Before And After
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Posted:Feb 6, 2014 5:00 am
Last Updated:Feb 7, 2014 5:38 am 15579 Views
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Read: Psalm 55:1-8,16-17
Give ear to my prayer, O God . . . . My heart is severely pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. —Psalm 55:1,4
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 39-40; Matthew 23:23-39
What changes take place in a life of faith after severe testing? I thought of this as I read the tragic story of a Jamaican dad who accidentally shot and killed his 18-year-old while trying to protect his family from intruders.
News reports said he went to church (as was his habit) the next day—distraught but still seeking God’s help. Faith in God guided him before, and he knew God could sustain him after.
I thought about this in regard to my own life—having also lost a teenage . To review how I viewed life and faith before Melissa’s death, I dug into my computer archives to read the last article I had written before we lost her in June 2002. How would what I said then correspond to what I know now? Had severe testing changed my view of faith in God? In May of that year, I had written this: “David was not afraid to go boldly to God and tell Him what was on his heart. . . . We don’t have to be afraid to tell God what is on our heart.”
Before I went through tough times, I went to God and He listened to me. After, I discovered that He still listens and comforts and sustains. So I continue to pray in faith. Our faith remains intact and is strengthened because He is the God of the before and the after.
God is still on the throne,
He never forsaketh His own;
His promise is true, He will not forget you,
God is still on the throne.
What we know of God encourages us to trust Him in all we do not know.
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The Telltale Heart
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Posted:Feb 5, 2014 5:42 am
Last Updated:May 5, 2024 12:55 am 15823 Views
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Read: 1 John 3:16-24
If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. —1 John 3:20
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 36-38; Matthew 23:1-22
Recently I read about a private investigator in the US who would knock on a door, show his badge to whoever answered, and say, “I guess we don’t have to tell you why we’re here.” Many times, the person would look stunned and say, “How did you find out?” then go on to describe an undiscovered criminal act committed long ago. Writing in Smithsonian magazine, Ron Rosenbaum described the reaction as “an opening for the primal force of conscience, the telltale heart’s internal monologue.”
We all know things about ourselves that no one else knows—failures, faults, sins—that although confessed to God and forgiven by Him may come back to accuse us again and again. John, one of Jesus’ close followers, wrote about God’s love for us and the call to follow His commands, saying: “By this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:19-20).
Our confidence toward God grows out of His love and forgiveness in Christ, not our performance in life. “We know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us” (v.24).
God, who knows everything about us, is greater than our self-condemnation.
No condemnation now I dread,
I am my Lord’s and He is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine.
The one who receives Christ will never receive God’s condemnation.
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An Important Command
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Posted:Feb 4, 2014 8:35 am
Last Updated:Feb 5, 2014 5:42 am 14190 Views
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Read: Mark 12:28-34
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. —Mark 12:30
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 34-35; Matthew 22:23-46
When asked by a lawyer to identify the most important rule in life, Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). In those words, Jesus summed up what God most desires from us.
I wonder how I can possibly learn to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind. Neal Plantinga remarks on a subtle change in this commandment as recorded in the New Testament. Deuteronomy charges us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength (6:5). Jesus added the word mind. Plantinga explains, “You shall love God with everything you have and everything you are. Everything.”
That helps us change our perspective. As we learn to love God with everything, we begin to see our difficulties as “our light and momentary troubles”—just as the apostle Paul described his grueling ordeals. He had in mind a “far more exceeding and eternal . . . glory”
(2 Cor. 4:17).
In the advanced school of prayer, where one loves God with the entire soul, doubts and struggles do not disappear, but their effect on us diminishes. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19), and our urgent questions recede as we learn to trust His ultimate goodness.
Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek; give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee.
The most treasured gift we can give to God is one that He can never force us to give—our love.
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RESOLVE TO RESOLVE
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Posted:Feb 3, 2014 10:37 am
Last Updated:Feb 4, 2014 8:35 am 16496 Views
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Read: Romans 14:1-13
Resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. —Romans 14:13
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 31-33; Matthew 22:1-22
I haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions since 1975. I haven’t needed any new ones—I’m still working on old ones like these: write at least a short note in my journal every day; make a strong effort to read my Bible and pray each day; organize my time; try to keep my room clean (this was before I had a whole house to keep clean).
