In my walk through the bible this week, I paused for a while at Psalm 23.
It’s a wonderful picture of David’s song or recital of the Lord’s care for him. We now as Jesus’ followers possess it as our own status as children of God, relishing in all of its benefits. Let’s “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)
It’s comforting to know the Lord as our Shepherd, someone we can depend upon to tend to us and guide us in a safe direction.
Because we have him, there’s nothing we truly lack. There may be personal desires, but he supplies all our needs. He is not lacking in any provision, so there is no need to fret. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:31-33: “…do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The pastures the Lord makes us lie down in are green, which signifies a place of life and abundance, and the waters he leads us beside are still and peaceful. The fact that he refreshes our souls tells us he revives or restores us; he gives us the strength that we need from day to day. Not only that, but he also guides us on safe paths; we don’t have to go it alone, for his name’s sake–not just for ours. He’s an awesome manager and tender of his flock.
Though we may walk through darkened or gloomy places, we don’t fear evil, because he is with us, and as stated in Hebrews 13:5, promises never to “leave or forsake us.” I imagine a perfect shepherd walking with his sheep and a wolf approaching to harm them. It would not be good for that wolf, as our Shepherd carries a rod and a staff which comforts us.
The rod is used to protect against predators, and as a symbol of authority, also used to correct and guide the sheep. The staff with its hook on the end is to safeguard the sheep, moving and directing the sheep at the shepherd’s will. These tools provide security for the sheep.
It’s interesting that though Jesus our great shepherd is a male, there are female shepherds in the bible. Genesis 29:9 describes Laban’s daughter, later Jacob’s wife, Rachel, as a shepherd of her father’s sheep. Not to mention Exodus 2:16-21, where Zipporah (given to Moses as a wife) and her sisters, tended their father’s sheep, watering them, but were harassed by other shepherds, after which Moses rescued them and watered their sheep.
Not only does this perfect shepherd protect us from our enemies, but he prepares a table for the sheep in the presence of our enemies. This among other things could signify an abundant feast of victory or blessings for the sheep that one’s enemies can actually view.
Moreover, we are blessed to be anointed with oil, not just oil, but overflowing oil that covers our heads. Of course, oil signifies God’s Holy Spirit and may also be seen as His divine appointment.
With all of this we are assured of his goodness and mercy that follow, pursue, track, or accompany us all the days of our lives. What’s more, we reside in the Lord’s house; God’s presence, his church, temple, kingdom or gathering of his children, eternally.
So please remember today, that having such a great shepherd in the Lord Jesus Christ is an awesome privilege for which we should be eternally grateful. Life for us in His care is truly awesome!
At least five years ago, I thought something to myself that I had no idea Jesus would address. I thought to myself, “How would Jesus appear today, on the earth? What exactly would he wear, and where would he go?” The very next night, if not that same night, I had a very vivid dream.
I was in what looked like a welcome center of a modern church. There were at least about 20 people in the area and they were all talking to one another, with one specific group of about six people surrounding one person. I slowly walked over to them to see if I could catch a glimpse of that person and recognized a very strong, and tangible, anointing. The closer I got to that one person, the more each person around him walked away until I stood face to face with a young man who I knew was Jesus Christ of Nazareth in modern-day attire. There was no question as the anointing was so powerful. I could not believe my eyes.
Was I really standing before the Son of God in very casual street clothes? If my memory serves me correctly, He had on a light blue, buttoned-down, striped shirt with loose-fitting blue jeans–very casual. I didn’t notice his shoes, at least I don’t even think I saw them.
Now I believe Jesus can look any way he wants to look and can change his appearance if He desires, but the first thing I thought was how young He looked. I often imagine him looking closer to 40, but he looked like he was in his late 20s or early 30s. He appeared to be about 5 feet 10 inches tall, as it appeared I was looking directly into his face. He had a fairly long nose and almond-shaped eyes, with an olive-toned complexion. The thing that stood out most to me was his hair. It was reddish brown, full, and had large layered curls. I remember thinking he had hair that looked like he’d been to a salon. It was so perfect, it actually reminded me of a woman’s hair. However, I’ve seen some Italian men with this same kind of hair. It was not long but was not super short either–about 2.5 inches long.
