A Resolution

Many people make a resolution at the beginning of the New Year.  Some people do not because they are afraid that they will not be able to keep the resolution they make.  However, I encourage everyone who reads this article to seriously consider making this resolution: “I resolve to revolve around Christ.”  As you make that resolution, I encourage you to consider a similar resolution the Apostle Paul made when he said, “All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection” (Philippians 3:10).

Notice three important aspects of this resolution:

1)    The resolution is singular in purpose – “all I want.”  It seems that when making a decision, lots of options could be helpful.  However, when too many options are available, decision-making becomes increasingly difficult.  For example, some fast-food chains purposely limit the items on their menu realizing that too many options often complicate decisions for people.  The Apostle Paul had an earnest desire that excluded everything in his life that was not essential.  At the same time, he was very much aware of those things that were of worth and had value.  How about you?  Are you ready to become singular in purpose in this New Year? 

2)    The resolution has a heavenly focus – “to know Christ.”  There is a Christian chorus about a person’s relationship with Christ entitled “The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.”  The “You” to know, of course, is Christ and that was Paul’s focus.  Notice how the Amplified Bible paraphrases this same verse.  It says, “For my determined purpose is that I may know Him—that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly” (Philippians 3:10). How about having the goal of getting to know Christ better this New Year?

 3)    The resolution includes a dynamic encounter – “to experience the power.”  When astronauts sit on top of powerful booster rockets which thrust their Space Capsule into orbit, they experience a controlled power that is indescribable.  And yet this man-made power pales in comparison with the fantastic power that is available to the Christian.  Paul calls this resurrection power.  The power of God that brought Christ from the dead is the same kind of power the believer can experience.  In other portions of scripture, it is said that the individual who has a personal relationship with God has “been raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1).  Are you ready for a dynamic on-going encounter with Christ in this New Year?

May this New Year be a year in which your resolution is to revolve around Christ and may you experience all the wonderful blessings He has in store for you as you get to know Him better and more intimately.

Tis the Season

Have you ever thought about the message that many of our popular Christmas Carols covey?  For example:

“Silver Bells” tells us to be upbeat – “Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile.”

“Up On the House Top” suggests merriment – “Ho, ho ho!  Who wouldn’t go?”

“Jingle Bells” advocates fun – “Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!”

“Deck the Halls” proposes being jolly – “’Tis the season to be jolly.

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” advocates happiness – “With kids jingle belling and everyone telling you ‘Be of good cheer.’”

So, what is the conclusion we get from these Carols?  Christmas must be a time filled with joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings.  Right?  Maybe for some it is.  But this is wrong for others.  Many people experience Christmas as a time of anxiety, stress, loneliness, reflection on past failures, and concerns about an uncertain future.  Did you know that depression affects about 19 million American adults each year?  It takes away a person’s ability to function in everyday situations and affects thoughts, moods, and behaviors.  During Christmas many people are sad and grieve.  Some individuals avoid groups of people because they fear crowds or are afraid of being disapproved or embarrassed.  We need to realize that Christmas will not eliminate loneliness or feelings of sadness.  Here are some suggestions that you might want to try during this often stressed-filled season: 

1)      Look for positive things to alleviate disappointment.

2)      Volunteer to help others.  This will take your mind off yourself and give you a sense of usefulness.

3)      Do something for yourself.

4)      Do not spend the Christmas season alone but find people to be with. 

5)      Open the Bible and read the Christmas story.

6)      List the ways that God has been faithful to you.

7)      Focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

8)      Identify and write down at least 2 dozen (24) things for which you are grateful.

If Christmas does not seem like the most wonderful time of the year to you because of stress or disappointment realize that God wants to give you His joy.  Jesus said, “These things that I have spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11). Notice that the qualification for a joy-filled life is to possess the joy of Jesus.  This will become a reality when you invite Jesus, who is the reason for the Christmas season, to become your Savior and Lord.  It is He who will give you joy despite your circumstances.  Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

God and Us

As the Christmas season approaches, let your mind think about the biblical Christmas story and the song that angels in the Bethlehem skies sang over the shepherds so long ago.  Here’s how the Bible records it, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Why such jubilation?  Why such proclamation?  Here are three truths related to the action of God who sent Jesus, His one and only Son, to the earth.

