WHAT’S STAMPED ON YOUR PASSPORT?

 

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

 

WHAT’S STAMPED ON YOUR PASSPORT?

 

Heb 11:13-16

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

 

2 Tim 2:4

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

 

 

          We Americans see the world through glasses that are tinted red, white, and blue! I heard from a missionary to Africa who said he would rub the American logo from his passport cover so that he would not have so much trouble at border crossings. He does not wear USA branded clothing with flags and such. He is a stranger and a pilgrim. He is a soldier in the army of the Lord.

 

          Strangers are visitors, guests, and aliens in a foreign country. All around they see a culture that is not their own. So it is, or rather should be, with every believer. We are to be holy as He is holy because the atmosphere of our country is holiness. We now live in a world of wickedness. Let us not forget what country is stamped on our passport!

 

           Pilgrims are resident foreigners for so is the rendering of the Greek word parepidemos. A pilgrim establishes a colony of his own countrymen in a foreign land. In every large city you can see places that are called Chinatown or little Italy. In our world we call them churches. These are small communities of believers each owning the citizenship of heaven.

 

          Soldiers are to conquer and occupy! As a soldier he must focus on his assignment which, as a believer, is to make disciples. Soldiers gain and hold ground. The soldier longs for home and endures the hardships of conflict so that he may please his Captain. He knows that one day he will be going home.

 

          Do you feel the strangeness of the world you are in? Does your spirit long for heaven? Do you crave those times when you may come together in a community of believers so that you may escape the culture of the world and enjoy the culture of Christianity? Don’t forget what is stamped on your passport!

 

Dear Father, I long for home and for the language and culture of heaven. Help me to remember that I am a stranger, a pilgrim, and a soldier. AMEN

FREE FROM OR FREE TO?

 

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

 

FREE FROM OR FREE TO?

 

Rom 6:20-22

20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

 

          Subtle differences make the two words “free” very different indeed. In the Greek, the first “free” is the word eleutheros and means “to go at pleasure.” W would say, “to do as you wish.” The second “free” is eleutheroo which is a similar but different word and means “exempt from moral, ceremonial, or mortal liability.”

However, it does not free one from doing what he or she should.

 

          The New Testament was written to a culture in which slavery was common. Paul dealt with the social problems relating to how a slave and a slave owner should treat one another if both became believers in Christ. It is easy to imagine that a once rebellious slave might become docile, and a once harsh owner might become kind. Knowing Jesus makes such a difference.

 

          You need to know that your free ticket to heaven is not free at all. It was purchased by the sufferings of the Son of God. It was a horrible price that He willingly paid because he saw value in you. Paul explained that, now that we have been made free from moral liability, we are free to serve Christ willingly.

 

1 Cor 6:20

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

 

Thank you, Lord, for paying a price I could not pay. AMEN

DO YOU WANT TO?

 

Monday, August 29, 2022

(a classic)

 

DO YOU WANT TO?

 

Ps 37:4-5

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

 

          In one of Jan Karon’s beloved novels, retired but fidgety, Father Tim was presented with an opportunity to return to his former parish. It was exciting and sounded perfect but, after a few days of prayer and seeking guidance, his adopted son asked a simple question: “Do you want to?” Suddenly he realized that he did not want to. Some decisions are as simple as that.

 

          Some today are weighing major life changes. They have been presented with either challenges or opportunities. I have learned through the years that every challenge is an opportunity, and every opportunity has challenges. Sometimes it comes down to “Do you want to?” Three caveats are present in the above verses, and we should mention them in order.

 

          Delight thyself in the Lord! Warren Wiersbe says, if we truly delight in the Lord, then the chief desire of our heart will be to know Him better so we can delight in Him even more, and the Lord will satisfy that desire! This is not a promise for people who want "things," but for those who want more of God in their lives. Simply put, God pays attention to those with whom He has deep connection and affection.

 

          Commit thy way unto the Lord! The verb means "to roll off your burden" (1 Peter 5:7). Let God carry your concerns. Let God choose your career path, your life partner, and the direction of your life. His wisdom is far above our own. His strength never fades.

 

          Trust also in Him! The idea is to “be silent and still.” God speaks in whispers and there is so much clamor in our life we need solitude and silence to hear Him. Meditation is a lost art and even some church services have become loud and assaulting to our ears and mind.

 

          When you pray, understand that God knows your heart and wants to give you your heart’s desire if your delight is in Him. Commit your cares, concerns, and path to God. Trust Him! He is already at work to bring it to pass.

 

Dear Lord, let me delight myself in Thee, commit my way to you, and trust you completely. Then I will be given the desires of my heart – even if I do not clearly understand what those desires are. AMEN

JESUS WENT TO CHURCH

 

Sunday, August 28, 2022

 

JESUS WENT TO CHURCH

 

Luke 4:16-19

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

 

          It was customary for Jesus to attend worship. Yes, it was a habit. It was developed over time – and time again – but it was intentional. It was not a thoughtless activity without purpose or product.

