Christ

Mar

2024

Overflow of the Heart: Guarding Our Speech

Revealing Words

“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

In this verse, Jesus addresses the root of our speech – the condition of our hearts.

He reminds us that our words are a reflection of what truly fills us, whether good or evil.

Heart’s Condition

Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to bring life or to inflict harm. But they are merely symptoms of a deeper reality – the state of our inner being.

If our hearts are filled with bitterness, envy, or selfishness, our speech will inevitably reflect those qualities.

The Need for Transformation

As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate hearts that are aligned with the love and compassion of our Savior.

We must allow God’s truth to penetrate the deepest parts of our being, transforming us from the inside out.

Guarded Tongue

When our hearts are renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, our speech will naturally follow suit.

We will find ourselves speaking words of encouragement, grace, and truth, as we reflect the character of Christ to those around us.

But this process requires vigilance. We must guard our hearts and minds against the influences that would corrupt them, and be intentional about filling ourselves with the Word of God and the things that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy.

May your speech be a testimony to the transformative work of Christ within you, as you strive to let your words flow from a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

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Mar

2024

Facing Fear with Faith

Call to Courage

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” – Luke 12:4-5 (NIV)

In these verses, Jesus addresses the very real fears that his disciples faced, encouraging them to have courage in the face of danger and even death.

Perspective Shift

Fear is a natural human response, but Jesus challenges us to shift our perspective.

Instead of fearing those who can only harm the body, we are called to fear God, who has authority over our eternal destiny.

Basis of True Courage

This may seem counterintuitive at first, but when we understand God’s character as a loving Father, this fear becomes the foundation for true courage.

We can face earthly threats with boldness, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a God who loves us deeply and desires our ultimate good.

Promise of Protection

Moreover, Jesus assures us that even in the face of physical harm or death, our lives are not ultimately at risk.

God’s protection extends beyond this life, and we can trust that He will keep us safe in His care, both now and for eternity.

As we confront the fears and challenges of this world, cling to the courage that comes from knowing and trusting in our Heavenly Father.

With His strength and protection, we can face even the most daunting circumstances with faith and boldness.

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Mar

2024

Finishing the Work

Fulfilled Task

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” – John 17:4 (NIV)

In this powerful statement from Jesus, we see the culmination of His earthly ministry.

He declares that He has completed the task assigned to Him by the Father, bringing glory to God through His obedience and sacrifice.

Purpose Revealed

From the very beginning, Jesus had a clear sense of purpose and mission.

He came to earth not merely to teach or perform miracles, but to fulfill a specific work – the redemption of humanity through His death and resurrection.

Example Set

As followers of Christ, we too have been given a purpose and a mission.

Just as Jesus lived a life of absolute obedience to the Father’s will, we are called to align our lives with God’s plan and to seek to bring Him glory through our actions and choices.

Ongoing Work

While Christ’s work on the cross is complete, the mission to proclaim the good news and make disciples continues.

We are now the hands and feet of Christ in the world, carrying on the work that He began. As we surrender ourselves fully to God’s purposes, we can find true meaning and fulfillment in our lives.

May you, like Jesus, be able to say at the end of your days that you have finished the work God gave you to do. May your life be a testament to His glory, as you faithfully pursue His purposes.

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Mar

2024

Finding Joy in Discipline?

God’s Love

“Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” – Hebrews 12:6 (NIV)

We are reminded of the deep and abiding love that God has for His children.

His discipline and punishment are not acts of cruelty or anger, but rather expressions of His love and care for us.

Purpose

God’s discipline is not meant to harm us or make us feel small. Instead, it serves a greater purpose – to shape us, refine us, and help us grow into the people He has called us to be.

Just as a loving parent corrects a child, so too does God correct us, not out of anger, but out of a desire to see us reach our full potential.

Process

Discipline is often uncomfortable and even painful. It can be easy to resent it or to feel like we’re being punished for our mistakes.

However, if we can shift our perspective and see discipline as a sign of God’s love and care for us, we can begin to find joy in the process.

Growth

When we embrace discipline with humility and trust in God’s goodness, we open ourselves up to growth and transformation.

Discipline helps us to shed our selfish tendencies and develop character, patience, and wisdom. It refines us, like gold being purified in the fire, so that we can better reflect the image of Christ within us.

