Your So-Called Life

Bible Reading: Matthew 22:30-40


Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest command­ment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.". - Matthew 22:37-40. 


IF your LIFE were a television show, what would it be like? Friends? Baywatch? My So-Called Life? The Brady Bunch? Or maybe 3rd Rock from the Sun?


If your life had a theme song, what would it be titled? Maybe something like
"Insensitive"? Or "Jealousy"? Or maybe "The Great Adventure"? How about "I Get By with a Little Help from My Friends"? Or "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother (and She Could Be Jivin' Too)"?


If your life were a cable TV channel, would it be more like the Disney Channel, MTV, the Sports Channel, the Comedy Channel, or the boring Documentary Channel?


While it may be fun to come up with answers to those questions, the answers are probably not particularly revealing. But you know what? If Jesus' life were a television show, it could have only one title-Love. If a hit song were written about his life, it would be called "Love." In fact, if his life were a tennis game, every point would be love.


Jesus commanded us to love. He said,


A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another - (John 13:34-35, niv).

Jesus commanded us to love because he values love. The single greatest
characteristic of Jesus' life, his most important theme, the center of
everything he did and said, was love. He left heaven because of love. He became a man because of love. He went around doing good because of love. He even died—and was resurrected—because of love.


Jesus' words and life made it clear that love is always right. It is right for
all people, for all places, and for all times. It is right not only because he
commands love and values love, but also because he ultimately is love. Love is a part of his nature and character as God (1 John 4:8, 16). When we love others, even our enemies, we are "acting as true children of [our] Father in heaven". - (Matthew 5:45).


REFLECT: The paragraphs above refer to the three "steps" in discerning right from wrong (precept, principle, Person). Look back over today's reading and identify the precept, the principle, and the person.


ACT: The next time you hear a television theme song, remember the theme of Jesus' life: love.


PRAYER:" Almighty and Everlasting Father in Heavaen, I want to love you as your Son, Jesus, has commanded me to do. I want to love the people around me, too. This week help me to show love to_________. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

The Best Investment You will Ever Make

"The future reward is unlimited - Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." - (John 6:68 NIV) 


In the world of investing, a contrarion is someone who invests in what is currently out of favour. When a valuable commodity or an
industry becomes unpopular, contrarion investors buy, and then wait patiently for their investment to pay off, as the world situation changes. They buy based upon their faith in the underlying value of
the investment.


Could there be a better time for us to buy as much stock as possible in Jesus Christ, even if it takes everything we have, even though he may be "out of favour" in this wicked world? Sure, I know he wasn't the kind of king mankind expected, and most people only put faith in  but let's consider some of the underlying value that makes Jesus, God's "suffering servant", the investment opportunity of our lifetime.


The future reward is unlimited - Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. (John 6:68 NIV)


This investment pays great dividends - "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields -- and with them persecutions)and in the age to come, eternal life". (Mark 10:29-30 NIV)


This investment will humble every rival - Therefore God exalted him
to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christis Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-10 NIV)


Security in insecure times - On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive at what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these thingsbegin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your salvation is drawing near. (Luke 21:25-28 NIV)


Only available for a limited time - In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2
NIV)


No one is too poor to invest - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NIV)


I don't mean to make light of our Saviour by comparing him to an investment, but in reality, Jesus Christ is an investment choice that every one of us must make. Let us not be deceived, for there is not another name under heaven by which we can receive salvation and everlasting life. If we have not done so already, we must make our investment today, while there is still time.


Prayer: Our Loving Father God in Heaven, we claim Jesus as our Lord and King. We freely admit our wretchedness, and bow before You, seeking mercy through the blood of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your patience, Father, for allowing time for each of us to come to this moment of realization, that nothing else in heaven or earth is as precious as the life-giving blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Thank
you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

Wants Vs Wishes

"Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" - (John 5:5-6, NKJV). 


A Reader writes, "After many years of
counseling and prayer for help, my brother who has been a Christian for many years, can't seem to let go of his emotional problems and failures. Is there anything I can say to help him forgive himself? What might be holding him back from finding healing and freedom?"


