HEALING THROUGH FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is paramount to the Christian life. I saw the reality of that truth when a dear friend, who had a progressive disease, became very ill and was hospitalized. Though I had been faithfully praying for her, I saw no change. I then asked God why her health was not improving. The Holy Spirit spoke into my spirit, “She refuses to forgive her husband.” That connection between healing and forgiveness was a new reminder of the power that God releases when we forgive.

God takes forgiveness very seriously. As Jesus’s mangled and bleeding body hung from that cruel cross, He cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34 KJV). Therefore, “…whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25 NIV). Despite Jesus’s unimaginable physical pain, His priority was to ask God to forgive the very ones who had put Him on that cross.

That same day, I went to the hospital to share with my friend that while praying for her healing, I had asked God why there had not been a positive change in her health. I then told her that the Holy Spirit anwered, “She will not forgive her husband.”

My friend angerly acknowledged that what God told me was true. With tears, she confessed that her husband had given her a venereal disease which caused complications, thereby, severely compromising her immune system.

I prayed for her and then shared the healing power of forgiving those who emotionally and/or physically injure us and how my willingness to forgive that person became my greatest gift to myself. I then asked if she would be willing to forgive her husband. With fire in her eyes, she shouted, “I will NEVER forgive him!! To my great sadness, she passed away the next day.

Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV). That translates to 490 days—about 16 months.

Years before my conversation with my friend, I had bitterness and hatred towards an individual who had hurt me to the point of suffering PTSD. One day, I cried out to God to heal my heart and mind. His Spirit gently spoke into my spirit, “You must forgive.” I responded, “HOW do I forgive? I have been saying, “I forgive ___,” but it has not changed the constant painful memories of what I suffered.” I then heard in my spirit, “It is not enough to say, ‘I forgive.’ You must pray every day for that person until you are free from bitterness, and emotional and mental torment.”  

My journey in forgiveness began with half-hearted prayers, but as each month passed, I noticed that my prayers were becoming more compassionate. Then one day in the 11th month (330 days) of praying daily, I began to cry uncontrollably as God revealed the brokenness, confusion, and childhood trauma that had formed the behavior of that angry person. Suddenly, compassion and forgiveness overwhelmed my heart.

I was finally free from the heavy weight of pain, struggle, hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Not only was I free from the pain that came from those memories, but God instantly healed me of PTSD.

Many years have passed since then. Though I am unable to know this person’s spiritual condition, I continue to pray that they will come to know the goodness of God through His son Jesus Christ.

God’s love for every person is beyond our understanding. He sees our flaws, regrets, brokenness, pain, and hidden sins, yet He loves us so much that He sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Now we can freely come before our heavenly Father and place before Him those sins, failures, mistakes, brokenness, hurts, and burdens.

God alone has all power to bring healing and forgiveness to those broken areas of our lives. However, the Lord tells us that we must first forgive ourselves and others’ their offenses so that our heavenly Father will forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). My bitterness and unforgiveness had become a toxic poison that had turned inward and manifested in fear, depression, anxiety, insecurity, and physical ailments.

God sees our refusal to forgive as rebellion and disobedience. “For rebellion is the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (I Samuel 15:23 (NKJV). We must never forget that refusing to forgive is sin, and it puts us in a very dangerous place that opens a door for the enemy to attack and torment us (Galatians 5:19-20).

God desires that we walk in purity, wholeness, and forgiveness. He calls us to remember Jesus’ words, “They know not what they do.” God calls us not to judge so we won’t be judged. Neither are we to condemn others so that God will not condemn us, for when we forgive others, He forgives us (Luke 6:37). Therefore, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV). Those amazing promises offer freedom!

Most of us have prayed the Lord’s Prayer, and some pray it daily. However, do we really consider the import of line twelve: “Forgive us our debts (our sins), as we have forgiven our debtors (those who sin against us)” (Matthew 6:12 NKJV). Do you see the order of that sentence? This truth of first forgiving before we can be forgiven cannot be overstated. God wants that truth and the reasons for forgiveness to be deeply rooted within our hearts.

King David said, “We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace” (I Chronicles 29:15 NLT). "You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14 NKJV).

Why, in this short life, would we give one moment of energy to destructive negative thoughts, bitterness, and unforgiveness. May each who struggle with unforgiveness come to that place of trusting God to bring them through the process of prayerfully and genuinely forgiving those who cause or have caused pain. Only then can there be freedom from hurt, bitterness, and disappointment that have power to plague our thought-life which eventually harms the mind, body, spirit, and soul.

PRAYER: FATHER, I need Your help in forgiving (_____). Teach me how to pray for (_____) each day. Forgive me for holding on to unforgiveness and bitterness and reliving those painful memories and thoughts that bombard my mind. Cleanse me of all unrighteousness and bring me to that place of freedom to genuinely forgive (_____). In Jesus name, amen.

UNINTENTIONAL DOORS TO THE ENEMY

Each day we speak many words to convey various messages. Recently, I made a brief comment without thinking about what I was saying and the Lord immediately called it to my attention. I was then reminded of the following truths:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits (Proverbs 18:21 ESV). God cautions that all people will give account in the day of judgment for every unprofitable and careless word spoken (Matthew 12:36-37).

God also warns us not to allow unwholesome talk to come from our mouths, but only what is helpful and beneficial to those who listen (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). Those who consider themselves religious and do not keep a tight rein on their tongue deceive themselves and their religion is useless [because it is not a true reflection of Christ] (James 1:26 NIV).

Our mouths are either doors to access blessings or to produce curses. The words we speak and what we think impact our health, our behavior, and our relationships. Our words have power to destroy and power to build up (Proverbs 12:6). Therefore, as representatives of Christ, we are to guard our mouths and be careful of what we say.

It is important to know that Satan cannot read our minds; however, he and his demons listen to our spoken words and can take those words and use them against us or against the person or situation that we are talking about. King David knew the power of his words and prayed that God would help him keep from speaking anything that the enemy could use against him (Psalm 141:3).

There is great delivering, healing power in speaking God’s Word, for in speaking His Word, demonic forces are subdued, and angels are summoned to fight for us. Jesus told His disciples that to overcome things that hinder, speak in faith and they will be removed (Matthew 17:20-21).

Words have great power to be used for good or for destruction. Every day we see examples of how words spoken across the airways promote and drive hatred which leads to violent riots, attempted murders, murders, and destruction. For our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this age, and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

What are the heavenly places? This phrase is translated from the Greek word epouranios, meaning “the sphere of spiritual activities.” Acts 7:55 and Isaiah 63:15 speak of God’s home as heaven where He is surrounded by worshipping angels who serve Him and minister to His saints. However, His place in heaven is not to be confused with “the heavens,” also called the “heavenly realms,” which encompasses all spirit beings both good and evil (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 148:4).

The heavenly realm is where Satan operates with his fallen angels (also called demons). When God cast Satan and his fallen angels out of heaven, they made it their mission to destroy mankind (John 10:10; Revelation 12:9). Therefore, we are to be serious-minded and vigilant; because our adversary the devil walks about this earth like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8).

Malevolent beings, described as “evil spirits” and “unclean” oppose God and His followers (Matthew 10:1; Mark 1:27; Acts 19:15). However, despite their formidable power and intent to lead people astray, demons are defeated enemies, because Christ defeated them at Calvery’s Cross. Victory over evil comes to those who believe that there is an invisible yet very real adversary. Hope and protection come from God, whose power far exceeds any threat posed by these defeated foes (Ephesians 2:15).

Unfortunately, there are Christians who have difficulty believing that Satan and his demons are actively working in this world? Jesus addressed the devil in the desert and He called out demons during His ministry. Though Satan is mentioned 40 times in the Bible, many find the very thought of Satan and his demons too frightening to consider and prefer to think of the devil as a fictional character.

Satan is real, alive, deadly and controls an army of demons who do his wicked bidding. His mission is to disguise and distort truth, so that the world will accept evil as good and good as evil. He, along with his demonic realm, are viable forces that daily seek, moment-by-moment, those whom they may destroy. 

Satan preys on the weak and unequipped who have little knowledge of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. Whether we believe Scripture or reject its truth, the fact remains that there is an ongoing, daily assault on humanity by spiritual forces. Unfortunately, the god of this world has blinded many minds, so that they cannot see the truth of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). 

Evil is accelerating to a whole new level and people are asking why a loving God is allowing so much evil. The answer is found in the Garden of Eden where God gave Adam and Eve freedom to choose between blessings or curses, life or death.

God had warned Adam of the consequences of eating from the tree of good and evil and that their disobedience would bring death. Sadly, they did not realize that the death God was speaking of would be a physical and spiritual death. Their choice to listen and believe Satan’s lies and false promises forever gave Satan a foothold over the souls of humanity.

The apostle Paul warned of great evil in the last days. Truth will be rejected by many, because they will not keep (embrace) His Word (I John 2:4-6). People will be lovers of self, money, pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying Him as the Source of power (Timothy 3:1-3). We are witnessing Paul’s prophetic warnings active today.

God spoke to the Prophet Hosea and said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NKJV). Without knowledge of truth, the door is opened to deception and lies, but those who know God’s Word can discern between truth and lies.

Words are powerful. The enemy twists words and uses them against us just as he did when he lied to Eve in the Garden. Thus, we must be careful that what we speak is biblically sound and truthful. That truth and revelation can only come by reading and understanding God’s Word, recorded in the Old and New Testaments. These historically accurate books validate one another.

Ignoring the Old Testament will pave a broad road to deception, because the Old Testament is mentioned in the New and is a key to understanding Revelation. For “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV). Therefore, it behooves us to know the truth found in God’s Word, so that we are not manipulated by false narratives, false prophets, false information, and lies designed to manipulate minds, beliefs, and truths. 

PRAYER: FATHER, forgive me for unprofitable words that I have spoken. Help me to put a guard over my mouth so that what I say will encourage, uplift, bring hope to others, and represent You. Keep me from speaking words that open doors to the enemy and give me a heart to study and understand the truths in Your Word, so that I can recognize the many deceptions and lies of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, amen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

JUDGE NOT

We must be so careful not to presume anything. The following two stories reveal the danger in being quick to judge others and making false assumptions.

God told the Prophet Samuel to go to Bethlehem and find the man Jesse. God would then show him Jesse’s sons and the one that Samuel would anoint as king. Samuel saw the first son and was sure he was the one, but the LORD said to Samuel, Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (I Samuel 16:7 NLT).

Samuel stood before each of Jesse’s seven sons and God did not confirm any. So Samuel asked if Jesse had any other sons. He answered that David, the youngest of brothers was tending the flocks, so he was quickly summoned. When David stood before Samuel, God confirmed that the young boy was to be anointed king of Israel. He would grow in faith and stature under that anointing, and years later, he would become king.

This next story is another perfect example of not judging another by appearance, because the Lord looks at the heart:

A pastor, wanting to know the heart of the congregation he would be pastoring, transformed himself into a homeless man and went that Sunday to the church to be introduced as the head pastor. He walked around the church as people were coming for the morning service and said hello as they entered the church. But he was greeted with cold, judgmental stares and dirty looks. Only three people returned his greeting. He told some that he was hungry and asked for change to buy food. Not one responded.

