefully carried one down in her mouth, deposited the kit into the hole and climbed back up for the next one; however, as she left, the kit followed her mother back up as she was gathering kit #2 for the trip down. This scenario played out a couple of times, but mother raccoon was persistent. She finally got all three safely back into their tree home. There was too much at stake for her to give up. There are times we believers feel like we're not making any progress in our mission field, but today's verse promises our labor in the Lord is not in vain; we will make progress. Like the mother raccoon, we just need to continue standing firm in our endeavors to do the Lord's will. There's too much at stake for us to give up.

Needed Light

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house"- Matthew 5:14-15 (NIV).

My daughter was excited to find that her soon-to-be father-in-law had something in common with her dad. They both carry a flashlight with them at all times. It's true. My husband has a large array of flashlights in our home, plus carries one with him...just in case it's needed. The love of Jesus, our Light, should radiate from within us, for all to see. Just as when I can't see for the darkness, I know I can turn to my husband to provide light for my endeavor, others will seek the Light radiating from within us to give light their darkness. Jesus told us He was the light of the world. "Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life" (John 8:12). Verse 16 of today's Scripture says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Put your Light on its stand for others to see...unlike my husband's flashlight, this Light will always be needed.  

Unswervingly

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deed"- Hebrews 10:23-24 (NIV).

My niece ran her first half-marathon yesterday. That's a 13.1 mile run for those who don't want to have to Google the distance. There's a new app called Motigo that allowed us to record 30-second messages to cheer her on during the race. We could choose which mile the message would be delivered, which would play through her headphones as she ran. The messages encouraged her to keep going; her encouragers were spurring her on to the finish line. This is true of our Christian walk. We need encouragers, like any distance runner, to cheer us on in our spiritual race to the finish line. Encouraging words frustrate the enemy's plan to make you swerve off course in your race; "Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This is the hope we profess; hold onto it unswervingly.   

Piles of "Stuff"

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"- Romans 8:28 (NIV).  

There were piles of granny squares of different colors scattered all around. For those who don't automatically understand this scene, you've never crocheted before or lived with someone who crochets. All those little squares are assembled at some point, whip-stitched together, creating a nice toasty afghan for some special person. This particular pile of granny squares had been a first attempt; so many squares had mistakes, had to be unraveled and had to be corrected, but once finished the afghan was beautiful and still wraps around that special someone today. Our lives are similar to that process; it's hard to see how our piles of "stuff" are ever going to amount to anything, but God takes our mistakes, unravels them, corrects them, and is working each one for the good of those who love Him. Don't let your piles of "stuff" discourage you. God will finish the work He began in you; "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). 

Riding Herd

"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned"- Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV).

Empty words are careless words. The Lord Jesus said that what comes out of our mouths proceeds from our heart (Matthew 15:18). Our pastor has been preaching a series of sermons on the book of James, which is most remembered for the chapter on taming the tongue (James 3). Like cattlemen riding herd, they are busy keeping the strays from slipping off on their own; so should we of every careless words coming out of our mouth. Like the danger of a lone stray, out from under the protection of the cattlemen, the stray can cause damage or be damaged. Even the written word is powerful, especially in this day of technology. Remember this quote: "The pen is mightier than the sword" (Edward Bulwer-Lytton)? You hold power, death and life power, in your words and the bearer,  as promised, will eat of the fruit of their mouth (Proverbs 18:21). We should be riding herd over every word.   

Eternal Moment

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me"- Isaiah 49:16 (NIV).

Together the couple climbed the mountain to see the view, but the young man had plans to make this more than just a Saturday afternoon hike: He intended to propose. The young man's proposal was accepted by the young lady he'd fallen in love with and wanted to share the rest of his life with. To commemorate that lifetime moment, on the top of that mountain, he carved their initials into the rock they stood upon; an enduring reminder of their love and commitment to one another. There is a Rock to stand upon that is higher than we could ever climb (Psalm 61:2). "For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?" (2 Samuel 2:32). God has fallen in love with His bride and we will spend eternity with Him. To commemorate that moment He carved our names into the palms of His hands. The moment we accepted His proposal was much more than a lifetime moment; it was an eternal moment. 

Spotlighted

"You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways"- Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV).

The wind was moving the clouds through the early morning sky. A hole appeared and a ray of sunshine beamed through. Interestingly, the hole and sunbeam stayed in tact as the clouds were blown from the left view of my window to the right. The sunbeam, resembling a spotlight, swept across the sky looking as if it were searching for something on the ground. Psalm 19:1 came to mind: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Nothing in all of creation escapes God's notice or inspection. He rolls us out paper-thin and looks at each molecule of our being. Thankfully only God can know us that intimately and He's in the healing business. "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:-23-24). Thank you Lord for the heavenly reminder this morning that You seek to know us, to heal and restore us, Your beloved children.