There may be any of a number of reasons why this man seems to be "stuck" in his situation. One may be that deep down he doesn't want to get well.


According to research I have read from both a Christian and a secular source, of all the people who go to a counselor or physician saying they want help approximately 25 percent actually don't want to get well. Some of these people like to feel sorry for themselves and get some kind of satisfaction from seeking sympathy. A further 50 percent expect the counselor or physician to heal them. Only 25 percent actually take responsibility for doing what they need to do in order to get well. One physician said that some patients would rather he operate on their body than they operate on or change their lifestyle!


Many of us say that we want to lose weight, too, but do little or nothing about it. What we do is confuse a wish for a want. It's one thing to wish for something, it's another thing to want.


As Jesus said to the sick person, "Do you want to be made well/whole?"


To be made well / whole, I need to be committed to being made well/whole and accept responsibility for doing whatever I need to do in order to get well. I can pray forever about losing weight but if I don't watch my diet and get sufficient exercise, it's not going to happen. And if I cling to my grudges and refuse to forgive all who
have hurt me, I won't get well either.


True, some ills and miserable circumstances are beyond our control but there are many that we can do something about ourselves. Yes, pray for wisdom to know what to do, for truth to see what we need to do, for courage to do it, and for God to lead us to the help we need to overcome. When we do our part, we can be sure that God will do his.


The bottom line is do we truly want to be made well / whole?


Prayer: "Our Most Merciful Father in Heaven, please help me to accept responsibility in every adverse situation that comes my way. Besides trusting in you, help me to see what I can and need to do to make healing and wholeness possible. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus loving Name I Pray, Amen."

Seeing God

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word [Jesus Christ] became flesh and made his dwelling among us" - (John 1:1,14, NIV). 

Philip Yancey, in his book, Disappointed With God, tells about an experiment the great scientist Isaac Newton once conducted when he stared at the image of the sun reflected in a mirror. The brightness of the sun affected the retina in his eye and he suffered temporary blindness. Even after shutting himself away in a dark room for three days the bright spot didn't fade from his vision. Had he stared much longer, he may have permanently damaged his sight. The human eye simply cannot withstand the brilliant light of the sun. 


Yancey explains how the ancient Israelites lived for many years with visible evidence of God in their midst but of all the thousands who left slavery in Egypt, only two survived seeing God's presence.


If we cannot look at the sun, how can we look directly at God? We can't and live, at least not while we are still living in our sinful condition. But we can see God in Jesus, his beloved Son, who came to earth as a man so we could come to God through him—and see God and live.


And because of Christ's sacrifice for us, one day we will see God and Jesus face to face. As Job said, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes."- Job 19:25-27, (NIV).


Prayer: "Almighty Father God, thank you for the assurance that all who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and believe in you will in the end time see you face to face and know you as you truly are. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus loving Name I Pray, Amen."

No Condemnation For Those In Christ Jesus Part IV

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)


In todays devotional we will rap up a 4-part series on one of the most prolific pieces of writing ever penned. I havent even begun to extract the full amount of wisdom that can be fully gleaned from this verse, but within these 4-writings, we can surely derive the purpose of its existence, the power of its origin, and the gift of its truth.

In the first 3-parts of this devotional series, weve looked at the difference between condemnation and conviction, and what it means to be In Christ Jesus. At the end of each of these first 3-parts, we came to the unmistakable conclusion, that there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.

In todays devotional, I wanted to look at the remainder of this verse, because some people believe there is a stipulation attached to it that alleviates Gods grace upon their life, should they walk according to the flesh, or in other words, sin.

Q:Is there, in fact, a stipulation on the end of this verse that would infer that were not immune to condemnation, should we stumble in sin after weve accepted the Lord?

A:I do not believe so. And I believe the following story as recorded in Scripture proves this point.

We see Jesus being confronted by the Scribes and Pharisees in the Book of John, chapter 8. They had caught a woman in the act of adultery, and they had brought her to Jesus to see if they could trick Him to answer them in a way that would contradict how the Jewish law commanded she be punished, which would have been death.

