BUT NOW!

 

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

 

BUT NOW!

 

Rom 3:19-21

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

 

          The product of the law was not redemption but universal guilt. This guilt proved the universal inefficacy of self-improvement and self-redemption. “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.” It was never the purpose of the Law. The law only points out sin and by doing so produces guilt. Guilt is the first step to redemption.

 

          The righteousness of God without the law presumes the subject has acknowledged that he can’t save himself or even improve himself. The righteousness is God’s and not ours. The Law’s mission and ministry was so that every mouth may be stopped; that every excuse might be rejected.

 

          Guilt gives way to accountability once excuses are removed. I become conscious that there is a Judge of my character and behavior and that there are consequences. I stand before Him with the knowledge of my sin and with no remedy. I am accountable but have nothing with which to pay my debt. I will surely be punished.

 

          Righteousness required becomes righteousness provided. It comes from the stores and reserves of another who is righteous and has righteousness to spare and share. The Prophets and the Law testify to the righteousness of Messiah. This righteousness is offered to the guilty by grace and it is received by faith. None is preferred or excluded. It is available to all. Justice was poured upon the innocent Jesus so that mercy might be extended to the guilty.

 

Rom 3:27-28

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

 

Rock Of Ages

 

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the Law that made me guilty and for your own righteousness that made me free. AMEN

 

THIS IS WISDOM

 

Monday, April 13, 2026

 

THIS IS WISDOM

 

Ps 119:99

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

 

Deut 4:5-6

5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

 

Isa 30:21

21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

 

The world is full of experts and there is no lack of advisors. There seems to be, however, a lack of wisdom. The dictionary definition of a quandary is to be in a state of perplexity or doubt. I’ve been in a quandary many times surrounded by a multitude of counselors. Is there a sure reservoir of wisdom? Is there a safe haven for decision making? The Psalmist recommends the Word of God.

 

The art of meditation is lost, I think, to technology. There is no quietness or solitude because every question, no matter how deep or puzzling, has an immediate answer waiting at the tip of our thumbs. I enjoy a cup of coffee on the front porch swing with the mist still on the roses and the birds praising God for their daily food. Too often there is no time for it.

 

The Hebrew word for meditation indicates not only reflection but devotion. The word means to muse, contemplate, ponder and even to plan. The Bible gives us an advantage over our enemies, our teachers and the sages. Because the Bible is a living book empowered by a living Spirit, it speaks to me personally. It affects me mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The Psalmist gives us the best commentary in the following Psalm.

 

Ps 119:103-105

103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

Dear Lord, as I make time to meditate upon your Word and your ways, make me wise in a confusing world. AMEN

 

WHILE THEY BEHELD!

 

Sunday, April 12, 2026

 

WHILE THEY BEHELD!

 

Acts 1:7-11

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

 

           The message of the angels was like that at the garden tomb. The angels seem almost amused by our reaction to things which are common among the spirits. “Why seek ye the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5) Now we hear “Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?” What they had seen was now gone. What they were looking at was sky. It is hard to fathom the emotions of the moment, and one wonders, had the angels not intervened, if the disciples would not still be standing there.

 

           They nearly forgot their mission and that power, dunamis or dynamite power, would soon be given to them. This power would be both the desire and the ability to do the will and work of God! What would it be like to do the will of God without reluctance? What would it be like to do the work of God without weakness? 

 

           The angels announced that He would return “in like manner.” While we are watching and seeing nothing He will come. That day can’t be long in tarrying if His coming is conditioned on the wickedness and weariness of this world. The time between the ascension and the advent of the Holy Spirit was filled with fellowship and eager anticipation. So, it should be now while we wait for His return. Let us fellowship together in eager anticipation.

 

Dear Lord, there is a longing in our heart that is hard to define. We look for you with eager anticipation. Come quickly. AMEN

 

TAKING UP OUR CROSS!

 

Saturday, April 11, 2026

 

TAKING UP OUR CROSS!

 

Matt 16:24-26

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

 

          All three of the synoptic gospels records Jesus saying: “If any man will come after (or follow) me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross.” Luke adds the word “daily.” Following Jesus is not for wimps but risk takers.