 1)      Jesus is God WITH us.  Matthew expresses this truth as: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23). Did you know that Jesus came to this world, not just so you could celebrate Christmas each year?  He came because God wants to develop a personal relationship with you through His son.  Is God with you?

2)      Jesus is God FOR us.  The Apostle Paul reminds us of this fact when he said, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ, but we also know that He lived among us and died on the cross.  Did you know that Jesus died on the cross for you, to pay the penalty of your sin?  Have you personally experienced God’s forgiveness of your sins?

3)      Jesus is God IN us.  The Apostle John uses this idea when he says, “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them.  And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us” (I John 3:24). The great miracle of Christmas is that God would choose to live in us.  He does so when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord by faith and invite Him into our lives.  Have you put your trust in Christ today?  Is God in you?

May you enjoy a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas by inviting Christ to come into your life.  Remember: by receiving God’s perfect Gift, Jesus, He is God with you, God for you, and God in you.  Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

The Beginning of Thanksgiving

During the month of November we celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  Have you ever wondered where the tradition of giving thanks began?  Throughout history many groups, including the people of Israel, have celebrated a bountiful harvest with a thanksgiving ceremony.  One of the festivals the Israelites celebrated had three different names.  It was called the Feast of Tabernacles, the Feast of Booths, or the Feast of Ingathering.  This feast marked the completion of the harvest and commemorated the wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness.  Along with other feasts, this feast did several things.

• It preserved the religious faith of the nation and the unity among the people.
• It was a constant reminder of the way God had delivered them from difficulties in the past.
• It promoted gratitude to God among the people and acknowledged their trust in Him as their wonderful Provider.
• It gave an opportunity for the Children of Israel to show reverence for God.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let’s be reminded of the opportunity we have in this great country of ours to exercise our faith and worship God.  Let’s thank God for the way He constantly delivers us and preserves us, even through difficulties.  And let’s commit ourselves to exercise our trust in God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.  Calvin Coolidge, the 30^th President of the United States, said the following in one of his Thanksgiving proclamations.  “We have been a favored people; we ought to be a grateful people.  We have been a most blessed people; we ought to be a most thankful people.”

Psalm 100 was written as a psalm for giving thanks.  As you participate in Thanksgiving activities this season, let this psalm be the expression of your heart to God: “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the LORD is God.   It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Ps 100:1-5)

Action Permeated With Thanks

People take different kinds of action every day.  Some action is the result of a habit – like brushing teeth.  Some action is planned – such as taking a much-needed vacation.  Other action transpires in the spur of a moment – for example, when a new idea comes to mind on which a person decides to act quickly.

Some action is general in nature, some could be characterized as evil and other action as godly.  Godly action – that which pleases God – can be found in the Bible.  Every time scripture states a command, people can be assured that God wants them to take that specific action.  One God-pleasing action found in the New Testament in the book of Ephesians is the giving of thanks.  The Apostle Paul explains this action when he says: “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

This 17-word sentence clarifies the things that should permeate the action that needs to be taken all year long, but particularly during the Thanksgiving season.

1)    Giving thanks should be perpetual – “always.”  The text says that giving thanks is something that should be done at all times - not just once during the Thanksgiving season and then forgotten.  Thanks should be given continually, constantly, and repeatedly. 

2)    Giving thanks should be divinely focused – “to God the Father.”  Thanks is often given to people who have done something nice for someone else.  Of course, these people need to be thanked, but thanks should also be directed toward God.  He should be the object of thanksgiving.

3)    Giving thanks should be comprehensive – “for everything.”  Thanks is not complete unless it includes thankfulness for all things. Grant Richison said, “All things includes both bane and blessing, adversity and benefit, for the small and the big. We give thanks for the miserable things, the things we cannot understand, as well as the good. In other words, we surrender to the will of God no matter how it hurts. Only a Spirit-filled person can do this.”

4)    Giving thanks should be spiritually qualified – “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  In other words, thanks in the name of Jesus represents everything that characterizes Christ as well as all that He has done for mankind including providing salvation and eternal life.

