August 2019 Archives
God Is More Than a Sensation
Do you ever watch Hallmark movies? Although the plots have become redundant to the point that if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all, I still appreciate good, wholesome stories that allow me to relax when my brain needs a change of pace. One thing I have noticed, though, is that often the heroine calls off her relationship with a steady, hard-working man and chooses someone whom she deems to be more exciting. I think this is what some do with God except in His case, He is the unchanging, stable being in our lives that we take for granted while we go after what we think will produce more excitement. We’re a bit like the disciples who cried, “Lord, show us a sign!” (Matthew 12:38). But if no sign comes, we walk away. God can do amazing things, but He will most likely not do them in order to satisfy those who merely want to see a supernatural side show.
Like anyone else, I love hearing miracle stories. My eyes get wide as others tell of the amazing things that God has done. I can tell some stories myself. But if I had to choose between a life of signs and wonders or one of consistency, I would choose the latter.
Life is full of ups and downs, joys and trials, and constant change. What a blessing to have a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is one on whom I can depend, and I would not trade that for all the sensationalism in the world.
If you are following Jesus from a distance hoping to catch a glimpse of a miracle he performs, you may receive what you are looking for, but you will be missing out on so much more that can only be experienced through a close relationship with Him. I think of the old hymn that says:
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.
How Steadfast Are You?
“I guess [another Christian leader] renounced his faith now,” a friend texted. This really upsets me. If people are going to apostatize, why can’t they do so quietly instead of making a big announcement and shaking the faith of those who look up to them? It could be argued that people shouldn’t be looking up to them anyway, but people do. They long to see Christianity in action and, instead, they see people who once claimed the name of the Lord declaring it to be a farce.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. ~1 Peter 5:8
Satan is having a heyday confusing those who should be strong in the faith but who, for some reason, are surrendering to the enemy. Why? Do they not believe there is really a God? Do they think that the “freedom” they feel now is worth spending an eternity in Hell?
I am not writing this self-righteously. I am examining my own heart and asking God to keep me close to Him. I am praying for new believers who have questions of their own. We have a major problem when more people are denouncing their faith than are being drawn to Christ. We are in desperate need of revival but we don’t want it badly enough to turn off our TVs and get on our knees.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. ~2 Thessalonians 2:3
This is what we are seeing. As Jesus’ return draws near, Satan is working overtime to convince people that it is more fun to follow him. Friends, this is a wake-up call. God will not strive with man forever. If we do not spend time drawing close to the Lord, getting to really know Him, we too could fall away.
Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he falls. ~1 Corinthians 10:12
If there is any sin, no matter how slight, that is keeping you from fully walking with the Lord, confess it today. Every day, people are dying who have no chance to repent and get right with God. You don’t know that you have tomorrow and, although you may have 20 years or more left, it’s not worth the risk.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. ~Hebrews 6:4-6
I do not want to be guilty of this. Plus, whenever one falls, it doesn’t just affect them; it affects everyone around them.
Wake up, Church! The days of complacency need to end. It is time to put aside the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life and the sins which so easily ensnare us while we run with perseverance the race that God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1). God has created you for a purpose, and it is not to lose your faith! If you have questions, find a mature Believer who can answer those for you. Don’t give up. The battle can be hard but, in due season, we will reap if we do not faint (Galatians 6:9).
I know others have written on this but I decided to post anyway. I started days ago but wanted to take my time since this is such a serious topic. I think the bottom line comes from Revelation 2:10:
Be faithful unto death, and you will receive the crown of life.
Amen. Lord, let it be so.
Put Off Bitterness
Years ago, there was a lady who hated us. She lied about us, trying to get others to believe we were immoral, unethical people. She told some of these lies to business clients, hoping to deter them from working with us. We never heard anything good from her, only evil. Thankfully, God covered us, and this lady’s plans came to naught and eventually we stopped hearing from her–both directly and indirectly. Recently, I found out that her husband is dying and probably has been for a while. Whereas the world would say it serves her right, I pray for her frequently, that God will give her the strength she needs during this trying season.
I don’t share this story to pat myself on the back. Believe me, there are areas in which I struggle, but I am grateful when God gives me a heart of love for others instead of hatred, bitterness, or a desire for revenge. This is what separates Christians from the world.
Life is full of bitter, angry people, and unfortunately Christians are not exempt–both from receiving and exhibiting this behavior. Yet Scripture admonishes us to put away bitterness, anger, wrath, and slander (Ephesians 4:31). This doesn’t mean that you will never feel these emotions, but, if you are full of God’s Spirit, you will not let them overcome you.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:13-15). That would be a frightening prayer for some to pray.
I disagree with those who say that, if you have truly forgiven a person, you will restore the relationship. This is an area that you must be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove (Matthew 10:16). If a person is unrepentant, you may need to keep your distance, but you can refuse to slander or wish evil on him or her. There are also times when you allow people into your life that God did not put there (maybe an unsaved boyfriend or girlfriend, someone on whom you were codependent, etc.). You are not obligated to continue these relationships just because they were in your life once upon a time. However, if the offender is a family member or a close friend who truly repents of the pain they have caused, you may need to be ready to restore that person and put the past behind you. Again, be in the Spirit on this since there are good fakers in the world, but err on the side of mercy instead of judgment. God will judge the situation in due time.
The problem with writing on a topic like this is that I’m bound to be tested, and forgiveness is not always easy. But it is important if we desire to have our own sins forgiven. If you are struggling with bitterness or hatred toward someone who has wronged you, pray daily for God to take those sinful feelings from you. Pray for the other person. You can even pray that God will move him or her toward repentance. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Then lie down and sleep in peace, knowing that the Lord will make you to rest in safety (Psalm 4:8).
Are You Consistent?
I’ve been thinking lately about things that Christians say but don’t really believe. For instance, any true Christian would probably admit that “God has been better to me than I deserve” but when tragedy strikes they don’t feel like they deserved it. Or they might confess that “No one knows whether they will still be here tomorrow” and yet they live as though they will still be here for years. Or maybe they sing “I Surrender All” while not realizing how much they have really not surrendered to the Lord. Many times, we know the right things to say, but how deep have these truths really gone?
I know I am guilty of this as well but I am daily reminded that life is short. I think of the recent shooting in El Paso or the people in our county who were just killed by a drunk driver. I’m guessing all of those people who are no longer with us thought they would go out to do some mundane tasks and be back in their own beds that evening. Instead, their lives were instantly snuffed out with no chance to repent for their sins, restore strained relationships, etc. I’m thankful that those who were killed in the accident knew the Lord but I don’t know about those killed in shootings. I can only hope that they were ready to meet their Maker.
The question has been raised, “Why would God protect some and not protect others?” For instance, someone could have been going through that stop sign at the moment the accident occurred but they couldn’t find their keys so they didn’t go out. I don’t understand the ways of God but I do trust Him … at least most of the time. Occasionally things come up that make me realize that I still need to grow in this area but I know that He is good and that He loves me, and I pray to be ready whenever He chooses to take me Home. I don’t want to let my guard down, thinking I have years before I have to deal with that. The truth is that I don’t know.
My exhortation today is to think about what you say. Are you just spouting Christianese, or do you really believe the words that come out of your mouth? Do those words line up with your actions? Do you have a head knowledge due to growing up in church, or has it penetrated your heart so that you can confidently declare, “Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him”? Are you consistent?