 

1.      The Cross is PERSONAL!

 

It is YOUR cross. The cross of discipleship and service is not some naturally occurring inconvenience. It is more than a rainy day that spoils a picnic. My cross is so personal that nobody else can carry it.

 

2.      The Cross is REDEMPTIVE!

 

I believe that ministry does not happen unless the minister suffers some kind of loss so that the recipient can enjoy some kind of gain. Jesus’ cross redeemed the sinner, but Jesus was without sin. The one hanging on the cross suffered loss so that we might gain.

 

2 Cor 8:9

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

 

3.      The Cross is an INVESTMENT!

 

Mark 8:35-36

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

 

Those who are overly protective of this earthly life will ultimately lose it anyway. Those who recklessly invest their earthly life to do ministry will not lack life. Those who hoard earthly stuff will ultimately lose it but those who lay up treasure in heaven will never lose their investment.

 

Matt 6:19-21

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

 

Dear Lord, I don’t have much but it all belongs to you. Use both me and my stuff to make gains for your kingdom. AMEN

 

TOXIC PEOPLE!

 

Friday, April 10, 2026

 

TOXIC PEOPLE!

 

Luke 15:14-16

14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

 

          There are prodigals all around us. You know the kind. Everything they think is wrong and everything they do tends to trouble; either for themselves or those around them. They are toxic, poison! How did they get this way?

 

          The above scripture, of course, is a snapshot of the man we call “the prodigal son.” He had a loving father and a nurturing environment on the family farm. He was due to inherit a portion of it – but not quite half because his older brother would inherit more. Perhaps this was his aggravation! At any rate, he decided to cash in his portion and set off on his own.

 

          Toxic people are often selfish people. There is a swirling vortex of resources that ends with them. They are a black hole of consumption. They suck up riches and spit out poverty. They are takers and not givers. They are spenders and save not. They expect everything and contribute little.

 

          Toxic people are often foolish people. Ruin and debris are scattered all around them from the catastrophic results of foolish decisions. They are almost comic in their foolishness. Those who befriend them are wounded. Those who are kind to them suffer pain.

 

          Toxic people are needy people. They are transient because they ruin every home they find.  Life deteriorates around them while they blame others for their plight. They are void of accountability and shun responsibility. They cause others pain while they seek pleasure.

 

          Toxic people may still be rescued. They may “come to themselves.” Some Sunday school songs may yet ring in their ears. Some poem or casual remark may trigger a remembrance of a life lived long ago. Even the “John 3:16” sign held aloft behind the goal posts during an extra point attempt goads them to change. In the end the misery far outweighs any pleasure they sought, and the memory of golden days haunts them. They decide! They rise! They devise a speech of confession: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (Luke 15:21)

 

          Toxic people, who repent and return, may yet find a welcome. The father watches for them – seeing them afar off. The father runs to him and meets him. The shoes, the robe, and the ring were not rewards for wickedness. They were symbols of restoration. God, the Father, is ready to welcome you too.

 

          Are the circumstances of your life bitter to you and those around you? Have you acted selfishly? Have you chosen foolishly? Won’t you “come to yourself” and come home to your Father? He’s waiting for you.

 

Dear Lord, I know the pain of my own foolishness and the pleasure of being welcomed home again. Thank you for your patience. Speak loudly and clearly to the prodigals today. AMEN

 

SO EASY!

 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

 

SO EASY!

 

Heb 12:1-2

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

           Some of us carry a little bit of extra weight! The Greek word for “weight” used in verse one is ogkos and literally means “a mass or a bulging.” Yes, I can see it in the mirror! It is hard to shed and makes it difficult to climb stairs much less running a foot race! Of course, some weights are used for strength training. These weights are cast aside when the real competition starts so that the runner feels lighter and stronger. Either way, extra weight hinders our progress.

 

           We all have that one personal and pesky sin that seems to have no trouble defeating us. The word “easily” has the idea of “always standing around.” This one, frustrating sin has been forgiven and forgotten more times than we can remember but it always returns. It just stands around waiting for an opportunity to trip us up again.