Shielded

"Surely, Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield"- Psalm 5:12 (NIV).

I heard a noise in the kitchen in the middle of the night. Frightened, I ran to my parent's bedroom. Dad wasn't home, but my mother quickly rose and gathered my dad's pistol. We moved down the hallway, mother leading the way. My jack-hammering heartbeat slowed down as we approached the kitchen. There was nothing to fear. It's hard to describe how much safer I felt once my mother was there protecting me, shielding me. By the way, my mother was 100-pounds, if she were fully clothed and soaking wet. God's favor, His love for His children, surrounds us like a shield. The Greek phalanx, with interlocking shields, pales in comparison. Our resolve should be one of complete confidence in His protection or do we need our eyes opened like Elisha's servant. Surrounded by the enemy, Elisha was calm, but his servant was terrified. So, "Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17). Brothers and and sisters, God doesn't show favoritism. His love surrounds and shields even when we can't see; there is nothing to fear.  

Non-Beneficial Clocks

""I have the right to do anything," you say-but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"-but I will not be mastered by anything"- 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV).

There are people, who like squirrels, collect and keep "things," refusing to let them go; after all, they may need that broken clock for parts someday. One clock is fine, but a lifetime of storing away clocks (aka things) will fill your closets, extra rooms, out buildings, and some will go as far as to rent buildings to store their clocks. Then they go and buy another clock. The clocks of our lives take over space and you end up living in but a corner of your house; your clocks have mastered you. There is something liberating in letting go of our clocks. God did not provide clocks to fill up our spaces and master us. "For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:16). Take your non-beneficial clocks and let them go.

Servant of God

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ"- Galatians 1:10 (NIV).

Are you enslaved to what other people think of you? Seeking the approval of others reveals idolatry and requires self-examination. We want to be accepted by our peers, by the world; so, we act in such a way as to gain their respect and honor: idolatry at work. Did you hear the story of John, who wanted to be popular like David, so he acted like David, but David really wanted to be like Timothy, Timothy wanted to be like Craig, and Craig ending up wanting to be like...John. In the end, all John had to do was to be himself and, as a Christian, the Holy Spirit resides within him and molding him into the image of Jesus. Our desire shouldn't be on approval from anyone other than the Lord. Who do you hold in high regard and try to emulate? If it is anyone other than Jesus you are not a servant of Christ. 

Marks of Resistance

"Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated"- Hebrews 10:33 (NIV).

The Sunday School teacher asked the class why people didn't share their faith freely and publicly. One answer was fear of reprisal, to avoid conflict or discomfort, with those outside their Christian realm. Stop and ask yourself how many times you speak of God or mention Jesus in a week; in a day. Then consider with whom and where you did have the occasion to discuss your King and Master. Too many Christians have removed themselves from the battlefield, remaining on the sidelines, shackled to fear...most deadly is the fact they aren't even aware of their position. This world is in a struggle against sin. Do you bear any marks indicative of resistance? God wouldn't have given us a full set of His armor if He didn't intend on us being part of the battle (Ephesians 6:11-17).  

Waiting On God

"On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about"- Acts 1:4 (NIV).

It's so hard to wait. Waiting is grueling when we have hope that what is coming is exciting, long awaited, an anticipated gift; just watch children at Christmas time, you'll understand. Today's Scripture tells of the promise of a miraculous gift from Almighty God. Jesus didn't say when the gift would arrive; only to stay and wait. I imagine each day must have felt longer than 24-hours, each hour longer than 60-minutes...The timing of the giving of the Holy Spirit was perfect though. Jerusalem was full, people were in place and the most wonderful event was about to take place (Act 2). Around 3,000 people, many from distant lands, accepted Jesus as Savior the day of Pentecost, the giving of the Holy Spirit. The event was more than they could have imagined: a violent wind had filled the house where they were together, tongues of fire rested on each of them and the Holy Spirit filled each one of them, gifting them with tongues to present the Gospel in other languages (vs 2-4). God is the Author of great gifts. He cannot be out-given! Therefore, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:14). 

One and Only Guide

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps"- Proverbs 16:9 (NIV).