As time has passed it is very hard to remember the Lord’s exact facial features, but the closest likenesses I’ve been able to find would be a combination of these two photos:
I was so nervous to even look at him as I kept thinking of who He actually was. It seemed I’d lost all sense of the English language. Surely He would see everything about me from birth: the good, the bad, and the ugly. How could I even look so easily into His holy face? I could barely get out so foolishly, “I can do something for you?” “Ugh, I thought, that didn’t come out right!” And he answered very calmly, “It’s already been done.” “Huh? Already been done?” This was not the answer I was expecting. What did he mean already been done? His death and resurrection? Was that it? I know that’s a lot, but I was referring to me. What did I need to do? Surely there was something He needed me to do. I mean I’ve done some things in my life, but nothing compared to what I think He must prefer me to do. And now I’m hearing it’s already been done?
He then proceeded to walk over to an empty table that was white and looked exactly like a school lunch table. There sitting alone was an older man who looked anywhere from 70 to 80 years of age. He looked very disheveled, maybe homeless, and very depressed. I’ll never forget how he looked so sad and broken and no one sat with him or talked to him. Jesus went over and was just about to sit with him when my dream ended. I thought, “That would be Jesus, always caring and compassionate toward those we might least think to engage first.”
I still think of this dream from time to time and upon trying to make some sense of Jesus’ words, I remembered John 6:28-29: Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” This always baffles my brain as I feel like God is worthy of so much from us. Nevertheless, I fall short of delivering all that He deserves, but will continue to praise Him for all He is and all He does.
Now it’s obvious the Bible has given us all kinds of teachings regarding God’s standards for Christian living as born-again believers, as well as the consequences of sin. Yet we still have the privilege of the remarkable scriptural realities that:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
“And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6)
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
In addition, I’d be wise to remember:
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,..” (Titus 2:11-12)
“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” (Romans 2:13)
“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Romans 6:22)
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13)
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” (1 Peter 2:16)
God is so good that He is ever compassionate, merciful, and kind. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)
I thought this week how awesome it is to be viewed by God as blameless. I understand this word to be defined as someone who can’t be accused of doing wrong or who walks faithfully with God.
Its Hebrew word is tamiym, meaning without defect, innocent, guiltless, or inculpable. Also, naive, whole, honest, and simple. The Greek word is amemptos, which is free from fault or defect, or without blame.
We know the stories. These are some people who God described as blameless: Noah (Genesis 6:9), Job (Job 1:1), David (2 Samuel 22:21–26), and Elizabeth and Zechariah (Luke 1:5-7). David was even described as a man after God’s own heart. These folks were human, as we all are, yet they possessed the qualities of a blameless person.
We know Noah as the man God tasked with the job of building a huge ark as protection from a massive flood that would overtake the earth.
Job was the man whom God highlighted to Satan regarding his impeccable character. Yet he was tested and lost everything he had, but remained faithful to God, later receiving even more than was lost.
Then there is David, who among other things, was a committed worshipper of God, full of faith in God’s word and protection.
Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron, and Zechariah, a Levitical priest. Elizabeth and Zechariah were a couple who were faithful to God and prayed for many years to have a child. However, they weren’t able until God blessed them with a son, named John, a great prophet who would preach about Jesus Christ, the Son of God to make people ready to receive Him.
What I’ve gleaned from reading about these blameless people of faith and commitment is that they were rewarded with great blessings from the Lord for their obedience.
God saved Noah and his family from the horrendously destructive flood, made his family fruitful, and received Noah’s worship, restoring God-fearing worship to the people of the earth.
David reigned as king of Judah and Israel for 40 years. He was a powerful and successful military leader, who had a son named Solomon who is described as the wisest man of the bible.
Elizabeth and Zechariah, after the angel Gabriel’s visit and message, and many years of prayer, finally received the baby they had prayed for–though naturally–Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and the King James version of the Bible describes them both as “very old.”
Fast forward to today, as those who choose to love the Lord, we have some scriptures we can faithfully hold close, as we await meeting Jesus face to face:
“He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9)
“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” (2 Peter 3:14)
This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.” (1 John 4:17)
Amen! Let’s study the bible to find out what Jesus looks like and make the effort stated, to be found blameless in His sight.
“Down through the years, I turned to the Bible and found in it all that I needed.” ― Ruth Bell Graham
Life is good and life is wonderful, but as we’ve probably learned, a godly life does not totally exempt us from challenges or problems.
