God's Word is Alive

 

     Drawing closer to God involves studying, meditating on, and holding onto God’s word. Someone once said that the Bible is shallow enough for a child to comprehend and, yet, so deep, it would be impossible for the greatest theologian to understand it completely.. Having studied the word for over thirty-five years, I can tell you, I have grown more and more in love with Jesus and more amazed at the endless beauty and wonder and wisdom of the Word.

     The Bible is alive. It has prophesied for thousands of years, every jot and tittle God-breathed and truth-filled. The Bible speaks of the beginning to the end. Genesis to Revelation. Nothing has been disproved. On the contrary, the Bible revealed the earth as a sphere long before the first astronomers came to that conclusion. Scientifically, archeologically, and historically, it has stood the test of time.

     This is our plum line for life. If we listen and obey, we will be blessed. I encourage you to read, study and place verses in your heart. The words of God will get you through this life. As our pastor used to say, “If your Bible is wearing out, there is a good chance you aren’t.”

     God has revealed exactly what we need to know in His word.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed to us and to our children forever that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:7-8

For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates, even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Father,

Your word is more precious than gold and silver (Psalm 19). It penetrates deep within us and reveals hidden truths to our hearts. Give us a hunger and a thirst to study and meditate on Your glorious word. It reveals truth and light.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

What No Eye Has Seen

 

     As believers, the Holy Spirit of God lives within us. Our bodies are called His temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19) Does He feel at home with you? Are you listening, following, obeying His voice? The Jews lived under the law. Everything was based on outward obedience. Laws were strict and binding. Disobedience came with fierce punishment. Even their worship was filled with ritual, their temple, large and opulent. The law taught them (and us) about sin. No one , not one, could fulfill the law.

      That is, until Jesus lived a perfect life, died and paid the penalty in full. From the time of His resurrection to this very day, the Gospel allows us to be inwardly filled with the Spirit, to be covered with grace, and to allow the Spirit to work in us in deep and profound ways. We are blessed to have access to the deep thoughts of our God.

However, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”-the things God has prepared for those who love Him-these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

     The very Spirit, residing within, searches all things, even the deep things of God. Listen, search, study, and be blessed. God will reveal such amazing insights in a dark and depraved world. He is light! His ways offer blessing, no more condemnation, no more punishment. We are loved.

Father,

These truths are astounding! The outward temple has been replaced by the hearts of men. We long to understand more, to listen for You above the turmoil and chaos surrounding us. Help us to be still and hear and obey.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Deep and Secret Things of God

 

     You may have heard this ancient Greek quote attributed to Socrates, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” What do you think? Life gets busy. Routines form. Days flow by with no deep thought, moving from one task to the next. Waiting for the weekend? Retired and just thinking about fun? The Bible gives us clues on how to go a bit deeper, into purpose, into living for more than our personal needs and wants, a life of service to each other, in order to bring glory to God.

     God has built you for this season, for His purpose. Let’s dig a bit deeper with Him and His word. God promises to speak to us in a deep, spiritual language. Can you hear Him? Have you experienced His voice from the deep? In the whisper of the wind? In study? From another believer? His voice can be heard in a variety of ways, if we take the time to listen. Dive deep.

He reveals deep and hidden things. He knows what dwells in darkness and light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:22

     The deep and secret things of God will be revealed with His glorious light. I am ready to remove the darkness and move into the deep waters of His light. Are you?

Lord,

Speak to us from the deep. Your Spirit will move us into a more intimate relationship with You as we take the time to examine our lives, as we open ourselves to Your guiding, as we are transformed from darkness to light.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Loving Our Enemies

 

     Our battle in this world is spiritual in nature. Satan and his angels are working overtime to destroy our witness, to continue violence, division and hatred.  All tools of our greatest enemy. He will look for ways to rob our peace.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that you may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10

     Jesus reminds us that evil will increase in the last days. Storms will rise, wars will continue, pestilence will reign and men will call good evil, and evil, good.  None of this comes as a surprise to our Lord. What does He ask us to do? He gives us these challenging and profound words.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5::44

But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27

     Only with the help of the Holy Spirit is it possible to pray for those we don’t understand, to love those who want to kill, steal and destroy.  I try to remember that they need love as much as we all do. They are searching for answers and lashing out as we all do. Lord, help us.  When evil is running rampant, these words from the Psalmist may help.

