Being Teachable

Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandment Psalms 119:66 (NKJV)

There's probably no greater writing on a person willing to be teachable than Psalm 119.  There are ten references by the author within this Psalm where he asks God, "Teach me Your statutes."  It is clear this person wants very badly to be taught God's Word.  

Q:    What does it mean to be teachable?
A:     It means we are capable of being taught and we are apt and willing to learn.

Q:    Why are we to be teachable people?
A:    So that we can learn the things of God, apply them to our life, and be transformed to be Christ-like. 

When we come to a place where we are no longer teachable, the transformation process will stop within our lives.  The enemy likes this because without transformation, we will ultimately be conformed to the ways of this world.  This is not what God has planned for us.  It is His desire for us to have our minds renewed by reading His Word, so we might know His will for our life.   And by knowing His we will be transform in the way we live. We see this clearly in the Book of Romans. 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

More often than not, we can tend to be offended when we are being confronted and corrected.  Instead of learning from what is being said, and coming in agreement with any truths spoken, we can become puffed up in the flesh, and irritated or even angry in our countenance.   We might even respond by attempting to point out potential flaws in the person confronting us - deflecting from the real issue being brought up, and causing further damage with a sinful response.  When this happens, we are not being teachable.  

As Christian men and women, we are called to sharpen each other, much like iron sharpening iron (See Prov. 27:17).  When we see a brother or sister erring, we are to come alongside and confront in love.  We are to speak truth into their lives and encourage them.  Those who are wise will receive this rebuke, but those who are steadfast in being foolish will likely ignore the corrective counsel and will learn nothing.  We see this being spoken of in Proverbs.

Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool. Proverbs 17:10 (NKJV)

It is important to ask ourselves if we are teachable, and to honestly answer.  We would all like to think we are, but the facts may show themselves much differently.  Some of us might even be reading this and saying to ourselves, "I don't have anyone coming to me and speaking into my life, or rebuking me for my actions."  And this may be true because those people might not even be willing to approach you to give you any input.  They may have concluded you are unapproachable and anything they say will be met with a defensive attitude or major blowout. 

Hey Christian, ultimately either we are teachable or we are not.  We are either humble or prideful.  We are either willing to change, or we are stubbornly entrenched in our ways, and not willing to learn new ones.  Yeah, we get to have free will, but we have a responsibility with that freedom.  Let's not be the Old dogs who are unwilling to learn new stuff.  Let's let God continue to change and transform us until the day we see Him face-to-face.  

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with respect to our learning?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you teachable?  Are you willing to learn from whomever God sends to share with you?

APPLICATION: Practice self-discipline and take time to listen to what is being spoken.  Ask yourself, "Am I doing what is being stated?"  If you are, then apologize, repent, and praise God for sending someone to speak into your life.  Thank the person for caring as well, and end your conversation with a humble spirit and in prayer.  

He Is The Potter - We Are The Clay God Help The USA

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying:  "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:1-4 (NKJV)

As I was sitting down in my office, reading my Bible, and preparing to write a devotional - my door swung open and there in the hallway stood my assistant Angela.  She stated, "Sorry to bother you, but I am having one of those moments where I want to act like a girl." She then proceeded to tell me, "There is a cockroach on the floor here in the hallway and I don't want to get it because it is still moving, and it is disgusting."  

So I went out into the hall to see it, and I indeed found it scurrying about, attempting to get back into a dark place where it probably felt both safe and comfortable.  Unfortunately for the cockroach, the light had exposed it, and this would set in motion a series of actions greatly affecting the outcome of its very existence.  

As I finished handling this, and went back to the chapter I was reading in Jeremiah, I immediately saw the parallel to what I was to write.  The subject was to be about our "Once" God fearing (Respecting) Nation, known as the good old US of A.  I know, you're asking yourself, "Where in the world do you get that subject from a cockroach trying to hide from the light?"  Follow me and you'll see. 

Here in the passages of Chapter 18, I saw the very analogy God had given this man of God to properly put His children in their rightful place.  God had told Jeremiah to go down to the potter's house to hear from God.  When Jeremiah arrived, he found the potter to be working on a clay vessel.  Once done, the potter discovered the vessel to be marred or defective, and decided to break it down and started over using the same clay.  It was then Jeremiah heard from the Lord as God spoke these words, 

 "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says the LORD. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel! The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it. Jeremiah 18:5-10 (NKJV)

As I read these words, it dawned upon me, we as a nation founded upon Judeo Christian beliefs, are much like this nation spoken of in this passage.  We have been blessed amazingly by God throughout our existence.  But we too, have strayed from what we know to be right.  And, we must remember, we too, are but clay in the potter's hand.  