He then sat down in the front of the church but was told by the ushers that he would need to sit in the back of the church. He complied and listened to the announcements for that coming week. New visitors were heartily welcomed, but the congregation’s faces showed their scorn and disapproval for what they saw was a dirty vagrant.

Then the elders of the church went to the podium. "We would like to introduce to you our new Pastor." The congregation stood to their feet clapping with joy and anticipation. The “homeless man” sitting in the back stood up and walked down the aisle. All the clapping stopped, and the church grew silent. With all eyes on him, he took his place on the altar and reached for the microphone. He remained quiet for a moment and then eloquently recited the following scripture:

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited Me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed Me, I was sick, and you looked after Me, I was in prison, and you came to visit Me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You? ’The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for Me.’”

After he recited the scripture, he introduced himself as their new pastor and told the congregation what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and bow their heads in shame. He then said, "Today I see a gathering of people, but I do not see Jesus in this church. The world has enough people that look the other way. What the world needs are disciples of Jesus that can follow His teachings and live as He did. When will YOU decide to become disciples?” He then dismissed the service.

Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:1-3)

Today’s world is growing more hostile to the things of God. We see angry people rioting and harming others and property. Wars and rumors of wars are constant news items. The Middle East is volatile. The homeless, many being vets who served our country, have been discarded, sleeping on the streets without food or shelter. However, Jesus warned of these days:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV).

Jesus gave his disciples a clear commission before He ascended into heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

What is a disciple? The New Oxford American Dictionary defines disciple as a follower, supporter, believer, devotee, pupil, student, learner, and advocate for Christ. Therefore, if we call ourselves Christians, then as His disciples, our lives and actions should glorify God as we reflect His love and hope in a world that is hurting and cannot find due North that leads to God.

PRAYER: FATHER, help me to make disciples by sharing Your love and hope with the lost and hurting. May I never allow my eyes or opinions to be the judge of others. So, I ask that You give me Your eyes to see hearts as You see them and Your wisdom to bless and share Your love and truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

TRUST... TRUST...TRUST

The word trust is a very challenging word for most people. As I was reflecting on this simple but powerful word, I realized that “trust” is both a noun and a verb. As a noun “trust” is where we place our confidence. Are we placing it in what we see and what we know?

We trust that when we sit on a chair that it won’t collapse under us. We trust that when we turn on the stove, we will get heat. We trust that when we flip the light switch, light will come on. Basically, it is a trust in what we can visually see and touch.

Trust, as a verb, involves an act of belief in a person’s honesty, integrity, reliability, and goodness in their intentions. It is a reliance and confident hope and an expectation in the truthfulness of the one making a promise.

Trust when associated with God is a verb, because it requires active faith and belief in His Word and His promises. We pray and ask God to supply a need or heal our bodies. We know what the Word says about provision and  healing, but when the answer does not come in the time or method that we expect, we often become discouraged thus giving permission for the author of doubt to raise his evil head and ask, “Did God really say…”

If we follow the beginning of man and what went wrong in the Garden of Eden we know that God first created Adam. (Genesis 2:7). He then commanded him, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:16-22). Shortly after, God created Eve from Adam’s rib.

We learn in Genesis 3 that Adam had informed Eve of God’s command not to eat of the tree of Good and Evil. Yet that sly serpent, Satan, came to temp her in the garden and said, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1). At that moment, he had injected the lethal venom of doubt.

The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die” (Genesis 3:2-3).

Eve’s first mistake was engaging in a conversation with the enemy, because it opened the door for doubt. Often the enemy will sow doubt in the mind and if we are not careful, we begin to entertain those negative thoughts that cause us to question God.

We know that Satan is a liar and the father of lies, so the following dialogue is not surprising.  “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.  “For God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5). Satan told a partial truth, because he knew that she would not die physically. The omitted truth was that it would be a spiritual death, and that was his goal.

Eve saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom, so she took and ate it and gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Instantly, their eyes were opened, so they made coverings for themselves (Genesis 3:6-7). Sadly, Adam was complicit in her sin because he failed to follow God’s explicit directions and stop Eve from taking the fruit which she then gave to him.

The key word is “saw.” Her eyes betrayed her, because her eyes and heart were captured by the world’s physical offerings instead of trusting in the truth of God’s Word. Adam followed his wife into sin because he too was captivated by the beauty of the fruit and the promise of being like God.

The flesh can be easily tempted and enticed. That is why we are told that those who are in the flesh cannot please God but must be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:8). Eve was tempted by what appeared to be true, but it was the lie that ensnared her and all humanity.

We pray for an answer from God and when we don’t receive the answer in the time or in the manner that we expect, we become tempted to look to the world, to others, or to ourselves to provide the answer. Then, like Adam and Eve, we miss God’s best.

Jesus warned us to be careful with our eyes because they are a lamp that provides light for the body. When the eye is healthy, the body is filled with light. But when the eye is unhealthy (focusing on the wrong things), the whole body is filled with darkness. And the light that you believe you have, is really a deep darkness, for no one can serve two masters, for it is impossible to serve both God and the world that draws and entices us to doubt and disobey God (Matthew 6:22-25).

One can only wonder why Adam and Eve did not question God as to what it meant to die? They had not seen or experienced death, so its meaning did not carry enough weight to quench their desire to be like God.

Each of us has varied needs that we pray and seek God for help. Those needs can involve health, finances, work, and family, just to name a few. Life is difficult and most people struggle with something. But God encourages us to look to Him for guidance and trust in His goodness and faithfulness. We do that through prayer, seeking truth in the scriptures, and reflecting and focusing on His past faithfulness to us. We admit our doubts, concerns, and questions before the Lord while voicing our gratitude and acknowledging His supreme sovereignty over all matters.

When I became a Christian 54 years ago, I was a divorced mother with a young son. I had a deep and unwavering trust in God’s love and purpose for my life, so when I was laid off from my job, I had peace and complete confidence that God would work all things together for good.

God recently reminded me of that time, when those years ago, things appeared uncertain, but He led me on a new path that changed the trajectory of my life, which brought tremendous blessings to me and my son. Each day, I place my trust in Him as a verb, for He alone can and will lead me in His perfect will.

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for the beautiful lessons that You teach each day. Help me to build faith on the truth of Your Word and not trust in what I see and feel. For my eyes and thoughts, if not protected with the Word, will tempt me to doubt and question Your goodness, truth, and integrity. In Jesus name, amen.

THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is THE Person who communicates wisdom, direction, warnings, correction, peace, comfort, and love. He is the third Person of the Trinity alongside the Father and the Son. He is the active presence of God in the world, guiding, inspiring, and empowering those who have accepted Christ as their Savior.  

The Holy Spirit is referenced throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament refers to the Spirit as "the Spirit of God" or "the Spirit of the Lord" and is associated with creation, giving life, and sparing no effort to win sinners. 

The New Testament speaks of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit as the Helper, Comforter, and the Spirit of truth. If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:15-17 NKJV).

Why is the Holy Spirit important in the lives of Christians? He empowers a believer to live a Christ-centered life that will reflect the Spirit of God who guides believers toward all truth and reveals the deeper meanings found in His Word.

The Holy Spirit commissions and empowers believers with spiritual gifts to share the Gospel and live a life pleasing to God. He reveals and convicts believers of sin and enables them to become victorious over sin. The Holy Spirit seals believers' salvation, guaranteeing their eternal inheritance. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit accomplishes God's saving work through believers who respond and obey.

It is impossible for Christians to be all that they can be, if they do not recognize and acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance. For He will nudge us to move out of our comfort zone, step out in faith, and follow His lead as He speaks with a still small voice into our spirit. Through our obedience, the Holy Spirit will put the right words in our heart to speak. Sadly, many well-intentioned Christians are so fearful of making a mistake, sounding crazy, being too forward, or intrusive that they resist the Holy Sprit’s leading.

My personal experience with the Holy Spirit has been an amazing and exciting journey of blessings throughout my 54 years of being a Christian. Of the many times that the Holy Spirit has spoken to me and encouraged me to step out in faith and speak to a person, one memorable moment has always had a profound and special place in my heart.

My husband and I would occasionally indulge in a Sunday buffet after church. That Sunday, the restaurant was very busy, so when I spied an unoccupied table, I quickly went to sit down while my husband paid for our meals. As I sat down, I noticed to my right a man sitting at a table by himself. A waitress, who appeared weary and in her 60’s, came to his table and politely asked if there was anything else she could get for him. He very gruffly answered, “No!” and threw a dollar on the table and hurriedly left.

A deep sadness flooded this woman’s face, as she gingerly picked up the dollar, placed it into her apron and proceeded to clear the table. I was so overcome with emotion that I began to cry and asked God, “Why am I feeling such profound sadness for this woman?” The Spirit of God clearly spoke into my spirit, “Her husband recently died, and she believes that I have forsaken her. I want you to give her (He told me an amount of money), and place it in her hand and tell her, ‘God loves you and has not forgotten you.’”

My husband came to the table, and I quickly shared what had happened and what the Holy Spirit had spoken into my spirit about the waitress. I then said to him, “God spoke a very specific amount of money to give to this dear lady, but I want you to pray and ask Him what that amount is.” He bowed his head and prayed. When he looked up, he said the exact amount that God had told me.

When we finished eating, the waitress came to our table and asked if there was anything else she could do for us. I motioned her to me and took her right hand, and as I pressed the money into her hand, I said, “God wants you to know that He loves you and has not forgotten you.” Immediately, tears began to flow down her cheeks as she said, “My husband recently died, and I was sure that God had forgotten me.”

The joy that I felt then and that I still feel today left a lasting and beautiful memory of God’s extreme goodness and love that He has for every human being. He intimately knows and cares deeply for each person. As ambassadors of Christ, we are given the ultimate privilege of being His hands and feet that can bring His love, comfort, and miracles to others (Matthew 25:34-40, 1 Peter 4:10, and 2 Corinthians 5:20.) I would rather obey God and possibly make a fool of myself, than stand before Him one day with regrets. For there is no greater joy than seeing the fruit of our obedience!

PRAYER: FATHER, forgive me for those times when I ignored the nudging of Your Holy Spirit to speak to someone. Help me to always be obedient to The Spirit’s leading so that I can be Your hands and feet, actively embodying Your love and compassion to serve others while on this earth. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

WHAT IS FAITH?

My advanced age has made my recent bout with Covid very challenging and frustrating. So, in seeking God’s help, my attention was drawn to the issue of faith, how I should view faith, and how faith and trust in God’s Word determines the outcome.

What is faith? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). A biblical definition of faith reaches beyond the acceptance of God’s existence. It is a trust in God’s promises, His Word, and a reliance on His character and power, even when things are not immediately visible or understood. Genuine faith abandons human self-reliance and places total dependence and trust in God.

Faith trusts in the inerrancy of His Word, especially when tangible proof is unseen. However, to trust God’s Word, we must have a personal relationship with Him, for genuine faith is not passive. Trust often involves sacrifice and sometimes suffering while yielding to God’s will and direction as shown throughout Scripture.