Warren Wiersbe, an American Christian clergyman, said, “The word gratitude comes from the same root word as grace.  If we have experienced the grace of God, then we ought to be grateful for what God brings to us.”  Let’s let our thanksgiving permeate at that we do both now and throughout the year.

Being Connected

On a spring vacation I wanted to connect to the internet but discovered that I was out of Wi-Fi range and did not have a proper password for a local hotspot.  This quickly made me aware of the importance of being connected.  Not having the connection when I desired it, or thought I needed it, was frustrating.  Without a source of power my effectiveness was hindered.

In technology, as in other sectors of life, it is important to be connected.  I suggest that it also important to be connected spiritually.  The Bible reminds us that it is essential for us to tap into God’s divine power.  If we neglect doing so, we will be hindered in our spiritual development and become ineffective.  Many people think they can get along without God.  However, when God is left out of our lives our strength is diminished, we deceive ourselves, and we lose the effectiveness that we would otherwise have.  The Bible says, “His [God’s] divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (II Peter 1:3). Think about these four aspects of this verse:

1)      Originating Source.  The supply of spiritual energy is God himself.  The text calls this “His [God’s]” power.

2)      Specified Energy.  The energy is far more than human power, it is godly vitality because it is called “divine power”.

3)      Exhaustive Supply.  The resource God provides is comprehensive because it includes “everything we need” – that is, everything that is essential for our connection to God.

4)      Personal Connection.  Our link with God is intimate because He has “called us”.  God personally desires that we live a godly life as we grow spiritually and learn more about Him.

Being connected to God means that we have godly strength.  With this personal connection to God, we receive His divine power which is necessary to live a fruitful life that pleases Him.  Are you connected to God’s spiritual energy source?

Being Used of God - At Any Age

As you read the Bible you will find several people who are advanced in age.  It is interesting that these people were willing – and even eager – to keep working for the Lord or to take on new tasks for Christ and His Kingdom.  One of those individuals was Caleb, who along with Joshua, after wandering with the Children of Israel in the wilderness, were sent into Canaan (the Promised Land) to spy out the land.  To show the abundance of the land the spies came back with abundant, delicious produce. However, despite the great produce ten of the twelve spies gave a negative report focusing on the giants and fortified cities.  Their counsel was that Israel should stay put and not advance into that territory. On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb gave an optimistic report and encouraged advancement into the land.  They admitted that the giants and fortified cities were obstacles, but with God’s miraculous power these obstacles could be overcome.

After Israel moved into the land Caleb made these comments. “Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!  I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said” (Joshua 14:10-12).

 

Notice several important characteristics of this 85-year-old man of God.

 

1)      God was in control of his life and was not finished with him – “he has kept me alive.”

2)      He believed that he was able to take on the task – “So here I am today … strong … vigorous.”

3)      He was willing to accept a difficult job – “To go out to battle … Now give me this hill country.”

4)      He trusted in the Lord and his help – “the LORD helping me.”

5)      He expected great results – “I will drive them out.”  All this at 85 years of age!

 

Lessons from this text for all of us – even for those who are advanced in years.

 

·         God is in control of our lives and is not finished with us.

·         God has a task that He wants to accomplish through us.

·         We need to be willing to take on the task that God has given us and believe that He will provide help and support.

·         We can expect results in our work that will exalt the Lord and bring honor and glory to Him.

 

As an adult, are you ready to let God use you?  What task are you ready to take on for Christ and His Kingdom?

School is in Session

September marks the time when children return to the classroom.  As a school-age child, I remember the great anticipation I had to get back to school after the summer recess.  That anticipation was not because I had a desire to study, but because I wanted to be back with my friends, and I wanted to enjoy the many extra-curricular activities school provided.  Even though children may enjoy school relationships and fun events, the focus of school is education and learning.

When it comes to spiritual things it might be appropriate to say that school is always in session.  None of us will ever outgrow our need for education and learning about spiritual matters.  Ezra, the Old Testament priest, set the example for learning about God and growing as explained in Scripture. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

This verse suggests three aspects that characterized Ezra’s life which should also characterize ours as well.

1)      Specific Focus.  “Devoted” should be the task when Scripture is studied.  In addition, the study of God and His Word should be a priority.  We need to fully embrace God’s Word, have a strong love for it, and be focused on it.  Our commitment should be to learn all we can about God and His Word.

