To say that Christ has won is an understatement. He has literally crushed, obliterated, and stands on the head of every adversary we may face today. The world may think they have won but Jesus will flip the script on them every time and show who He really is. He has “disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross,” (Col. 2:15; NIV). His enemies are being made a footstool at His feet (Hebrews 10:13; NIV). He is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords and will conquer everything and everybody that tries to war against Him (Revelation 17:14).In case you haven’t figured it out yet, WE ARE ON THE WINNING SIDE! Be of good cheer!
It is found in the driver that lifts their foot a little off the accelerator that you may pass safely into the lane of traffic. It is found in the one who would still dare to hold the door open, just because. It can be found in the one who will return your grocery cart for you, gives you a kind word, helps you in myriad different ways, or just send a smile in your direction when you least expect it.
The kindness of strangers . . . I don’t think we pay attention to how often and how many ways each of us gets to experience this blessing from heaven.
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) has long been a topic of study among believers, and with good reason. It best helps us to display the same characteristics that Christ displayed in our own lives. He taught and also lived out what true kindness was all about. He not only spoke about it through His words, but He lived a life of compassion toward people (Matthew 9:36-38). And as such, calls us to do the same.
Some of the noted characteristics of this fruit is found in the words gentleness and goodness. These words teach us to be kind to one another (something we have learned in our elementary years but has seemed to pass from our understanding as we grow in life). And they teach us to respond to others with the best of all that is in us with a generous and right spirit, even when others may not deserve it.
Today, you will most likely encounter many strangers along your path. Why not be the one that shows a certain measure of kindness, just because. Love them like you know them.
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” Colossians 3:12
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“And every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn,” Isaiah 54:17
Where to begin! The Bible covers so much about the tongue, its power, and its effect that you would think we wouldn’t have to keep teaching about it and relearning these lessons over and over again.
Yet, here we are. Why? Because the tongue can be so hard to control (Ja. 3:8). Which of us is not guilty of having loose lips at one point or another? Which of us has not felt the sting of a sharp tongue?
God guards His word, but He also hears our words and how they are used. More than that, He sees how words are used against His people.
The hurt that tongues let loose on others can be described as lashing or scourging (Jb. 5:21) in the pain they cause. The psalmist recognized that the “strife of tongues” is something we need to be protected against (Ps. 31:20) because of the damage wrong words, especially words of accusations, can cause.
While it is easy to remember that God is mindful of us (Ps. 8:3-4), we must also remember that there is not a foul word spoken against us that gets passed Him. God is the protector of not only your life but your integrity.
When David experienced the wicked schemes of others against himself, one thing he prayed about was the hurtful way they used their tongue like a serpent’s bite, full of poison (Ps. 140:3). Demonstrating faith in God, he prayed, “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor,” (Ps. 140:12).
Yes, dear friend, the same God who knows even the very hairs of your head is the same God who is aware of every word spoken against you, and God will defend.
In the meantime, let us be mindful to choose wisely our own words with wisdom from above (Ja. 3:8-17).
“For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.” Psalm 31:13-14
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” Proverbs 11:13
“A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.” Proverbs 12:23
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29
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“Fret not thyself because of evildoers…” Psalm 37:1
When wrong is called right, and those that do right seem to suffer, what do you do? When adversity comes because of wicked advancement, how does one respond?
As it is often true in life, how we see things with our natural eyes; they do not tell the whole story of what is. The truth of what is is that it may seem that prosperity belongs to those who pursue greatness and success at the expense of others, but they are the most pitiful of all. What they climb to achieve on the backs of others will soon wither and fade with time. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Therefore, in all that we see, the psalmist encourages us not to become worried. The fate of the wicked is set: “For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb” (Psalm 37:2). But you, my friend of faith, are to “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed” (Psalm 37:3).
You are to “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4).
You are to “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5).
God sees you: “The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever” (Psalm 37:18). And God is here for you: “But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble” (Psalm 37:39). Therefore, fret not thyself.
Uncertainty. If it is not a word on many lips, it’s a word that many are feeling in their hearts. A bothersome restlessness that leaves one’s thoughts in an upheaval of mess because they just don’t know what’s around the corner next. Will this happen or that is a question many are asking.