As I look around here in our country, I can honestly say, God has provided us with some Jeremiah's in our land who are willing to boldly say the word, "Repent," regardless of the persecution.  They are willing to speak the truth from the bible regardless of whether it is politically correct.  But unfortunately, in many cases, it is received much like a cockroach receiving the light.  And just as the light causes the cockroach to flee to darkness, God's Word can cause some people to flee to the comfort of the darkness.  
 
God was speaking very sternly to Jeremiah in these passages about the safety of Nations and Kingdoms.  I believe He is doing the same thing today through the Pastors willing to speak the whole counsel of God's Word.   We need to look at the promises contained within this text of verses as well, because God's ways haven't changed.  He will still relent from plucking us up, or pulling us down as a nation, or an individual if we repent and turn back to Him.  And He will still build us up, and plant us firmly as a nation or an individual if we obey His voice.  

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to seek God's Word and to faithfully apply it to your life daily.  Abide in God's will for everything and you will be blessed beyond measure.  After all, we are a nation of individuals, and the change to turn back to God starts with us individually.  Don't be discouraged by others who choose to live for this world - just stay focused on what God's will is for you.  

STUDY QUESTION: According to Jeremiah 18:5-10, what will God relent from if we turn from evil?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Can you see the effects of selfish living and our turning from God within our Country?  Are you willing to continue in your walk with God, and obey Him as well as go to church and worship Him, regardless of what others do - including those within the Christian community?

APPLICATION: Seek the Lord every day and in everything you do.  Stay focused on Him and continue to trust Him regardless of how tough it gets.  God has a plan and He will be faithful to You and Your needs. 

Pray For Them!

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Colossians 1:9 (NKJV)

If there is one thing I've learned working in the Church, it's that it is very much like an emergency room.  People are continually coming in with emergencies, and injuries, albeit spiritual ones mostly.  The Spiritual warfare from the enemy is never ending, and the carnage of broken and destroyed relationships, chemical dependencies, pornographic addictions, and financial crisis seem to be waging their own personal war to see which one can claim more Christian walks.  

There are times where I feel as though the church is a Spiritual M.A.S.H. unit (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital).  As soon as one is patched up, another one comes through the door.  Here me in this; I wouldn't change what I do for anything, and I have to admit, with God's help it is humbling at best and in my own strength, it is overwhelming.  God is showing me balance, and I am learning when I am at my weakest, He is strong, and His strength is shown in all its glory it truly is amazing.  

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

Another thing I've learned is we all have been given an amazing ability to help others.  All too often people feel as though this is the job and responsibility of the Pastors, Elders, Counselors, and other various church workers, and in essence, this is true.  But helping and attending to the needs was never to be the sole job of just a chosen few by man - it is God's will each of those He has chosen participate.  All that is needed is the humble heart of a servant and the willingness to allow God to accomplish His will through us.  After all, we can do nothing on our own. 

 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NKJV)

Perhaps the greatest gift given to every Christian is the right to come directly to God and to speak to Him through the modem of prayer.  Prayer is our access link to God's mighty power and agape love.  And it is through prayer where we will truly be able to help others in their times of need.  Whenever people come to me and tell me to pray for others, I will usually stop and join with them right then and there.  Often, they are shocked.  It's as if they know it is the right thing to do, but they don't feel as though their prayer would be sufficient.   This is garbage, and it is a lie from the enemy. 

As long as we don't have any unconfessed sin in our life, our prayer can be as potent as any person of the faith.  It is our trust in the one who can answer, that moves our faith to intercede in prayer.  We can look to the Book of Colossians to see this type of intercessory prayer at work by the Apostle Paul.  Paul addressed all who were in the Church in Colossi.  And he wanted them to know he was praying for them, so they in turn would be equipped for ministry, and would be able to pray for others.  In the opening page of this Book, we can see Paul's prayer, and it is one we can emulate as we see others who are struggling.

Paul prays for the Colossian believers to be filled with God's knowledge, so they would know God's will for their lives.  He asks God to give them Spiritual wisdom and understanding - to live a life worthy of the Lord, and to please Him in Every way.  The result, Paul says, it to be "Strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father" (See Col. 1:9-12). 

