Cast Your Burden

Psalms 55:22 (KJV)

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 

What kind of burdens do you have? Take a little time right now and think about or jot down what is heavy on your heart. Could it be finances? Or maybe even a job? It might be a person who has hurt you or that you have hurt? Maybe you are dealing with one of your own behaviors right now. Or maybe even there is a temptation/sin that has its hooks in you. Whatever it is, you can bring it to the Lord.

There are those of you who may doubt that you are able to do this because of what the second part of this verse says; in your own mind you are saying: “I am NOT righteous, so the Lord will not sustain me.” I’m not picking on anybody, but we get to the point that we think we are not worth it for God to care because we don’t measure up. 

Let’s address two truths that were just mentioned: We are NOT righteous and we don’t measure up (Rom 3:10-18). BUT, it isn’t about what we can do – it’s about what Christ can do through us. We are righteous through faith in Jesus (Rom 3:21-24). Do you believe Jesus died for your sins? Do you believe He had victory over sin and death? Then believe that you are righteous in Him.

Can you cast your burden on the Lord now? You may not feel worthy to give your burdens to the King, but He believes you are worth it (Rom 5:8).

It's Time to PAK

Being Purposeful In The Way You Treat Others

Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, [13]bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. [14] And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [15] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

“Random acts of kindness” has become a popular way of trying to make the world a better place. I believe this passage in Colossians dares us to practice “purposeful” acts of kindness.

Key words to look for in this passage are “put” and “let.” Both of these words indicate that we are being asked to make purposeful choices in certain areas: COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, MEEKNESS, PATIENCE, and FORGIVENESS. We must make the choice to let CHRIST’S PEACE rule our hearts (our whole being). Choose to be THANKFUL. And choose to have CHRIST’S WORD be in us so that we can share His Word with others and help each other grow in His Word. Moreover if we choose to have His Word in us we are more joyful (with our praise) and more thankful.

The final thought on Purposeful Acts of Kindness is to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus – the easiest way to know if you are doing this is to see who benefits the most. Is the recipient lifted up? Is Christ praised? Or do you get to pat yourself on the back and fill a selfish desire? I threw that last one in there because we can be tempted to do the right thing for the wrong purpose. It is my opinion that a PAK (Purposeful Act of Kindness) is part of dying to self and living for Christ (John 3:30) – this is where the first “puts” come in to play (compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience and forgiveness).

Try to add one PAK a day. Don’t tell others what you have done. Pray to the Father for guidance on who needs a PAK, and do it for the benefit of the recipient and for the Glory of God. Don’t let it be random – be purposeful in your kindness.

Looking Past What Is On Earth

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. [3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 

We are encouraged to set our minds on things that are above and not on the things that are on earth. This passage of scripture reminds us that we have died to our old self and have been raised with Christ. Do you see the logic trail?

Note: Get your Bible out and look up the passages.

What does this world have to offer us (1 John 2:15-16)? When we have been raised with Christ what do we have to look forward to (1 Peter 1:4)? What’s going to happen to what the world has to offer (2 Peter 3:10) as opposed to what we have in Christ?

In this time of gift giving and receiving; in this time of a faltering economy and in this time of low job security try to keep your focus on your inheritance in Christ. There are so many things that can make us lose our focus (Matthew 14:29-31), but our Lord Jesus Christ will always be there for us regardless of the storms that are around us – the storms brought about by a fallen world.

Acknowledging My Faults

Psalms 51:1-4 (KJV)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
[2] Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
[3] For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
[4] Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

When we acknowledge our sin to God, we put our total dependence on his mercy. We’ve already received God’s mercy and God knows where we have sinned. He still loves us (Rom 5:8). If we have already put our faith in Christ, that sin has been taken care of (Rom 6:10).

So why do I need to acknowledge my sin? Why do I need to turn from it? Sin gets in the way of our communication with God (Ps 66:18). If we try to hide it, we end up tripping ourselves up (Pr 28:13). And knowing God’s mercy comes from just confessing and forsaking that sin (Pr 28:13).

If mercy and forgiveness is that close, why not take it to the Lord? Why hide from Him when He has so much for us? God understands the temptations we deal with (Heb 4:15) and He knows we buckle under the temptations sometimes – if that wasn’t the case there would be no need for Jesus Christ. Let God love you, lay it all out before Him and let Him take care of you.  

Laying it All Out Before God

2 Kings 19:14-19 (ESV)

Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread it before the LORD. [15] And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD and said: “O LORD the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. [16] Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. [17] Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands [18] and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. [19] So now, O LORD our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O LORD, are God alone.”