Noah was a man who took God at His Word and did all that God commanded of him (Genesis 6:22). Imagine being told to build a boat the size of one and one-half football fields when there was no water to be seen. He labored 120 years under the mocking and ridicule from those who watched him build the behemoth ark. But his unquestioning and steadfast obedience to God saved him and his family so mankind could be restored.

Joseph was wholly devoted to the Lord, yet he suffered at the hands of his jealous brothers who sold him to slave traders. They then sold him to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and captain of the guard in Egypt. Unjustly accused of assaulting Potiphar’s wife, Joseph was sent to prison. Time passed when Pharaoh had a disturbing dream. Joseph, known to have a gift for accurate interpretation of dreams, interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and was then placed as 2nd in command over all of Egypt.

Joseph’s faithful and unwavering trust in God brought about great blessings to him and eventually to his family. So, when a famine forced his brothers to travel to Egypt to buy grain, Joseph, revealed his identity and told his fearful brothers, As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people (Israelites) should be kept alive, as they are today (Genesis 50:20).

Moses, who had been raised in the opulence of Pharaoh’s house, killed an Egyptian who was beating a Jew. He fled Egypt and became a refugee, fugitive, and shepherd. He eventually answered God’s call and became His prophet.

God told Moses to go before Pharaoh, and though reluctant, he obeyed God and presented what would become God’s 10 ultimatums with corresponding consequences for each refusal to let the Israelites leave. The last ultimatum was the death of the Egyptians’ first-born sons and livestock. It was the death of Pharaoh’s first-born son that finally drove him to release the Israelites for their journey to the Promised Land.

Mary was visited by an angel who said, Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you (Luke 1:28). The angel then told Mary that she would conceive and give birth to a son who would be named Jesus. He would be great and be called the Son of the Most-High and his kingdom would never end. Her response was May your Word to me be fulfilled (Luke 1:35-38).

Consider the magnitude of what was relayed to Mary who was betrothed to Joseph. There would be rejection, gossip, ridicule, and judgment. Yet she agreed to what God was requiring of her. If God asked you to do something that made no sense, and had potential for ridicule and judgment, how would you respond? Would it be with obedience, faith, and trust that God had a purpose in what He was asking of you.

The woman with the issue of blood believed she would be healed if she touched Jesus’ garment. Jesus sensed the power had gone out of Him and asked who had touched Him. The woman came forward and confessed to Him. He then assured her, Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace (Matthew 9:22).

This woman believed that Jesus’ Word was true and could be trusted. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Jesus is the incarnate Word (John 1:1-3).

My favorite is the faith of the centurion who felt unworthy that Jesus should come to his house, so, he sent friends to Jesus with the following message: Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I, myself, am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it (Luke 7:6-8 NIV).

When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to the crowd that followed Him, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And the men who had been sent to Jesus, returned to the centurion’s house and found the servant well (Luke 7:1-10).

The afore mentioned pillars of faith had difficult challenges, yet they remained faithful to God and believed in His promises. But be warned, the enemy of our soul will do anything to discourage and have us doubt God’s goodness and reliability. For that reason, Christians are called to a life of faith, trust, and obedience to God and His Word.

God calls us to speak His Word with power and authority given to us through Christ. Confessions of faith can be made by personalizing and speaking Scripture over the lives of others and our own life. As an example: Bless the LORD O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all my iniquities, who heals all my diseases and redeems my life from destruction and crowns me with loving kindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103).

The more God’s Word is read and spoken, the more it grows deep within the heart. For God said, My Word which goes out of My mouth will not return to me void (empty) without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). As born-again Christians we have that same authority to speak these truths in faith, but how many use their God-given authority.

I will leave you with this powerful verse found in The Book of Wisdom, a.k.a. Wisdom of Solomon, included in the Greek Septuagint. It wasn't any herb or ointment that healed them but Your Word alone, Lord, which heals everything (Book of Wisdom 6:12).

God’s Word is living and active, sharper and more powerful than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Thus, when Satan came to temp Jesus in the desert, Jesus responded, “It is written” and then spoke the Word. Satan left. As Jesus did, so we too are to speak His Word in faith.

PRAYER: FATHER, help me seek You each day in prayer and through the reading of Your Word. I desire that Your Word take root deep within my heart and spirit so that I can walk in faith and be daily prepared for any challenge or battle that may come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

HEAR NO EVIL, SEE NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL

Actions and words have power to create spiritual growth, or they have power for destruction. Therefore, the heart must be kept with all diligence and close attention paid to the three gateways to the heart: the ears, the eyes, and the mouth. Thus, we are cautioned to guard those gateways, because in doing so, we guard our heart, for it is the heart that determines the direction of our life (Proverbs 4:23). And as water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the man (Proverbs 27:19).

The first gateway is our hearing. Jesus said to be careful of our listening, because the measure of thought and consideration that is given to what is heard will be the measure of virtue and knowledge that we absorb and speak for others to hear (Mark 4:24-28).

The second gateway are the eyes that can embrace either good or evil. What evil do the eyes capture when watching ungodly, profane, or salacious television programs, movies, book themes, and pornography. This should not be, for the Word cautions that the lamp of the body is the eye. If the eye is good, the whole body is full of light. But if the eye is bad, then the whole body is full of darkness. Therefore, if the light that is in us is darkness, how great is that darkness!? (Matthew 6:22-23 NKJV).

The third gateway is the mouth. This is given more attention because there is great power in spoken words, for death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Words have power over circumstances and can redirect us to godly, faith-filled thinking or to ungodly negative thoughts, words, and actions. Therefore, we are told to put away a deceitful mouth and put perverse lips far from us (Proverbs 4:24).

What are perverse lips? They speak corrupt, misleading, or morally twisted speech that reflect an evil heart and a disregard for truth and righteousness. The Bible clearly instructs believers to "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29). 

What is corrupt communication? It is inappropriate language unbecoming for believers. It is debased words that improperly express emotions. Some may argue that cursing is not corrupt speech, however, the Word tells us not to speak foul or dirty words that offend others and God, but we are to say only what helps and encourages others and ourselves (Ephesians 4:29).

Christians are to set examples for others. The Bible says that the mouth is a barometer of the heart. Jesus said that the good person out of the good treasure of his heart speaks what is good, but the evil person out of his treasure speaks evil, for it is from the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).

Words carry great power revealing the testimony of who we are and what we believe. Therefore, every word that we speak over ourselves or to others should edify and never offend or tear down, for it is out of the same mouth that can come both blessing and cursing. Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? This should not be so, because profanity is inconsistent with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, who emphasized purity of heart (James 3:10).

We are called to speak life giving words that align with God’s truth which opens doors to blessings. God spoke life into chaos and brought light into the darkness. When we speak God’s Word into our life and to others, we speak life into whatever challenges are faced.

What challenges are you facing? Is it an illness, an injury, a financial situation, a fractured marriage, a lost friendship, division within a family or any other immediate challenge. Are you declaring God’s promises while believing that He keeps His promises. For He says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).

Close attention must be made not to speak negative statements that can produce self-fulfilling prophecies. For it is destructive self-talk that creates an environment of defeat and hopelessness. Thus, we must speak words that build up and encourage, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Our declaration of faith will always precede answered prayer.

We must speak God honoring words that build and encourage us to be all that God has called us to become? Satan is very aware of the power of words, so he speaks lies into the mind. Only by knowing God’s Word can we discern the enemy’s voice, for “there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). We must daily speak God’s life-generating Word because the enemy is always ready to fill the mind with doubts and negativity.

Our battles are truly in the mind. What we meditate on, whether good or bad, becomes what we believe, what we speak, and what we become. Therefore, it is critical that we speak God’s Word over our life and the lives of our loved ones, for His Word does not return to Him empty: “So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isiah 57:11).

Declarations of faith must become a daily lifestyle. That is why Jesus gave warning with this sobering scripture, “… I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For it is by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

God’s Word clearly reveals that the mouth can be a weapon of destruction or a blessing of encouragement, faith, and hope. That is why “the one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips [will come] to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3). Those who guard their mouth and tongue will prevent calamity (Proverbs 21:23).

Guarding what we hear, see, and speak, is critical to our spiritual health and the health of those with whom we interact. Thus, we are cautioned to guard those three gateways that determine our character, the direction of our thinking, and our life.

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for your Word and its great truths and revelation. Help me to be careful of the words that I speak to myself and to others. Forgive me for any negative or self-defeating talk that can bring harm to me or to others. Daily remind me to encourage myself and others in Your Word. In Jesus’ holy and precious, name. Amen. 

DON'T WORRY

I love the very upbeat and fun song, “Don’t Worry; Be Happy” by Bob Marley. It is full of joy, hope, and wisdom that encourages us that despite problems, we are to reframe the way we think. He says, “In every life we have some trouble; when you worry you make it double.” In other words, he is not suggesting that we ignore problems or pretend they are non-existent. He simply suggests that what we think and dwell on will make a difference.

Oh, to be like this very relaxed raccoon who probably had a full belly and didn’t have a care or worry. Unfortunately, worry is something that all humans experience. It may be an occasional worry or an ongoing worry about a child or anything that seems to have no solution. There are worries over the government, economy, health, family, employment, world affairs, and security, followed by an endless list of concerns, because we know that much can go wrong in this life. However, studies indicate that about 91% of worries are considered "false alarms."

God’s word tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and [petition] with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Though we recite this scripture, how many follow these instructions?

Excessive worrying is unproductive and can be mentally and physically harmful causing anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, because the world is in continual turmoil and unrest, anxiety levels have become the most common mental health condition that is globally impacting a large portion of the population, which then increases mortality risk if not resolved. 

Worry is like venom from a poisonous snake. It poisons faith and brings negative scenarios to our minds, causing us to dwell on a problem or concern that we cannot control. Worry steals our joy and peace. Jesus asks, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27)  Thus, we are encouraged to think and meditate on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, praiseworthy, of good report, and has virtue (Philippians 4:8-9). Only then can we experience God’s peace.

We are to live our lives for the promise of heaven that is eternal and not for earthly things that are perishable. We cannot straddle the fence and believe that we can have the best of both worlds because we can only have one master, and it cannot be this world.

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (wealth)”(Matthew 6:24). However, He promises that if we seek first the Kingdom of God then all things will be added to us.

We are cautioned not to be anxious about our life. Our real life (our soul) is God breathed that inhabits a God-crafted body. He knows our every thought, our fears and concerns, our hopes and dreams. We are precious to God and He wants us to trust Him and place our focus on Him and His Word because anxiety weighs heavily on the heart…” (Proverbs 12:25).

How do we encourage ourselves? We meditate on uplifting scriptures that hold God’s promises, we praise Him in the situation, and we connect with other believers for support. Even Joshua was hesitant and a little fearful about taking the land that God had promised, so He said to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9). “Is,” (present tense) means that God is present with us each day and will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6).

Every day is a gift in which God encourages us to live with faith and hope and not take precious minutes for granted. For God is in control and knows our every need, and like the birds, God says, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

Jesus said that our life and times are in God’s hands. He knows when we rise, sit, lie down and get up. He knows our days from our first cry to our last breath. Our Father is holding us every day and He hears our cries, our worries and concerns. He tells us, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34).