Thankfully, our difficulties help allow us to experience God as our refuge and deliverer from the temptations, trials, and troubles that seek to make us fearful and ashamed. Just as Jesus received God’s deliverance from the devil’s temptations with the speaking of our Father’s scriptures, we can also do the same. What’s good is Jesus was ministered to afterward as often we are. This confirms that God is not far from us and His power is great.
Lovingly, He has provided us with His scriptural warnings so that we are helped more than hurt when life gets tough. Proverbs 26:24-28 is a passage of warning that presents a disturbing reality of the deception of those who pretend to be our friends but are not:
“Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts, they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it: if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
These words weren’t written to be scary or negative, but in love to warn God’s people of the craftiness of deception. Deception is not easily seen as it is masked. Therefore, don’t expect it to be openly recognizable. It looks and sounds wonderful and accommodating. However, we need the Lord’s discernment working in us to detect that which is not obvious and well hidden.
Deception is real and can be discerned by the Holy Spirit through our own spirits and through the study of the Bible. Yet sometimes we choose not to trust our discernment, but believe the lie for any number of reasons. May God give us the courage to use the wisdom He’s given us to adjust our lives accordingly.
The Christian life has many blessings. However, there are those things we must be warned about that can be harmful to us if disregarded. God has warned us of these issues in Scripture. So we must not forget His instructions as they serve to protect us from unnecessary trouble.
There are many warnings given to us in the Old and New Testaments of the bible. A few of them:
Forgetting God – Deuteronomy 8:10-20
Foolishness – Proverbs 6:1-19
Adultery – Proverbs 6:20-35
Adulterous Woman – Proverbs 7:1-27
Trusting in Riches – Proverbs 11:28
Hypocrisy – Matthew 6:1
Unforgiveness – Matthew 6:15
Worry – Matthew 6:25
False Prophets – Matthew 7:15
Teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees – Matthew 16:12
Deception – Matthew 24:4
False Christs – Luke 21:8
Spiritual Drunkenness – Luke 21:34
False Doctrine – Romans 16:17
Consequences of Evil Deeds – 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Unwise Living – Ephesians 5:15
Lukewarm Christianity – Revelation 3:15-19
Warnings help to keep us from spiritually or physically injuring ourselves. We need them to keep us on the narrow path toward heaven. Whether we get these warnings through the Bible, the Holy Spirit’s promptings, or a God-fearing friend, we should appreciate them. They are not meant to harm us though sometimes we may feel uncomfortable receiving them. Also, we show love when we care enough to caution to others.
In any event, Jesus reminds us that nothing hidden will remain secret. So we can trust the faithfulness of His Holy Spirit to “lead us into all truth.” (John 16:13)
“Where can peace be found? All I want is peace!” No doubt, this is the cry of many hearts in this day and age. With all the clamor of the day’s troubles and unrest amidst mass shootings, weather disasters, food recalls, job layoffs, pestilences, scandals, etc., peace is what we all want.
Achieving a level of peace where there is no worry for what each day may bring is available to those of us willing to humble ourselves to accept the solution. He is described in the Bible as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). His peace is not like the peace we find in this world. His is a supernatural peace that far surpasses what we can manufacture.
God’s peace is one fruit of the Holy Spirit freely given to men to enjoy. We know peace on earth to be freedom from disturbance or calmness. However, God’s supernatural peace provides this calm even in the presence of disturbance or trouble.
We who accept and love the Son of God, Jesus Christ, have peace with the Father, God. This peace was declared in Luke 2:14, “… on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Then when Jesus left the earth for heaven, He stated, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
Therefore, we can put our confidence in the fact that, per Philippians 4:6-7, if we determine not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God; the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
We should ask ourselves if we truly have the peace we desire in our lives. If not, we should simply ask the Lord for it. We should study our bibles to remind ourselves of His promises regarding peace as well as be aware of those things that rob us of it. We should be watchful as our enemy loves to lie, manipulate, and cause stress at every turn of our stories’ pages.
So we must seek and allow the Lord’s authorship of our stories, freely relinquishing all to His care, trusting Him to fulfill His promise of peace to us. His ways most certainly won’t fully be our ways, as His kingdom is not of this world. However, we can even ask for help with this, that we would trust His ways for us are just and secure though we may not always understand them.