 

At this point of time, Jerusalem and King Hezekiah were being threatened by the King of Assyria. No country or any “god” had stood before Assyria under this king. This king of Assyria was sending messengers to outside of the wall of Jerusalem to discourage the people: “Don’t believe your king when he says your God will rescue Jerusalem out our hands – no god of any we have conquered has delivered the people out of our hands.”

We too face this in our lives at times. Sometimes it seems there is no stopping the evil around us. When we try to do what is right, we get mocked, because there seems no stopping the powerful in this world. It seems at times it is just useless to try to live a righteous life.

We need to follow Hezekiah’s example from today’s passage. Just lay it out all before God. Yes, God knows what’s going on, but if we take the time to lay it all out before Him we are releasing it to Him. We are acknowledging His power, we are worshiping Him, and we are trusting in Him. By giving it all up to God we are saying, “There is none other that can handle this situation, because You are God – not me.”  

Remember God

Psalm 50:22-23 KJV

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. 

[23] Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God. 

Having read today’s passage, you may find verse 22 rather harsh. But, when we continue to verse 23 we see the proper road to take instead of forgetting God. Praising God and choosing a righteous life (ordereth his conversation aright) is how we remember Him.

Why do I bring this up? The same reason it is found in God’s word: we tend to forget God. How often do you praise God for the little victories? I honestly praise Him when He touches my heart with His Word – for confirmation or correction, I am always excited that He chooses to talk to me. When my seven year old daughter chooses a Christian program for entertainment instead of Scooby Doo or Spongebob. When God reminds me to take the right action. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 has always been a favorite verse of mine. It also serves as a reminder that everything that I do or can do is because He has enabled or allowed me to do so. He is awesome.

Today's Double-Post

My apologies to the readers, I had written a post yesterday but never published it. So today both Monday and Tuesday have been posted.

The King in Control

Psalm 47:6-9 KJV

6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

I am often found quoting Romans 8:28 during times of confusion and chaos, knowing that God will make everything work out to the best. This portion of scripture reminds me that even before I claim that promise that God is in control. Plain and simple, God is in control. 

I should just stop with that paragraph, but since I know there are many, like myself, that struggle with being in control. I struggle with it because I want peace in my life – if everything is in its place there is peace (we know from my devotional last week that peace is attained more from moderation than control). And many of us have this same issue with control, not because we are power hungry but because we want peace.

It surely helps me to know that God is in control. And if He allows me to go through a “roller-coaster” event, He will bring me through it (1 Cor 10:12). Many times we need to go through these events, that we are trying oh so hard to avoid, to perfect our faith (James 1:2; 1 Pet 1:6,7).  Look at Ps 47:7 above; it says to praise God with this understanding. Realize that God is on the throne, not you, and praise Him for that. If God is in control, we are able to let go of worries and fears and just watch Him show His glory through our lives.

Give it Your All

2 Kings 13:14-19 ESV

Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” [15] And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. [16] Then he said to the king of Israel, “Draw the bow,” and he drew it. And Elisha laid his hands on the king's hands. [17] And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The LORD's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” [18] And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped. [19] Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.” 

As I read this passage, I saw once again a king’s heart being tested. He was asked to do something and he obeyed, but he didn’t do it as much as was expected of him. Look at verses 18 and 19. The king was told to strike the ground with the arrows; it should not have been a surprise that this going to be a picture of something (in verse 17 he already learned that the shooting of an arrow was a picture of Israel having victory over Israel). But the king only struck the ground three times. The bible doesn’t tell us why. It could have been he was already satisfied with the news of victory, so he just didn’t think it as important. We do that: while in a crisis we fervently pray for deliverance and once the crisis is over the prayers aren’t so fervent anymore.

Once again, I can only guess at the reason why he only hit the ground three times. What I do know is that he should have kept going. He should have given that task all that he had because it was God, through a prophet, putting the task before him. 

What does this tell us? Whatever the task God has put before you, do it with all you have (Col 3:23; 1 Cor 10:31). Joash missed out on a total blessing because his heart was not fully with the Lord. Likewise you could miss out on all God has for you if your heart is not fully with the Lord, but if you are fully seeking Him with your whole heart who can fathom the abundance (not just material) He has for you?

The Fruit of Sacrificial Giving

Philippians 4:10-20 ESV

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul had received a gift from the Philippians. They had already help him in his ministry, but had at other times were unable to. They were finally able to finance him some more, but it came through a great sacrifice by the Philippians.

Paul explains that it is not money where he finds contentment, but in the Lord. And knowing their sacrifice assures them that God will take care of their every need.

Verse 17 is what I find incredible – Paul tells the Philippians that he wasn’t anticipating the gift that they gave him, but the increase in their fruit, their ministry, because they did give.

And that is what I ponder: Does my ministry increase every time I give? Giving to the ministry is doing good, but it also helps us to depend on God rather than ourselves. Do you take the opportunity to let your fruit increase?