Do not despise the discipline of the Lord, but rather embrace it with gratitude, knowing that it is a sign of His deep and abiding love for you. Through discipline, you can find joy and hope in the process of becoming more like Christ.

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Mar

2024

Clean Heart – Confident Faith

Invitation

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)

We receive a beautiful invitation to approach God with confidence, knowing that our hearts have been cleansed and purified by His grace.

Cleansing

The imagery used here is striking – our hearts are “sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience,” and our bodies are “washed with pure water.”

This speaks to the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which cleanses us from sin and guilt.

Assurance

But it’s not just about being cleansed – it’s also about having “the full assurance that faith brings.”

We can come before God with a sincere heart, confident in the knowledge that our faith has been made complete through Christ’s work on our behalf.

Nearness

And because of this cleansing and assurance, we are invited to “draw near to God.”

No longer do we have to stand at a distance, separated by our sin and guilt. Through Christ, we can approach the very throne of grace with boldness, knowing that we are accepted and welcomed by our Heavenly Father.

This is the beauty of the gospel – that we can have a clean heart, a confident faith, and a close relationship with the One who created us.

So draw near, with sincere heart and full assurance, to the God who loves you and has made a way for you to be reconciled to Him.

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Mar

2024

Embracing Freedom: Living Under Grace

“Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.” – Galatians 3:23 (NIV)

Imprisoned by the Law

Before the coming of Christ, we were held captive by the law – a system of rules and regulations that, while intended to guide us, ultimately became a prison of sorts.

The law exposed our inability to live up to its demands and left us feeling condemned, trapped in a cycle of sin and guilt.

Revelation of Faith

But then, something remarkable happened: the faith that was to come was revealed. Jesus, the Son of God, broke into our captivity and opened the way to freedom.

Through His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfilled the law and offered us a new way to live – a way of grace and faith.

Stepping into Freedom

Embracing this freedom is not a license to sin or to disregard God’s standards. Rather, it’s an invitation to step out of the prison of the law and into the wide-open spaces of God’s grace.

In Christ, we are no longer bound by the constant demand to measure up, but are empowered to live according to a new principle – the principle of love.

Living Under Grace

Living under grace means allowing the love of God to transform us from the inside out. It means resting in the security of our salvation, not by our own efforts but by the finished work of Christ.

As we lean into this grace, we find that our hearts are changed, and obedience becomes a natural expression of our love for God, not a burdensome duty.

Through Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of the law and invited into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Embrace this freedom and live as those who are truly free, empowered by grace to love God and others with all your heart.

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Feb

2024

Unshackled Grace

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” – Acts 13:38 (NIV)

In the bustling marketplace of life, we carry burdens—hidden chains that weigh down our souls. Guilt, shame, regrets—they cling to us like shadows.

But here, in the heart of Acts, a clarion call resounds: forgiveness. Not a mere pardon, but a sweeping liberation—an unshackling of our deepest wounds.

Prisoner Set Free

“Through Jesus…”

Imagine the scene: a weary traveler, stumbling under the weight of guilt. His past, a prison cell; his sins, iron bars. Yet, the proclamation echoes through the ages: forgiveness.

Not earned, not deserved, but freely given. The shackles fall, and the prisoner stands—redeemed, restored. The cross, once an instrument of death, becomes the gateway to life.

The tomb, empty; the grave clothes, discarded. The risen Christ extends nail-scarred hands—inviting us into the dawn of grace.

Whisper of Mercy

“The forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Grace whispers in the quiet corners of our hearts. It speaks of second chances, of redemption woven into our brokenness.

The tax collector, the adulteress, the doubter—all find solace at the foot of the cross. The slate wiped clean, the ledger erased. The Pharisee’s judgment silenced; the sinner’s tears embraced.

The Gospel, not a legal transaction, but a love story—a divine romance. Forgiveness, not a distant concept, but a living reality. The proclamation echoes still: You are forgiven.

Unshackled Life

“Through Jesus…”

As pilgrims on this grace-soaked journey, we walk unshackled. Our souls, once imprisoned, now dance in the light of forgiveness. We extend grace to others, for we know the cost—the crimson price paid on Calvary.

Our words, seasoned with mercy; our actions, dripping with compassion. We bear witness to the proclamation: forgiveness. It’s not a theological abstraction; it’s our heartbeat.

We live as liberated souls, marked by grace, pointing others to the One who sets captives free.