 

          Jesus understood the need and the benefit of corporate church worship. It heals the brokenhearted. It liberates those in spiritual captivity. It refocuses the spiritual sight and discernment. It binds up the bruised and dries tears. It turns mourning into laughter and lament into song. Yes, Jesus went to church.

 

Dear Lord, let me not yield to the limitless excuses offered to me by the Devil. Let me worship in your Holy Place today. AMEN

WHO IS PRAYING FOR YOU

 

Saturday, August 27, 2022

 

WHO IS PRAYING FOR YOU

 

Acts 10:1-2

10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

 

          Please read the tenth chapter of Acts because it is too lengthy to include all of it here. It contains the story of Cornelius who, evidently, was a conscientious praying man but not fully informed regarding Christ. BUT HE PRAYED.

 

          Peter had no desire to share the gospel with the “unclean” (See Acts 10:14). Peter went up onto the housetop to be alone and TO PRAY. While praying, God revealed to Peter that he should call nothing unclean that God had, or would, cleanse. It was life changing!

 

          These two PRYERS collided in purpose and product. Peter’s opinion was flipped, and Cornelius’ faith was brought in line with truth. BECAUSE BOTH PRAYED.

 

          Our prayer life may be fervent but confused, like Cornelius. We may have a strong desire to know what God wants from us but, so far, it remains cloudy and incomplete. KEEP PRAYING.

 

          Maybe we are like Peter who had carried his prayer list to a quiet place where he would pray for the same things in the same way with no apparent answer expected or received. KEEP PRAYING, but God may burst your prayer bubble with something new and challenging.

 

          Do you know who is praying for you – and what are they asking God to do for you? Oh, yes! Someone is praying. Perhaps you should too.

 

Acts 10:34-35

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

 

Dear God, create in us a thirst for praying. Align our hearts with your own and surprise us with amazing answers. AMEN

WHITER THAN SNOW!

 

Friday, August 26, 2022

 

WHITER THAN SNOW!

 

Ps 51:7

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 

          The King had sinned and then sinned yet the more to cover the first. He was the king, but the King of Kings would not allow his sin to go unchallenged. Oh, what a meeting when Nathan pointed his prophet finger at him and boldly proclaimed “Thou art the man!” Oh, the flood of hidden guilt when the dam of denial burst, and all the festering fear spewed forth.

 

          David sought a refuge in God! He had spun a web of lies but the truth could not long be hidden. David pled for mercy and cleansing. The reference to hyssop may recall the cleansing of the leper in Leviticus 14 but we see it first in Exodus 12:22 on the night of Passover. Hyssop was dipped into the blood of the Lamb and splashed on the lentil and doorposts. Those cowering behind that blood-stained door were safe.

 

          We dress to impress but our sins are not hidden from the eyes of God until the hyssop and blood splash over us.

 

Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,
Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;
To get this blest cleansing, I all things forego—
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 

Refrain:
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow,
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 

Dear Lord, I am not hidden from Thine eyes. Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. AMEN

PRINCIPALS NOT PROFIT

 

Thursday, August 25, 2022

 

PRINCIPALS NOT PROFIT

 

Matt 6:31-34

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

          The phrase “take no thought” is from the Greek merimnao and it means anxious care. Our society is very familiar with this emotion because we have become a world of consumers in which the “bottom line” is the only line we read. We have put the tail before the head and have abandoned the principal things.

 

          Principals are defined as those things that occupy the first place in our thoughts, plans, and actions. Scruples are defined as feelings of doubt or hesitations regarding the morality or propriety regarding certain actions. Convictions are firmly held truths. These three are often blended or braided together to provide the anchor rope for our character. Those who have abandoned these three things defend their position by casting dispersion on those who have retained them.

 

          Identify what is first, what is of greatest value, and what is longest lasting. Without moral fiber or the boundaries these provide, one might conclude that the most profitable way to spend an hour is bank robbery! For the more safety conscious, begging might provide a meager living. However, there are few things quite as safe or satisfying as honest labor.

 

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, [those things most highly valued] there will your heart be also.

 

Most Holy God, let me not be drawn away by either fortune or fame. Help me to label each piece of life with the proper price. AMEN

GOD HAS NOT ABANDONED YOU

 

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

 

GOD HAS NOT ABANDONED YOU

 

Isa 6:1

6 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

 

Ps 46:1

46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

Ps 23:4

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 

          Why did Isaiah mention the death of Uzziah? Well, why not? Uzziah had reigned in Judah for fifty-two years and it was a good and prosperous reign. The political fiber of the nation was strong and moral and upright. However, toward the end of his reign, he proudly decided to enter the temple and burn incense upon the golden altar (see 2 Chronicles 26:16). Government had overstepped the boundaries reserved by the church. Uzziah was resisted in his efforts by Azariah and 80 other priests. Uzziah was suddenly struck with leprosy and lived out the remainder of his days in a common house for lepers. He was buried in the field of the kings but in a grave that was off to itself; lonely and isolated.