How many times have we worried about something that never happened? “So, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans (non-Christians) 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” (Matthew 6:31-33 NIV).

We have enough on our plate today to be worrying about tomorrow. Realistically, despite all our planning, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. That is why each day is a gift not to be wasted with worry.

George Mueller, who during the 1800s was a well known Christian evangelist and director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, said, "Where faith begins, anxiety ends; where anxiety begins, faith ends.” He never allowed doubt to invade his thoughts. He believed that God always heard his prayers to provide …and God always provided above and beyond what Mueller had needed and requested for the orphans.

Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker, hid Jews from the Nazis. When asked if she worried about being caught by the Germans, she responded, "Worry is like a rocking chair. It keeps you moving but doesn't get you anywhere.” She would save over 800 Jews from the gas chambers before being caught and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, the worst of death camps. Eventually, she was released, due to a miraculous error in paperwork. She would live to write The Hiding Place and travel the world, sharing her story and the Gospel until her death in 1983.

Worry is the archnemesis to faith. For that reason, we must trust God’s Word, read it, and speak it into our lives each day. Only then, can we defeat worry and find the desired peace that we long to experience.

PRAYER: Lord, Your Word encourages me to cast my cares on You because You provide, care for and sustain me. For You do not allow those who trust in You to be shaken (Psalm 55:22). Help me focus on You and daily place my confidence, trust, and hope in You and not in what I see and experience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SOARING EAGLES

It never ceases to amaze me that when we truly meditate on God’s Word, He will reveal profound truths. The following scripture is monogramed on a beautiful throw blanket that was gifted to me many years ago. I have always loved this scripture, but only recently did God reveal a deeper and more profound meaning. For His Word is truly a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings

As eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

 Let us look at the first part of this verse: They that wait upon the Lord. Scripture interprets wait as trusting in God's timing, having hope, and faithfully continuing to do what He has called us individually to do. It's an active expression of faith that involves patience and a willingness to surrender to God's plan. 

Wait also means to stand firm, to be patient, and to remain in rest. To wait is to acknowledge the sovereignty of God who is in control of all things; therefore, we depend upon Him for spiritual strength and guidance as we patiently wait and trust His timing and individualized plan for us.

The next part of that sentence is a promise to renew our strength. The word strength and its derivatives are mentioned over 360 times in the Bible. According to God’s Word, what strength we have is not our own because the flesh is weak (Mark 14:380). Our strength is found in Christ in whom we are to have an active and strong relationship.

Christ empowers us to do whatever is necessary to accomplish God’s will: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Christ will always strengthen when we submit to His will and not our own.

They shall mount up (ascend) with wings as eagles. Through Christ, we can soar above the difficulties and find peace. We see this with eagles that fly high to gain a better perspective of what is below, which allows them to spot and target their prey. When we draw closer to God, we are removed from an earthly perspective so that we can see God’s view and perspective, which is spiritually valuable to our spirit and soul.

It is dangerous to limit our thinking to only an earthly viewpoint, because we will then be caught up in the negativity of what is around us and become discouraged. But when we have a heavenly perspective, our spiritual vision is narrowed to what is important as we place our focus on God and not on circumstances.

The eagle exemplifies a heavenly perspective of soaring high. The crow is a pesky troublemaker to the eagle because it will sit on the eagles back and bite its neck. However, the eagle does not waste energy by attempting to shake it off or fight it. Instead, the eagle opens its wings and begins to rise high into the sky. The higher the flight the harder it is for the crow to breathe and to hold on, until it eventually falls off due to the lack of oxygen.

God wants us to ascend high with wings of eagles. When the enemy comes to discourage, belittle, accuse, torment, and put fear in us, God says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). We seek Him through His Word. Do you remember when Jesus was in the desert and Satan came to tempt Him? Jesus simply spoke the Word, and the Devil left. The Word keeps us in a place of faith and power to defeat the enemy.

Freedom from torment allows us to run, which means we have renewed hope in God and new strength in Him when we become tired and weak. As Christians we are in a race that must be dedicated to the task of finishing well. As Timothy said, “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

In running, we are called not to grow weary. This life is difficult and there are many times when we become weary (tired, exhausted and discouraged). However, we are encouraged not become weary in well-doing: for in due season, we will reap (a harvest), if we faint not (Galatians 6:9). We must divert our attention from those circumstances and focus on God in the high places. He alone gives us the right perspective as He comforts and guides us.

We shall walk and not faint. Walking by faith is a way of life that involves trusting God and living by His promises every day. The biblical terminology for faint is to reach a place of mental discouragement and physical exhaustion. Therefore, we must purposefully choose to trust and focus on God and His guidance, rather than what we feel or see. And in that surrendering to God, we then have His strength to face those everyday challenges without giving up.

The revelation of this beautiful scripture has been a blessing for me because of ongoing health issues that I daily battle. It is particularly difficult to look up when you are experiencing physical problems and pain in your body. However, the Apostle Paul said that our physical bodies are temporary vessels that will eventually be transformed at the resurrection. Though pain and suffering are difficult, they are considered "light momentary afflictions that prepare us for an eternal weight of glory in heaven.” Simply stated, our current pain cannot compare to the future joy that we will experience in heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17). 

This scripture is so comforting and lets us know that His eyes and His hand upholds us when we feel that He does not hear nor see us. He says, “I will go before [you] and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass and cut in sunder the bars of iron (obstacles that appear to be insurmountable). And I will give [you] the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that [ you may] know that I, the Lord, which call [you] by [your] name, am the God of Israel” (Isaiah 42:2-3). 

PRAYER: FATHER, help me to keep my eyes heavenward towards You and not on this world. There are so many distractions, challenges, and anything that the enemy will use to take my focus away from You. Help me to soar like the eagle to heights of faith that will cause the enemy to fall away like the crow. In Jesus’ name, amen.

"COME SIT WITH ME"

Years ago, my husband and I would visit his brother and family, who had two delightful fur-babies: Tucker, the effervescent and lovable Schnorkie (Schnauzer/Yorkie) and Ford, the curious and very cautious cat. During one of our weekend visits, Ford and Tucker vied for time with me in the living room recliner. Sibling rivalry caused a snort from Tucker and a quick swipe of Ford’s paw to claim cuddle territory. 

One morning, Ford was earnestly meowing outside our bedroom door. When I checked to see what he wanted, he led me to where I would usually sit and promptly jumped onto the recliner, as if to say, “Come sit with me.” Tucker was close behind and fought for the same spot. 

Our delightful fur babies depend on us for their everyday needs, but what they want and need most from us is connection, affection, and love, which they generously give without measure. God, who created the Universe, does not need us, yet He created us to enjoy a loving relationship with Him and He with us. Thus, He extends the invitation, “Come sit with Me.”

Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your heart), and knock: if any man hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). This is a beautiful picture of our Savior’s tremendous love for us and His great desire to fellowship with us each day.

We see that kind of fellowship with the Lord as we revisit the scene when Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus absorbing His every word while her sister Martha was busily preparing a meal. Upset, Martha came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus answered with gentle correction, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

Martha had been so preoccupied with being hospitable and making sure that everything was just right, that she neglected the presence of Jesus and the importance of spending time with Him. She needed balance in her responsibilities, as we all need balance between everyday life and our spiritual life. We cannot neglect one nor the other. Fortunately, Jesus is always available to sit with us as He was with Mary and Martha. But only Mary took the opportunity to sit with Him. Are we daily taking the opportunity to sit with our LORD?

God created Adam and Eve to enjoy an everlasting and loving relationship with Him. Each day, He walked in the Garden and communed with them and generously provided for all their needs. There was only one stipulation—they were not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Sadly, they chose to believe Satan’s lie that God was withholding good things from them, but if they ate from that tree they would become like God. So, they disobeyed His instructions, and both ate the forbidden fruit from the tree.

Adam and Eve’s failure to trust God, coupled with their rebellion, brought about humanity’s eternal separation from the Creator. Thankfully, Christ’s love for us is so great that He willingly took our punishment on the Cross. And with His last breath, He said, “Tetelestai,” which in Greek means, “It is finished; paid in full.” His agonizing death paid our debt—a debt He did not owe. Now, He extends His hand with an invitation to “Come sit with Me, learn of Me, and have a personal relationship with Me.”

Pets want a loving and personal relationship with their masters. They have an unreserved trust and are completely loyal. Pet owners know the joy of arriving home and being summarily greeted with an excited wagging tail and showers of doggie kisses.

Christians who have a relationship with Christ should have that same joyful anticipation and excitement knowing that when we “…draw near to God, He draws near to us” (James 4:8). It is only in His presence that we find fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). So, how do we draw near to God? We spend time in prayer, worship and reading His Word.

God’s presence goes with us, and He gives us rest (Exodus 33:14). He promises to never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). “He listens to the godly person who does His will” (John 9:31) "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous (those who have faith in Jesus Christ) and His ears are attentive to their prayer” (I Peter 3:12).

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27). Because we belong to him, we know His voice and are assured that He hears our every prayer. However, the enemy, who is the father of lies, will try to convince us that God does not hear us, nor does He care about our every need.

We revel in our pets’ generous affections and love, and God glories in our relationship with Him. Those intimate moments that we purposefully take time with our LORD will cultivate a continued eagerness to seek Him and His Word as He lovingly beckons us to, “Come sit with Me.”  

PRAYER: FATHER, today, I surrender afresh to You. Help me to faithfully make You my daily priority that I may treasure each day as a precious opportunity to learn Your many truths while enjoying sweet fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture is from both the KJV and NKJV

FLAWED?

Do you become upset when you make mistakes? Do you berate yourself when the mistake could have been avoided? Do you live with regrets? Do you believe that you are too flawed to receive God’s blessings? Great news! You are human!

Flawed means to be blemished, damaged, imperfect in some way or having a sudden weakness in character. Though there are times when our thinking is flawed, God does not see us as flawed, because we were created in His image. 

Mortals will never be perfect. We are incapable of always making right decisions and choices, because the flesh demands its way. But, be not discouraged because Scripture reveals many who were redeemed after having a sudden weakness in character due to carnal thinking that opposed God’s will and purposes. So, let us begin with Abraham who was called the "father of all nations."

Abraham had human failings and doubts as we do. One of his failings was not to trust God when he entered Egypt with his beautiful wife, Sarai. He feared for his life when Pharaoh wanted to take her as his wife. So, Abraham convinced Sarai to lie to Pharaoh and tell him that he was her brother (albeit half-brother) (Genesis 12:22). Eventually the truth was revealed when Pharaoh and his house were afflicted with plagues.

Later, we read that Sarai, who was barren, convinced Abraham to produce an heir through Hagar, Sarai’s Egyptian maidservant. Ismael was born from which the Arab nations came. Twenty-five years would pass before God’s promise of an heir through Abraham’s union with Sarai would produce God’s promised heir—Isaac.

Years later, Abraham was at a different level of faith when God asked him to sacrifice the promised heir, Isaac. His trust and obedience caused God to spare Isaac and fulfill His Word to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him (Galatians 3:29; 3:7-9).