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Jan

2024

Gift of Abundant Grace

Romans 5:17 – For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Contrasting Effects

While Adam’s sin ushered death into the world, Christ came to overwhelm sin with surpassing grace and the gift of righteousness. His redemption reverses the curse with boundless blessings.

Christ more than erased Adam’s damage. He pours out radical grace that takes us further than the original paradise. In Him, we are adopted children given authority to reign.

Far Greater Provision

Imagine being imprisoned for years only to not just be released, but become cherished sons welcomed into the king’s palace with royal rights and privileges. This illustrates God’s lavish grace.

In Christ, we gain far more than was lost. We are co-heirs with Him over God’s estate. As grace is embraced through faith, we are empowered to reign in life.

Thank You for Abounding Grace

Lord, I stand in awe at the super-abounding grace You freely give me in Christ. Thank You for granting me not only pardon but adoption, purpose, power, authority – abundant life. Your grace truly abounds!

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Jan

2024

Far Off to Up Close

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13

Picture yourself standing at the edge of a deep canyon, separated by an immense chasm from someone dear across the divide. You long to be united, but no bridge spans the gap.

This illustrates the vast separation between God and man caused by sin. Our rebellion cut us off from intimate friendship with our Creator. Made in His image but mired in sin, we were lost, helpless, and unable to bridge the divide.

Jesus’ sacrifice provides the only bridge back to God. His blood shed on the cross reconciles alienated souls to the Father. Now we who were once far off have been brought wondrously near through Christ!

Access Granted

Under the old covenant, people could not approach God directly but needed priests as intermediaries. Sinful humanity could not survive His holy presence.

The torn curtain after Christ’s death signified free access to God for all who come through Jesus. There is no longer any barrier, boundary or buffer between forgiven sinners and their loving Father. Not even the holiest person enjoys greater access.

Through His grace, God embraces us tenderly as His precious children. Draw near to Him with awe and thanksgiving for this open-armed welcome!

Adopted into God’s Family

In Christ, we have not only been invited to draw near to God but also adopted into His family. We belong through the bond of rebirth as God’s sons and daughters.

Once unrelated and far off, now intimately connected and loved – this is the miracle Christ accomplished. Outsiders have become insiders, foreigners grafted in as God’s household.

No words can fully capture the beauty of a close relationship with the God the Father. Let us live out this adopted identity as dearly loved children.

Respond in Praise

How will you respond to being brought wondrously near to God through Christ? Offer extravagant praise for His reconciling grace. Worship the God who desired intimacy with you.

And as you bask in closeness with the Father, look around for other prodigals still far off. Become the embodiment of Christ’s love that welcomes them home.

Our Shepherd rejoices over each rescued sheep. Through His blood we have been brought near. Hallelujah!

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Sep

2023

Strength in Adversity

In the narrative of Acts 16:25, we’re offered a glimpse into a powerful moment of perseverance and worship amidst challenging circumstances. The passage paints a vivid picture of Paul and Silas, imprisoned and yet undeterred in their faith, singing hymns and praying to God. This scene holds profound wisdom for us as we navigate the trials of life.

Worship in the Midst of Trials

The verse presents a counterintuitive response to adversity – worship. Paul and Silas didn’t allow their imprisonment to stifle their faith; instead, they turned their confinement into an opportunity for worship. This teaches us that challenging situations need not drown out our connection with God, but rather will draw us to Him! Worship becomes a lifeline that sustains us through the storms of life.

The Power of Perspective

Paul and Silas’ response underscores the power of perspective. While their bodies were confined, their spirits soared in worship. Like climbing a mountain to gain a broader view, worship allows us to rise above our circumstances and glimpse the grandeur of God’s plan. It’s a perspective shift that helps us recognize that our struggles are part of a larger narrative of growth and redemption.

The Freedom of Faith

In this verse, we also witness the paradox of freedom within captivity. Paul and Silas were physically imprisoned, yet their hearts and spirits were free in their faith. This reminds us that true freedom isn’t necessarily about our external circumstances but about the liberation of our souls through Christ. When we anchor our faith in God, we discover a freedom that transcends the limitations of the world.

Singing in the Darkness

Acts 16:25 invites you to reflect on your own responses to adversity. Do you allow challenges to eclipse your faith, or do you, like Paul and Silas, find ways to worship even in the darkest moments? Remember that even amidst trials, your souls can sing hymns of hope, resilience, and trust in your ever-present God.