Worrying about our times and futures seem to be among many normal conversations of the day. Not that any can blame one for expressing their concerns regarding the menagerie of mess that seems to be swirling around us. With so much hanging in the balance, making many feel like their load is going to capsize at any minute, what can we, as individuals do?
In the natural, I think the most any of us can do is prepare as best as we can with the means we have available to us. This will not look the same for each of us. For many, these times bring greater stress than for others and it really stretches one beyond their comfort zone.
There are just things that we as individuals cannot control. We just can’t. And the constant worry and stress over it gets us nowhere.
Then, there are things we can control, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to others.
Physically, everything is dependent on what a person is able to do or not to do. But the preparation for a better spiritual future is the same for everybody and is not dependent on any earthly resources, means, or ingenuity. The greater spiritual outcome we hope to obtain, and the heavenly reward up ahead is only dependent on what Christ already did on the cross for us, and us choosing to believe and accept Him and follow Him with our whole heart and our whole life, for He is the only way to experience that greater future. Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven (John 14:6).
As we watch the news and look out into this world, we may scratch our heads wondering what this world has come to. It’s hard for us to digest some of the despicable acts of human nature. It’s hard to see evil running rampant. It’s hard to see innocent people being hurt. People making wrong choices. Disfunction knocking on so many doors. It’s hard to witness what this world has come to.
It’s also hard dealing with some of our own personal issues and struggles. And the word “uncertainty” seems to just get bigger, and bigger, and bigger, and bigger, taking on a life of its own.
While uncertainty in the here and now seems to keep growing for myriad of reasons, in Christ, we really do have a future that is certain, secure, and real. It’s better than anything we can prepare for or lay up in our present-day. For everything here will pass away one day and all that will matter is the future we have prepared for in the time to come.
John, in the book of Revelation, wrote, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sin,” (Revelation 21:1).
One thing is certain, all that we see with our natural eyes will one day be gone for good. Our hope is to be in what we have laid up for spiritually. Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” (Matthew 6:19-21; see also Luke 12:34; read Luke 12:33-44).
While many are so focused on the here and now, how many are living this life for that life to come?
I’m in no way bashing being prepared and taking steps to secure things needed for family and friends. Rather, I want us to examine the focus of our hearts and where our treasure truly lies. Putting more stock in the here and now will not ultimately profit us (read Luke 12:16-21). We must ask ourselves, are we worried about being more “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21) or toward the things of this world?
Live this life for the life to come and no matter what takes place down here, you will have a greater reward, a greater treasure up ahead that will never fail you or be taken away from you. The word “uncertainty” doesn’t exist there.
There, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away,” (Revelation 21:4).
There, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son,” (Revelation 21:7).
There, “The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it…” (Revelation 21:24).
There, in that heavenly place, “There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads,” (Revelation 22:3-4).
While uncertainty may remain here, there in heaven, will be nothing but blessed assurance, peace, beauty – everything good, right, and holy.
Live this life for the life to come and your preparedness will not be for naught, and your treasure will never be misplaced or lost.
“For those who honor Me I will honor,” 1 Samuel 2:30
One day, some years ago, I remember when my son accompanied me to the grocery store to do some shopping. He was wearing his military uniform at that time and when people saw him they kept stopping him to shake his hand, to talk to him, or to tell him to keep up the good work. They were proud of him. They honored him for his service.
You know, as a mom, how I felt. I really thought it was something special for people to recognize him and his service to our country in that way. As much as I love the many fields in which one can be honored (military, teachers, firefighters, police officers, and many, many others), no one deserves our respect and adoration more than God. It is customary to stand to our feet when a judge enters a courtroom and there is a hush in the crowd when they bang that gavel. What about God?
Too many go through their day without ever considering the fact that hey, He is God, and He should be before all others. With that realization in hand, I want my life to reflect that great truth. I want every word, every action and every thought to magnify the greatness of who He is and all of His glory. When I go about my day I want people to see Him in me. Do I make mistakes? Oh, yeah! But, I have a goal. I aspire to do better and to be better every day. God has been so good and wonderful to me, and I feel that as His child the least I can do is showing Him the honor due Him.
“Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,” (Ps. 29:1-2). These two verses have been among favorites of mine for many years now. When you think of “giving to the Lord” one realizes just how futile our efforts can be because of His vast greatness. But, something that each of us can give is honor. Not only can we gift it to Him, but it is a gift that He in turns honors.