Though I am grateful for all of the ways the Lord continues to provide financial abundance to His people, I’m reminded to embrace His perspective on the value of money. Almighty God who has all power and authority understands well what’s most important as relates to resources for His children. He has promised throughout the Bible to take good care of His own and encourages us not to worry about things such as what we’ll eat or wear.
Knowing who God is as much as we are able, should help us to feel a great measure of confidence in His care for us, as His children. He knows our propensity towards greed and misunderstanding of what is most important in our lives. As such, He tells us in Matthew 6:19-24 not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where those things can’t reach them.
He also tells us that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. So one thing we can gather from this is our focus will be on where we’ve placed our treasure. Is it on heaven or earth?
The Lord goes on in this passage to remind us of the importance of our eyes as they are the lamp to our bodies and their health will determine the health of our body. How and what are we seeing: darkness or light? Are we discerning who we are actually valuing most: money or God? I have to ask myself this question often. We’re reminded we can’t serve both (which I’ve sometimes been inclined to wonder why not?) God answers we will be devoted to one over the other. If we have two masters, one will get more attention than the other. One will be loved more than the other. Same with God and money.
I asked God what it actually means to serve money, and He immediately led me to Luke 12:21: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” This was the result of the parable of the rich fool in Luke 21, who had such an abundant harvest thought, that he had no place to store his crops. So, after reaching a great increase, he’d tear down barns he had, build larger ones, then after years of great increase relax, eat, drink, and be merry–yet only to die unexpectedly.
So, it is to our advantage to remember that “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” It may not be held as the most popular wisdom of today, but Jesus warned us in Luke 12:15, to “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Thankfully, God has also provided wisdom in his word about saving money and how one should give:
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11)
“Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up…” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:12-13)
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Though people within and outside the Body of Christ have debated long, with scriptures, over the paying of tithes today, we see that God has a great love for His church and we should be willing to support it.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)
““Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”(Mark 12:41-44)
Another observation I’ve made in scripture regarding giving is God’s strong passion for poor people:
“Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14)
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. (Proverbs 14:31)
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. (Proverbs 28:27)
In any event, God has given us many teachings on money and perhaps one of my favorite verses on it is, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) This means we’re set and don’t really have a care in the world. The Creator of heaven and earth is with us. We simply have to believe it!
Now I must mention that in this day and age, as was in the past, there are many charlatans, false prophets, and wolves in sheep’s clothing who use methods of intimidation, manipulation, and deception to steal from God’s people. However, again, remembering who is with us, listening to the Holy Spirit’s voice, and availing ourselves of God’s wisdom and knowledge through prayer and Bible study, will keep us in the way of truth.
In this, I’m also reminded of Matthew 23:1-3: “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” Reading this, it may be that we have some questionable leaders sitting in Moses’ seat in our churches. However, even when giving to God via those who may be hypocrites, as we receive the authentic word of God’s Bible from them, He will reward our actions of obedience.
In our giving we can rest assured that according to 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, “…he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
Our aim is a simple instruction in Luke 6:38: “Give and it will be given unto you pressed down shaken together and running over will men give unto your bosom.”
To all of this, my reply would be, Lord, “turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” (Psalm 119:36)
Do you know that you are an overcomer? As one who believes and abides in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, you are! You overcome the annoying trouble and evil of these last days because of the greater one who lives inside of you. That’s something to praise the Lord about! Give glory to God, though the weapons may form, they won’t prosper against us!
The Greek definition of overcome in Strong’s Concordance is to conquer, prevail–nikao/nike– “victory”, properly, conquer; to carry off the victory, come off victorious. Merriam-Webster’s definition: to get the better of: surmount; overwhelm; to gain the superiority: win.
The Lord is faithful to give us examples of this word–overcome–in the Bible, and I’ve highlighted a few that I find especially important to remember.
In Matthew 16:18, we find God’s message to his disciple, Peter, after he declares Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” It shows the foundation upon whom the Lord would build His church and the power of its existence; that even Hades itself would not be able to defeat it.
Another occurrence is when Jesus speaks to his disciples in preparing them for events that were to come, relating to his departure from the earth, as He was soon to return to His Father in heaven: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33)
Jesus wanted to encourage His beloved people with the fact that, though he would be leaving, he’d send an Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, and though they’d experience grief, it would be turned to joy. Also, they would be able to ask the Father, in Jesus’ name, for whatever they desired and they would receive it.