Apr

2023

Rewards

As we read Revelation 22:12, we are reminded of the incredible promise that Jesus made to us. He said that He is coming soon and that He will bring with Him a reward for each person according to what they have done.

This is a truth that should fill us with both hope and conviction.

When Jesus says that he will give to each person according to what they have done, He is not talking about earning our salvation through good works. We know that salvation is a free gift that we receive through faith in Christ.

However, our works do matter, not for our salvation, but as evidence of it. Our deeds are a reflection of our faith and our love for God.

As we think about the reward that Jesus promises, we should be motivated to live lives that are pleasing to Him. We should seek to do good and to serve others, not to earn our salvation, but out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us.

Our works should be a natural response to the love and grace that we have received from Him.

At the same time, the promise of reward should also fill us with a healthy sense of fear and awe. We know that Jesus is coming soon, and we do not know the day or the hour.

We must be ready at all times, living in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to the world.

Finally, as we meditate on this verse, we are reminded that our ultimate reward is not in this life, but in the next.

The promise that Jesus makes is not for material wealth or earthly success, but for a share in His kingdom. We long for the day when we will be with Him forever, and we live each day with that hope in our hearts.

Be faithful to Him in all that you do, knowing that your reward is secure in Him.

Mar

2023

Humble Savior

As we read in Zechariah 9:9, we see a prophecy that was given long before it was fulfilled. This prophecy speaks of a King who would come to the people riding on a donkey. This King would be righteous and victorious, but He would also be humble and lowly. When we think about this prophecy, we realize that it speaks to the character of our God; Namely Jesus.

God is a God who keeps His promises, and He is faithful to fulfill His word. This prophecy reminds us that God is in control of history and that He has a plan for our lives. Just as He fulfilled this prophecy, He will fulfill all of his promises to us as well.

Furthermore, this prophecy also shows us the character of the King who was to come. He was righteous, victorious, humble, and lowly. This King is Jesus Christ, who came to earth to save us from our sins. Jesus is the perfect example of what it means to be a true King. He is not a King who is interested in power and prestige, but he is a King who is interested in serving His people; proving it by giving His life for them.

As we reflect on the prophecy given in Zechariah 9:9, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, His control over history, and the character of Jesus Christ. Let us rejoice greatly and shout with joy, just as the daughter of Zion and the daughter of Jerusalem did, because our King has come to us and He has saved us from our sins.

Mar

2023

The Purpose of the Law

We often strive to earn God’s favor by doing good works or following a set of rules. However, as we learn from Romans 3:20, this is not the way to be declared righteous in God’s sight. No matter how hard we try, we will never be able to achieve righteousness through our own efforts. Instead, the law shows us our sin and points us to our need for a savior.

The good news is that God has provided a way for us to be declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. When we believe in Jesus and accept the gift of salvation that he offers, we are no longer under the law but under grace. This means that we are no longer judged by our works, but by our faith in Jesus.

This is a humbling truth that should lead us to a place of gratitude and surrender. We can never earn our salvation, but we can receive it as a free gift. As we live our lives in light of this truth, may we be motivated not by a desire to earn God’s favor, but by a desire to love and serve him out of gratitude for what he has done for us.

Mar

2023

Acknowledgement

As a follower of Jesus Christ, it is important to not be ashamed of our faith and to boldly proclaim it to others. In Matthew 10:32, Jesus says that if we acknowledge Him before others, He will acknowledge us before His Father in heaven. This means that if we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior in front of others, He will confess us before God.

We can acknowledge Jesus before others by sharing our testimony and the good news of the gospel. It can be scary to share our faith, especially if we fear rejection or ridicule. But Jesus promises to be with us and give us the words to speak when we are faced with opposition (Matthew 10:19-20).

When we acknowledge Jesus before others, we also demonstrate our love and loyalty to Him. It shows that we value our relationship with Him above all else, and that we are willing to endure any persecution or hardship for His sake. May we always have the courage and conviction to acknowledge Jesus before others, knowing that He is faithful to acknowledge us before His Father in heaven.

Dec

2021

Baby Jesus

Just a reminder; Baby Jesus grew up and became a Man; a Man like no other! He came to earth commissioned by His Father to do something stunning; outrageous; even preposterous!