After telling them, He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first, they each dropped their stones and left her with Jesus. Jesus then turned to the woman and said, Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?

She said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said to her, Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.

Q:What about the last part of verse 11? Go and sin no more.
Isnt that a critical part of the key here to being forgiven?

A:I do not believe that Is what was being inferred here.

I dont believe that it was Jesus tone, or line of reasoning with this woman.

I dont think that Jesus, after forgiving her, said or inferred,

All right, Ill forgive you this one time,
But if you slip up again,
Thats it! Its the lake of fire for you.

No, I believe Jesus told her in love, Go in peace, youre forgiven. And I can state with confidence, He did it with a smile, rather than an angry scowl or a pointing finger.

Because, if he didnt, He wouldnt have been any different than those hypocritical Pharisees who were accusing her in the first place.

We need to be confident in this fact, as Christians; when Jesus died on the Cross, and paid for our sins, He did it once and for all.

By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. Hebrews 10:10-13 (NKJV)

One sacrifice, for sins forever! That covers it! Not for little while. Not for as long as your good. Forever!

We are forgiven, and God will not remember our sins. He is a God of mercy, and a God of truth. He is faithful, even when were not. His faithfulness is not based on our ability to live righteouslyit is based on Him being a righteous God, and His Sons payment in full for our transgressions. It is Gods right and His choice to blot out these sins. We shouldnt cheapen that by thinking that weve earned it somehow.

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My
own sake; And I will not remember your sins. Isaiah 43:25 (NKJV)

Rejoice Christian! Youre free from the judgment of Gods righteous wrath. Share this good news with others, and help them to discover it as well.

What will you do today with this truth? Will you share it, or will you keep it to yourself? This is a big question, because we will be judged on this.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures above?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Can you see the liberating truth that youve been set free, and that there is no condemnation now that youve accepted Christ?

APPLICATION: Share this with those whom God lays upon your heart, as often as you are prompted by the Holy Spirit.

No Condemnation For Those In Christ Jesus Part III

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)


Weve been looking at this verse in Romans 8:1, and, so far, weve discussed the differences between condemnation and conviction. Weve noted that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. But, weve also noted that even though there is no condemnation for those in Christ, there will be a conviction by the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us in living a righteous life according to the will of God.

In todays devotional, I wanted to look at the next part of this pivotal verse, In Christ.

Q:What does it mean to be In Christ Jesus?

A:Well, it means that when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are now hidden inside of Him.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, Isaiah 61:10 (NKJV)

When God looks at us, He doesnt see us as sinners, He sees us as righteous, because He sees His Son, and the sacrifice He made on the Cross of Calvary.

We see in the 6th Chapter of Romans, Paul says, Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus or Lord (See Romans 6:11).

In Christ! Thats the answer

Our sins have been nailed to the Cross of Calvary. We see this as recorded in the Book of Colossians.

...He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 (NKJV)

He doesnt see you in your sin.
He sees you in His Son.

Therefore, there is no condemnation whatsoever.

"It doesnt matter where youve been.
"It doesnt matter what youve done.
"It doesnt matter who you are.
"It doesnt even matter where you are.

Q:But what about the last part of Romans 8:1, where it says, Who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit?

A:Well address that in our final part of this series of devotionals written about one of the greatest truths, as recorded in the Word of God.

Hey Christian, There is now no condemnation for you since you re in Christ Jesus! Remember, weve been robed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.


STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about how God views us as Christians according to the verses above in Isaiah, and Colossians?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Do you now see how God sees you after reading these passages of Scripture?

APPLICATION: Walk confident, knowing youve been forgiven. Live humbly and gratefully, acknowledging what Jesus has done for you. Share it liberally with all whom God places in your life.

No Condemnation For Those in Christ Jesus Part I

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

If youre like most Christians, youve probably become anxious on more than one occasion when you have sinned. The thought pops in your mind, Ive gone to far; Ive really blown it this time! Or possibly, God could never accept me after the life Ive lived. And if this has circulated within your head, then youre in good company, because every one of us will, and do suffer from this lie of the enemy at one point or another. This is what Satan; the devil does so well; he lies.

