UNTO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE!

 

Monday, May 11, 2026

 

UNTO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE!

 

Eph 4:22-25

Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

 

         In Act 1, Scene III of the famous play, Hamlet, Polonius says:

“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!”

 

Christianity today seems to be pretty much in the hands of “Progressives” (otherwise referred to as liberals) because the conservatives (otherwise referred to as legalists) have departed the building. I find my own home-made philosophy resides uncomfortably in the middle. I like the casual attire of the left along with some of the modern upgrades to the worship format. However, at my age, I am unwilling and perhaps unable to abandon traditions. I still use the KJV while reading several other translations. I think that is honest! I still have the nagging feeling that appropriate dress in church is still  appropriate. I think flip-flops, tank tops and underwear worn as outerwear is disrespectful to a God who is clothed in light. I still think that the name “Baptist” is honorable enough to retain it on our church sign and especially in our theology. It is at least as descriptive as some of the modern indistinct names of new church plants.

 

I’m not sure that separatism is always a good thing because it leads to an altered sense of reality. Jesus ate with publicans and sinners while the Pharisees avoided them like the plague. Which was the most balanced? I do, however, demand of myself a strict adherence to firmly held convictions which causes some to withdraw from me. The chill of loneliness because of one’s convictions is not as uncomfortable to me as the frost that settles on my soul when I openly affirm a position which I do not truly hold. I therefore wander through life with my lantern held high searching for truth.

 

Ps 34:13-14

13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

 

Father, let me filter both my thoughts and my behavior through thy Word. AMEN

 

A MOTHER’S HOPE!

 

Sunday, May 10, 2026

 

A MOTHER’S HOPE!

 

Ex 2:1-2

2 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

 

          A goodly child! The Hebrew has no more insight than this into the nature of the child we now know as Moses. The word indicates perfection in physical form and also beauty. Acts 7:20 in the New International Version says that he was “no ordinary child.” But what were Jochebed’s hopes for her son?

 

I was born just a little less than two months after the Nuremburg trials. The war was over and Germany’s ruins were being cleared away by the Marshal plan. Germany had reason now to hope. The birth of a second son at the Abbott house must have filled my mother with hope as well. Mothers always hope and dream.

 

          I wonder if Gospel Ministry was one of Mother’s hopes for me. I’m sure I often disappointed her in many ways. Through the years I tried to paint ministry with the best brush and colors, but mothers often see the blemishes on the canvas anyway. She continued to hope. One day I’ll be reunited with Momma, and we will both know how wonderful God’s plan for her boy really was.

 

          Honor your mother whether she is alive or gone. Exodus 20:12 tells us that there is a promise and a reward for doing so.

 

Dear Lord, please give Mom a hug for me and let her know that we are still working out your plan for my life. AMEN

 

BIBLICAL BALANCE

 

Saturday, May 9, 2026

 

BIBLICAL BALANCE

 

Reading: Philippians 4:4-8

 

Phil 4:4-5

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

 

          The word “balance” appears eight times in the Authorized Version, but it refers to an instrument that measures weight. It does not refer to a balanced attitude or demeanor. For that more modern meaning, we must look at the word “moderation” which shows up only once. That word is the Greek epieikes and it literally means “mild, gentle, moderate and patient.” One commentator has called it “sweet reasonableness.”

 

          We live in a world of aggravated extremes and contention. Each side, convinced that they and they alone are right, is determined to destroy the other opinion and practice. It has invaded all areas of our culture including the church. Its root is selfishness and it is as old as Cain and Abel.

 

          Moderation acknowledges another way without feeling intimidated or threatened. It does not demand its own way. It is loving and accepting without excusing that which is clearly wrong. That which is clearly wrong can be measured by its product. Does a certain practice produce peace or is it divisive. “Sweet reasonableness” is not faring well in modern times!

 

          Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit – the Holy Spirit. Do not expect moderation from the unsaved. Also, do not expect reasonableness from those who are following the world or their flesh. These are incompatible. Oh, and don’t expect to assume moderation in yourself without a fight because “the flesh lusteth against [are opposed to] the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:17) Moderation does not reside in one who is willful and proud.

 

Dear Lord, in a world of angry extremes, let me own and display sweet reasonableness. AMEN

 

NO CONDEMNATION!

 

Friday, May 8, 2026

 

NO CONDEMNATION!

 

Rom 8:1-4

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

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

          The words “righteous” and “righteousness” seem to refer to the conformity to some generally acceptable standard of being and doing. Thayer says that righteousness is “the state of him who is such as he ought to be.” Prior to the giving of the law, cultural custom established what was right and the general population either conformed or not. Non-conformists were “unrighteous.”