Paul's intercession was not a random act on his part; it was his way of imitating God (See Eph. 5:1).  We are told in Romans 8:26-27 the Holy Spirit is making intercession through prayer on our behalf when we pray for others, and that He prays according to what the Father tells Him to pray.  And in Romans 8:34, we are told Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God, and He is making intercession for us as well. 

Hey Christian, God has designed you to be a part of ministry.  God has told us to pray continuously for others.  The enemy is going to attempt to distract us to look to our own problems or interests to try and dissuade us from utilizing the power of God to transform lives.  The enemy is going to lie to us and tell us our prayers are powerless and we are not worthy to pray, or we are not good enough.  He is a liar!  

Let's tap into the power of God and begin to change lives one prayer at a time.  Don't stop because you don't see an immediate answer to your prayer.  People have free will, and can choose not to repent even when we are praying for them, but this should never cause us to quit praying.  Pray as if your very life depended on it, knowing theirs very well might.  Know this - someone prayed for you and is probably still praying for you.  We all should be saying, "
there, for the Grace of God, go I", when looking at others who are going through trials.  

Pray without ceasing, 1Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)

STUDY QUESTION: According to 1Thessalonians, how often should we pray?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Can you think of 10-people to pray for? 

APPLICATION: Pray for God to tell you whom He would like for you to intercede for.  It can be a prodigal child (Yours or someone else's), it can be someone's marriage, or just about any number of things.  Make a prayer list, and continue to pray as the Spirit leads you.  Watch and record what happens.

Not All Change is Good Be Careful What You Are Exchanging For

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 (NKJV)

There's an old sea story about a ship's Captain who inspected his sailors, and afterward told the first mate that his men smelled bad.  The Captain suggested perhaps it would help if the sailors would change underwear occasionally.

The first mate responded,  "Aye, aye sir, I'll see to it immediately!"  The first mate went straight to the sailors berth deck and announced, "The Captain thinks you guys smell bad and wants you to change your underwear." He continued, "Pittman, you change with Jones, McCarthy, you change with Witkowski, and Brown, you change with Schultz."

THE MORAL OF THE STORY:  Not all change is good.

And there is a good reason for this in this story, because the change occurring was not the proper change, or the right thing to do - even when the motive was correct.  

Unfortunately, I have seen this happen often when people have decided to make a change in their personal lifestyle and look for something to help them.  They realize they need to change the way they are living.  Maybe they attended church when they were young, or even made a profession of faith in Jesus, only to have somehow veered off onto another path, leading them to be conformed to this world.  

But they realize it is time for a change, and so they may head out and look for a church to attend, or maybe even pick up one of those pamphlets or magazines laying on their coffee table - the ones dropped off at their door by those nice folks last week.  With proper motives and a determination to change, they set their minds to embracing these new ways - fully convinced they are now going in the right direction.  Unfortunately, not every change we make results in what we hoped for.  And we can be simply exchanging one of Satan's lies for another.  

The problem is we can get so caught up in the buzzword of "Change", that we don't actually really change.  We can take one false god - some activity, person, or object - and exchange it for another one.  I believe there is a reason for this.  In their attempt to stop following the wrong people and the wrong ways, some will naturally start following other people and their ways; and this isn't always good.  We are to be sheep, but we are also to follow only One Shepherd - Jesus Christ. 

Here's my point:  If we are going to make a real change in our life, it has to start with God, and His Word.  We need to look to it to direct us to His truths - not some additional truth contained in a packaged brochure or magazine - something innovative, or new to be added to the Bible.  

Here me in this; I don't have a problem with someone writing a book to help, or to give commentary on God's Word, but it should never be given equal authority.  If someone comes to you and says they have another writing on Jesus, or another book they proclaim to be God's Word, beware of this CHANGE.

As Christians, we shouldn't be trying to change our dirty works for new clean works with the hope of being saved, or earning our salvation - we should be changing our actions because we are achanged person.  God told us, 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. Ezekiel 36:26-28 (NKJV)
Hey Christian, if we are going to truly change, then it will be by God changing our hearts.  Let'schange by having a relationship with Jesus, rather than a religion from man.  Let's change by doing good works because it is who we now are - New creations in Christ Jesus - Christ-like.  

STUDY QUESTION: According to 2 Cor 5:17, what changes when we are in Christ, or Born Again?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Can you see a change in your life from last year?  How about from last month?

APPLICATION: If you find you are not changing, then refocus your priority.  Change your habits and begin to put God first by giving Him the best of what you have, including your time.  Start to take time each and every day and read God's Word; the Bible.  Read it to your family as well.  Now abide in what you are reading.