Though the author never revealed himself by name, it is believed that the book of 1 John was written by the apostle John who wrote in 1 John 2:13, “I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.” John, in this event, is describing his reasons for writing them and addresses loving other believers, not loving the world, or denying Jesus, and sin.
In 1 John 4:4, the apostle referred to the spirit of the antichrist which was coming and even then was already in the world. In this passage, John taught the believers how to recognize the Spirit of God and how to recognize false prophets. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 5:4-5, shows us that “.. everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” These verses are pretty clear about who overcomes the world. So if we’ve accepted Jesus as the Son of God and have become born again, acknowledging Him as our Lord, what does that make us?
In light of what God has already done by sacrificing His Son as the atonement for our sins, and having grafted us into His wonderful family, how do we practically overcome these evil and last days upon the earth? The answer may not appear as one would immediately think, as perhaps war and revenge might surface first. However, Romans 12:21 tells us “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” But how?
Romans 12: 9-20 gives us an interesting view of overcoming:
Love sincerely.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, the Lord will repay.
If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If your enemy is thirsty, give him something to drink.
I’m reminded of an event in the Old Testament that speaks of overcoming when feeling inadequate because of the perceived lack of the tools to succeed; an awesome revelation of God’s purpose, plan, and outcome to a young prophet, Jeremiah. “They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 1:19)
This was a portion of the Lord’s word to Jeremiah beginning with the Lord stating how before He had formed him in his mother’s womb, He knew him and set him apart. The Lord’s reply to Jeremiah’s concern of not knowing “how to speak” and being “too young” was that He had appointed him, told him of what was to come, to get ready, to say whatever he would give him to say, and not to be afraid. Surely, we all can note lessons from this word.
Further, we have the benefit of overcoming in Revelation 3:4-5: “… They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life[sic], but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Then, in Revelation 3:21: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Moreover, Revelation 12:10 speaks of “the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, and has been hurled down.” Then Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Some Bible translations use the word “overcame” versus “triumphed”.
In any event, authentic believers are overcomers; which brings to mind the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:20-21: “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
As we experience the events of our present and future times, let’s hold close to our hearts Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Photo:Associated Press and EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer
It’s absolutely fascinating what God has provided for those who love Him. I wonder how anyone would not want a relationship with Him. Sometimes, I just want to count our blessings.
So graciously, our Father has given us:
Jesus Christ–His Son, the atoning sacrifice for our sins, who is the Lamb of God, yet King of kings and Lord of lords. He is also wonderfully known as Immanuel (God with us), Prince of Peace, Savior, Our Good Shepherd, Redeemer, the Bread of Life, and Light of the World, among other names. He’s provided forgiveness for our sins, with the ability of repentance and sanctification, along with new mercies, daily. He’s our ever-present help in times of trouble.
The Holy Spirit–the power of Himself living within us to be witnesses for Christ, and to live a holy life before the Lord. He’s our Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, and Spirit of Truth among other blessings. He’s the presence of God within us; providing His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Also, He’s our security in knowing He’s resident inside of us, and sees, hears, and faithfully assists us toward His will for our lives. Furthermore, He’s made available His presence for experiencing the joys of protection, prayer, counsel, companionship, and abundant compassion and mercy.
Eternal Life–now and forever, as our spirits, and later our transformed bodies, live with Him for eternity, never to experience death again.
Bible Promises–the Old and New Testament scriptural guarantees and covenants as blessings and warnings to help us live successfully for Christ.
A Heavenly Home–the loving care of living luxuriously forever in the Kingdom of Heaven, a home of unimaginable pleasure, and total freedom from all evil, sickness, and pain, with God and other families of believers from the beginning of time.
A New Heaven and New Earth–a new planet, still called Earth, and a new dwelling called Heaven, that our God will create for His and our enjoyment. And we think the old are spectacular!
TheExperience of Glorious Events–adventures of awesome glory that include the catching up of God’s people to live with Him, the return of Jesus to the earth to battle evil, and the Millennial Kingdom.
These are just a few blessings I’ve mentioned. Are there any others you can count?
Ever think about who or what we as individuals represent? Thankfully, the Bible tells us that believers are ambassadors for Christ, beloved children, a chosen race and royal priesthood, and God’s workmanship among other things. (2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 2:10).