 

          The Decalogue, or the Ten Commandments, specifically spelled out God’s standard of acceptable behavior. Within the list are both dos and don’ts. “To be sure, in the days of later Pharisaism righteousness came to be so much a matter of externals that the inner intent was often lost sight of altogether (Matt 23:23); but, on the whole and in the main, Christian thought in all ages has recognized as the central element in righteousness the intention to be and do right.” (from International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.)

 

          Jesus came to change the paradigm of righteousness. Because man had failed in doing, Jesus came to introduce righteousness by being. Now the righteousness without the law is introduced (Romans 3:21). Yet Jesus explained that he did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20). The Law promoted conformity to deeds and creeds while Jesus introduced righteousness through relationship. We who are unrighteous are declared to be righteous through relationship with Christ.

 

          Conformity to God’s standards, obligation to obey, and accountability for disobedience has not been removed but Jesus has introduced a new means of reckoning (Ephesians 2:8-10). Salvation is by grace without conformity to the law, but that relationship does not remove responsibility. We are His workmanship unto (epi) good works. So, while good works do not produce salvation, salvation should produce good works. I am unrighteous but I have been infused with the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This new relationship empowers me and enables me to progressively conform to the image of Christ.

 

Dear Jesus, once again I have failed to explain the incomprehensible. This is as it should be. The grace of God that brings salvation is contrary to every standard of man. Because you suffered, I am released. Because you obeyed, my disobedience is forgiven. Thank you for your wonderful salvation. AMEN

DEALING WITH LOSS

 

Thursday, May 7, 2026

 

DEALING WITH LOSS

 

Ps 34:18-19

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

 

Matt 12:20

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

 

          You have suffered loss. Perhaps a friend or loved one has died either recently or their passing still haunts you. A lost job or a broken relationship perhaps has left you feeling diminished in value and bruised in soul. That is loss.

 

          Your energy is depleted! You have stuck to duties that, by themselves, are not hard but you have had no break between one and another. You are simply tired. Jesus wisely called his disciples away when they ministered so that there was hardly time to stop to eat. (See Mark 6:31).

 

          Take time to grieve! Loss that can’t be recovered requires grief. Plan for it. Find a place to be alone and weep. This is not a time to analyze the reasons or for self incrimination. Neither is it a time to point an accusing finger at others. Simply feel the loss.

 

          Take time to pray! Cry out to God whose gentle nature is not to destroy a bruised reed or to snuff a smoldering lamp. This is not a time to blame God. This is a time to engage God in your own personal pain.

 

          Take time to wait! Disappointment does not last. God is near to those who are of a broken spirit. He will come and rescue you. Wait for it.

 

Ps 27:14

14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

 

Dear Lord, let me spend quality time with you so that my weary heart may rejoice in due time. AMEN

 

REVIVE US AGAIN!

 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

 

REVIVE US AGAIN!

 

Eph 4:22-24

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

 

          The word “revival” appears nowhere in Scripture! The idea of “backsliding” can be found many places, twelve times, and all in the Old Testament! Backsliding almost always referred to Israel returning to the worship of idolatry.

 

          Our concept of backsliding and the need for revival is similar but has to do with a cooling of the love relationship between us and our Lord. The attraction of sin, the “former way of life of the old man”, gradually returns and the zest of the Christian way of life becomes tasteless for us. We begin to change our minds about God. In backsliding, we gradually withdraw from fellowship with God. We begin to give God the “cold shoulder.”

 

Neh 9:29

 …withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

 

          Perhaps it is time for you to be “renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Not just to change the way you think but to change WHY you think that way. The SPIRIT of the mind!

 

          The change is not in mind psychologically, either in its essence or in its operation, neither is it in mind, as if it were a superficial change of opinion, either on points of doctrine or of practice; but it is "in the spirit of the mind," in that which gives mind both its bent and its materials of thought.  -- The Biblical Illustrator

 

Ps 85:6

6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

 

Dear Lord, I sense in me carelessness and coldness in the spirit of my mind. Please revive me again! AMEN

 

ONE HEART!

 

Monday, May 4, 2026

 

ONE HEART!

 

Acts 4:32-33

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

 

Jer 32:39

39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

 

          The early church was able to grow rapidly and accomplish much because each one lent their strength to the common good. The Holy Spirit had most recently come upon all of them and their number had grown from 150 to over 3,000 members. They were energized! They were focused on a goal! No one felt that any of their things belonged to them exclusively. Each one was ready to cast in their tiny bit with the rest to make up whatever was needed.