Moses was called by God to lead His people out of Egypt’s bondage and into the promised land. But when they were trapped at the edge of the Red Sea they bitterly complained that they had been better off in Egypt. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the children of Israel to go forward. Lift your rod up and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea” (Exodus 14:15-16). Moses’ obedience provided safe passage and the drowning of Pharoah and his army. However, we also see Moses’ disobedience.

The children of Israel cried out to Moses for water, so God told Moses, “Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus, you shall bring water for them out of the rock and give drink to the congregation and their animals” (Numbers 10:9). So, Moses, in his anger and frustration with the people, took the rod and struck the rock twice and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.

The Lord then spoke to Moses and Aaron, “You did not believe Me, to [honor] Me in the eyes of the children of Israel; therefore, you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 10:7-12). Moses’ disobedience denied him the privilege of entering the promised land with God’s people. However, we see him reinstated when he appears with Jesus and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9; Matthew 17; Mark 9).

Why was God angry with Moses? The rock symbolized God’s strength and Jesus who is the Rock of salvation. And the water that flowed from that rock, symbolized eternal life. Jesus would suffer and die only once for humanity. Moses’ act of anger and frustration was a direct attack on the Savior to come. God demands trust and obedience. Although Moses was a godly man, chosen by God to do His work, Moses’ carnal nature had driven him to disobedience.

David was called a man after God’s own heart because he had complete trust and faith in God. His great faith allowed him to slay Goliath and to kill the lion and the bear. He surrendered total control of his life to God, believing that He would deliver him from dangers, even in battle. Unfortunately, David, being human, allowed himself to give into temptation and bring the beautiful and desirable Bathsheba to his bed. She became pregnant. To hide their sin, David arranged for her husband, Uriah, to be killed on the battlefield. Later, they lost that child and David, deeply grieved over his sin and loss, repented and God restored him.

One day, while Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, scribes and Pharisees brought forth a woman who had been caught in adultery (John 7:53-8:11). The men hoped to trap Jesus according to their law that required stoning (Deuteronomy 22:22). The Roman law did not condone stoning except for capital punishment. To avoid their legalistic trap, Jesus bent down and traced His finger in the sand. He finally stood and said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).

Jesus had revealed the evil intentions of the accusers’ hearts as each left, leaving Jesus and the woman alone. Jesus then asked, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, ‘No man, Lord.’ And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:9-11).

Peter, who loved Jesus, said he would never deny Him. Yet when faced with losing his life, he denied knowing Jesus three times. Following Jesus’ resurrection, His love and compassion for Peter, moved Him to send an angel to the tomb to tell the women, “…go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you” (Mark 16:7). Then upon seeing Peter, Jesus gave him three opportunities to redeem himself by answering three questions that corresponded with Peter’s three denials. Jesus extended mercy, grace, compassion, and forgiveness to Peter who was deeply grieved by what he had done.

These are only a few examples of flawed humans found in Scripture and God’s gift of redemption, forgiveness, and restoration. Jesus knows our frailties and yet He is more than willing to extend forgiveness and renewal to those who repent and allow God’s Word to direct their life. Fortunately, God understands that we make mistakes and will continue to make them while we are earthbound. Therefore, we must extend grace to ourselves and to others, realizing that we are imperfect and will never become flawless in this life.

God’s standards oppose the world standards that allow a person to define their own personal truths. When we exchange biblical truths for the world’s false narratives, we become very vulnerable to the sins of disobedience and doubt. The hope offered through these examples is that though our thinking and choices can be flawed, Jesus sees us as valued, loved, and redeemable.

PRAYER: FATHER, I am so grateful that You do not expect perfection from me. I know that I will make mistakes, so I ask that You show me the error of my ways, so that I can quickly repent and follow You with intentionality and purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Image by Karen.t from Pixabay 

"HERE I AM"

Many of us have been praying the Lord’s Prayer since we were children. But as I was reflecting on different aspects and meanings of this prayer that Jesus gave to His disciples, this sentence stood out: Your kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). When we pray “Your kingdom come…” what are we asking of God? Is it a yearning for Christ’s soon return? Is it a desire to see God’s Kingdom expand and grow throughout the world? Or is it simply a prayer that we routinely pray?  

Though we have been given very specific signs of Christ’s return, no one knows the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son but only the Father (Matthew 24:36). Therefore, we are urged to keep watch (Matthew 25:13). But as we wait for Christ’s return, we are called to be about our Father’s business. In other words, our priority should be to actively pursue and fulfill His will and share His message with others.

We ask for God’s Kingdom to come, but what is God’s Kingdom? First, it is the realm where God reigns supreme, Jesus Christ is King, God’s authority is recognized, and His will is obeyed. Secondly, because of His Kingdom, those who have accepted Christ as Savior, are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).

More importantly, God’s Kingdom is within the born-again believer who is to share His truth with those who, like the Pharisees, did not understand God’s Kingdom. When Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered, “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21). Jesus was saying that the Kingdom of God is within us if we choose His kingdom over the kingdom of darkness.

The second part of the passage discusses God’s will, so how is God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven? Jesus answered that question when He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12). In other words, Jesus is calling us to be message bearers and overcomers. “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5 NIV).

As believers and overcomers, God’s Word should reign daily in our hearts. For when His Word is supreme in one’s heart and mind, truth arises to defeat the enemy. That faith and boldness for things of the Lord develop when we daily communicate with our heavenly Father through prayer and reading and learning His Word. Then we use those imprinted truths to do God’s will and be a light that carries His message to the lost.

Are we allowing God’s will to reign in us? Are we available and willing to say, “Here I am.” When Moses heard God call to him from the burning bush, he responded, “Here I am.” His response began the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt (Exodus 3:4).

God tested Abraham’s faith and said, “Abraham!” Immediately, he answered, “Here I am.” Then God instructed him to take his only son and sacrifice him. Abraham was obedient to God and just before he thrust the knife into Issac’s heart, God stopped him and provided a ram for the sacrifice. God was testing Abraham and his devotion and obedience to Him.

Samuel, as a child, was called by the Lord one night. Believing that the priest Eli was calling him, he went to him and asked what he wanted. Eli, knowing that it was God who had spoken to Samuel, instructed him to return to bed and answer the LORD, “Here I am.” Samuel responded and would eventually anoint both Saul and David as the first kings of Israel (I Samuel 3:4).

The prophet Isaiah received a vision from God calling him to deliver a message to the people of Judah who were in sin. When Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, say, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah answered, “Here am I. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah had taken it one step further and told God to send him.

If we have accepted Christ as Savior, His Holy Spirit will guide and direct our lives to answer the call to “…declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples” (Psalm 96:3). We are to always be prepared, with gentleness and respect to share the reason for our hope (I Peter 3:15). For “…we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthian 5:20).

Jesus had said to the apostles, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). The Apostle Paul said, “…I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ” (Philemon 1:6).

Every day we see the world growing darker as evil abounds and more apocalyptic events are occurring around the world. Many are asking what is happening. However, Christ followers have the privilege of being His hands and feet, but will we say to the Lord, “Send me to that person who needs the hope of Christ.” Clearly, God’s “will to be done on earth as it is in heaven” is for all to come into His Kingdom.

Fifty-three years ago, my sister-in-law shared Christ and my life changed dramatically when I invited Christ to be Lord of my life. I could not wait to share the joy and peace that I was experiencing. We, as Christians, have a precious privilege to offer that same hope and joy to friends, family, neighbors, strangers, and anyone whom God places before us.

Each born-again Christian has their own unique story of that day when they committed their heart and life to Christ. But are we willing to tell that person, who is searching for answers, the truth that we have within. Surely, we who love and serve Christ want others to experience that same joy of knowing our Savior and having eternal security with Him.

PRAYER: FATHER, I ask that each day You show me how to be Your hands and feet. And give me faith and courage to “…always [be] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks [me] to give an account for the hope that is in [me], yet with gentleness and reverence…” (I Peter 3:15). And may my answer to You always be, “Here I am. Send me.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Note: Scripture is from either the NKJV or KJV unless otherwise stated.

THE PROCESS OF MOURNING

Death, though unfortunate, is promised to all living things. However, for the believer who has surrendered their heart to Christ, death escorts that believer into the presence of the Lord. So, when losing someone, we who remain, should not ignore or discount our pain of loss, because it is a stark reality of life.  

My husband, Michael, graduated to his heavenly home in April of 2021. At that time my mindset was to be strong for the family, so I buried my grief deep within and focused on moving forward. But then, two days after Christmas of 2024, I had to put down my beloved twenty-year-old toy poodle, Brandi. She had been a great comfort and joy for me since my husband’s passing. Unfortunately, I became dependent upon her presence as a source of comfort.

The day that Brandi passed, I experienced an unexpected culmination of grief that rocked my very core and hit me like a tsunami. I had not allowed myself to truly grieve when my husband passed, so Brandi’s passing triggered an overwhelming and heart-wrenching grief that evolved into wailing sobs.

One thing I have learned is that mourning a loss is one of the hardest seasons that we all face. However, mourning is a natural and necessary part of life. Unfortunately, I had not allowed myself to process grief nor acknowledge the pain of losing my husband. Ultimately, I was not able to truly heal after my husband passed. 

Fortunately, the loss of my precious fur-baby, triggered that unresolved pain that had prevented my permission to grieve. However, mourning is a natural and necessary part of the human experience when suffering a significant loss. By finally allowing that process of grief and acknowledging my deep pain from both losses, God then had permission to start healing my heart, mind, body, spirit and soul. For there can be no closure and real peace until that process takes place.

Those who experience a loss, whether it be a family member, a friend, a pet, a friendship, or a broken marriage, we must give ourselves permission to grieve, which I did not do when my husband passed. Permission to grieve acknowledges and processes painful emotions associated with loss. Suppressing grief can lead to long-term emotional and physical health issues. Therefore, it is critical to actively engage with our feelings so that we can move forward after a loss.

Grief is a natural part of life, but it's not meant to be a continual state, for there is "A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance" (Ecclesiastes 3:4). For God is the God of all comfort. He tells us that “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4). “[He] comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). And if we allow, He will heal our broken heart and bind up our wounds (Psalm 147:3).

God gives us permission to take the necessary time to mourn. But we must acknowledge our feelings, allow time to grieve and take care of our physical and mental health by seeking support from loved ones, friends, or even a therapist. Unfortunately, when my husband passed, I did none of those things. Consequently, I lost a dangerous amount of weight placing me far below acceptable standards for my height and also suffered what was medically diagnosed as “broken heart syndrome” which created lasting effects.

Following Brandi’s passing, God gave me some biblical steps that are required to find healing from loss:

·      Seek the Lord for His comfort, wisdom, and His biblical perspective. “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).

·      Understand that grief is a process that cannot be rushed. Therefore, we have all assurance that, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

·      Acknowledge the loss and allow yourself to experience a vast range of emotions. “Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes within the morning (Psalm 30:5).