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong, for like the grass, they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pastures. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:1-4

     Remember these simple instructions every single day.  Do not fret. Trust and do good. Delight in Him. He will allow us to enjoy and receive His protection in safe pastures. His will be done. Pray for those who want to hurt and destroy. God’s plan will ultimately run its course and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Lord,

Keep us mindful of who You are and how we can best do Your work during these trying times. They come as no surprise to You and You have given us clear instructions. Help us to trust in You and to do good while we are here.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Living For Love

 

     It is difficult to be loving in this world right now. The climate is filled with rage and violence, with hatred and suspicion, with division and misunderstanding. When we see so many hurt and lost people, it is hard to know just what to do. Most of the time, we want others to understand and agree with our positions. I know that’s how I feel. There is fear and unrest in the streets. Where do we go?

     The Bible helps us to remember this: We represent a loving God in this world. Showing kindness, encouragement and hope may seem impossible now. My tendency is to pull away from any confrontation or conflict. But we can meet the challenges around us. Here are some clarifying words from the Holy Spirit for us today.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:29-31

     Staying away from all of the above proves impossible in the times in which we live, but we, with the help of the Holy Spirit, can live out the following words, in opposition to the malice, anger and violence we witness.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Lord,

Thank You for forgiving us and loving us. Remind us of the people around us who do not know You or Your abiding love. Please help us to be kind and forgiving in the world around us. We need You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Accepting Love

 

     Human love is imperfect. Do we deserve the love of God? How do we accept it for ourselves? We won’t accept it fully, trying to be perfect and follow the rules. Our guilt may keep us from receiving His unconditional love. It might be difficult to believe that His kind of love exists.

     His love is there for each of us, no strings attached. His free gift of eternity and a forever love comes from accepting the birth, death and resurrection of the only perfect man, Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man. He died for all of us, no matter our past, no matter our weaknesses and frailties, no matter our race.

     Accept His love and be cleansed forever, sins forgiven, and a loving Father, friend, Savior, shepherd, teacher and guide to get us through this crazy life. You will see others in a new light. You will long to change hearts, to share the best news ever given, to show Jesus and His glory, the glory of the Son.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, sent from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1 :14

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

     His unmerited favor and grace will find you wherever you are. See His glory. Accept His light and love. He is our Savior.

Father,

Help us to receive Your unending love deep into our hearts, never to be lost again. Guide us into more and more love and change this dark and violent world with Your grace and mercy.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Searching for Love

 

     Feeling the need to be loved? Why not seek out God? Ask Him for His love. Seek that love with all your heart and soul. Believe He has been waiting for you with open arms, waiting to fill the empty spaces and love you as His own, never to leave you again. Listen to the yearning in these words from Psalm 42.  Maybe they echo the words of your heart right now.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul, how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One, with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:1-5

     Maybe, like David, you are discouraged, wondering where to find God. David is lost and disturbed. Where is God? And yet in verse 5, He still praises Him. He reaches out to Him. He loves Him.  He seeks Him even when He does not feel His presence.

     How is your soul? Find rest as you pant for God as a dear pants for water. Seek Him with all your heart and He will be there with you. Seek Him and have faith and He will reward you with His presence.

And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Lord,

We seek and need Your presence right now. Lift up our downcast spirits as we continue to praise You. Share Your mighty love with us today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Longing for Love

 

     The abused child. The betrayed man or woman. The neglected family. All of us, all of humanity, craves love. If we don’t receive it naturally and think of ourselves as valuable and worthy to be loved, we lash out, we numb the pain, we blame or turn inward.

     God loves each of us. With all of the pain and suffering in the world, man finds this tough, if not impossible, to believe and understand. God continually seeks us and gives us opportunities to find Him, to know Him, to receive love from Him.

     We can’t work our way there. There is not enough “good” we can do for others to earn that love, no certain amount of prayer, no sacrifice worthy enough.

We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God demonstrated His love for us in this; that while we were yet sinner, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

     God’s love for you is beyond this earth. He died for you and me. Let that lavish love fill you, that kind of love we long  to receive. It is there for the asking and the love of Christ will transform you forever.

Lord,

So many are hurting and lashing out. Love them. See them. Let them hear Your everlasting voice declaring unconditional love. The one who saves. It is Jesus.

Amen

 

Light of the World

 

     Jesus calls us the “light of the world.” (Matthew 5) His word brings radiance to our eyes. Plug yourself into the Holy Spirit’s light and begin to shine wherever you go. You know the author and finisher of life, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace.