My husband and I visited Italy for a once-in-a-life adventure years ago. We didn't speak Italian, nor did we know where we were going. Thankfully we had Georgio and his wife, Bruna, as traveling companions. They were our guides and we trusted them and followed them. We were blessed to see parts of Italy most tourists never see because they're off the beaten path, places where only an Italian would know the way. We would never have had that adventure without our Italian guides. This can be applied to our heavenly Guide who is helping us navigate this life. Jesus said: "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Believers only need to trust and follow Him; then they will see places only Christians will ever see, places off the beaten path, because Jesus will establish their steps to and through the narrow gate. "For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it" (Matthew 7:13). You'll never reach your desired destination without following Jesus: the One and only Guide you'll ever need.

External Force

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"- Ephesians 2:10 (NIV).

One of the most well loved and memorized verses is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The following verses, 12-13, are the bulwark to the Father's promise: "Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart." Seeking requires motion; it's an action word; yet, so many Christians want verse 11, without any inertia on their part. Miriam-Webster defines inertia as a "property of matter by which it remains at rest...unless acted upon by some external force." God prepared, in advance of our birth, good works we, His children, were to accomplish and His children cannot be snatched from His hands (John 10:28); therefore, He will drive such as these from their anesthetized Christian inertia, to their knees, until they seek Him with all their heart. The question remains: Do you come willingly or does the Father need to apply some external force?

Part of the Process

"Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth"- John 17:17 (NIV).

Christians say they want to be used by God; in fact, they yearn to do something big for God. That kind of ministry would set us apart from the world and reveal God's glory. We desire sanctification. Being sanctified is defined as being set apart, dedicated to God. In today's Scripture, John says we are sanctified by the truth. So, if God's word is truth, which sanctifies us, and we find truth, which sanctifies us, in the Bible, God's word, why are so many Christian Bibles covered in dust or placed out of sight and mind? One of the most precious memories of my paternal grandfather is of him, lying on his side, reading his Bible, illuminated by his bedside lamp. It set him apart from other worldly images my heart and mind carry around. In truth, I was witnessing the process of sanctification. It's available for you too. Get into God's word; then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (8:32). Become part of the process.

Things of This Earth

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass always, but whoever does the will of God lives forever"- 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV).

It can be rather difficult to be obedient and live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this world (Titus 2:12). Our senses are assaulted daily with the available treasures of this world. We want the best phone, technology, car, education, job, vacation, marriage, children, health, income. Our lists are filled with the things of this world we seek; we love; we lust after. We are supposed to set our minds on things above, not things of this world (Colossians 3:2). Have you ever wondered what you would change in your life if you could go back and start anew? Everyone has; and everyone will have the same wistful thoughts at the end of their earthly life. Now is the time to live the life, doing the will of God, where you will not find yourself longing to recapture time; instead, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus...and the things of this earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace (Hillsong). 

Peter Pan Mindset

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me"- 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV).

That verse doesn't mean we can't play like a child. It's talking about spiritual maturity. As we learn about spiritual matters, especially those that contradict our lifestyle or manner, we must remove them from our lives. An egocentric mindset is the mark of a child. Children think the world revolves around them; but, the world revolves around only One: Jesus. As Christians, we must not become mired in a Peter Pan maturation level. The world is full of Peter Pans, but there's hope. My brother and sisters, "(G)row in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18). Peter Pan did have a moment of clarity: "I suppose it's like the ticking crocodile, isn't it? Time is chasing after all of us "(J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan). Choose to grow up by following Jesus, before the clock, croc, catches up to you.

There's A Storm Coming

"Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is You, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in You, for You are the one who does all this"- Jeremiah 14:22 (NIV).

Creedance Clearwater Revival (CCR) wrote a song titled Who'll Stop The Rain. God has used weather-related phenomena throughout history. Elijah prayed and God kept the rain from falling for three and a half years (James 5:17). Zechariah 9:14 speaks of God's arrows of lightning and His movement that of a whirlwind; sounds like a tornado or hurricane. The seventh plague on Egypt was hail and Revelation 16:21 speaks of hail weighing 100-pounds raining down on people. God hurls down sleet like crumbs; "who can stand before His cold?" (Psalm 147:17).  It's God who causes the sky to do these things. So, to answer CCR's questions: God stops the rain from falling. There's an eerie calm before a storm. Once more from CCR: "Someone told me long ago there's a calm before the storm, I know: it's been comin' for some time" (Have You Ever Seen The Rain). Does our nation worship worthless idols? Has it turned its back on the One who does all things? Prepare: There's a storm coming.  

Fool's Rage

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord"- Romans 12:19 (NIV).