Put to Death the Pessimist in You

Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

By nature we always look at what is wrong. God was way ahead of Dr. Phil in this area. He tells us to focus on what is good around us. The end of verse 8 says plainly, “thing about these things.” How often have you been obsessed with a wrong-doing in your life? Mainly on the receiving end. If you keep thinking about what is wrong or bad your mind can get wrapped up in that only. Where is the praise if you focus on the negative?

Look at what you can praise God for today and put to death the pessimist in you.

Defeating Peace-Stealers

Philippians 4:4-7 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1. Find your joy in the Lord. vs. 4 (Col 3:2; Matt 6:21).
2. Do not overreact. vs. 5 (Rom 8:28)
3. Do not worry about anything. vs. 6
4. Take it all to God in prayer. vs. 6

I do not know what takes away your peace, or if you have ever had it, but Paul gives us things to do to help us embrace God’s peace.  If we employ the four areas above then we can look for what vs. 7 promises us, God’s peace. There is something comforting to me to know that God’s peace will cover my heart and mind and that chaos and anxiousness can be let go of because it is replaced with God.

Mentorship

2 Kings 12:1-2 ESV
In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

When going through Kings and Chronicles you will notice two things: the Kings of Israel and Judah either did what was right in the eyes of the Lord or they did evil. The story of Jehoash stood out to me because he had a mentor. Not just anybody, but a priest. Jehoash was fortunate enough to be attached to a man who was able to instruct him in the ways of the Lord. And it was for this reason that he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

Not much more is said of the instruction process, but it does tell us something for application in our lives. We have a great ability to do God’s will if we have a godly person guiding us through. Seek to have at least one person like that in your life, and not just listening to your pastor for an hour once a week while sitting in the pew. But a person who will love you – who knows how to tell you the things you need to hear not what you want to hear (there are many who can tell you what you need to hear, but someone who takes the time to love you knows how to tell you the right way – Pr 15:31).

God Answers Prayer

1 Chronicles 4:10 ESV
Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.

God always answers prayer. I realize that there was a book written on this one verse, but I’d like to talk about what it says to me. God sometimes gives us exactly what we ask. God sometimes says “no.” He may have something totally different in mind for us (1 Chr 14:14-15). And sometimes He will just want us to wait. God answers our prayers: sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes not yet. We just need to be satisfied that He has what is best for us in all situations (Rom 8:28).

Love the Eternal

1 John 2:15-17 ESV
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

It seems that we tend to get our perspective out of whack. We like to have things and the possibility of losing said things gets us in a tizzy. The US has been going through an economic roller-coaster lately, and it has gotten a few people worried. You could be one of them. But if you know Christ, you know He will take care of your needs (Phil 4:19). I think what is in danger is the “wants” in our lives. Verse 16 touches on that: “the desires of the eyes” or “lust of the eyes.” We want what we want and we want it now!!!

The last sentence of our scripture today tells us what is going to happen to all those “wants” we have – they will pass away. They do not have lasting value. What has a lasting value is seeking to do the will of God. So we are to stop putting so much stock in money and possessions, stop trying to satiate our bodies with the world, and stop surviving on a false self-importance (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life) but love doing the will of God – to satisfy ourselves in Him (Col 3:2).

(Note: 1 John 5:16 in the ESV has the phrase “pride in possessions” which is one possible translation; but the Greek word used for “possessions” can also be more accurately translated “lifestyle.” A love for possessions is already covered with “desires of the eyes,” so within this context, I believe “the pride of life” is the more accurate translation.)

Crown of Life

James 1:12-15 ESV
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Temptation is by no means easy to go through. When Christ went through temptation, we know that He suffered (Heb 2:18). Unlike us, Christ did not buckle under that suffering of temptation (Heb 4:15). So how do we remain steadfast under trial? Is that crown of life attainable or are we destined to fail every we are faced with temptation?

If you read the Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15 you probably already know the answer. It is Jesus who gets us through temptation. Every now and again God will have to provide a way around temptation (1 Cor 10:13), but I firmly believe that God wants us to get THROUGH temptation. And the only way THROUGH is IN CHRIST. We need to put on the MIND OF CHRIST instead of opening a door to the desires that tempt us (Rom 13:14). And the best way to do that is to know His mind through His word (John 1:1; Ps 119:11).

Humbleness

Philippians 2:1-11 ESV
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This section of scripture is incredible as it puts forth many of the benefits of having humility around one another. In the first two verses points out that many of the things we desire as we grow in Christ are complete when we are in unity. Paul actually uses the term “complete my joy,” but I doubt this was a selfish desire, but more of a desire to see the health of the church solidified by unity.