God’s ONLY Begotten son, would take on human likeness; live perfectly among broken humanity; and at the proper time; a time determined by His own Father; He would offer His life as a ransom. A way to redeem broken humanity from the curse of sin!

That Dreadful Day came, and Jesus did NOT run from it; rather He embraced it; trusting His Father with the outcome. Jesus laid down His own life and the PLAN WORKED!

Jesus is no longer a baby in a manger, but He is the RISEN, POWERFUL, and GLORIOUS Savior; the LION of the TRIBE of JUDAH!

He comes with power, authority and fire in His eyes! Are YOU ready to see Him? Ready to gaze into those eyes of fire and give an account for your life?

Have you fallen in love with the One who redeems, or have you spent your life mocking and poking fun at Him, and those who follow Him? Time is running dangerously low for you to reconsider your position.

Living life with and for the living Christ is an amazing, and fulfilling life, full of joy, hope and especially, love!

Get you some of that!

For Inspirational Nuggets to brighten your day, be sure and visit our Inspirational Nugget page.

Feb

2019

Abide in Me

The word “abide” simply means to remain, or stay put; Jesus used the word in the context of vineyard work. The vine that remains grows, and that vine begins to produce fruit.

Abiding gives us the idea that we are continuing to grow and mature, and just like the vine needs to produce fruit, so do we!

If we don’t produce fruit, then we are not growing and are taking up precious resources from those who are, and we risk being cut off by the Master Gardener!

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:1-8

The first step in learning to abide has to do with faith. When we read the command “abide in Me,” and it is a command, not a suggestion; we know that this is something we can do! God never commands that we do something that we cannot do.

We see this command, and by faith, we begin to abide . . . we stay put in Christ, and as we do, we feel the love and security that comes from staying in Christ. Answers to prayer begin to abound.

As you continue to abide in Christ, you become even more aware of God’s Word, the authority, and power, associated with it, and you begin to realize that with this great gift, comes tremendous responsibility as well.

You will begin to find that something more is required than simple faith; obedience is required. Hear the words of Isaiah . . .

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 1:18-20

We need to be willingly obedient in order to “abide in Him.”

To remain in Christ is to live a life of obedience to His Word; doing anything less will cause you to be a vine that produces no fruit; and according to Jesus, you will be, cut off!

Dec

2017

A Christmas Story

Christmas has arrived so quickly this year! Perhaps it’s the “age thing” or the “busy-ness” of life, whatever the case may be, Christmas is here!

One of the things I like to do each year, to help me spiritually as Christmas nears, is to read and re-read the Christmas story from the Bible.

I often begin reading these accounts in late October and early November. I like to go to the Old Testament and read Isaiah’s account of the coming Savior (Isaiah 9:2 – 7) not forgetting to look at Micah 5:2, for the reference to Bethlehem, as the place of His birth.

I also love the account in the New Testament from Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20, each giving their own flavor to what took place.

While I know I have read these accounts dozens, if not hundreds of times, I never tire of reading them. Each time my heart leaps with joy, and my mind races with wonder, as our great God engages the most miraculous plan ever!!!

I am bedazzled by the audacity of His move. To usher in the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, by allowing Himself to be born and raised by imperfect parents, is beyond imagination! What risk! What adventure! Talk about shock and awe, my God is the author of it all!

My whole being revels in the story each time I read it. I feel as though I was kidnaped by an evil marauding pirate and trapped in a dungeon on a faraway island with no hope of escape.

The ocean was too far and my rescuers could not make the journey. Even if I could escape on my own, I would only be re-captured and sent back to the dark recesses of the gloomy den; only darkness, evil, and despair awaited me! Who would be my rescuer?

Alas, rather than come with warships and armor to my rescue, He devised a plan to enter the dungeon with me, and make the extraction from within, not from without! The plan was risky, fraught with danger!

In spite of the risks; the dangers inherent in this plan, He came anyway!

I recall in vivid details the day I woke up in that dark dungeon to find the Master standing there, with arms open wide, His face beaming with joy, beckoning me to come.

I could hardly believe my eyes, it was Him in all His glory, looking at me, in my sin and disgrace. I could hardly look at Him, I felt so ashamed! I expected words of condemnation, criticisms, and punishment, as that was all I ever received while locked in this frightful dungeon.