The signs, saying merge right, have been posted for the past mile; yet, here comes those drivers who will drive past every car in the right lane, all the way up to the blockade, and then put on their blinker wanting someone to let them cut into the line of obedient drivers; one of many reason we have a new term lately: "road rage." What makes you lash out? You might think you're above losing your temper. My friend, I'm here to tell you that the devil knows exactly how to stoke your temper to a flaring inferno. Proverbs 29:11 says a fool will give into his anger, but a wise man will hold it back. God's wrath does not come into play if you're fighting your own battles. Remember the story of David and Nabal. Nabal insulted David, the equivalent to being spit in the face, so David, in a violent rage, strapped on his sword, took four-hundred of his fighting men, intent on killing Nabal. Abigail, Nabal's wife, was wise enough to go to David and restrain him using both wisdom and kindness. Wisely, David saw Abigail's actions as Divine intervention and stopped. God struck Nabal and Nabal died 10-days later. By the way, Nabal means "fool" (1 Samuel 25). Don't allow your rage to make a fool out of you. Leave room for God to fight for you. 

They're Off!

"You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near"- James 5:8 (NIV).

Have you seen the movie Secretariat? He holds the largest victory in Triple Crown history; one of the greatest race horses of our time. Thoroughbreds are high strung horses, more so than any other breed. They're bred to run. It must be pure agony to be led into the small starting gate and then required to stand there until the gate opens, waiting for the announcer to shout, "They're off!" Standing still is not in a thoroughbred's nature, but if they are going to do what they love most... run... they have to endure the wait and stand firm until it's time. In this life, we are all in our own little starting gate, waiting, ready for the big event. It's hard to wait, to be patient; being still isn't part of our nature. Stand firm; the Lord is coming. When He does your senses will ignite and the Announcer will shout, "They're off!"  

Without Excuse

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse"- Romans 1:20 (NIV).

How could anyone look around at this world and not believe in God? The sheer perfection of every detail foretells of a Master Creator. Most people know the value and quality of a Rolex watch. It keeps perfect time and has complicated pieces driving that small machine that rests on a person's wrist. Now, imagine taking that watch apart, every little tiny screw, bolt and spring, tossing them into the air and each piece falling back into place within the watch and it begins to tick. That's an absurd idea, but that's the same thing you believe if you think God's creation just happened on its own. "[A]ll things have been created through Him and for Him" (Colossians 1:16). The evidence of God is all around us. If we deny God's existence, in spite of the immeasurable evidence around us, we will be without excuse when we stand before our Maker.

False Starts

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you"- Psalm 32:8 (NIV).  

We are all a lot braver at traveling to places, even remote places, than we've ever been before because of GPS systems instructing us where to go. Turn by turn, a voice lets us know the way and, if we miss a turn, will direct us back in the right direction. It's not so clear when waiting on direction from God. Some direction comes quickly, but there are times we have to wait...and we are a generation that detests waiting. In a race, those who move ahead before the gun sounds, are in violation of a "false start." It delays the race while runners have to go through the routine of lining up and getting on the starting blocks again. God promises to show us the way through instruction, teaching and counselling; He says, "I will." That's a promise. He will deliver; He always does. Do not find yourself in violation of a "false start." When you are in need of God's direction, "Wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:14). Hold your position so there will be no false starts.

Ally Ally In Come Free

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough""- Galatians 5:7-9 (NIV).

Children play a game with a catchphrase, "Ally ally in come free" or the variation "Ally ally all set free." It was used in hide and seek when I was little. That meant it was time to run to the designated "home" spot. You would be safe there. At the call we ran as fast as we could, with all the energy we could muster. Today's Scripture reminds us to be very careful about what, or who, influence you in your run or you could be cut off from making it home. Make sure it, or they, are Christ-centered, because the people and things you choose to subject yourself to, or join yourself to, like yeast, change your morals over the course of time (1 Corinthians 15:33). Instead, print out and tape the following Scripture to your morning mirror: "I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do: I will have no part in it" (Psalm 101:3). Keep your eyes on home and run a good race. Watch for those who are trying to cut in on you; they do not come from the One who calls you: Ally ally in come free.

Heart Songs

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song"- Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV).

Research states people who enjoy music live longer. People who suffer dementia, who can't remember their own children, can remember lyrics to songs they enjoyed years past. And, as an educator, I can tell you that students who learn something in a song format will be able to recall the academically-intended lyrics years down the road. I'm sure you can attest to a couple of songs you've committed to memory. Have you ever noticed how much more enjoyment you get out of singing songs you are most familiar with? There's something gratifying, satisfying, about singing from memory; it's singing from your heart. The songs are connected to you somehow. Singing songs of worship, eyes closed and hands raised, those words pulled from your heart are the most powerful. You're missing a wonderful worship experience if you aren't learning praise and worship music. Best yet, you might be singing one in His presence one day and you'll know the words.