How do we attain unity? Through humility: do nothing out of rivalry or pride but always see others as more important than yourself. That includes those of you who just HAVE TO make your opinion known – it is good to be opinionated, it shows that you are paying attention and that you have some passion, but if your opinion is not PROFITABLE to others or the situation, it is not good. Paul continues by saying that you need to watch the backs of others, not just your own. The most practical way all of us can do this is either refuse to listen to rumors or gossip, or if it is too late – squash the gossip trail with you. Okay, I use the word “squash” because of my hate (yes, hate) of such things, but rumors and gossip can be stopped gently.

Paul finally says to just be like Christ. To have His attitude. He was God, but made Himself a servant. Funny isn’t it? Here’s God: who made Himself the ultimate servant in Jesus Christ, and here’s us: deserving of death, given the ultimate pardon and still we desire to be top dog. And it’s that desire that will destroy unity and ultimately destroy our blessings in Christ: we will be just too busy “promoting” ourselves instead of just resting in Christ.

Christ Preached

Philippians 1:15-18 ESV
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

It’s amazing what the bottom line was for Paul: that Christ was proclaimed! Not that I’m promoting factions or rivalry, but I want to be to that point where if Christ is being preached that I can rejoice.

I don’t want to be concerned with the opinions that can surround church life. We get so bogged down with the “organization” that we forget about Christ proclaimed. So our methods differ from church to church – is Christ being preached? If yes, Praise God!!!

Do sermon styles differ from one preacher to the next? Yes. But does it really matter if Christ is proclaimed? Why get worked up over delivery when Christ is the center of the message?

Are you one who makes issues out of these areas at your place of worship? If yes you may need to check to see if Christ is proclaimed in your life. Don’t get deceived into thinking there is only one way to proclaim Christ. Do pray that you discern Christ when messages are being presented to you. Do proclaim the biblical, the real Christ in your everyday life. Don’t let a matter of taste in delivery prevent you from hearing the truth that can be found in God’s Word.

Simple Obedience

2 Kings 5:9-14 ESV So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.  

Naaman was given a simple command to clean him of leprosy and he balked at it. In his eyes, he could have done this simple command by himself in his own homeland. But it was not the Jordan that would cleanse him, it was God. He was waiting for Naaman to obey Him.
 
Aren’t we like that sometimes? I think one of my biggest challenges is not being so busy that I miss out on what God is doing around me (Ps 46:10). Another challenge is giving things over to God first before I make an attempt to do them (Pr 3:5-6). You may have different challenges, but in essence many of those challenges are just simple commands to follow that we balk at. Why? Because they seem too simple. Because we can take of things on our own. Because we just don’t always believe in God and His word.  


Fortunately Naaman had servants that reasoned with him to obey. Naaman did obey and he was cleansed. Seek to put people around you who will help you obey God’s word. Even if you balk at a little change that a sermon or daily reading has moved you to do, you can still turn around and obey.

Apologies

Hi folks I just realized that one of the formatting settings was turned off. This resulted in a lack of separation of paragraphs. I have turned the setting back on and it looks as though everything is alright.

Not By My Hand am I Delivered

Psalm 44:6-8 (KJV)
6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.
8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

Though we might be able to fight, it is the Lord only who can deliver us. Sometimes the fight itself is the defeat. Think about it, what is the profit in getting worked up and angry over a situation that may not be your fight? Don’t get me wrong, you may be asked to stand up for God’s word or put in a bad situation because you choose to follow God. Many times giving the battle up to the Lord is the true victory.

The Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

If you have been listening to sermons for any length of time you have heard one about the Armor of God (vv. 14-17). So instead of my breaking that down, go ahead and read those on your own. Today, however, I would like to address what is said before and after the description of the Armor of God.

First we are called to be strong in the Lord and His power (offense). Then we are told TWICE to put on the WHOLE armor of God (defense). We need both, but it seems that the Armor of God is really important – and not just parts, but the WHOLE Armor of God. We are to STAND AGAINST the schemes of the devil, STAND FIRM and to STAND IN the whole Armor of God.
With God’s strength and armor we will wrestle the powers of this present darkness (the devil’s world system) and withstand evil.

And through this we are called to persevere and prayer. Pray for other Christians and pray in the Spirit. The fight is grueling and will get to us, we need to pray and persevere. There are situations that may seem to have you pinned down. It may seem that everyone is out to tear you down and destroy your serving God. The gossip, the backbiting, the slaps in the face and other things done by those you trusted and loved can make you just want to give up. It may even seem worse when these people are fellow Christians. If you are faithful to God and seek His righteousness and hunger for His word, you are in a good place.