     You know Him, the one born to a virgin, the Son of God who walked the earth, the perfect man who suffered your pain, and rose again. You know Jesus. God with us. Our Father, our friend, our advocate, our comforter, our teacher, our purpose. You have the light of Christ. Amazing God. Amazing gift. Amazing Gospel. Amazing grace.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

     The darkness has lost its power.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

Jesus,

We have the light of life because of You. You give us new life. Thank You for saving us and giving us the opportunity to share You with others. Shine favor on and through us throughout the years to come. We love You.

Amen

The Lamp of the Soul

 

     The Bible confirms that our eyes are the lamp of the body. Through someone’s eyes, we can see into their soul. We witness the glistening tears of joy and sadness, the twinkle of laughter, the wink of shared connections, and the lifeless look of depression. You can tell so much by the gaze of another, in love or anger, in surprise or confusion.

The eye is the lamp of the body. It your eyes are healthy your body will be full of light. Matthew 6:22

     What gives Christians that gleam in their eye, the infused joy in their spirits? I know it is Jesus and His word.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  Psalm 19:8

     Let the good news of Jesus fill your hearts with joy today and shine the light of Him from the tips of your toes to the light shining through your eyes and share the joy with others. Be his messenger of hope.

Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones.  Proverbs 15:30

Jesus,

Your word brings health and joy to our very being. Let our eyes shine with the brightness of Your love. Fill us with Your word which gives us the radiance of Your love. Let us be Your messengers today and every day.

Amen

Shining Light

 

     The last of my aunts, Mary Ellen, passed away yesterday at age 94. Her life was filled with sewing, swimming and playing the organ for her church and eventually for her senior high rise.  Even though she and my uncle Paul lived in Oregon, they made a huge impace on my life, especially in faith. Every time we spoke we talked about Jesus.

     Bible teacher, Beth Moore, was speaking to a large group of women. She was pleasantly surprised to see the zeal and passion of the over-70 crowd. From her study, “Children of the Day” she writes, “The lines on their faces drawing rays around their eyes like a child’s illustration of the sun, causing them to gleam.”

     Don’t you just love that? To think that our wrinkles surround the gleaming light of our eyes. How precious to see life and light and zeal in the passionate hearts of older women and men of faith! They have gained so much wisdom through so much hardship and sacrifice. We should be sitting at their feet and asking questions.

     Our culture does not tend to value our older generation. Watch the ones that shine with the love of Christ. I am turning 69 soon and when I grow up, I want to be just like them. I often rely on those older than me, praying I will learn to mentor, to hold onto faith through the tough times, to shine with Christ until the day I die. I gave this verse to a dear friend of mine. She passed away at 90 and was such an important part of my life for over twenty years.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3

     Thank God for the Christian elders in our lives that do not wither and fade away. Allow them to mentor you. You will gain much from their experience, their hard-fought battles and from their deep and abiding love for the Savior.

Dear Lord,

You have gifted elder believers among us with Your wisdom and grace. Help us to value them and seek out their wisdom. Their eyes shine with the gleaming light of Your Son in ways we don’t understand. We are grateful for their presence among us.

In Jesus Name

Amen

The Light of Life

 

     We were without power for 30-plus hours on Sunday and Monday. Of course, it also happened to be the hottest day of the year so far. I missed the light. We take so much for granted, don’t we? Remember, in the darkest hours of our life, we have the light of the world. In our, often, dark world, Jesus shines brightly. I love the words included in the following verse, “light of life.”

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

     You have the light of life surrounding you each day when you have Jesus. Discouragement easily takes hold as we see the darkness increasing around us with violence, disease, with the threat of wars and the increasing frequency of earthquakes, storms and volcanic eruptions. The world needs Jesus. We are the ones to spread this light from heaven. After Jesus calls Himself the light of the world, He includes us.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on the stand, and it gives light to everyone in the room. In the same way let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16

     Don’t hide your love for Christ. Let it shine so everyone in the room can see it. Our goal is to glorify God. Let it be about Him today, and let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. You may be just the light someone needs right now.

Jesus,

You are the light of the world and because we have You, we are able to shine the light before others. Show us how to do that today and we can glow with warmth in a dark world, shining like stars. (Philippians 2:15)

Amen

Deep Desires

 

     God’s work in us never ends. He will work in us and through us up and through our dying day. As long as He can use us on this earth, we will remain strong in Him. He brings hope in dire circumstances. He offers peace in turmoil. He brings deep joy, even when we feel our hearts may be breaking.