2)      Personal Application.  The outcome of biblical study should be the “observance” of the Word of God.  To observe means much more than simply acquiring knowledge about God.  To observe means to put into practice in daily living.

3)      Continued Involvement.  “Teaching” God’s Word to others needs to be an ongoing responsibility of all who study the Bible.  Whether you have the title of "teacher" or not, you teach by what you say and how you act.  In spite your age, God’s Word, when applied to life provides guidance and direction for you and for others.

Where are you when it comes to God’s Word?  Remember, your life is an example to others.  Are you devoting yourself to the study and observance of God’s Word?  My suggestion for you today is to take time to review the above verse.  Ask yourself, “What does God want me to do as I study God’s Word and apply it to my life?”  Don't forget that when it comes to Christian living, school is always in session.  Why?  Because there is always more to learn and put into practice. Your life will teach others.

Following Directions

A helpful modern-day instrument that gives location and directions for travel is a GPS.  The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system which is made up of a network of 24 satellites.  These satellites were originally placed in orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use.  However, in the 1980s, the government made this system available for use by civilians.  When a destination address is placed in a GPS it does not matter where the person is located.  The system automatically calculates the route from where you are to the intended destination.  All you must do is follow directions.

When Jesus invites us to follow Him, He wants us to start from where we are.  We do not need to clean up our lives.  We do not have to complete a bunch of good deeds.  We do not need to do anything to change.  He simply wants us to start following.  After we decide to follow Jesus and begin the wonderful journey of walking with Him, He will teach us and guide us and give us what we need to serve Him.  The Bible tells us about Simon and Andrew who were invited to follow Jesus.  We are told, “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:16-19).

Notice these aspects of this story:

1. Jesus gave an Invitation. “Come, follow me.”  Jesus had a task for the disciples to accomplish.  This invitation was more than a simple request by Jesus; it was a command.  The call that came to the disciples was one that not only needed to be heard, it needed to be followed.
2. Jesus Made a commitment to provide Training.  “I will make you fishers of men.”  Jesus knew that the task He was going to ask the disciples to do was extremely important.  And, if that task was to be accomplished He was willing to invest time with the disciples to teach, train, encourage and guide them.
3. Jesus expected a Response.  “At once they left their nets and followed him.”  The disciples accepted the invitation and immediately left what they were doing and followed Jesus.  There was no hesitation on their part to respond positively to Jesus.

Are you willing to heed the call of Jesus to follow Him?  Are you ready for the training that He will give you for the task He wants you to do?  Are you willing to respond to Jesus though immediate obedience?

What God is Doing that is New

I am always amazed when I consider information in the Bible which explains God’s desire to do something new for us, with us, or through us.  For example:

• God wants us to have “new life” (Romans 6:4).
• When we die to our sins we can “serve in the new way of the Spirit” (Romans 7:6).
• Communion is a reminder of a “new covenant” in His blood (I Corinthians 11:25)
• In Christ we are a “new creation” (II Corinthians 5:17).
• In Christ we are to “put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10).
• Christ is “the mediator of a new covenant” between God and man (Hebrews 9:15).
• We can come boldly before God in prayer because of the “new and living way opened for us” through what Jesus did on the cross (Hebrews 10:20).
• Through Christ we have “new birth” (I Peter 1:3).
• When speaking about Israel, God said, “See I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).

Let me ask, what new thing is God doing in your life?  What do you sense is the “new thing” that God is doing in your church?  What new thing is God doing in your family?  What praise is on your lips to God for the new thing that He is doing for you, for your church or for your family?  Maybe, if we take time to carefully look at and acknowledge the things that God is doing in our lives, each of us can say that he will put “A new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3). That would be a wonderful testimony of God’s grace and a great encouragement to others around us.

Encouragement

There are many things that happen in our world which become a discouragement to us such as violence, fatigue, stress at work or at home, difficulties with finances, fighting, wars, health concerns and many other things.  When we experience problems, we are faced with pressure that drains us of our strength and energy. Being discouraged means that we have been deprived of our confidence and hope.  All of this is debilitating and saps the joy from our lives.  If that is the case for us, it is the same for other people.