Never Alone

"Yet I am always with you; you hold Me by My right hand"- Psalm 73:23 (NIV).

Loneliness can kill, literally. Research says loneliness is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, by weakening the immune system and increasing blood pressure, thus increasing the risk of premature death by 14%. With an aging population, social isolation is the Grim Reaper waiting on the sidelines for the next client. However, believers know they are never alone. It would be interesting to see research on the number of believers, who are socially isolated, who suffer from physical issues from loneliness and premature death. The numbers would be low. I'm not saying believers are never lonely, but they don't suffer the biological changes that emotional stress causes. Aging is inevitable and social isolation a possibility, but feeling alone is a choice. My mother spent the last five years of her life in social isolation. She always wanted company and hated when we left, but after she passed, her Bible reflected Who she kept company with most. She had dated Scripture throughout her Bible. Little notes were scribbled in the margins. Her passing wasn't caused by loneliness. She held onto the Father's right hand; she knew she was never alone.  

Great Worth

"The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her"- Mark 6:26 (NIV).

King Herod had imprisoned John the Baptist because his wife, Herodias, who had also been his brother Philip's wife, was angry that John had told Herod, and circulated it, that it wasn't legal for her to be Herod's wife (v.17-18); but, Herod was enthralled with John; he feared him, but wanted to protect him, too, knowing John was considered a holy man and he loved to listen to him (v.20). What would have happened if John the Baptist had made a believer out of King Herod? So, Satan put a plan into motion. He trounced the possibility through the king's pride. Salome, Herodias' daughter, so moved the king and his guests in her dance that he almost gave away half his kingdom (v.23). His public offer of anything she wanted put his pride to the test when she asked for John's head. Herod was the king; he could do anything he wanted, except protect an innocent holy man he had grown to admire. If he had refused her, he would have put John's worth at more than half his kingdom. King Herod was greatly distressed; his enslavement to pride made him easily manipulated by Satan; however, Christ Jesus came to set us free from sin. We are worth much more than half of God's kingdom; God even gave His Son to die for us. Believer, you are of great worth.  

Your Mission

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace"- Acts 20:24 (NIV).

Some Christians say they've not yet recognized their purpose, their task, God has for them in this life. We are tasked to finish the the race set before us. Our task is to tell the good news in our mission field. Our mission field is wherever God has placed us. The Apostle Paul never complained about where he was; sometimes it was a church, sometimes it was a prison; no matter, he was always at his task. There is no retirement plan from the work, the task, God has given each of us. Our task ends when we finish the race. Your mission, should you choose to accept it (sorry Mission Impossible fans), is to accept His call, discipline yourself, finish your race, and receive your prize, an imperishable wreath (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). 

Do Not Leave Untouched

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms"- 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV).

You've seen them: Unopened Barbie dolls, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel characters, NASCARs, etc. sitting on display, collecting dust. In this world their value remains intact or increases as long as they are left untouched. These gifts are not used for the purpose for which they were designed. The same is true of Christians who never use the gifts God entrusted to them. The Parable of the Talents gives an account of a servant who buried his talent instead of using the gift as his Master intended. The angry Master called the servant slothful and worthless. Then He tossed him into a very unpleasant place (Matthew 25:14-30). The others, who had used their gifts, were told they were good and faithful servants (v.21,23). Compare that Scripture to the Final Judgment Parable, when the King separated the sheep from the goats (v.35-40). Everything the righteous had done for others He said they had done for Him and He told them, "Come...inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (v. 34). We serve God by serving others. Slothful and wicked or good and faithful? God's gifts do not increase in value if left untouched.

Better Plan

"However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"-the things God has prepared for those who love Him"- 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV).

If you're a parent, you've experienced the begging of children produced at Christmas time whenever you enter a store with toys. They want the toy now, but you know what joys await the morning of December 25th, so you tell them no. Remember their faces? We as adults also beg God for desired items and sometimes, for reasons only God knows, He says no. God told Moses he wasn't going to be allowed into the promised land. The Bible says Moses "pleaded" with God to allow him, until God finally told Moses, "Enough!" (Deuteronomy 3:23-26). That's close to what I told my begging children in the department store. What Moses didn't realize was that he was going to a much better promised land than what lay across the Jordan River. God always, always, has a better plan for us than we can imagine; more than our wildest dreams. So, get that forlorn expression off your face; be content, trust Him.   

Therefore Go

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow"- 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NIV).

