A friend recently questioned my exhortation that men of God should carry their Bible's to church. He felt that I was encouraging men to be religious and legalistic. So I explained myself further...responding that he would be exactly right if I was simply asking men to put their Bible on display, as if carrying a Bible to church was somehow an indication of their holiness. But that is not the case...
Today's devotion asks the question, "What's in your hand?" and I could not help but think of my Bible. Throughout the Scripture, the Word of God is referred to as our "seed." Seed that, when planted, will always bring forth a good harvest.
We are called to be sowers of the Word, and we need to go forth with our "bag of seed" in hand...ready to plant.
So...What's in your hand? The incorruptible, imperishable, living Word of God! There is power in the Word...go forth and sow it!
Monday, November 29
Saturday, November 27
A Saturday View of Black Friday
If the 70 years or so of life here on Earth is all there is, we would live as though it is all there is. We would have no need for grace, let alone allow ourselves to be changed by it.
We would measure success by the size of our homes, the price of our cars, and the amount money we have in the bank. We would bust through the doors of stores at 4 in the morning (after standing in line for 3 hours) to get great deals on more stuff, even though we already park our cars in the driveway because our attics and garages are already full of stuff. On the way there, we would be joined by countless others doing the same thing. We would drive past numerous other people, also up all night because they are hungry, homeless, or grieving.
I wonder what might happen if only half of the time, money, attention, and effort that Christians devote to Black Friday were used to proclaim the gospel, minister to those in need, and otherwise show the face of Christ in our increasingly Godless American culture. Will we ever know as long as so many Christians lead lives that are largely indistinguishable from those who do not claim to follow Jesus? Sadly, most Christians will seek a good deal with far more fervor than they will seek the heart of God.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 states, “…if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ….” Looking at how so many brothers and sisters in Christ respond to Black Friday, it is clear that the god of this world is blinding a good number of believers too.
We would measure success by the size of our homes, the price of our cars, and the amount money we have in the bank. We would bust through the doors of stores at 4 in the morning (after standing in line for 3 hours) to get great deals on more stuff, even though we already park our cars in the driveway because our attics and garages are already full of stuff. On the way there, we would be joined by countless others doing the same thing. We would drive past numerous other people, also up all night because they are hungry, homeless, or grieving.
I wonder what might happen if only half of the time, money, attention, and effort that Christians devote to Black Friday were used to proclaim the gospel, minister to those in need, and otherwise show the face of Christ in our increasingly Godless American culture. Will we ever know as long as so many Christians lead lives that are largely indistinguishable from those who do not claim to follow Jesus? Sadly, most Christians will seek a good deal with far more fervor than they will seek the heart of God.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 states, “…if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ….” Looking at how so many brothers and sisters in Christ respond to Black Friday, it is clear that the god of this world is blinding a good number of believers too.
Tuesday, November 16
Diligence Pays
In today's ODB piece, "Daily Diligence," David C. McCasland reminds us that Christ provides us with the example and the means to live and minister with power and excellence.
When facing a challenge or undertaking anything of importance, I often hear a voice inside my head telling me, "You can't do it." In the past, that voice would serve to discourage, diminish, or derail my efforts. I still hear that voice of doubt from time to time, but through diligence - consistent, focused, earnest effort to discern the will of God for my life - I have learned from where that doubt comes, and am learning how to overcome it.
As a result, I've taken on more things than I could have ever imagined, including some things I truly can't do on my own. By spending quality time in the presence of God, becoming armed with the truth of His Word and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, I am coming to understand that "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).
There is indeed power, wonder-working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb!
When facing a challenge or undertaking anything of importance, I often hear a voice inside my head telling me, "You can't do it." In the past, that voice would serve to discourage, diminish, or derail my efforts. I still hear that voice of doubt from time to time, but through diligence - consistent, focused, earnest effort to discern the will of God for my life - I have learned from where that doubt comes, and am learning how to overcome it.
As a result, I've taken on more things than I could have ever imagined, including some things I truly can't do on my own. By spending quality time in the presence of God, becoming armed with the truth of His Word and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, I am coming to understand that "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).
There is indeed power, wonder-working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb!
Tuesday, November 9
Self-imposed limitations
Whether it is self-control, self-restraint, self-help, self-improvement, self-development, self-discipline, or the like, any exercise starting with the prefix "self-" is going to be limited. The limiting factor is identified in the prefix.
Sure, a person with enough determination and/or talent can make remarkable gains and orchestrate what some would consider a good life. But such a life pales in comparison to a life in grace and doesn't lead to eternal life. Who possesses enough self-sourced goodness to not be bent toward selfishness or to at least occasionally satisfy his or her carnal appetites?
The key to victory is found in Jesus, Who by "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Sure, a person with enough determination and/or talent can make remarkable gains and orchestrate what some would consider a good life. But such a life pales in comparison to a life in grace and doesn't lead to eternal life. Who possesses enough self-sourced goodness to not be bent toward selfishness or to at least occasionally satisfy his or her carnal appetites?
The key to victory is found in Jesus, Who by "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Wednesday, November 3
It Can Never Happen To Me
Our reading today is taken from Psalm 30 and it is a powerful message: God is there to help us in our weakness…even when we have sinned against Him.
I would like to recommend that you read about the incident that potentially led to David’s plea for help. Take the time to Read 1 Chronicles 21:1-30.
A little background: The devil tempted David to take a census (v1). And although David knew that it would not be pleasing to God, and against the counsel of his military commander, he took it anyway. Now, there were consequences for his sin…but consider the mercy of God as you read the story. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
“My God, please help us to always be mindful of our total dependence on you. You are a God of love and mercy. And even when we make mistakes…You are there to pull us out!”
I would like to recommend that you read about the incident that potentially led to David’s plea for help. Take the time to Read 1 Chronicles 21:1-30.
A little background: The devil tempted David to take a census (v1). And although David knew that it would not be pleasing to God, and against the counsel of his military commander, he took it anyway. Now, there were consequences for his sin…but consider the mercy of God as you read the story. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
“My God, please help us to always be mindful of our total dependence on you. You are a God of love and mercy. And even when we make mistakes…You are there to pull us out!”
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