When discouragement sets in, we desperately need something that lifts us up, encourages us, and lessens the negative or at least turns it into something positive.  In Scripture the Apostle Paul points to important instruction on this topic when he says, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).

Here are some implications for us from this verse:

1)    God is the source of spiritual encouragement – “God who gives endurance and encouragement.”   We will never find eternal encouragement in “things of the world” but only in that which God provides.

2)    Spiritual encouragement leads to unity – “Give you a spirit of unity…as you follow Christ Jesus.”  Once we have been encouraged by God, He also provides the ability to be unified with others of like precious faith.

3)    Spiritual encouragement primes us for giving glory to God – “With one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  As we are encouraged spiritually our desire will be to give God the glory that is due Him for all the wonderful things He does in this world and has done for us personally.

So, the next time you become discouraged, turn to God.  Let the spiritual encouragement you receive from Him prompt you to breathe a prayer of thanks to God for His incredible power.  Ask God to continue to work in and through you for His honor and glory.  Is there someone whom you need to encourage today with a telephone call, email or text?  Do it now.

Where are you Going?

Where are you going?” was the question the traffic officer asked the motorist who, because he was late for an important meeting, had rushed the light making a quick left turn in front of oncoming traffic.  The motorist was a seminary student who told the officer, “I’m studying for the ministry, and I was hurrying to get to a special meeting.”  To which the officer replied, “You better slow down, or you are going to get to heaven before you want to.”  He gave the student a warning ticket and let him go.

The question the officer asked is a good question for all of us to consider about life.  “Where are you going?”  Isn’t it logical to think that life consists of more than simply living a few short years and then dying?  I’m afraid that many people are rushing through life trying to enjoy every minute, but they forget to answer the all-important question, “Where are you going?”

Listen to what the Bible tells us about heaven:

1)    Heaven is God’s gift to us.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

2)    Heaven can be ours through Christ.  And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (I John 5:11-12).

3)    Jesus is preparing heaven for those who have put their trust in Him.  “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

4)    Our good works cannot attain heaven.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

5)    Heaven is assured to those who personally receive Christ. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

So, “Where are you going?”  Are you ready to meet God?  Are you confident that if you should die tonight you would go to heaven?  You can be ready to meet God and be assured of heaven.  How?  All you need to do is to put your faith in God and trust Him alone.  Pray to God.  Ask Him to forgive your sins, come into your life, and be your Savior.  He will.  And then with complete confidence your answer to the “Where are you going?” question will be “heaven”. The Apostle John confirms this when he says,  “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (I John 5:13).

Freedom

On July 4, 1776, America claimed its independence from Britain and democracy was born.  Every day people leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” so they can begin their American Dream.  On this holiday each year, those who are Americans celebrate freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, services, fly-overs, and family gatherings.

In our country we enjoy both national freedom and individual freedom.  But there is another freedom that we do not think much about on the 4^th of July and that is spiritual freedom.  In the New International Version of the Bible, there are 24 references to the word “freedom”.  It is interesting that God sent Jesus Christ into the world to provide spiritual freedom for us. The Apostle Paul reminded his hearers of spiritual freedom available in Christ when he said, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (II Corinthians 3:17). It was Jesus who also said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor” (Luke 4:19-20). Jesus further reminded people that freedom comes through truth when He said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

When the disciples asked Jesus about the way to heaven, He replied, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  Spiritual freedom comes from Jesus and it is found in Him.  As we approach our country’s day of reflection let’s rejoice in the national and individual freedom we have.  However, I would also encourage you to think about the spiritual freedom that is available for you and me.  Have you received the freedom that Christ came to give?  Turn in faith to Christ today.  He will set you free and you will find yourself enjoying spiritual freedom. The Apostle Paul summed up this freedom when he said, “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).

Sand and God's Abundance

Vacation is always a great time to relax, to go someplace that you do not usually get to on a regular basis, and to experience a time of rejuvenation.  Occasionally when my wife and I go to Florida for a bit of relaxation we try to get to the ocean so we can enjoy the beach.   As we walk up and down the beaches I am impressed by the sand.  There is so much of it, and it seems to extend for unending miles ahead of us. Multiply the sand on the beach on which we are walking plus the hundreds of beaches around the world.  Obviously there is lots of sand.