·      Seek support from loved ones and/or fellow Christians so that together you can “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

·      Allow yourself time to grieve and be comforted by God who is all comfort and comforts us in our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

·      Be patient with yourself and know that God has a plan for you and your welfare and not for evil but to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

With significant loss, a reality sets in that life will not feel quite the same again. But in time, if we allow ourselves to grieve, that sorrow will eventually ease as the heart and mind began to heal and gradually accept the loss. However, if we try to ignore the pain of loss by pushing it down, the pain will intensify and eventually manifest in negative ways as it did for me.

My entire attitude and mission had been to protect my family and friends by showing a strong front and being non-emotional. Unfortunately, because I hid my emotions, most of my family saw me as a strong woman, when in fact, I was fooling myself, my family, and my friends. The only person who was not fooled was my son. He knows me well enough to see that I was not allowing myself to grieve. Until recently, I had argued that all was fine, but it was the death of my sweet Brandi that triggered that unresolved pain from losing my husband.

God understands mourning because He mourned over His beloved Israel as He said, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace” (Luke 19:41-42). He knows hurt and wants to comfort us through His Word, prayer, and worship. He wants to console and help us heal, but we must cooperate.

God desires to heal the broken heart and is waiting for permission to work in our lives and to bring needed healing, comfort, and consolation. Once we accept the process of mourning, then we can start to heal which then allows us to remember those sweet moments we shared with those whom we loved and to be grateful for the time we had with them.

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for ______________ whom you put in my life for a season. Help me to rest in You and find that beautiful peace and joy that I once knew. For I know that restoration is not dependent on any one thing or person, because You alone are the Source of all peace, joy, and comfort. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Image by Gerd Altman from Pixabay

GOD'S CLASSROOM

Who would think that making lasagna could be God’s classroom for another life lesson. All my ingredients were gathered except for two different kinds of cheese that I had frozen and placed in the kitchen refrigerator/freezer. So, after removing almost everything from the freezer side and not finding either cheese, I was perplexed and wondered if I had remembered correctly.

The other option was the garage refrigerator which also has a side freezer. After removing everything and then replacing it all, it also yielded zero results. Perplexed, I stood before the opened door with cold air escaping into the hot garage. Second-guessing myself, I questioned if I had been mistaken. Had I used the cheese for something else and had forgotten. But then, I thought, No, I am certain that I had put the cheese in the house refrigerator/freezer, because clearly it is not in the garage?

Miffed and about to give up, I heard that still small voice speak into my spirit, “Persistence yields results.” Aggravated, I did not want to go through the same process of emptying the kitchen refrigerator/freezer to find cheese. But I have learned that when the Holy Spirit gives you words of wisdom, it is best to heed them.  

Returning to the kitchen, I methodically removed the food from the freezer shelves. Finally, wedged against the back wall of the unit and in-between two items, were both packages of cheese. Not only was I thrilled, but I was relieved that my memory was still intact. Had it not been for the encouragement of God’s Spirit, I would have given up the search and been left with the troubling question, “What’s wrong with my memory?”

So often in life we become discouraged and want to give up, because it is easier to give up and give into defeat then to be persistent in achieving our goal. Unfortunately, when we give up, there is always a nagging lingering thought, “What if I hadn’t given up?” This seemingly unimportant event would not have been the end of the world. However, a valuable lesson would not have been learned.

God’s nudging to be persistent caused me to search the accurate meaning of persistence. The result was that persistence demands a positive resolution to an immediate need. It is a tireless attitude to achieve a desired resolution in a short period of time and requires an unflinching resolve with staying power, purposefulness, patience, endurance, application, diligence, and dedication to complete the task.

The close relative to persistence is perseverance, which maintains the same energy but for an extended time. It requires maintaining tenacity, determination and resolve to achieve a desired end-result no matter the length of time. Medical discoveries require dedication and perseverance in finding answers and often require a lifetime of research requiring unyielding perseverance and dedication. Perseverance is generally related to long term goals such as learning God’s Word, completing a college education, practicing an instrument until you are proficient enough to create beautiful music, etc.

What does the Word of God say about persistence?

·      “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 ESV)

·      “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16 ESV)

·      “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

·      “And endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:4 ESV)

·      “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 ESV)

·      “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast.” (James 5:11 ESV)

·      “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4 ESV)

·      “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

·      “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:3 ESV)

·      “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” Chronicles 15:7 ESV)

Did you notice a recurring theme of the word steadfastness? What does it mean to be steadfast? The New Oxford American Dictionary defines steadfast as being firm, determined, resolute, steady, single-minded, unchanging, unwavering, and unyielding. With a single-minded determination, I was going to find those packages of cheese.

God’s Word makes it very clear that endurance (withstanding a difficult process), steadfastness, and persistence are often an exercise in developing faith and our willingness not to give up when circumstances and events are challenging. We are assured that if we are steadfast and unwavering in the testing of our faith, that we will receive a blessing. It may not always be the result that we had wanted or expected, but if we remain teachable and don’t waver, we will learn a valuable lesson in trusting God.

Our heavenly Father is always ready to teach and help us learn more about ourselves and our relationship with Him. For “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way” (Psalm 25:9). What had appeared as an insignificant moment in my life became a teachable moment in realizing that no matter the challenge, persistence and steadfastness are important in maintaining faith and trust in our sovereign God who knows us well. For it is in the testing of our faith that produces steadfastness (James 1:3 ESV). And through that testing, we can then face other challenges with grace and endurance.

PRAYER: FATHER, help me to always be prayerful and teachable by listening for Your voice of wisdom and guidance. Help me to be persistent, to persevere, and remain steadfast in those things that You call me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Picture courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pidxabay 

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

It was the winter of 1973. Ten years had passed since my dad had passed away from a massive heart attack at forty-five. As a new Christian of two years, I was learning about the power of forgiveness, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-16 NIV). The LORD’S admonition was enough to drive me to reconcile my feelings for my dad whose lack of a loving relationship with me had created a constant ache, emptiness, and deep hurt within my soul.

Divorced and the mother of a two-year-old son, I packed my Mustang with snacks, drinks, and luggage, and with my son in tow, we began the five-hour drive from St. Louis to Iowa City, Iowa. And yes, I knew that although my dad’s body was physically in that grave, spiritually he was either in heaven or hell. Fortunately, that concern was erased when 15 years later, I learned that one week before he died, he had accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The most profound pain of loss came from never having good memories of my dad, except when he taught me to ride a bike. And yet God’s Word rang loudly in my mind, If you confess your sin of bitterness and unforgiveness, I am faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

My dad showed his frustration, impatience, and intolerant critical nature with anything I was trying to accomplish. He failed to acknowledge any achievements, especially at age four when I mastered both cursive and Old English penmanship and was learning French. There were no memories of him putting his arms around me to comfort or tell me he loved me. The only memories that I had were his constant, hurtful criticism and voiced disappointments.

By the time we reached the cemetery, the cold gray winter sky began to release snow flurries. My young son and I got out of the car to walk the short distance to where my dad had been laid to rest. But then my son, who had been talking full sentences since he was 10 months-old, pulled on my arm to stop me and said, “Mommy, I will wait here.” It was if he knew that I needed to be alone.

As I approached his grave, the cold, dreary day lent to deep feelings of sadness that swirled around me like the winter’s bitter wind. Memories flooded my mind as I stood frozen in time remembering that sad day of the funeral. Slowly moving my gloved left hand over the grave marker, the finality of his death suddenly hit me.

I poured out my heart with so many questions that I never had the freedom to ask in person. With no reference to time, I said all the things that I had wanted him to know, and all my unanswered questions that I had always wanted to ask. Again, God’s Word filled my thoughts, Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25).

Unexpectedly and uncontrollably, I began to sob for the great loss that I had felt all those years. Then, suddenly a strong cathartic emotion lifted my voice, and I cried out, “Daddy, I forgive you! Daddy, I forgive you! Daddy…I f o r g i v e…you. At that moment, God replaced all those years of hurt and disappointment with forgiveness and compassion.

That day of reconciliation and forgiveness was a great gift because God revealed that my dad was a product of an austere, undemonstrative, demanding, perfectionist father who expected the same perfection from his children. It finally made sense, because my grandfather was a brilliant mathematician who held a PhD and worked with Real Analysis Mathematics. He was one of the first mathematicians to formulate equations for the first rockets to be sent into outer space. He can be found in Who’s Who in America and worked with Albert Einstein. Though my dad scored as Genius and was equally brilliant, his father refused to acknowledge his achievements and many talents. With that understanding of my grandfather, I then understood my dad and how he had become just like his dad.

Forgiveness is so critical. If we follow Jesus, we know that forgiveness is paramount to the Christian walk and where we will spend eternity. Forgiveness is so important that Jesus, nailed to the cross before mockers and executioners, said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24 KJV).

Many times, the people who hurt us the most are those who have been hurt the most in their life. That is why we are told to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV). Thus, we are told not to be quick to judge others so that we will not be condemned (Luke 6:37). So, whenever we stand praying, we are to forgive, if we have anything against that person, so our heavenly Father may forgive us our trespasses (Mark 11:25).

My experience in forgiving my dad was my first experience in learning forgiveness. However, it was my failed marriage, in which I was so traumatized that it evolved into deep-seeded contempt and unforgiveness. As a Christian, I knew that I had to forgive him, but no matter how many times that I said, “I forgive _____,” my heart and mind remained bitter and unchanged. One day, I was so tired of the anger and bitterness that was consuming my every thought, that I cried out to God and asked Him, “HOW do I forgive him?” God spoke into my spirit, “Pray for him every day.”

I must admit that my desire to forgive became a huge challenge those first several months. But I stayed the course and prayed for him every day, and it was in the eleventh month as I was praying, that God revealed a deep insight into why he made so many hurtful choices. I suddenly saw Christ’s compassion for my ex-husband that empowered me to pray a heart-felt prayer. And then an unexpected cleansing cry came from the depths of my soul, releasing me from all bitterness and anger. What was left was compassion and a desire for him to know Christ as his Lord and Savior.

The key to forgiveness is praying for that person who has wronged you in any way. When we hold onto unforgiveness, we keep ourselves in a painful and lonely prison, but the one who has hurt us generally has moved on. To simple say, “I forgive ________” is not enough. We must actively pray each day for that person until our spirit and heart are filled with true peace and forgiveness. To this day, I still pray for him, though I have had no contact in 53 years.

PRAYER: FATHER, forgiveness is so difficult, but I know that Your Word clearly says that if I refuse to forgive, You will not forgive me, which is a dangerous road to walk. Help me to forgive _________. I want compassion and love and not anger and bitterness reigning in my heart. As I pray each day for ________, fill me with faith that You are working a perfect work in ________ while healing my mind, body, spirit and soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image courtesy of Jill Wellington

THE POWER OF GOD'S ARMOR

Sanballat (meaning the god—Sin—has given life) was an enemy of the Jews and a very influential Samaritan. He unsuccessfully tried to stop Nehemiah (a Jew and high official in the Persian court) from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem that had been torn down by the Babylonians.

Sanballat ridiculed the Jews and in the presence of allies and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” (Nehemiah 4:1-2 NIV).