We collectively have one purpose: working in God's fields. Some will plant the seed, others will do the watering and, with tender care, God grows the harvest. Field work is hard work, but then the sheaves will be brought in with tears of joy (Psalm 126:6). Gaze out across your workplace, your neighborhood, your community; do you see the people? Their hearts are the fields in which we can plant and water the seed. Some seed won't take root. The devil has his way of snatching away the seed, but plant and water again. Don't grow weary working in God's fields, for the time will come when the season is finished (Galatians 6:9). After the harvest, at the end of the season, we will each receive our wages for the field work we did (1 Corinthians 3:8). We won't be paid for the condition of the field or the growth of the harvest; that's God's part. Our payment comes from our diligence and faithfulness in the work we are commissioned to do. Therefore go (Matthew 28:19-20). 

Big Finale

"Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest"- John 4:35 (NIV).

Are you familiar with the story of the mother hen who found the wheat seed? She asked her fellow barnyard friends to help her plant, water, and harvest the resulting wheat stalk. Each request was met with excuses from each of the others; that is, until the mouth-watering warm bread came out of the oven. Then they were available to help eat the bread, but the mother hen refused them because they hadn't helped anywhere along the way to the wonderful finale. That parallels the coming of Jesus. We are asked to join Him in the harvest, the saving of souls, and excuses won't be tolerated when the day of His return arrives. Jesus tells us to 'open our eyes and look at the fields'. Do you notice the exclamation mark on His statement in today's Scripture. No more excuses; the time to harvest is now. The big finale is coming.

Betrothed

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun"- Psalm 37: 5-6 (NIV).

The symbolism of the relationship between Christ and the church and the marriage between a man and a woman is a beautiful promise to those who trust God's word. The church is the bride of Christ; spoken another way, you are the bride of Christ. Our reward for trusting Him will shine like the dawn, like the shine of the engagement ring on the finger of the bride; a promise of the Groom's return for the one He loves. Christ will one day return to collect His bride from this sin-stained world, from the oppression of His church, of His bride. Yes, before the wedding feast, He will exact His vindication on those who have touched the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). Remain steadfast in your commitment; trust God; Jesus is coming soon. Even so, come Lord, Your betrothed awaits (Revelation 22:20). 

Fully Trained

"The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher"- Luke 6:40 (NIV).

Our stay, while earthbound, is one big classroom. There is a measure of respect our teachers deserve; after all, teachers have something students need and should use: knowledge. Knowledge is the acquisition of information; wisdom, on the other hand, is the ability to use knowledge in making good decisions. Some despise knowledge, and some, according to their life choices, appear to have never gained wisdom. The Bible instructs us to seek wisdom: it's priceless, and nothing can compare (Proverbs 8:11). Jesus is a believer's Teacher (John 13:13). We, as His students, are not above Him; however, we have been promised we will be like Him once "fully trained;" predestined to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). Then no longer earthbound, we will break free from our cocoon, spread our wings, lifting to heavenly places. Have the wisdom to decide to follow the teachings of Jesus.

Life Goes On

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal"- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV).

Life goes on; the clock keeps ticking; days pass by; our bodies tell us we too are enslaved to the passage of time. Believers are content though. Though our aging bodies begin to grow weak and frail, we have the assurance of eternal life through the blood of Jesus Christ. Don't look outwardly upon the temporary, look inwardly to the eternal work the Lord is doing in you. Each new gray hair, new wrinkle, complaining joint, forgetful thought is a time investment toward your eternal glory. The clocks not counting up, accumulating time to show your increased aging, it's counting down; either to the return of Christ Jesus or your arrival in His kingdom and hearing Him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). However long it took you to read this meditation, the clock counted down several minutes closer to that defining moment when life will go on for all eternity. 

Fulfilling Passion

"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 2:12 (NIV).

"It" refers to God's salvation (v.11). God made us passionate and there's nothing wrong with being passionate, unless it is uncontrolled. Passion is like the water pressure in a fire hose, left unchecked the force can knock a person down. God finds us knocked down and picks us back up again, praise the Lord! Self-control is intentional; it doesn't just happen. Our words, actions and thoughts require self-control. That's the earmark of a spiritual person and one of the nine fruits of the Spirit produced by a believer. We're knocked down whenever we let our passions rule us, but God's been trying to teach us to say "No' to those passions and to live self-controlled lives. We must be attuned to the Father and turn our passion toward Him. Only then will our passions be satisfying and fulfill us.   

Ready to Move

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you"- Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV).

Another terrorist attack. The increase in deadly events could cause people to become frightened, depressed, even paranoid. God has called children of the Light to be strong and courageous; not frightened and dismayed (Joshua 1:9). The devil would love for Christian soldiers to become hand wringers, cowering back into the shadows to hide from possible dangers, dishonoring God and useless in the battle. Would you want to join the army that was moving forward screaming battle cries or the army scattered among the ruins whimpering with their faces covered? If you have fallen back into those ranks, ready to accept defeat, lift up your dropping hands, strengthen your weak knees. Get up. God, our Mighty Warrior, is on the move (Hebrews 12:12). Look to God; He is in control and He is with us. He has sworn: "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen" (Isaiah 14:24). Be ready to move.