This year, however, I am adding a new resolution that I found in Paul’s letter to the Romans: “Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (14:13). Although this resolution is old (about 2,000 years), it is one that we should renew annually. Like believers in Rome centuries ago, believers today sometimes make up rules for others to follow and insist on adherence to certain behaviors and beliefs that the Bible says little or nothing about. These “stumbling blocks” make it difficult for followers of Jesus to continue in the way of faith that He came to show us—that salvation is by grace not works (Gal. 2:16). It requires only that we trust in His death and resurrection for forgiveness.
We can celebrate this good news of Christ in the coming year by resolving not to set up hurdles that cause people to stumble.
Thank You, Lord, that You sent the Holy Spirit
to do the work of convincing and convicting.
May I be content with my own assignment:
to do what leads to peace and edification.
Faith is the hand that receives God’s gift, then faith is the feet that walk with God.
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Buyer's Remorse
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Posted:Jan 31, 2014 3:14 am
Last Updated:Feb 3, 2014 10:37 am 23313 Views
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Read: Genesis 3:1-8
He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.
—Isaiah 61:10
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 25-26; Matthew 20:17-34
Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse? I have. Just prior to making a purchase, I feel the surge of excitement that comes with getting something new. After buying the item, however, a wave of remorse sometimes crashes over me. Did I really need this? Should I have spent the money?
In Genesis 3, we find the first record of a buyer’s remorse. The whole thing began with the crafty serpent and his sales pitch. He persuaded Eve to doubt God’s Word (v.1). He then capitalized on her uncertainty by casting doubt on God’s character (vv.4-5). He promised that her eyes would “be opened” and she would become “like God” (v.5).
So Eve ate. Adam ate. And sin entered the world. But the first man and woman got more than they bargained for. Their eyes were opened all right, but they didn’t become like God. In fact, their first act was to hide from God vv.7-8.
Sin has dire consequences. It always keeps us from God’s best. But God in His mercy and grace clothed Adam and Eve in garments made from animal skins (v.21)—foreshadowing what Jesus Christ would do for us by dying on the cross for our sins. His blood was shed so that we might be clothed with His righteousness—with no remorse!
Then will I set my heart to find
Inward adornings of the mind:
Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace,
These are the robes of richest dress.
The cross, which reveals the righteousness of God, provides that righteousness for mankind.
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Precious In God's Eyes
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Posted:Jan 30, 2014 5:44 am
Last Updated:Jan 31, 2014 4:09 pm 23534 Views
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Read: Psalm 116
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. —Psalm 116:15
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 23-24; Matthew 20:1-16
In response to the news that a mutual friend of ours had died, a wise brother who knew the Lord sent me these words, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps. 116:15). Our friend’s vibrant faith in Jesus Christ was the dominant characteristic of his life, and we knew he was home with God in heaven. His family had that assurance as well, but I had been focused only on their sorrow. And it’s appropriate to consider others during their grief and loss.
But the verse from Psalms turned my thoughts to how the Lord saw the passing of our friend. Something “precious” is something of great value. Yet, there is a larger meaning here. There is something in the death of a saint that transcends our grief over their absence.
“Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones)” (The Amplified Bible). Another paraphrase says, “His loved ones are very precious to him and he does not lightly let them die” (The Living Bible). God is not flippant toward death. The marvel of His grace and power is that, as believers, our loss of life on earth also brings great gain.
Today we have only a glimpse. One day we’ll understand it in the fullness of His light.
So when my last breath
Shall rend the veil in twain
By death I shall escape from death
And life eternal gain.
Faith builds a bridge across the gulf of death.
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Precious In God's Eyes
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Posted:Jan 30, 2014 5:44 am
Last Updated:May 5, 2024 12:55 am 23699 Views
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Read: Psalm 116
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. —Psalm 116:15
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 23-24; Matthew 20:1-16
In response to the news that a mutual friend of ours had died, a wise brother who knew the Lord sent me these words, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps. 116:15). Our friend’s vibrant faith in Jesus Christ was the dominant characteristic of his life, and we knew he was home with God in heaven. His family had that assurance as well, but I had been focused only on their sorrow. And it’s appropriate to consider others during their grief and loss.
But the verse from Psalms turned my thoughts to how the Lord saw the passing of our friend. Something “precious” is something of great value. Yet, there is a larger meaning here. There is something in the death of a saint that transcends our grief over their absence.
“Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones)” (The Amplified Bible). Another paraphrase says, “His loved ones are very precious to him and he does not lightly let them die” (The Living Bible). God is not flippant toward death. The marvel of His grace and power is that, as believers, our loss of life on earth also brings great gain.
Today we have only a glimpse. One day we’ll understand it in the fullness of His light.
So when my last breath
Shall rend the veil in twain
By death I shall escape from death
And life eternal gain.