Rely on God’s strength, use His armor for defense, persevere and pray. Pray for those brothers in Christ who are trying to hurt you. Who knows why they are being malicious? I do know that David, a man after God’s own heart, was provoked by Satan to sin (1 Chron 21:1); and after David sinned all of Israel suffered. Is Satan so weak now that he can’t catch you or a brother off-guard and provoke us to sin? These brothers and sisters are not tares in the wheat field, but rather wheat that has been trampled on and broken. You have been given the ministry of reconciliation, is this your chance to restore them to the body?

The Company of the Godly

2 Kings 3:13-15 ESV
13 And Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the Lord who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 14 And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. 15 But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him.

The king of Israel, Jehoram, went to inquire of the Lord from Elisha. The king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, and the kind of Edom joined him. They were all wondering what to do to defeat Moab.

Elisha would not even have seen him if it wasn’t for who he was with (vs. 14). The company of the Godly opened doors for the king of Israel. (2 Chr 17:3-4 - The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, [4]but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.)

Have you ever considered that those around you may be blessed when you seek to follow God with your whole heart? You may have friends or family who are wholly seeking God or have rejected Him entirely. God may be using you as a blessing to these people. Not to make you look good but rather to draw those around you to Him. This is the challenge: don’t compromise your devotion to God in order to keep the peace with close to you. That doesn’t mean you can be obnoxious, it means to continue to love the Lord your God with your whole being regardless if you are around Christian friends and family or if you are around those who don’t follow the Lord.

(observation on music in worship: verse 15 shows how music prepared Elisha’s heart while coming into the Lord’s presence.)

Getting Past Hurt and Shame

Psalm 40:11-13 KJV
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

Read verse 12 again. Have there been times in your life where you have felt this way? This portion of this psalm is talking about where you have rejected God because of the pressures of the world. This verse is a confession; it is not coming out of pride (or false humility). The psalmist has let sin get such a hold on his life that he is ashamed to be before God (…I am not able to look up). It even shows remorse for what he has done (…my heart faileth me). I believe Proverbs 28:13 is in play here. The psalmist is laying out his sins and his heart hurts because of what he has done.

Verse 11 is where the psalmist is trusting in God’s patience and mercy. Not only that, it looks as if he desires to replace his iniquities with God’s truth.

An interesting aspect to notice about verse 13 is the request for deliverance. In this we see that there is a bondage to something. Verse 12 does put forth that his iniquities have taken hold of him.

What does this all tell us? That sin is not merely seeking pleasure or indulging selfish desires, but sin is a way to put us in slavery. Sin is used to put a burden so heavy on us that we are ashamed to be seen by God. Sin is rebelling against God; it is our way of saying that we know how to do things better than the Creator. We can’t live in sin and seek God at the same time – our hearts feel the pulling of the two natures against each other. We can leave sin and seek God. Or we can keep sin and hide from God. Are we always going to take the preferred path? I doubt it, but if you given your life over to Christ you have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you and He will keep at you if you are living in sin. There will not be peace in your life.

This brings us back to where the psalmist was. You too can come to the throne of God and lay out your iniquities before Him and ask for His truth to lead you. His mercy is there for you. Confess and forsake those iniquities that hold you and seek His mercy. Christ paid the price for those sins. He desires your freedom for a better relationship with God. And know that God wants you more than anything else and He wants that sin out of the way so that relationship will flourish!!!

Where is Your Hope?

Psalm 38:12-15 KJV
12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

When there are those who are just "out to get you," how do you respond? Do you give yourself over to them? I mean, do you let whatever that is going on put you in bondage? Do you get obsessed with what they may be saying about you? What they may be saying about others? What they think of you? (See verse 12)

How do you break that grip? (See verse 13-14) Ignore the insults and keep your mouth shut, unless you are willing to step into the same trap that they stepped in. Place yourself in the hands of God; He is the one whose opinion of you is important.

God's Downpayment

Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

The Holy Spirit, who came to dwell in us at the time of our salvation, is the "down payment" (promise) on our inheritance. Why do I bring this up? There are some Christians out there that believe they can lose their salvation if they stray far enough away from God. But verse 14 totally negates that statement – if we have accepted Christ (believed in Him) you were sealed with the Holy Spirit. That seal is the guarantee of your salvation. You may be able to quench the Spirit and grieve the Spirit, but you can’t get rid of the Spirit – you are SEALED with Him. Praise God and the grace and mercy He continually shows us!

I know today’s devotional is quick, but with the varied readers this post may have I believe a quick “security” lesson can be a great reason for anyone to take the time and praise God for what He has done for us.

Wait for the Lord

Read Psalm 37

Psalm 37:1-11 KJV

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

The psalm starts out by telling us not to get worked up by those who purposely cause trouble nor get sucked into their game; God knows what is up and He will take care of it. It may seem that God is not acting as fast as you think He should, but remember He is patient for a reason (2 Pet 3:9). Aren’t you glad He was patient with you when you were a “worker of iniquity?”