Conditional Offer

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own: you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies"- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV).

We, the bride of Christ, were bought at a price; a very high price. Bridewealth, bride token or bride price have the same meaning and are still practiced in some non-industrialized portions of Africa. It's money or property that a groom gives the bride's family for their daughter's hand in marriage. A dowry is the reverse: In Europe, Asia and Africa, the bride's family offers some form of wealth to the groom's family for the agreement to a marriage. Both are conditional, an agreement of marriage, the price for their spouse. These very old customs reflect what Jesus did in providing an incalculable price, a bridewealth or dowry, for His bride. It's conditional; the condition is to agree to the marriage. The wedding feast will be prepared; the invitations will be sent. The day of the Marriage Feast is certain to arrive (Matthew 22:1-14). Do you accept His marriage offer? If you do, you belong to Him; therefore, take care, honor what is His, until that day comes.   

Cold Shoulder

"We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also" (2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (NIV).

In many types of relationships, when one is hurt or angry, the response of the injured person is the "cold shoulder." The cold shoulder is a form of punishment by withholding love. Even as Jesus hung on the cross He did not withhold His love, praying for those who were His executioners and those calling for Him to suffer and die. We are to imitate Christ,. not the father of lies, that old deceiver. It is he that we imitate when we withhold love. Fling open the doors of your heart and love; your enemy; those who hate you, those who withhold love from you. Do you know Who said these words? Jesus did; to those "who would hear" (Luke 6:27). Do you? 

Out Given

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows"- James 1:17 (NIV).

People try to give the best gifts they can; sometimes trying to out-give each other; however, we can never out-give God. If we, who are sinners, know how to give a really great gift, how much better of a gift can God give (Matthew 7:11)? He's given Christians eternal life (Romans 6:23). Can that be topped? We try to give back to God, but He returns with yet another gift "pressed down...running over...the measure [we] used is measured back to [us}" (Luke 6:38). God asks us to test Him in giving..."and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it" (Malachi 3:10). His most good and perfect gift was His Son: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (John 3:16a). Try to out-give God, but be ready; there will be overflow.  

O Be Careful

"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you"- 1 Peter 4:14 (NIV).

We watched the movie and heard the Lord's name used irreverently multiple times. The movie had been recommended, encouraged to watch, and had earned accolades in the film industry. When I explained our regrets over not giving a thumbs up for this movie, they were surprised...they had missed it, unaware of the dishonoring of God's name in the movie. Over time you can become desensitized to sin because you've been exposed to it so much. Tolerance leads to desensitization, which leads to more tolerance...and the cycle continues until you're no longer donning your spiritual armor each day, leaving you vulnerable. The well known children's song is profound: O be careful little eyes what you see, little ears what you hear, little hands what you do, little feet where you go, little mouth what you say. Children of God, O be careful.

Good For The Soul

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective"- James 5:16 (NIV).

You've heard the expression that confession is good for the soul. It's not only true, it's Biblical. We understand that we are to confess our sins to God and He will forgive His children through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ, but James says we should confess our sins to each other, too. I don't think that means we are to sit down and share all of our past sinfulness with each other; a one stop confession. No, we should confess as we sin, on-going, because, brothers and sisters, the opportunity will be there everyday. We are sinners. Be quick to admit sinning against another and confess it to them; the act is not only freeing, but it's obedience to God. Then pray for each other; it's both powerful and effective. Once you've confessed to another, remember to confess to your Father; after all, when you sin, you are sinning against God. Then His healing will flow through your soul, beyond description and better than any medicine in your doctor's office.

Will of God

"For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever"- 1 John 2:16-17 (NIV).

What is the will of God? According to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it is giving thanks in all circumstances. Tired of all the work it takes to survive in this world? Thank Jehovah-Jireh, your Provider. It is He who meets your needs. Tired of the stress in your life: Thank Jehovah-Shalom, your Peace, for holding you through the storms of life. Tired of accusations from others and from yourself? Thank Jehovah-Tsidkenu, your Justifier. He will defend you in this battle; you only need to show up. Tired of feeling all alone in this world? Thank Jehovah-Shammah, because He is forever near; you are never alone, never forsaken. Tired of losing the battles? Thank Jehovah-Nissi, your Conqueror. The war has already been won. Eternity is promised to those who do the will of God: Being thankful in all circumstances. The world and its desires are shaken by a thankful heart; which makes for a nice little treat as they pass away. 