     Jesus finds us in the deep recesses of our souls. He cries out to us and with us.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God. Psalm 42:1

Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls. All Your waves and breakers have swept over me. Psalm 42:7

     Wherever your heart and your mind take you today, go deep with God. His Spirit is right there to meet you, to pray with you and for you, to lift up your needs to our heavenly Father.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with wordless groans. Romans 8:26

     As our trust builds in Jesus, our hope can remain steady until eternity. His work is always good. Our faith can remain true and fixed.

And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Father,

Keep us from living in the shallow areas of life. Draw us deeper and deeper into faith, into trusting You, into finding hope as we recognize that all things work together for Your good.

Amen

New Creations

 

     As we turn our lives over to Jesus, changes begin to take place. Miraculously, our hearts, minds, our very souls are filled with Christ’s righteousness, even though we may not feel different. And added to His righteousness, He uses our unique qualities and gifts, our varied personalities and quirks to be used for His glory.

     All of our old sins, our present foibles, our future mistakes are washed away, never to be used against us again. Forgiven! Cleansed! Pure as snow!  The old has gone!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

     New creations, born anew, fitted for eternal life. Rejoice today in the good news. New adventures await both in this life and forevermore.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness, streams in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Father,

Your only Son, Jesus, continually transforms and renews, somehow using us as our true selves. We are in awe of the way You redeem and create. Keep up your good work in us, as we turn more and more to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Cleansed Souls

 

     Sanctification is the process of becoming more Christ-like. God’s word is written for that purpose.  As Jesus was preparing for His death and resurrection, He prayed. He prayed to God in praise. He prayed for Himself and for His disciples. He prayed for you and for me. Here He explains the process of sanctification:

Sanctify them by the truth. Your Word is truth. John 17:17

     A woman was captured during World War II and held in a concentration camp. Somehow, she was able to hold onto a small copy of the Gospel of John. If this had been discovered, she would have been immediately put to death. After each page was memorized, one by one, she would wet them and let them dissolve into the drain.

     As the war ended, a reporter from Time magazine was allowed to interview the prisoners before they were released. After the interviews, he stood outside the gates with others, and watched as the prisoners walked out. Most were downcast, lost, shuffling their feet, hesitant and fearful after the horrors of their confinement.

     But one small lady stood out, head held high, strong in step, eyes lit with joy. Someone asked the reporter if she had been brainwashed somehow.  He replied, “Her brain has been washed with Christ.”

     The Bible doesn’t brainwash as in a cult. It brings clarity and pure cleansing, through the washing of the blood of Christ. There are thousands of stories over the years of how Christ managed to keep those in the most horrific circumstances, steady and courageous and filled with peace and joy.

     If it is true of them, why not us? Keep His words alive and well in you and believe!

But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

Lord,

Thank You for Your powerful words that keep us safe and peaceful. Sanctify us by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Amen

Changed Minds

 

     The Bible insists we can capture our thoughts for the purposes of Jesus.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

     God is kind enough to give us a list of the kinds of things we should think about, as we turn our thoughts over to Him.  

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think on these things. Philippians 4:8

     The apostle, Paul, is the perfect example of how to set our minds on the things above. He wrote the book of Philippians from a Roman prison cell, cold and dark, chained to a guard day and night. He continually praised God. He penned the words that would travel through time. His words changed lives then. His words change lives today, through the comfort and praise of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that is available to us today. Think on those things. Set your mind on Him and be transformed!

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Father,

Set our minds to capture our thoughts and give them to You. Refine our minds to be filled with joy and praise, to think on things that are lovely and true, pure and excellent. What a difference we could make, if we allow Your word to transform us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Changed Hearts

 

     Let’s challenge ourselves to place more of the Bible in our hearts and in our minds. Let’s look deeper into how God’s word can change us, as His thoughts become our very own. The Bible comes directly from God. His supernatural being has been translated, through human authors, into words that are written for our human understanding. I love how God used these authors, over fifteen hundred years of time, men and women filled with the Holy Spirit, with their various personalities and abilities, to offer us His very own perfect words.

     Only God could have orchestrated and created our Bible. As we study and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help, we gain an even deeper hunger and thirst to fill up on more and more. There is no end to the knowledge and wisdom, the heart and the love, the history and the foreknowledge, the compassion and the hope found in this book.

     Here are some beautiful verses written in God’s word about the word itself and its power.

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:7-8

     Refreshment, joy and light. Sounds good to me. The words above include, “perfect, refreshing, trustworthy, wise, right, radiant.” How precious are these words that take us into a different realm, written for us. Find rest in the word and find hope.

Father,

Your words are made for us. Show us how to dive deeper this year, to become wise in Your ways, to find radiance for our eyes and joy for our hearts.

In Jesus name,

Amen