Okay, so why do I know its a lie? Because the verse above in Romans tells me it is. This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible, and it is from one of my favorite books in the Bible. I think each and every Christian should have this printed out somewhere to read each and every time they are confronted with doubt about their being accepted by God.

The problem we encounter is the temptations we face in the flesh. And the solution we tend to come up with is to try harder the next time. The end result is we fall into a binge and purge cycle of trying to do better the next time, and failing.

I remember when I was younger, and how I would try hard to be a better Christian man, but I would end up failing. And I would try again, and I would do good for a while, only to fail once more. I remember telling God, Ill do better tomorrow Lord, I promise!


Then I would get this idea that I needed to read my Bible more. I reasoned to myself, If I did this, then surely I would be able to be a better Christian. So Id make God a promise to read my bible the next day. But the next day came and went, but I didnt do it.


My spirit was willing, but my flesh was weak, and again, I would end up failing. I would get so frustrated, and eventually I would give up. Id figure, Whats the use? I cant do it. But Jesus warned us against this.

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Mark 14:38 (NKJV)

But the enemy (Satan, and his emissaries) came right behind and slammed me in condemnation. Notice I said, Condemnation, not Conviction.

If you dont know the difference, Condemnation comes from the devil, while Conviction comes from God through the Holy Spirit. Paul didnt say we there is no conviction from the Holy SpiritHe said, there is no condemnation. Good healthy conviction is essential for all Christians; it is Gods way of correcting our path, and choices when they are wrong.

When the Holy Spirit is working within you, He gently nudges you and whispers:

"Dont do this&
"Its not good&
"Its not right&
"Its sin&

And if you still go through with it, then the Holy Spirit will bring on a conviction upon your heart for that sin committed. He does this so you can stop and repent and confess your sin right then and there.

Confessing is simply coming into agreement that the act was not righteous, and youre acknowledging it before God.

There should be some remorse for your action. If there isnt any remorse, then you need to go before God and ask Him to allow you to see that sin in the way He does.

Tell Him that you are having a hard time, and:

"That you confess, youre flesh is enjoying this sin,
"That it is your true desire to repent
"That it is your true desire to change your hearts fleshly desire with regard to sin.
"That you want to be able to see sin the way He does, and therefore detest these sinful temptations.

Once youve done this, once youve repented, and youve acknowledged before God your inability to do what needs to be done; simply confess your sin before God.

Once this is has transpiredIt is forgotten!

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9 (NKJV)

STUDY QUESTION: Can you see how the (3) verses above answer the lie of the enemy, truthfully?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Have you bought into the lie, that you are not good enough to be loved and forgiven for something you have done, or are doing?

APPLICATION: Dont follow those condemning thoughts of the evil one, or the feelings that follow as a result of his lies; follow the facts given in the Word of God. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus&

Christian Worldview

"In the beginning God." - Genesis 1:1.


We hear quite a bit these days about the worldview people have. Simply put, one's worldview is the way we view the world in which we live. It serves as a road map for one's life—the guide for  the way we live and orchestrate our life. It has to do with one's belief system about the world in which we live.


A Christian worldview is based on reality—on truth—on truth as it is revealed and/or confirmed in God's Word, the Bible, which is the only viable source of truth that can realistically answer the four questions one's worldview takes into account. These questions are as follows:


"Where did I come from?
Why is the world in such a mess?
Is there a way to fix it?
Is there a purpose for my life?"


First, where did I come from? The Christian believes that we came from God; that in the beginning he created all—including you and me. Because of this we are  accountable to him and are morally responsible for all our actions.


Second, why is the world in such a mess? We believe that this is because of sin and evil which was introduced into the world by Satan the devil, a fallen angel, who wanted to dethrone God and become God himself. "I will become as the Most High," he said. Consequently he was dismissed from God's Heaven. - See Isaiah 14:12.