Abide With Me

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus"- Romans 3:23-24 (NIV).

We are all sinners and had no way of redeeming our relationship with God after the fall of man. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, Lamb of God, freely justified us and covered our multitude of sins. We are free from the punishment that we deserved. How could you ever be thankful enough, honor Him enough, praise Him enough. He only asks of us: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me" (John 15:4). Our Lord asks us to abide with Him and He will abide with us. Matt Redman sings Abide With Me. A portion of the lyrics are, "Walk with me and never leave, ever close God abide with me. Oh, love that will not ever let me go." That "abiding" relationship is the most important relationship you'll ever have in your life and for all eternity: you with Christ Jesus and He with you.. Because Jesus is the only way; the only way (John 14:6).  

Friend of the King

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"- Joshua 1:9 (NIV).

Time and time again God has asked His children to step out of their comfort zone. The list is impressive: Noah, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Esther, Job, David, Nehemiah, the Judges, the Prophets, Jesus' disciples and friends. That last one includes His followers today. We are Jesus' friend if we obey Him (John 15:14). Jesus told us to go out into the world and to proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15). Wherever God has placed you in this world, at this moment, is where you are commanded to proclaim the gospel. Our actions proclaim as strongly as our words; probably more so, because actions speak louder than words. When the Spirit's beauty rests on you He is undeniable. You will be noticed and garner mixed reactions: both approval and rejection. Do not be discouraged over rejection: pray for the lost souls. The world rejected Jesus before it ever rejected you (John 15:18). As Christ's living stone, you will be rejected by this world, but stand your ground, you are chosen by God and precious to Him (1 Peter 2:4). Are you lounging in a comfort zone? I implore you, as a friend of the King, to step out your comfort zone. 

Testimony of Fatih

"I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint"- Habakkuk 2:1 (NIV).

God told Habakkuk the Babylonians were coming to conquer the Israelites, taking everything and everyone as their own. Habakkuk complained to the Lord concerning the merciless droves who took pride in their own strength and lived in luxury, while conquered nations lay at their feet (1:16-17). Then Habakkuk took up his position to see what the Lord had to say about his complaint: Why was evil prevailing? God's answer: Live by faith and trust Him (2:4). Habakkuk, though his heart was pounding and lips quivering, said he would wait for the coming calamity, yet he would remain joyful in God his Savior saying, "The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights" (3:16-19). Will we, like Paul and Silas, shackled and imprisoned unjustly, sing and worship God in the middle of the night (Act 16:25)? Are there not witnesses to our struggles? What encouragement is given, what faith is demonstrated, as others watch God's ambassadors-in-Christ? The people of Judah, like fellow prisoners hearing songs of worship in the middle of night, witnessed testimonies of faith. Jesus told us we would have trouble, but to take heart! He has overcome the world (John 16:33). What do witnesses see in your testimony of faith?

Time Well Spent

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day"- 2 Peter 3:8 (NIV).

Time can't be accurately measured when it comes to God. Could the creation have taken place over 7,000 years, instead of seven days? Did the three days Christ lay in the tomb feel like 3,000 years to Jesus? God can see time as a whole, from the beginning to the end. Time does not hold Him; He created time. Does time hold us? We measure it down to the second. It's brevity and length set every area of our lives: our goals, our birth, our death, our relationships, our work, our play. Yes, time holds us. What if we threw off the shackles of time and discarded the clocks, wouldn't the day still hold the same amount of hours? Certainly; therefore, we can't discard time. The sun rises and sets; the moon wanes and grows, our bodies reveal the effects of each passing year. Obviously God intended time to be an integral part of our lives. The message is that our life is the only "time" we have that will count towards our eternal reward, where "time" will no longer hold us. Our goal is to invest our time wisely; it's limited and the timer began the day you were born. Make your time well spent.    

Significance

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun"- Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NIV).

Three times, in Ecclesiastes, Solomon repeats the wisdom he has unearthed for each person "under the sun:" eat, drink, and find enjoyment, or pleasure, in the toil God has given each of us (2:24; 3:13). Solomon had everything, I mean every thing, but he laboriously searched for the significance of life. Much of our toil seems downright useless; most of our life we don't understand what's going on, can't control what's going on, nor can we predict what's coming our way. Solomon's final solution, his recommendation, is to enjoy the life, the toil, God has given you. God has given you life, your life; it's a gift. Fulfillment of life comes from centering our life on God, He is our meaning, and being obedient to His commands. Everything else is meaningless, a chasing after the wind (2:11).