Broken walls indicated a defeated people, so Nehemiah responded by calling men to volunteer in rebuilding the wall which would be a message to their enemies that God was blessing His people. The workers who were rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem presents the perfect imagery of God’s call to all Christians to daily put on the whole armor of God that creates an encircling embankment that prevents the enemy’s access.

The workers were instructed to be vigilant and ready for any attack. We are told to put on the shoes with the readiness of the gospel of peace. The word readiness implies constant vigilance and understanding defense and offense for stability in a battle. A victorious soldier had to be prepared for battle, so he would study the enemy’s strategies. When we study God’s Word, we learn Satan’s strategies so that we can be vigilant and prepared for any spiritual battle.

Part of being protected when engaging the enemy is to have our shield of faith that guards us from the enemy’s assaults in the same way a shield protected a Roman soldier during battle. We trust in God's character to protect us from the lies of the evil one who wants to create doubt, fear, anxiety, and discouragement. That is why we must also have the breastplate of righteousness.

The breastplate assures us of our right standing with Christ so that we can position ourselves firmly in the truth of God’s Word, no matter the circumstances (Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 5:1). And that breastplate of righteousness is to be securely fastened to the belt of truth (2 Timothy 1:12).

When men prepared for battle or for work, they pulled their long tunic between their loins and tucked it into their belt, which gave their legs freedom of movement. This was called “girding up your loins.”

The Gospel uses “girding up your loins,” as a daily spiritual preparation for battle. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, [we] put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, [we] may be able to stand [our] ground, work hard, and serve the kingdom of God” (Ephesains 6:12-13).  

Why was the belt so important? Without the belt they could not gird their loins. The Word instructs us to first buckle on the belt of truth because God is all truth, which is the solid foundation of God’s Word. For Jesus, who is the Word said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This is critical, because without truth, we are susceptible to Satan’s lies and destruction. Therefore, truth is paramount to the foundation of faith (John 15:26). Without the belt of truth that secures God’s Word, credibility is gone, thus the other parts of the armor become invalidated.

A soldier’s sword was attached to his belt for a reason (Hebrews 4:12). The Sword of the Spirit is a metaphor for God’s Word and cannot be separated from truth. Nehemiah’s laborers were instructed to always carry their weapons, even when getting water. 

We, as laborers for Christ are called to daily carry His Word, a powerful weapon that we are to wield against the lies and distortions of the enemy who daily seeks whom he may destroy. Nehemiah’s workers had faith that God would protect them, if they did their part in being ready for any battle. Likewise, when Satan attacks us with “fiery darts” we are to take hold of the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word), speak His Word and walk in faith.

Nehemiah prayed and God frustrated the plans of Sanballat. When we speak God’s Word He frustrates the plans of the enemy (Nehemiah 4). Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). Because Jesus is the Word, when we speak His Word, we have His power and authority that is behind His Word. “The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

Satan is always testing and tempting. Jesus knew Satan’s thoughts and intentions when he came to take advantage of Jesus’ vulnerability after having fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert. Thus, Satan tried to tempt Jesus three times. First with the lust of the flesh, then with the lust of the eyes, and finally with the pride of life.

Those three temptations were the same that had been presented to Eve, which she had succumbed to and failed to reject. However, unlike Eve, Jesus did not have a discussion with Satan. He simply spoke the Word and after Satan’s third failure in tempting Jesus, he left Him. Because of Jesus’ Word He provided the perfect example of the power and effectiveness of God’s Word.

The helmet was worn to protect the head from damage during a battle. The Helmet of Salvation is a metaphor that refers to the protection of our mind from sinful thoughts, lies, doubts, and questions about what is true. Today’s big lie challenges the inerrancy of God’s Word.

Nehemiah knew what was true, so he trusted God to make a way to complete the wall that would surround and protect Jerusalem. When we put on the full armor of God, we are surrounded by God’s spiritual wall of protection.

PRAYER: FATHER, each day, help me to be vigilant in putting on the full armor of God and reading and memorizing your Word. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63 NKJV). God, Your Word is eternal and is life to my spirit, so help me understand Your Word as I read it each day. And I ask for an extra measure of boldness and faith to speak Your Word into situations, into lives, and into my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE JOY OF PERSEVERANCE

Life has a way of presenting unpleasant interruptions; however, God often uses those interruptions as teachable moments. Recently, my teachable moment came when my washer, which had a 10-year warranty, quit after 10 years and one month. Fortunately, I had a home warranty, so a technician came and delivered the verdict that the washer was not repairable. Happily, the warranty company ordered a new washer.

A month later the new washer arrived and was installed. I put in the first load and noticed a strange, loud, grinding noise. I surmised that it might be normal for that washer. After all, it was new, so what could go wrong?

I was able to do three more washes until last Friday. After a few minutes of much noise, there was silence. The washer had stopped with a full tub of water, but after selecting “Drain and Spin” nothing happened. I then unplugged the unit to see if it would reset but after waiting, then plugging the cord back into the outlet, the washer was dead.

Now I had a load of laundry sitting in a full tub of water. Thus began the 50-minute laborious chore of wringing water from the clothes and back into the washer. Fortunately, my cousin lives next door, so I was able to take the clothes to be re-washed and dried.

Faced with an oversized washer filled to capacity with water, I did not have a Shop Vac to quickly extricate the water. No, this required labor intensive work, which I procrastinated doing for two days.

Late Sunday night, I grabbed a pan from the kitchen and began the arduous task of scooping out the water. If that wasn’t difficult enough, I then had to carry each load of water from the laundry room to the kitchen for disposal, which required at least 100 or more back and forth trips.

The water level finally reduced to the point of not being able to use the pan, so I switched to a 4-cup measuring container. When that no longer worked, I changed to a 1-cup container, then to a soup ladle. By 1:30 a.m., I was exhausted, and my back was throbbing due to degeneration of L 4, 5, 6 & 7 discs.

While contemplating leaving the remaining water until Monday morning, the Holy Spirit gently spoke into my spirit, “Persevere. Don’t give up. This is a lesson in perseverance for the days ahead.” So, I resumed using the ladle.

As the water level lowered, I transitioned to a large serving spoon. Eventually I used a sponge to squeeze the remaining water into a glass container. The draining of the washer had become more than a 2-hour marathon. However, when looking inside the washer, I experienced the reward and joy of what perseverance brings. And the repairman, who wasn’t scheduled for four more days, came Monday.

God showed me the importance of perseverance, reward, and the feeling of success when not giving in to weariness and/or feeling defeated. So, what is the definition of perseverance? It means to be persistent, tenacious, unshakable, determined, dedicated to the mission, resolved, enduring, and patient with purpose and stamina.

We learn from Romans 5:3-5 that when troubles come, we are to consider them as opportunities for building faith, praying, and developing endurance as we face a multiplicity of daily challenges. Some challenges come from things that we have little control over such as corrupt governments, unrestrained violence, hatred, and bigotry. We hear of suicides, murders, violence, and thefts occurring daily and nightly in neighborhoods that were once considered safe. Opened borders have ushered in the mentally ill, criminals, and terrorists. There is pervasive homelessness, and criminals and vagrants taking over downtown areas, forcing businesses to close their doors. The list is too extensive to note.

The Prophet Zachariah warned that the attacks on Israel would be the harbinger for Christ’s return. The Middle East is a hotbed of wars with threats of nuclear war. Iran, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Gaza (Hamas rule) joined forces in calling for the destruction of Israel. The world is experiencing famines, troubles of every kind, sickness, plagues, earthquakes, volcanoes, and unprecedented violent storms that cause mass destruction and death around the world. However, despite all that is happening, Jesus encourages us, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28 NKJV). In the meantime, He urges us to persevere in well-doing:

• “Those who persevere under trial are blessed and will receive the crown of life.” (James 1:12) 

• “Consider trials as pure joy, because they develop perseverance.” (James 1:2-4) 

• “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) 

• “Never tire of doing what is good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

• “Persevere so that when you do God's will, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)  

• “Run with perseverance, fixing your eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Clearly, God is preparing His Church to stand strong in the last days. Jesus called his disciples to persevere in sharing the gospel. He even told them what the last days would look like. “…nation (people and groups) shall rise against nation (people and groups) and kingdom (of darkness) against kingdom (of Light), and there shall be earthquakes in diverse places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows” (Mark 13:8). 

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death. (Presently, Christians are dying for their faith in many countries). And you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time, many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  (Currently, the inerrancy of scripture is being attacked by false prophets and teachers who confuse and mislead people into not trusting Scripture). Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:6-13).

Today, God continues to call His Church to be a light in a very dark world. Of course, the enemy wants to snuff out that glorious Light. And that is why God encourages us to persevere in faith, because He has control over everything—even when it looks like everything is falling apart. But with God’s plan, all things are falling into place. Therefore, we continue to pray and persevere in being a light for Christ, knowing that one day we will have an eternal home with our Heavenly Father.

PRAYER: FATHER, I place my life in Your hands. Your alone know the beginning and end of all things. I trust You to do what is best for me as I daily persevere in doing what You call me to do for You and Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

IMITATION OR REAL—LIE OR TRUTH

Have you ever purchased what you believed was an authentic antique only to learn that it was a very good imitation? Or you bought a piece of artwork, advertised as an original, but later discovered it was a convincing copy. Not all that glitters is gold, for there are many things in life that appear other than what they are.

Our eyes are not a reliable gauge for determining what is authentic or true. As the above sign shows, the lie sits on top of truth, which is what Satan does. He covers the truth with his lies. Only knowledge of God’s truth enables a person to distinguish between the genuine and counterfeit and between truth and lies.

So, how do we discern truth? Just as the jeweler studies gemology and learns, among other things, the difference between what is real and what is imitation, we study the Bible so that we can learn truth and separate it from the world’s deceptions and false versions of truth. Remember, when Satan (the god of this world) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

The current deceptive lie is Satan’s attack on the inerrancy of Scripture. What better way to create doubt and unbelief then to have people not trust God’s Word, thus not trust God. This issue negatively reflects on God’s character which is foundational to believing and understanding the Bible. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

God’s Spirit gave His Word to those whom He chose to record His Word. Nearly 30 percent of the Bible’s content is prophetic, and only the prophecies of Revelation are yet to be fulfilled. Why then would we doubt God’s sovereign ability to protect His Word? Nothing is too difficult for God for His ways are perfect: His Word is flawless (Psalm 18:30).

Today’s world offers many cheap imitations of the “good life” that divert attention from eternal life with God. Thus, God’s Word warns that in the last days, people will exchange the truth about God for a lie and will worship and serve things of the world rather than the Creator of all things (Romans 1:25).

We are forewarned that as time approaches for Christ’s return, people will be lovers of self and money, and will be proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, reckless, treacherous, puffed up with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, and having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

There was a time when truth was truth, and a lie was a lie. Now lies are accepted as truth and truth is rejected. Unfortunately, today’s youth have been shaped by a culture that esteems open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance of all things ungodly. Therefore, they do not believe in absolute truth, so everything should be accepted and determined by the individual. Thus, they create their own morality and a personalized designer truth.