“For those who honor Me I will honor.” Our God is an appreciative God and He believes in rewarding them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). If you don’t like the returns you have been getting in life examine what you have given. And let me make myself really clear at this point. I DO NOT want you to see the above statement as to how you can get something from God. These things will happen because it’s what the Bible promises. It’s a residual effect of obedience. Instead, I want you to just focus on God because He is God and not what you can get from Him. Just honor God because He is WORTHY!
Self-sufficiency is a statement of pride. It’s the belief that whatever is going on and whatever we are facing or are trying to do is going to happen because of us. It says that I am more than enough by myself and, “I’ve got this.”
While self-sufficiency is a mark of pride, I see it also as a teller of fear. The fear to let go. The fear to give up control. The fear to not let another in your world to help you along the way because nobody can do it like you can and it’s hard to invest the word “trust” into someone else.
But, as a child of God, all that we have in our relationship with Him, is based on trust. That’s why it’s considered a walk of faith. Faith doesn’t know all the answers for today, better yet tomorrow. Faith can’t really grasp exactly how this is all going to turn out, but faith just presses on. Even though it doesn’t know all the ins and outs of everything, faith just continues to believe.
It believes in the One in whom the trust is deposited more than anything else. It is sure that somehow, someway, God is going to turn this thing around and make “all things work together for good,” (Romans 8:28). This faith is so confident that it knows that we can prepare for and learn about how to win in the day of battle; we can go through all the steps and check off the lists to each one that will secure our victory – but, ultimately it all means nothing because our “deliverance is of the LORD,” (Proverbs 21:31, NKJV).
It’s good to be proactive in life and want to get things done, for God has never been a promoter of the lazy and lackadaisical. But in our pursuit to “do,” we have to make sure we “don’t.” Don’t give pride a foothold and don’t believe more in self, than God. For only in Him and with Him can our true deliverance be found.
Most often, when one thinks of healing, the mind automatically seems to focus on physical healing from an ailment or disease. While that is true, there are other areas of life and of the person that needs healing as well. Any area where there is a deficit or lack, any area that experiences brokenness and is need of restoration is a place that needs the healing touch of the Lord in it.
I am moved by the many times I see Jesus’ real concern for what people are going through and dealing with when He reaches into their lives with His healing touch. From the time when sin and brokenness entered into this world, God has been in the healing and fixing business.
In Ezekiel 47, we see a future prophecy of a river flowing from the sanctuary that healed the places where it flowed (vs. 6-12). While that healing will come as a result of us stepping into eternal life to live with God forever, when I see those mental images of Jesus healing people throughout the stories represented in Scripture while still here on earth, that leads me to believe that what’s flowing from the sanctuary in our future is available to us now in our present circumstances or crisis.
Christ is the source of everything we need for our future and present healing, for both physical, and all the not so physical ailments we deal with (emotional, spiritual, etc.). “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5).
In Matthew 11, Jesus invites us to “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (vs. 28-30).
For every burden, Jesus has become our sanctuary from where all our healing flows. He told the woman at the well, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:10, 14).
No matter what area of our lives need healing and restoration, Jesus Christ is our sanctuary from which all the answers for our brokenness flows.
A rumbling in the tummy would be easy to satisfy for some. But, what of the hunger for something greater?
All hungering is not bad. All hunger shows there is a lack somewhere that needs to be filled. All hunger says I have something in me that needs to be satisfied.
For that, I say, hunger on! For only when one is truly starving for more than what they currently possess do they allow that gnawing desire to push them to find a source of fulfillment.
Who doesn’t want a life characterized by fulfillment? Who doesn’t want to feel completely satisfied? Especially when it comes to our spiritual walk; a walk that says, in everything I have Lord, if You’re not in it, then I am empty. My life is nothing.
If the hunger is for more of the glitter and gold of this life then it is truly to be better without. For that hunger can drive you to places and things that will leave your soul starving. But, my friends, if it is more of Him that’s your desire, come, partake, and be satisfied for “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled,” (Matthew 5:6).
Let your desire drive you toward God. Let Him be the only quencher of your longing for everything.
Run! Grab Him that is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and eat. Take your fill and don’t stop till you look at Him through the eyes of eternity, and say, now soul, you are full. For you have taken of Him fully and fully you shall live forevermore.
Father God, fill us up with more of You. Let everything that You are, be the satisfaction that everything in us is looking for. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
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