Faith builds a bridge across the gulf of death.
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Great Expectations
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Posted:Jan 29, 2014 2:44 am
Last Updated:Jan 30, 2014 5:47 am 23737 Views
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Read: Philippians 1:12-21
According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified. —Philippians 1:20
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 21-22; Matthew 19
I once asked a counselor what the major issues were that brought people to him. Without hesitation he said, “The root of many problems is broken expectations; if not dealt with, they mature into anger and bitterness.”
In our best moments, it’s easy to expect that we will find ourselves in a good place surrounded by good people who like and affirm us. But life has a way of breaking those expectations. What then?
Stuck in jail and beset by fellow believers in Rome who didn’t like him (Phil. 1:15-16), Paul remained surprisingly upbeat. As he saw it, God had given him a new mission field. While under house arrest, he witnessed to the guards about Christ, which sent the gospel into Caesar’s house. And even though those opposing him were preaching the gospel from wrong motives, Christ was being preached, so Paul rejoiced v.1
Paul never expected to be in a great place or to be well liked. His only expectation was that “Christ will be magnified” through him (v.20). He wasn’t disappointed.
If our expectation is to make Christ visible to those around us regardless of where we are or who we are with, we will find those expectations met and even exceeded. Christ will be magnified.
Lord, forgive me for making my life all about what
I expect and not about glorifying You regardless
of my circumstances. May Your love, mercy,
and justice be magnified through me today.
Make it your only expectation to magnify Christ wherever you are and whoever you are with.
Insight
In this passage, Paul rejoiced that God used his imprisonment “for the furtherance of the gospel.” It gave him the rare opportunity to preach to “the whole palace guard, and to all the rest” (v.13). Encouraged by Paul’s example, many Roman Christians were emboldened to share the gospel without fear (v.14). Paul testified to the truth that “all things work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8.2.
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Better Than Planned
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Posted:Jan 28, 2014 5:19 am
Last Updated:May 5, 2024 12:55 am 23691 Views
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Read: Ephesians 5:15-21
Giving thanks always for all things. —Ephesians 5:20
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 19-20; Matthew 18:21-35
Interruptions are nothing new. Rarely does a day go by as planned.
Life is filled with inconveniences. Our plans are constantly thwarted by forces beyond our control. The list is long and ever-changing: Sickness. Conflict. Traffic jams. Forgetfulness. Appliance malfunctions. Rudeness. Laziness. Impatience. Incompetence.
What we cannot see, however, is the other side of inconvenience. We think it has no purpose other than to discourage us, make life more difficult, and thwart our plans. However, inconvenience could be God’s way of protecting us from some unseen danger, or it could be an opportunity to demonstrate God’s grace and forgiveness. It might be the start of something even better than we had planned. Or it could be a test to see how we respond to adversity. Whatever it is, even though we may not know God’s reason, we can be assured of His motive—to make us more like Jesus and to further His kingdom on earth.
To say that God’s followers throughout history have been “inconvenienced” would be an understatement. But God had a purpose. Knowing this, we can thank Him, being confident that He is giving us an opportunity to redeem the time (Eph. 5:16,20).
Lord, so often it’s the little things in life that get
to me, and there seem to be so many of them.
Whenever I’m tempted to lose my temper, blame
someone, or just give up, help me see You.
What happens to us is not nearly as important as what God does in us and through us.
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The Wonder Of The Cross
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Posted:Jan 27, 2014 8:48 am
Last Updated:May 5, 2024 12:55 am 24018 Views
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Read: Hebrews 12:1-4
[Look] unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.
—Hebrews 12:2
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 16-18; Matthew 18:1-20
While visiting Australia, I had the opportunity on a particularly clear night to see the Southern Cross. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this constellation is one of the most distinctive. Mariners and navigators began relying on it as early as the 15th century for direction and navigation through the seas. Although relatively small, it is visible throughout most of the year. The Southern Cross was so vivid on that dark night that even I could pick it out of the bundle of stars. It was truly a magnificent sight!
The Scriptures tell us of an even more magnificent cross—the cross of Christ. When we look at the stars, we see the handiwork of the Creator; but when we look at the cross, we see the Creator dying for His creation. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to “[look] unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The wonder of Calvary’s cross is that while we were still in our sins, our Savior died for us Rom. 5 Those who place their trust in Christ are now reconciled to God, and He navigates them through life (2 Cor. 1:8-10).
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the greatest of all wonders!
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride. —
Christ’s cross provides the only safe crossing into eternity.
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