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

First we are told “don’t get worked up” and “don’t follow their ways” and then we told what we should “do.” DO trust in the Lord. DO what is right. DO find your joy in God. Regardless of what other people say or do, be faithful to God.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Surrender to God everything. Totally trust that He has your best interest in heart. If your focus is on God and not how the “evil” are getting away with murder God will make sure that things are set in place by His judgment. Not only that, but He will make a point of displaying how you have been faithful. (I don’t know how, but be assured He wants to reward you for trusting in Him).

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Once again, be patient because God knows what is going on. He asks us not to get worked up, not to get angry, nor blow up. He wants you to let Him to take care of those seek to destroy. By you following any of these roads (worked up, anger, blow up) you hurt yourself and you are not finding your peace in God. So, wait on God and find your joy in God and let Him take care of what is just.

(note: before today's devotional is applied to an EXTREME situation, please apply it to those “workers of iniquity” who are not breaking the law, but just breaking your heart.)

Something to Substitute

Ephesians 5:3-4 ESV
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

One very important thought in scripture is to substitute an old thing with a new thing. This could be a behavior, an attitude or a behavior, but the principle is that if you take something out of your life you will need to fill that void. A common example would be someone giving up smoking. How many people have you known, maybe even yourself, which have substituted smoking with chewing gum, sucking on a lollipop or even just eating more?

Jesus knew this. He taught about it in Luke 11:24-26. In this instance He spoke about when an unclean spirit leaves a person that when it comes back it brings unclean spirits with it more evil than itself. Ephesians 4:20-24 talks about putting off your old self and putting on the new man (substitution). And Col 3:5-11 also talks about putting off the old man and its worldly desires and putting on the new man made alive through Christ.

And finally we have this passage today which tells us to put away perverseness in actions, speech and humor and to replace it with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving must be a pretty powerful action. Look and listen to the world around you which is flooded with sexuality and innuendos. Dirty jokes and sexual conquests are applauded. Pornography can now be pumped into every house in America. How do we keep separate from a world that wants to suck us in? By being thankful. Thankful to our God and Creator – the King of the Universe that He adopted us as his heirs (John 1:12-13). Thankful to our Savior and Lord, Jesus, who while we were enemies to God still gave His life at Calvary that we could have the chance to be adopted. Thankful to the Holy Spirit who has made His home in us and directs us in understanding God's word and interprets every groaning in our hearts and takes them as prayers to God the Father. Thankful that we don't have to worship in fear of being put in jail. Thankful that we can have Bibles in our homes. Thankful that we are forgiven. Thankful that we may used by God every day and every moment if we surrender our agendas to Him. Just be thankful and keep this world from corrupting something incredibly special to the Lord – you.

Walk By The Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26 (ESV)

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17]For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, [21] envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

[25] If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

This passage starts and ends by telling us to walk by the Spirit. We are definitely being challenged to start seeing the difference of being led by the Spirit and being led by our flesh; and the results of following both.

If we follow our lusts and pride (1 John 2:15-16) we can expect “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.” But if we are Spirit led we can expect our life to show “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Furthermore, verse 24 tells us that if we belong to Jesus we have put to death the flesh with its passions and desires.

Do not doubt that you belong to Jesus if some of these passions and desires seem to be alive. The ability for “lusts” to have control on us has been broken by Jesus. We may choose to have the bondage, but for us to be helplessly chained to fleshly passions and desires is not possible – Jesus took care of that. Temptations will still come; to be tempted doesn’t mean you are sinning. Jesus was tempted; He just never gave in to temptations (Heb 4:15). The “passions and desires” that seem to be alive may just be temptations. If Jesus broke the bondage, rely on His ability to get you past the temptations. Jesus understands what you are going through (Heb 4:15). And this explanation helps us in discerning being Spirit-led and led by our lusts and pride.

We may know what we need to do in our lives and what to avoid, but our will alone is not going to get us through. Relying on our will alone is being pride-led. Giving it over to Jesus to get us through is being Spirit-led. Recognizing temptation and relying on the only Warrior who has faced temptation unscathed is where walking in the Spirit comes in. Look at verses 25 and 26 – both of these bring up a difference of walking in the Spirit and living by pride.

Use verses 19-23 to look at your life. Where do you fall in the two lists? If you have something in the first list, give it up to Jesus and adopt something from the second list to live by.

What do You Sow?

Galatians 6:7-10 ESV
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

We have all heard it said: “What you sow is what you reap.” Here is the verse an explanation that goes with that saying. If you work only to fill yourself the only reward you have is corruptible. If you labor to grow in the Lord your reward is eternal. You can even take this past just what you “work” for but where you spend your time. How much time is spent on “worrying?” And if that is what you are sowing, what do you reap from “worrying?”