Tragically, because mankind chose to disobey God's directions and follow Satan's, sin entered the entire human race. Because sin cannot exist and sinners cannot survive in the presence of a holy and just God, any more than a moth can survive in a flame, our sin has destined us to eternal separation from a just and holy God in the place the Bible calls hell—the place prepared for the devil and other fallen angels known as demons.


Third, is there an answer to mankind's dilemma—a way to fix our problem?  Fortunately for mankind there is. As the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (NIV).


In other words, because God's justice required that the just judgment for all sin is death; that is, eternal separation from God the author of all love and life, God gave his only son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place to pay the just penalty for all our sin. Because of Christ's sacrifice God now offers to all who will accept it a free pardon and the gift of eternal life with God in Heaven forever. Based on the Word of God, Jesus Christ is God's only provision for mankind's sin, and the only way into God's Heaven. - See John 14:6.


Fourth, is there a purpose for my life? "Man's chief end [purpose] is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." We glorify God, first by building a deeper understanding of and a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ, and then by living a morally upright life, in loving God and worshipping God, by loving our neighbors as ourselves, and by our service to God. And we serve God by using our God-given natural and spiritual gifts to serve others. The important thing is:  do you know what your specific God-given life purpose is?


Prayer: "Our Loving Father in Heaven, thank you that your word, the Bible, gives us the only secure road map for all of life's journey—from the cradle to the grave and beyond. Please help me to be certain my world view is in line with your Word so that I will live in harmony with your will here on earth and spend eternity with you in Heaven forever. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

A Uniting Cord

"So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." - Acts 9:17 (RSV). 

Imagine receiving a letter from some person for the first time and in the salutation is the phrase "Brother/Sister". I once addressed someone in a similar way (and I am glad to report that we came to be great friends later) and in his reply, he expressed his gratitude that we both belonged to a family, even though we had not met before in the physical life.

There exists a uniting cord between the members of God's family in which personality, status, abilities, location and origin appear as unimportant factors which can set not a single pause to the relationship, its promotion and expression. Fellow Christians easily link up even on the very first interaction, because of the great

feature we share -- love for fellow brethren. What a privilege to belong to such a family!

In today's reading, Ananias addressed Saul -- who had set out for Damascus on a legalized mission of persecuting Christians -- as a brother. No sooner had Paul been converted to Christianity (by Jesus' voice, preceded by a great light that shone so brightly around Saul) that he switched from being Ananias' enemy to a brother. O how sweet it is, belonging to such a community, flowing with love, even for enemies!

Yes, we all belong to God's family with a principal uniting cord -- love for fellow brothers and sisters. Before us is the challenge of how we express, exercise and promote this uniting cord. Let's pray that we acquire and share this love, since "He who does not love does not know God; for God is love." - (1 John 4:8 RSV).

Prayer: Our Loving Father in heaven, grant us love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

But Why?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6. (NIV) .


There are so many things in life that we just can't explain. Often these are the things that are completely beyond our control. Maybe someone we love was taken from us because of a thoughtless accident, or as a result of a disease. Maybe we are dealing with the loss of  our own health or someone else's. Maybe we have lost a job unexpectedly. Maybe a dream will not be realized. Maybe a relationship has died, and we are grieving that loss. And the list goes on.


Today's verse admonishes us not to lean on our own understanding, but this is exactly what we do. When things don't go the way we think they should, we try to pull them apart, to dissect them, to bring about some kind of understanding. "If we could only understand why this happened, maybe we could learn to accept it and to heal the hurt." Does that sound familiar? The next step seems to be, "Well, if someone else could only understand what we are feeling, then it might feel better," but that never happens, because no one could truly understand our loss. Well, almost no one. There is someone who does.


"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6) When we bring our focus back to God, from ourselves and from our loss, then we discover that it is God who understands our hurt, and it is God who is able to make our paths straight again. It is God who can heal us of all our hurts. 


Prayer: Loving Heavenly Father, Thank You, gracious God, for knowing our hurts and for understanding our pain. Come to us today to begin the healing in us. Help us to trust You, so that the healing can begin, Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."