 

          It was at this time that Isaiah was perhaps seeking God in a time of great trouble. There was much loss to mourn. Who would rise up to assume leadership after this good king? The tragedy of trespassing upon God’s business had, once again, reminded the nation that God was sovereign. All these thoughts and more were swirling around Isaiah’s head.

 

          It was in such a time that God revealed Himself. He was seen as He always is; high and lifted up, full of glory and worshipped by angels. This has been the scene since eternity past and will continue throughout eternity future. Isaiah did not see a new event but rather a snapshot of heaven. It was stunning.

 

          In the light of the glory of God, Isaiah now saw the sin he had hidden from himself. The pretense of self-righteousness had been melted away in the glow of pure holiness. Later Isaiah would see all man’s goodness as “filthy rags” which is a reference to the rags of the lepers. Perhaps this is a glimpse of the end of the life of Uzziah who was once clothed in royalty but died in leprous rags. Isaiah now saw himself as vile and feared to compare himself with the holiness of the God he now saw with fresh eyes.

 

          “What shall we do?” will be the cry as every knee bows before God. Those who bow early find cleansing for their sins and a new purpose for their lives. They are invited to hear the voice of God and share in His concerns. They are invited to volunteer to make a difference and to say: “Here am I, send me.”

 

          Political unrest and moral decay is not unique to our nation or our time. It is a symptom of sin, a human condition,  and will not be cured till the King of Kings rests upon His throne. It is an opportune time to see God with fresh eyes, to find cleansing for our sin and new purpose for our lives.

 

Dear Lord, we live in fearful times. Reveal yourself in holiness so that we may be healed of our ills. Give clear direction so that we might find new purpose. AMEN

I CAN DO IT

 

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

 

I CAN DO IT

Phil 4:12-13

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

KJV

 

          Paul told the Philippians that he was experienced in struggle, failure, and need. He had felt both winter’s chill and summer’s heat and he had found his peace in the balance that Christ provides. To abound and to suffer need were all the same to him because he had climbed upon the cross with Jesus.

 

Gal 2:20-21

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: [by attempting to work for righteousness] for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

 

          To be dead, and therefore unresponsive to the advertisements of sin, yet animated by the Holy Spirit placed Paul in a neutrality that few of us attain. In Christ and Christ within, gave Paul a proper view of his riches, his education, and his cultural advantages. Where was pride then? On the cross!

 

          Complaining was inappropriate since Paul had experienced a history of God’s adequacy. Whenever there was an empty place that needed to be filled, God poured into it abundance. Wherever an overflow needed to be disbursed, God showed him where it should be poured out. Need was not Paul’s problem. Greed was not Paul’s prerogative. God was his quartermaster.

 

God, if you say I should, then I must. If you say I must then I know I can. AMEN

FULLY INVESTED IN THE MATTER!

 

Monday, August 22, 2022

 

FULLY INVESTED IN THE MATTER!

 

1 Sam 14:6-7

6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

7 And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

 

While King Saul lounged under a pomegranate tree with 600 men, Jonathan, his son, went out looking for a skirmish with the Philistines. Jonathan took with him an unnamed soldier who carried his equipment. It is this unnamed soldier that attracts my attention and my admiration today because he said, “I am with thee!” It meant that he was fully invested in the matter. He would win or lose, live, or die, as a result of his decision.

 

1. There is a worthy cause!

 

The enemy must be engaged and there can be no victory while shading oneself under a pomegranate tree. Too many believers in the church fail to understand the insidious nature of our enemy. There is no negotiating with him and there are no treaties he will keep. His plan is total conquest of our soul.

 

2. God is not limited by numbers!

 

A garrison was a fixed and fortified military position, a command post. Jonathan's resolution arose from the strong conviction that Israel was the nation of God, and possessed in Jehovah an omnipotent God, who would not refuse His help to His people in their conflict with the foes of His kingdom if they would only put their whole trust in Him.

 

3. There is a fine line between faith and foolhardiness!

 

It’s not our methods but our Master that determines the difference in our conflicts. God has commanded and allowed some very unorthodox methods in times past. Joshua marched around Jericho and shouted. God knocked down the walls! Gideon’s vast army was reduced to just a few men who did nothing but break pitchers, hold their lamps high and blow trumpets. God defeated the enemy while Gideon held the light. Jonathan believed that there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

 

4. Substantial victories require substantial risks!

 

See the unnamed soldier servant crouched beside his captain? He makes a bold declaration risking his very life in the outcome of what might be a foolish venture. He says behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

 

In every church there are those who have pushed all their chips to the center of the table waiting on the turn of a card. What would we do without those who were fully invested in the matter? Still others fold and abandon the game. Will you say to your Master “Lord, I am with you according to your heart?”

 

Dear Lord, the commitment is mine to make. The outcome is yours to give. I trust you, Lord. I am fully invested in the matter. AMEN