Continuing with this same thought, what would be the way to turn from worrying and sow to the Spirit? How about seeking out the truths of God and how He protects and provides? And the same question on this aspect: what would you reap from seeking out the truths of God?

Now that is just one example. Are there other areas of your life that you spend more time “flesh-sowing” instead of “Spirit-sowing?” If so, can you find a way to turn them around? I guarantee that the Bible has every tool you need to do so. If you have trouble figuring out how, please seek the guidance from your minister/pastor. Or you can email me and I can help you with finding scriptures to learn and apply that combat whatever area of “flesh-sowing” you are bound to.

Take Care of Others and Take Heed

Galatians 6:1-5 ESV
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

What is your first reaction to someone caught in sin? Read the first sentence in this passage again: “if ANYONE is caught in ANY transgression…” This does not say “the one who confesses” but if “anyone is caught”. It also includes “ANY” transgression. So consider my first question again, “what is your first reaction to someone caught in sin?”

Where is your cut-off point on which you will try to restore? The boy who shop-lifts? The girl who lies? The woman who gossips? The man who cheats on his wife? The friend who betrays you?

Then if we can get past that dilemma we still need to watch ourselves so we don’t fall into the same trap. I maintain that we cannot do this. We can’t do this in our own strength. But if we are learning to walk in the Spirit (yesterday’s devotional) we are better equipped to fulfill this first verse.

Then we are called to bear one another’s burdens. And while doing this we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we should. But, if we are walking in the Spirit we have a better chance of not getting big-headed, because we know that it is God using us to restore those He loves back to Himself.

What is the point I’m trying to make? Just that this portion of scripture tells me not to get so full of myself that I won’t reach out to brothers who have sinned and help them seek God to break that bond of sin. All the time watching myself, because I too am just one decision away from denying God.

Beware of Indulging in Your Freedom

Galatians 5:13-15 ESV
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Have you ever considered the incredible freedom we have through Christ? When He was crucified He died for all of our sins – past, present and future. Sins put us into bondage: if Christ isn’t known, then bound to death. If Christ is known, we are bound so no growth can occur – choked, as it may be, from our source of nurture. Jesus has freed us.

Verse 13 calls us not to take advantage of this freedom to serve our selfish needs. Let me put that better: our selfish wants and desires. All of our needs are covered. Phil 4:19. What I see from this passage is that when we feed our selfishness we ignore our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we are so obsessed with our wants, needs and desires we probably don’t have time to take care of others.

And verse 15 warns of what that grows into. If we don’t have time to take care of others because we are obsessed with ourselves, how long does it take until we start resenting our brothers and sisters? When does it come to the point that they are a nuisance? Now they are getting in my way of obtaining happiness. If you are obsessed, what do you do to obstacles? You tear them down. You rip them apart. You bite and devour them.

How do you avoid this? Use your freedom to serve others, not yourself.

Building the Lord's Temple

1 Kings 8:12-13 ESV
12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. 13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”

Read 1 Kings 8:1-21
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

How is your construction project coming? Are you doing everything in your power to build the best temple for your King? 1 Cor 10:31.

Do you have the right tools? Or do you even realize that you may be lacking in the right tools? The best tool is the Word of God. Is this a tool that you have? If you have it, do you just look at it or do you use it? James 1:22-25

Are you hiding His word in your heart (memorizing and meditating on the scripture) to protect His temple from damage? Psalm 119:11

Do you have the proper co-laborers in your life to help perfect that temple for its best use? Eph 4:11-12

If you need help, seek it. If you need my help in seeking it – please contact me. Many times we have to put our own feet in motion to grow in Christ; don’t wait for someone to invite you along. If you want to grow in the Lord, pursue it. Pursue it in all aspects of your life. Build God a temple, the best that you can – don’t compare to others, just use the tool to the best of your abilities, and seek guidance from God and others to become more adept at the use of tool He has given you.

Are You Seeking Righteousness?

Psalm 34:17-19 KJV
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

My God is great! I guess the part here that may make it difficult for some is discerning whether you are righteous or not. On your own, you are not righteous. If you however are seeking the Lord and His righteousness – you, faults and all, are righteous. If you are letting Christ live in you, and you focus on pleasing God, not men and not yourself, you are living in Christ’s righteousness. You are IN Christ so His righteousness is covering you.

Now look at how God treats His righteous ones. He delivers them. He comforts them. Verse 18 says that He grows close to the ones who don’t depend on their pride.

Verse 19 says if we are seeking God and His righteousness, we will have afflictions. But God will deliver us. God’s glory will shine. Don’t depend on your strength to get through afflictions, be faithful to where God has called you and watch for His glory to show by rescuing you from troubles. Praise God!