The Word warns that some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (Timothy 4:1). At this present time in history, many students and people in their 20s and 30s are turning away from the traditional Church and Christianity and are embracing witchcraft which includes Wicca, paganism, folk magic and other New Age traditions as one of the fastest-growing spiritual paths in America. And there are over seven million witchcraft posts on Instagram and more than 11 billion views on TikTok with more than a billion users, including an estimated 135 million in the US.

Many young people are gravitating to witchcraft, because as one young woman said, “At the heart of these practices is the fact that witchcraft enables me to see the world through a more balanced lens. I’ve felt the reassuring presence of the otherworldly in the midst of difficult circumstances, and I know that magic happens when I summon the strength to draw boundaries or stir away the guilt that bubbles up…if I choose self-care over self-sacrifice.”   

This young woman, like many youths, do not understand the concept of self-sacrifice which is selflessness. If she were to sacrifice her will and surrender to Christ, she would have a reassuring presence and balance with Jesus, who leads, guides, strengthens, and brings comfort and peace to those who belong to Him. Depending on self makes a person their own god. The devil cleverly gives people a temporary sense of balance, peace, and a false knowledge, so they feel comfortable and secure in their blind deception.  

The world is in chaos with wars and rumors of wars. Rights are threatened, inflation is out of control, the future is uncertain, and there is an epidemic of depression and suicides. So, young people are looking for something tangible to bring them comfort and hope. However, the Word warned that a time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine but would want to hear from teachers those things that please them and agree with their desires. In that process, they will turn away from hearing truth and will accept myths and lies (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Those who reject Christ have chosen a world ruled by Satan and have bought his lie that happiness and contentment come from this world. But Jesus said that either we live for Him, or we live for the pleasures of this world. Although God provided many things for us to enjoy, we cannot be attached to this world.

The seven churches in Revelation represent seven different types of churches and their behaviors that reveal the reason for a steady decline in today’s church attendance and a falling away from God. Only two of the seven (28.57 percent) did what was right before God—Smyrna and Philadelphia. The church of Ephesus detested evil but left their first love—Christ. Jesus encouraged the church of Smyrna to stand in faith and overcome evil. The church of Pergamos worshiped God and idols, which represents today’s Christians who worship God and the things of this world. The church of Thyatira was doing many things right, but they excused worldly sins. The church of Sardis believed they were followers of Christ, but Jesus called them to repentance for their dead and faulty works, making them unworthy to walk with Him. The church of Philadelphia pleased Jesus, because they kept God’s Word. The church of Laodicea was neither hot nor cold but was lukewarm, wretched, miserable, blind, naked, and believed they had no need of anything. So, Jesus promised to spit them from His mouth because of lukewarmness for the things of God.

God’s Word tells us that all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, that we may be complete and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV). Therefore, let us daily pursue God’s truth found in His Word so that we may stand worthy before Him one day.

PRAYER: FATHER, my desire is to follow you with my whole heart, for this world is but a moment compared to eternity with You. Give me understanding of Your Word as I read and study it, so that I may know You and live according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

TRIPLET FAITH

Naaman was a man of valor and a very accomplished commander of the Syrian army. His great skill as a warrior and his many victories over their enemies won him favor in life and with the king. But despite his many accomplishments, he was a leper (2 Kings 5:1).

Leprosy was a slow and agonizing death sentence. Those who had it were cut off from people because they were considered ceremonially unclean and impure, which meant they were unable to go to the temple to worship where God manifested His presence. Thus, God’s Word uses leprosy as a synonym of sin’s destructive power that puts us at enmity with God, severs relationship with Him, and brings about our destruction. Surrendering to Jesus Christ and walking in obedience sets us free from the wages of sin.

Surrender was not in Naaman’s vocabulary because he was prideful and arrogant. And it is pride that goes before destruction, and a haughty (arrogant, superior) spirit that goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). But God was preparing all things to bring Naaman to humility and repentance.

A band of raiders from Aram (an area in Syria) had taken captive a young girl from Israel who served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet (Elisha) who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” God used a young Jewish girl to bring hope to Naaman (vs 2). And it was the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ, who came to bring hope and eternal life to the world.

Naaman requested permission of the king to go to the prophet. So, the king sent a letter to the king of Israel seeking permission to come. Naaman left with ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. Naaman assumed he could buy his healing. However, God is not interested in our gold and silver for He owns all the gold and silver (Haggai 2:8). He is interested in our hearts, for it is the heart that determines our choices and destiny (vs. 4-6).

The king of Israel was so angry with the letter that he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy?” But when Elisha heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent this message: “Why have you torn your robes? [Send the man] to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” (Vs 8).

Naaman arrived at the door of Elisha’s house. However, Elisha would not come out to meet Naaman but sent a messenger saying, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be cleansed” (vs 10).

Naaman was accustomed to being in control and having people respect his authority and obey him. Thus, he was furious that Elisha would not meet him face-to-face, but instead relayed through a messenger, what he believed to be a foolish instruction. “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me (pride, arrogance, and self-importance), and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy. Are not the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?’” (Vs.11-12). So, he left in a rage because his expectations had not been met.

Often we respond in a similar way. Unfortunately, those pre-conceived expectations of how God should answer a prayer can lead to disappointment. Realistically, God does not always do things according to our reasoning, will, or wants.

There are times when God will ask us to do what we deem impossible, or like Naaman, ask us to do something that seems foolish. However, I found that when God would ask me to do something that I believed I was unqualified to accomplish, He would encourage me to step out in faith and trust Him. When I obeyed, tremendous blessings followed. Be assured that God will never ask us to do anything that He has not already given us all ability to complete for Him. In turn, He expects us to trust and obey Him.

God requires simple obedience, even if it makes no sense. For God says, My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV). You can be certain that His instructions are His proving ground for revealing to us our level of obedience, humility, and trust in Him.

Naaman’s servants came near and implored him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean?” (Vs. 13).

Why did God not allow Elisha to pray for Naaman but required him to do what appeared ridiculous? The simple answer is that God was teaching Naaman a lesson in humility and obedience, for obedience is better than sacrifice. Finally, Naaman reluctantly did as the prophet told him and dipped the first time and came up out of the water. The leprosy was still there. He dipped a second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth time and still nothing. But when he dipped the seventh time, he came out of the water completely healed (vs. 14).

Naaman had done all that was asked of him, so His flesh became like the flesh of a child. And that is how God wants us to come to Him—a humble, trusting, and obedient child. And in surrendering to Him with the innocence of a child, not only are we born afresh but we have new hope and direction.

The number seven is biblically significant and appears over 700 times throughout both the Old and New Testaments, and throughout Revelation. Seven is God's number. It refers to completeness, perfection, and totality.

Naaman returned with his aides and humbled himself before Elisha and said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant” (Vs. 15). But Elisha refused the gift because God’s gifts cannot be bought. Naaman had changed from being a prideful, demanding man who was sure of his own abilities to becoming a repentant and humbled man before God.

If God asked you to do something that you thought was nonsensical, or too difficult, would you obey Him? Jesus certainly did the difficult for our sakes and He was victorious.

God calls each person to be men and women of humility, trust, and obedience (triplet faith). For God always has purpose behind His requests. He will never ask us to do something that He has not already provided the ability to complete. So, in humbling ourselves and obeying, we will see the blessings and fruits from trusting God.

PRAYER: FATHER, help me to be a person of humility, trust, and obedience, who like your Son, prayerfully sought Your will and quickly obeyed You. Give me a greater desire to read and understand your Word that conquers fear, doubt, unbelief, and gives courage and faith to walk in obedience to Your will and purposes. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE WAY—PART TWO

The Apostle Paul was taken to the Roman city of Caesarea for a trial before the Roman governor, Felix. Paul’s crime was that for three months he had been speaking boldly in the synagogue concerning the things of the kingdom of God. Some who heard did not believe, so they spoke evil of the Way and reported it to Felix (Acts 19:9).

Demetrius, a man who greatly opposed the Way, made idols of the goddess Diana. Paul’s preaching about the Way was negatively affecting Demetrius’ revenue. At one point, Paul addressed an angry mob that was against the Way and explained that at one time he persecuted and killed people who followed the Way, but Jesus had changed him. (Acts 22:4)

As it was then, today’s idols are in the form of money, statis, pleasure, success, and materiel things. However, if our first pursuit is God, then all His blessings will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). Thus, we are to “enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV). The reality is that “few find it” as we see in this statistic that only 31.6 percent of the world’s population define themselves as Christian. But only a small 9 percent of those identifying as Christians—possess a biblical worldview. (The Roys Report, 9/10/21)

During Paul’s trial before Felix, he gave his defense for following the Way and said, “I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect” (Acts 24:14). We are also told that Felix knew about the Way (verse 22). It appears that the Romans considered the Way to be a sect of Judaism rather than a separate religion.

As in Paul’s day, war has been declared on today’s Christians by weaponizing a government that brainwashes our children with lies and silences and imprisons those who oppose the dismantling of our freedoms. As it was then and is today, there is a great effort being made to silence the Way.” (Acts 19:23-29)

What is the Way? Jesus answered that question when He boldly stated, “I Am The Way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:16 NKJV). If there were many paths to heaven, why would the sinless Jesus suffer the unimaginable agony of crucifixion for our sakes. We see God’s plan 700 years before the birth of Christ, when the prophet Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be “pierced for our transgressions.” (Isaiah 53:6)

All sin, beginning with Adam, to the time of Christ was under the restraining mercy of God who chose not to punish sin, which would require an eternity in hell for all sinners, although He would have been just in doing so. Instead, God planned a Redeemer, His own Son, Jesus Christ who paid for every sin that would be committed. Though God would have been justified in punishing sin, He now justifies sinners who repent and receive Christ by faith. (John 3:16; Romans 3:26)

It cannot be said enough that God’s justice and His mercy were demonstrated by Christ’s death on the cross. At the cross, God’s justice was meted out in full upon Christ, and God’s mercy was extended in full to all who believe. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who they are. (Romans 3:22 NLT)

The trespass of [Adam] caused death to reign in each person. How much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in their life through The One Man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17). Therefore, we are to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage [the enemy of our souls]. (Galatians 5:1)

Because of what Christ did for mankind, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Jesus freed us from sin and death. We are not saved by being a good person and knowing the commandments of God, because we cannot be good enough or keep the commandments. So, in God sending His Son in a human body like ours, He destroyed sin’s control over us by giving Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now through the Holy Spirit we no longer obey the old evil nature that only wants to please ourselves, but we are led by the Holy Spirit to do what pleases God. (Romans 8:1-4)

 “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Maybe you have faithfully attended church most or all your life, but never verbally acknowledged Jesus as your Savior and made a commitment to surrender all to God and His Son. If so, I invite you to pray the following prayer:

PRAYER: Father, I have known about You and Jesus, but I never verbally committed my heart nor surrendered my life to Jesus. But today, I believe in my heart that Jesus not only died for me but that You raised Him from the dead, and He sits at Your right hand. I confess that I am a sinner, but because of the shed blood of Jesus, I am forgiven and set free from the wages of sin. Thank you for this fee gift of salvation that I did not and could not have earned, because Jesus paid it all. In Jesus’ name, amen.