 

          Selfishness destroys great enterprises! One tiny raindrop alone will soon sizzle and die upon the hot and hard-packed ground but let that one drop be joined by many others and soon a flood appears. The steaming ground is cooled, and the stony earth soon becomes supple and soft. Great enterprises require unity!

 

          We will likely fail if we insist on our own way. Great causes often require great sacrifice. Selfish interests must be put away for a more peaceful time. Today the battle rages and we stand together to defeat a common enemy. The result is that it will be good for all of them and for their children after them.

 

Dear Lord, let me set aside my own self to join others in the cause for godliness and for good. AMEN

 

GENTLE JESUS!

 

Sunday, May 3, 2026

 

GENTLE JESUS!

 

Mark 10:17-23

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

 

          We sometimes joke about evangelists and preachers beating people over the head with the Bible in order to win their loyalty, but we see no such attitude in Jesus. He was the way and the truth but not everyone followed His way or believed His truth. Yet Jesus never preached to be personally offensive. He never pouted when some walked away unchanged. Jesus’ model was gentleness and reverence.

 

          Jesus never argued with those who disagreed with Him. He did ask some leading questions meant to make the subject think! Here He asks: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but God.” In this short question Jesus challenges the man to investigate his own motivation. He also hints that He was God.

 

          Jesus answered a simple question with a simple answer. The man wanted to know what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded that he should never ever, not even once, do anything wrong. The man foolishly said that he had kept every part of the law flawlessly. Then Jesus looked at this foolish man and loved him. Jesus then focuses on the man’s love of his money.

 

          Jesus never lashed out in anger or ridicule. Jesus never challenged the man’s assertion that he had kept the law from his youth until now. Instead, Jesus used common sense dialogue, storytelling and logical debate. The man walked away – and Jesus let him do so.

 

James 3:17

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

 

Dear Lord, let me present the gospel in a persistent and gentle manner. Bless each effort with fruit by your Spirit. AMEN

 

IF IT WEREN’T FOR GRACE!

 

Saturday, May 2, 2026

 

IF IT WEREN’T FOR GRACE!

 

Rom 5:15

15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

 

          A choir song has been running through my head for days! The truth of it is immense and amazing. Where would I be if it weren’t for grace?

 

          Grace is that attribute of God that allows Him to relate to us as though we had no sin. No, it is not the same as ignoring our sin! That produces spoiled bratty children. Grace is possible because the punishment has already been exacted. My debt is paid. Grace is the parental hug after the spanking.

 

          The gift of grace is “by one man, Jesus Christ” and it is abounded unto many. Why only many? Why not all? Certainly, Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all sins and all sinners! The answer is in the word “whosoever.”

 

          “Whosoever” is found 183 times in 163 verses. The final time it is used is in Revelation 22:17 and it is the final invitation.

 

Rev 22:17

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for your grace which was purchased by Jesus Christ. AMEN

 

ROADMAP OR RELATIONSHIP?

 

Friday, May 1, 2026

 

ROADMAP OR RELATIONSHIP?

 

Ex 33:12-14

12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

 

I know of no more troubling topic than the will of God! We want to know details so that we might more fully obey the Lord, or so we claim. Incomplete instructions freeze us in our tracks. Just what is the will of God anyway?

 

IS IT A ROAD MAP?

 

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.

 

Ah! Perhaps the will of God is some heavenly GPS device complete with a voice that calls out each turn. But we all know that this device is only needed when we travel in unfamiliar territory. Most of us never venture very far in our walk of faith!

 

Abraham had no road map. He was a wanderer but everywhere he went was, or became, the way of God for his life.

 

Gen 12:1

12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

 

 

THE WILL OF GOD IS A RELATIONSHIP!

 

Moses said: “Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight. And [Lord, do] consider that this nation is Your people.”  Ex 33:13 (AMPLIFIED BIBLE)

 

Dr. Adrian Rodgers once said: “The will of God is not a road map. It is a relationship! You just simply set yourself apart to do the will of God.” It is not so important to know the “way” as it is to know the “way maker.”

 

THIS RELATIONSHIP REQUIRES A WISE DAILY WALK!

 

Eph 5:15-17

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, [walk carefully, live purposefully] not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, [don’t let opportunities slip away] because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

 

Dear Lord, I want to know your will today so that I may do it. I do not want to be foolishly out of place or to waste time or energy on activities that are not vital. I know you do not want me to be confused. I know you will guide me step by step. I am so impatient. I know you will reveal your will as I need to know it. Thank you for your guidance today. AMEN