Taste and See

Psalm 34:8 KJV
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

I’ve always liked this verse. We focus on knowing God so much, that sometimes we forget to just trust Him and experience His goodness. Just in an overall way – can you taste and see that the Lord is good? What do you taste? Food, of course. Is there a food that you purposely eat in small bites so you can savor it longer? Who made that food so wonderful to you? Who designed your ability to taste? Who cared so much about you to make it so that you could enjoy that taste?

And what about the beauty around you that see? Who designed the mountains, trees, oceans and seas? Who gave the peacock its beautiful feathers? Who made glaciers and put them on their course to cut out valleys?

If the Lord loved us so much to delight our senses, just our senses, how much more does He have for us? When I get a glimpse of God at work I am absolutely thrilled. When He opens up the Bible to me, when I see a life changed or even when I see a sequence of events put into place to protect His people, I am thrilled to witness it.

Trusting the Lord allows you to experience Him, and that my friend beats any taste or any sight that my mere senses can experience.

Why Do You Desire Bondage?

Galatians 4:8-9 ESV
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?

This practice mention in today’s scripture amazes me – why go back to the slavery of a past sin when God has delivered you from it? What even amazes me more is that I have to ask myself this question.

Does this mean that I do this on a regular basis? No. What I’m trying to get at is that if we don’t guard ourselves through the Bible and prayer we become susceptible to bonds that have held us in slavery before. All of us, and I mean ALL, have these areas. It could be worry, fear, food or substance abuse, gossip, pornography, coarse joking, biting sarcasm, or just about anything. It’s either something that gives us control or that hurts us. This may come in times of burn-out, anger, loneliness or just plain rebellion. In my opinion, these sprout up when we forget to include God in our lives. We draw close to Him and He delivers us and then we go our way and forget about what He has done for us. Then, "bam", we’re right back where we started.

Remember, God has not left you. He’s always there. Most of the time it’s because we have walked away from Him. So, the best way to avoid “desiring bondage” is to cling to the One who freed you. Keep up with prayer, Bible study and scripture memory. Remember that communication with God is your lifeline. The best way to avoid being captured by sin is to avoid it in the first place and a relationship with God is the best way to keep away from the sins that have caught you before.

Died Lately?

Galatians 2:20 ESV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This transition is a big hurdle for all of us. To let go of the “old man,” or our old nature, and allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit. We still retain our old nature when we accept Christ in our lives – this is obvious because we still are here; we are still flesh. In this verse, Paul puts it this way: “…the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.” He still acknowledges he is human but has put his faith in Jesus. Paul, and us, still have a free will but he chooses to give his will over to Christ, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

We saw Jesus do the same thing in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:39, 42). Jesus sought God’s will (the Father) over His own will. We too need to desire this. To put God’s will over our own will and to choose God’s plans over our own planning. One thing to keep in mind, this is not an overnight process – this process will continue the rest of your life. Some days you will be incredibly submissive to the Father and other days you’ll stick your fingers in your ears and just shout “la la la, I can’t hear you!” (1 Thes 5:19).

Who do you want to please: yourself, others or God? Today’s verse is all about putting God first and doing everything you can to please Him; to let go of yourself and just obey Him. (Acts 5:29)

Why Are You Justified?

Galatians 2:16 ESV
Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

This should be indeed an obvious piece of scripture. We are not justified by our works but through faith in Jesus Christ. Eph 2:8-9. But, always have to put that “but” in there, do we tend to judge others in Christ by their works? I find myself doing that still, and often. Rom 14:4.

There is a fine line between judging others and discerning potential dangers. Matt 7:15-20. This however is concerning false prophets or someone who will lead a brother away from God’s word.

But back to judging brothers in Christ. We all have one judge. And we all have been justified through Christ. Having been justified does not mean we will always walk with the Lord. That is still our choice in obedience to God. But, in my opinion, our walk will affect our works. Our works, when looked at properly, are a product of our relationship with God, not a means to have a relationship with God. Who am I to make any judgment on another’s walk with Christ? I did not see that in the Great Commandment or the Great Commission. I believe I was asked to love others and teach them in what Christ has taught me. Ultimately, the choice between obedience and disobedience, walking with or running from, is between the individual and God.

I’m still responsible, but not as a judge. To help out where I can. Rom 15:1. To pick someone up when they have fallen. To restore them. To comfort them. We went through what we should try to do in yesterday’s devotion. The last thing is to guard yourself when trying to help out a brother lest you fall into the same fault that they have fallen victim to. Luke 17:3; 1 Cor 10:12. Gal 6:1.

God is so patient and loving towards us. We ought to try to be the same with the ones God has asked us to love.