 

           Interestingly, the Greek word for “witnesses” is martus which is the foundation of our word martyr. The idea is that our Christian walk is being witnessed by those who have given their lives while serving Christ. It is an invisible but formidable audience. Moreover, we are being watched by others who would copy our deeds and habits.

 

           The transition from Romans chapter 7 to chapter 8 is an amazing turn around. In chapter 7 Paul describes himself as personally out of control. He could not keep from doing wrong and he found it hard to do right. Chapter 8 has a completely different focus. The reason is the verses below.

 

Rom 7:24-8:1

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

Dear Lord, help me to lay aside every weight and THE sin which seems always to be standing around. AMEN

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

John 21:1-6

21 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

 

          Both Matthew and Luke end their gospel with Jesus giving his Great Commission. Go ye into all the world was the final command and it has not been rescinded. John, however, personalizes it with this story. Simon Peter, who denied that he knew the Lord three times was the first to express the thought. Thomas, who first doubted but was then given amazing personal evidence of Christ’s resurrection was there. Nathanael, who wondered if anything good could come out of Nazareth was present along with the Sons of Thunder. These all decided to go fishing.

 

          Little is known and much is speculated about their motive for fishing on this day. We can imagine that even after all they had witnessed, they still had no direction. We could compare it to a graduate who clutches his diploma or degree and says: “Ok, now what!” But a lack of clear direction never kept Peter from leading. He says: “I go a fishing.” The others agree to follow.

 

          Now that Jesus has died and rose again just what are you going to do with all that you have learned and experienced? Christianity was in danger of dying before it ever became a movement because the followers did not know how to transform experience into a lifestyle. Indeed, many today leave a wonderful experience only to look for another experience. Their lives have not changed. They return to fishing, but it is not the same. They catch nothing.

 

          For Peter, there was some unfinished business. His denial must be dealt with and Jesus dealt with Peter in the most tender yet forceful way. Three times he denied, and three times Jesus urges him to “feed my sheep; feed my lambs; feed my sheep.” This was based upon Peter’s crippled love.

 

          The ship represented the division between the old life and the new. “Cast your nets on the other side!” The result was that they caught many fish. The point is obvious. Without Christ life is fruitless. With Him things are much different. Now that Easter is over, and as the experience begins to fade, let us live like a transformed people.

 

Dear Lord, Peter’s life would never be normal again. Let it not be normal for me either. AMEN

 

WHAT THOMAS MISSED!

 

Monday, April 6, 2026

 

WHAT THOMAS MISSED!

 

John 20:18-28

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

 

          For whatever reason, Thomas was not present with the others at the first appearance of Jesus. Jesus showed up quite unexpectedly, so no announcement had been made. This, I think, points out the fact that the most common church service can turn to tremendous an unexpected blessing and when we choose to miss church, we chance the possibility of missing something wonderful.

 

          Thomas missed the fellowship of the other disciples. The disciples were assembled behind closed doors. Each one expressing his own fear of the Jews. Each one drawing strength from others who thought they had none. Thomas might have been encouraged by his friends, but he missed it.

 

          Thomas missed the first amazing appearance of Jesus. The doors were closed but Jesus came through doors and walls. He missed the first pronouncement of peace. Because of this he endured eight more days of indecision, doubt, and turmoil.

 

          Thomas missed the first presentation of Jesus’ hands and side. The very thing that Thomas demanded was given eight days before. Was Thomas really more doubtful than the rest? No, but the others had the advantage of a previous encounter with Jesus.

 

          Thomas missed receiving the Holy Spirit. Eight days earlier Jesus had breathed on the others and had given them the Holy Spirit. He also missed the commission; the “so send I you.” Thomas missed the clarification by Jesus of the importance of their mission. “Whosesoever sins you remit [to send forth] they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain [to hold fast] they are retained.” Thomas missed the overwhelming responsibility of mission.

 

          Thomas was given another opportunity. He was singled out personally and invited to thrust his finger into the nail holes, but for Thomas it was no longer necessary. He knew who addressed him and he said: “My Lord and my God.”  By our casual and careless attendance to important things we miss very much. Today has its own store of blessings. Don’t miss it!

 

Dear Lord, thank you for extending to us second and even third opportunities for blessing. AMEN