However, sometimes, in our attempts to live as faithful Christians, we struggle with the battle between flesh and spirit, desiring to do what is good, but not carrying it out. Yet God is faithful to walk with us and counsel us as we represent Him effectively on the earth.
It’s important to note that the Bible tells us that 1 John 2 was written so that we will not sin, “but if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous one. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.“
So, as Christ’s representatives, loving is important, and understanding what it means to love is critical. The truth is seen in Christ and us: loving one another and living in the light, versus hating one another and living in darkness. Further, His Bible tells us the word of God lives in us and we have overcome the evil one! Now, our message as ambassadors or representatives of Christ is “Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20/NIV).
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19/NIV)
In addition, where there’s no place like home, as representatives of Christ:
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18/NLT)
“Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.” (Colossians 3:19/NLT)
“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20/NLT)
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17/NLT)
Embracing 1 Peter 2 of the Bible can be a tough pill to swallow, yet it is forever necessary. Perhaps the hardest action within it is submitting to every human authority, not only the good and considerate, but those who are harsh. The Bible is very clear on this instruction in 1 Peter 2:13 and 18. Moreover, this behavior is deemed in the Bible as “for the Lord’s sake” and shows a “reverential fear” of God.
This passage of 1 Peter 2, starting at verse 11, urges us to abstain from sinful desires, and to live good lives so that people will see our good works that glorify God even though we might be accused of doing wrong. We’re told that in doing good, we silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Also, it’s comforting to know that, the Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:16 that we are to live as free people, but not to use that freedom to cover evil. Our aim should be to live fully submitted to God.
In addition, we’re encouraged to show “proper” respect for everyone. This entails: loving our family of believers, fearing or reverencing God, and honoring the “Emperor,” or for us today, the head of government. Further, we are shown in verse 20 that it is commendable before God if we suffer for doing good and endure it. And we all know that Christ modeled suffering well for us, that we might do the same.
Moreover, “He committed no sin and no deceit was found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22) We are now encouraged to even love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them which despitefully use and persecute us (Matthew 5:43–44).
Furthermore, the Bible reminds us that when people cast insults at Jesus, he didn’t retaliate, and when he suffered, he didn’t make threats. Who doesn’t know this to be a major temptation to threaten someone who is harassing you? It does indeed take a dying to self to act as the Lord did when encountering offenders or submitting to someone in authority who may be rude and prideful. Yet it may offer some solace to know the Bible tells us in Matthew 18:15-17 how to handle an offense among spiritual family:
““If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
Well, we know how Jesus treated Gentiles and tax collectors–with grace and truth–remembering when, in one passage (Luke 3:12-13), we see Jesus instructing two tax collectors who came to be baptized, not to collect more money than was required. Also, in Matthew 9:9-13, we see Jesus choose Matthew, a tax collector seated at his booth, to follow Him as one in the first group of his disciples. So we still see the Lord offering a gracious chance for a relationship.
Further, we are reminded of God’s grace toward us in Romans 11:17, “And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.”
Also, Romans 13 gives us a very clear view of the authorities that God has established and how we are to relate to them. We are told that there is no authority except that which God has established and those that exist were established by Him. As a result, if we rebel against them, we rebel against what God has instituted and bring consequences on ourselves. So, when all is said and done, we are given the freedom to decide if we will include God’s Holy Spirit and His principles in our choices.
In his mercy and wisdom, God allows us the ability to make choices in employment, homes (buildings, cities, states, countries), schools, spouses, churches, purchases, etc., and with those choices, the responsibility to submit to the authorities ruling those areas, thereby choosing our officials.
When there is error or negligence in those choices we’ve made, there is God-given wisdom available through the Bible, wise counsel, and prayer on how to rectify those situations. Sometimes the remedies may include separation or staying and making adjustments. Nevertheless, our actions should be in a spirit of honor and respect for God’s word in keeping the right attitudes and representing Him well. Though imperfect, we are not without hope or help.
Hence, all of these things assist us when contemplating the obedience required in submitting to those in authority over us. Thankfully, we can look to our Lord for help in carrying out his instructions remembering “He bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24-25) We’ve been healed by his wounds so that though we were once going astray, we’ve now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
Now, submission is for all of us as Ephesians 5:21 tells us, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” So, though it may be very difficult at times to follow Christ’s example of submission, we can do it. Let’s help each other through it!
Ms. Rita's Minute 