When I think of beaches, I remember that the sand was created by God; but I’m also aware that He refers to sand when He wants to describe something that is great in number.  For example, He told Abraham, “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17).  When the Israeli judge Gideon fought for God, his enemies had many camels.  Scripture describes it this way, “Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore” (Judges 7:12).  Sand reminds me of abundance.  And when I think of abundance I’m reminded that God provides for you and me in abundant ways.  Scripture says that God gives us:

Blessings – “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (II Corinthians 9:8)

Joy, Peace and Hope – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Grace – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Our Needs – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)

Love and Faithfulness – “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).

Abundant Life – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

The Apostle Paul sums up his thoughts about what God does for us in abundant measure with these words, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).  I am thankful for God’s wonderful provisions for us that come in abundant measure including His spiritual blessings, His grace, and His miraculous power.  Aren’t you thankful for God’s abundance in the things He does for us?

Our Biblical Responsibility

Have you ever wondered what it is that God wants you and me to do?  Many things are identified in the Bible concerning how a person ought to live, but the prophet Micah summarizes God’s desire when he writes, “He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Thee three commands identified in this verse are: (1) To act justly, (2) To love mercy, and (3) To walk humbly with God.  So, what do these commands mean for ordinary people like you and me?

·        First, to “act justly” is to follow the golden rule; it is to act in a fair way towards other people and treat them in the same manner that you would want to be treated.  In other words, we are to do what is right by everyone. 

·        Second, to “love mercy” is to be kind, gracious and compassionate towards all people.  Not only are we to show mercy but we are to delight in participating in this kind of action wherever we are.

·        Third, to “walk humbly” is to recognize who God is and endeavor to be in constant fellowship with Him.  This happens through the reading of the Bible (which is God’s Word to us) and meditating on what He says.  Charles Spurgeon, an English Baptist preacher said, “Humility must be in the heart, and then it will come out spontaneously as the outflow of life in every act that a man performs."

Everything in our lives – whether thought, word or deed – should all bring honor and glory to God, build up other people, and further the cause of Christ.  So, the question each of us must ask ourselves is “Where am I when it comes to the actions of justice, mercy and humility?  Do I act justly by treating everyone fairly?  Do I delight at reaching out to others and showing the love of Christ in an encouraging way?  Do the motivations of my heart and my daily actions reveal that I walk humbly with the Lord?

Are you taking your biblical responsibility seriously?

Success in Life

Success is something we all want to experience in our personal lives as well as in the workplace.  Motivational speakers point to various elements that go into making someone a success such as being positive, setting specific goals and following strict discipline.  Obviously, these are not the only way to success.  Success according to the criteria of the world and Biblical success are quite different.

In the Scriptures we are given information to help us understand success from a Biblical perspective.  The Bible says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8).  Let’s take a look at the specifics of success that this verse suggests and try to come to an understanding of prosperity and success through God’s eyes.

1)      Allow the Bible to be a regular part of your life – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth.”  This means that we should constantly spend time reading, listening to, and thinking about God’s Word. It does not mean to simply consider what God’s word says when we attend church on Christmas and Easter.  These two Christian holidays share important biblical events, but in no way would hearing God’s word during these two times during the year be considered “regular”.  Rather, get a Bible and begin to read once a day.  Start in the Gospel of St. Mark.  Do not be concerned about how much you read but start with a paragraph or two, or maybe even read just one verse. 

2)      Let the words of Scripture constantly permeate your mind – “Meditate on it day and night.”  As you read the Bible, take time to think about and concentrate on what it says.  Let the words of Scripture speak to you.  Take time to diligently study what you read and identify what the Bible tells you about God or what it instructs you to do. As you approach the Scripture do so with the idea that you want to grasp the meaning to help you understand what the author intended.

3)      Make practical application of the Word of God in daily living – “Be careful to do everything written in it.”  God’s Word is more than just a book to be read.  In addition to reading, it needs to be studied with the idea of putting what it says into action in practical ways. The value of meditation is determined by the obedience which produces results in daily living.

These three steps are a formula for success in God’s eyes.  No matter what you do or where you are you can be confident that you are a success if you regularly expose yourself to the Word of God, meditate on it, and practically apply it every day.