Instead, He lifted me up, then gently opened the shackles on my feet and hands. He tenderly began to bring light to my darkened eyes, and we began our journey out of the dungeon into His kingdom.

He has never once been critical of me, has never judged me as unworthy, nor has He spoken evil of me in any way. He continues to be my very best Friend!

How about you? Has the Savior been to your dungeon yet?

This Christmas, as we celebrate the wonder and the joy, let the Master free you, and allow Him the joy of a complete rescue on your behalf; after all, He risked everything for you.

God is Awesome

Sep

2017

Are You for us, or For Them?

First and foremost I am a follower of Jesus; I love Him with all of my heart. You could say that I am a “believer.” To believe in Him is to buy into all He said and did . . . which I do!

Since I believe in Him, I am also keenly aware of the tactics of the enemy of Jesus, namely Satan. Yep, he is real and quite active today. The enemy loves division and is really, really good at promoting it.

It is his tactic to get opposing groups to form strong, unyielding views; to sharpen and divide them to the point of bloodshed if he can. Even a cursory view of history reveals how very good he is at this!

Once the devil gets humanity to the breaking point, he simply stands back and lets us destroy each other; this tactic has worked so very well, it is no wonder he keeps using it!

We need to understand that the cultural battles we are facing today such as; disrespect of flag and country, right vs. left, republican vs. democrat, etc, etc, are all manufactured by the devil to get us to fight. So where does Jesus stand on all of this?

I recall a story out of the Old Testament Book of the Bible, Joshua. God had sent the Israelites to go and take the Promised Land of Canaan.

Great battles were about to be fought and Joshua, a mighty warrior was prepared to get the job done. Here isan excerpt from the Book in the Biblethat bears his name . . .

Joshua 5:13-15

Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.”

Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

This is what we call a Christophany; it is a manifestation of Christ in bodily form, prior to His birth. I find this to be a fascinating encounter. I mean Joshua is ready for a fight, his mind is engaged and he knows that there is going to be bloodshed, as they take this land called Canaan. He sees a Man standing with a sword drawn, and he wonders if this might be the first encounter.

As he approaches the Man, I’m sure Joshua has his hand on his own sword, ready to do battle. Joshua’s question is revealing; “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

The question assumes only two options; if you are for us, then join us and let’s do battle! If you are for them, then I will have to slay you! Joshua has it in his mind that since he is about doing the Lord’s work, there can only be two options; you are either with me or against me; my way or the highway!

God’s response to the question is also revealing; He said; “Neither; but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.”

He said “neither.” Now the Hebrew word that is often translated to mean neither is a very small word, with big implications.

GREEK WORD: Lo; which literally means “NOT.”

Christ was the first to coin that little phrase . . . NOT!

Christ was trying to tell Joshua that whatever he was thinking about Him was NOT.

So when we ask Jesus what He thinks about the situations we are facing we might be surprised at His answer:

Are you for democrats or the republicans . . . NOT
Are you for or against flag burning . . . NOT
Are you for North Korea or America . . . NOT

. . . And on and on we could go! The Bible say’s this about the thoughts of God:

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For the Christian, I think it is time we stop all the petty squabbles and finger pointing; stop with the name calling and boycotting. It is time to take off our sandals and get behind the Captain of the Lord’s Army and follow His lead. It is time to stop taking sides in a battle that has already been won and start working with and for our Captain!

Remember fellow Christian . . . these Words from Jesus

John 17:13-18

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

You are no more a part of this world than Jesus is; so stop acting like it is and start living your life in Christ – Up-side Down! Your home is in heaven, you are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.

Revealing Words

Heart’s Condition

The Need for Transformation

Guarded Tongue

Call to Courage

Perspective Shift

Basis of True Courage

Promise of Protection

Fulfilled Task

Purpose Revealed

Example Set

Ongoing Work

God’s Love

Purpose

Process

Growth

Invitation

Cleansing

Assurance

Nearness

Imprisoned by the Law

Revelation of Faith

Stepping into Freedom

Living Under Grace

Prisoner Set Free

Whisper of Mercy

Unshackled Life

Contrasting Effects

Far Greater Provision

Thank You for Abounding Grace

Access Granted

Respond in Praise

Worship in the Midst of Trials

The Power of Perspective

The Freedom of Faith

Singing in the Darkness

Recent Daily Word

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