The Problem With Absolute Truth-Part 2 Shaping God's Word To Fit Your Life

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. Psalms 100:5 (NKJV)

We are looking at a two-part devotion titled, The Problem With Absolute Truth.  In part 1 we learned Jesus is the absolute truth (John 14:6), and God's Word is absolute truth (Ps. 119:160), and we also learned Jesus Christ is the Word.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:1-2, 14 (NKJV)

We looked at Jesus' declaration of what it means to be His disciple (follower).  And we were given an amazing promise when he stated, "If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free" (See John 8:31-32).

Despite this, there are many people who are saying, God's Word is outdated, and is no longer relevant to our current ways of living in this generation - they are saying we need to find a new way to get people to come to God and be saved.   This too is a lie.  Jesus told us He is the truth, and He is the only way to God.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6 (NKJV)

Psalm 100:5 tells us the truth about God's Word when it says, "His truth endures to all generations, so it will never be obsolete."

Q:    So why are people refusing Jesus as the only way to God, and denying His Word to be the absolute truth?

A:    Accountability!  People are being tempted by the enemy to deny both Jesus and His written Word because it holds them accountable to their way of living and because it gives them detailed consequences for the choices they will make (See John 3:19-21). 
 
We can see a prevalent trend in our current world where people are denying God's Word as truth.  Some will accept it, but they will either take Scriptures out of the proper context with which they were written, or worse yet, they will distort the meaning of the Scriptures to fit their interpretation or lifestyle.  This is done so they can continue to live in sin without the accountability of God's truth.  

There is a song by a group called Depeche Mode titled, "Your own personal Jesus", released back in 1989.  The song was actually written by Martin Gore, who said it was about "being a Jesus for somebody else, somebody to give you hope and care."

I think many people can wrongly look to false religions or even another person for their hope, when the Bible clearly teaches us the absolute truth that our Hope is to be found in Jesus. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:3-7 (NKJV)

And I would caution anyone from trying to make Him his or her own personal Jesus when it changes Him from being the true Jesus of the Bible.  This can happen when we deny the absolute truth of who the Bible says Jesus is, and we decide freely to apply relative truth.  We make Jesus in our image, and conform Him to our false beliefs about what is right or wrong.  

We can see this happening in our current cultural acceptance of sinful activities such as adultery, fornication and homosexuality.  The Bible clearly teaches God abhors these things (1 Cor. 6:9-10), and yet, we see it becoming more politically incorrect to speak against them as being wrong.  Relative truth says these things are okay, and should be permissible because they are now widely acceptable individual preferences.  In other words, many in society feel these things are okay; therefore it must be true.  This is not truth; and anyone who says so is a liar by definition of the Bible (1 John 2:4; 1 Cor 6:9; Rom. 1:20-32; 12:9).  

Hear me in this, this writing isn't about gay bashing, or singling out those who are unfaithful in the marriage covenant as being somehow more grievous in their sin than someone who lies, or cheats on their taxes - It is about deciding whether or not we will accept God's Word as absolute truth, and whether we are willing to abide in it.  

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today.  Don't let the enemy tempt you with a subtle lie to think something is okay or not by what a society or culture is doing or is saying is acceptable.  Our life should be lived expressly on the words of God's commands, encouragements, exhortations, and promises contained within His Scripture in our Bibles.  Anything contrary to this is a lie and will lead to death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). 

STUDY QUESTION: What does Jesus say about the truth in John 14:6?  What can we learn from this same Scripture about our coming into the presence of God, or our being saved?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Have you accepted Jesus as Truth?  Have you accepted His Word as absolute truth?

APPLICATION: Read God's Word, and make it your hearts desire to apply it to your life, and to abide in its teaching.

The Problem With Absolute Truth-Part 1 What Is The Truth?

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Psalms 25:5 (NKJV)

When you hear the word, "Truth", what comes to your mind?  Well, if you are like most people, you would think of things you know to be truthful, as opposed to things false.  You could probably think of things that are certain, accurate, exacting, factual or reality, and you would be right, because truth represents all these things.  

Q:    What does the Bible teach us about truth?

We are told in the Bible; Jesus (God the Son) is truth (John 14:6).
We are told in the Bible; God's Word is Truth (Psalm 119:160).
We are told in the Bible; Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:1-2, 14).

Therefore we can say "truthfully", God is truth, and His Word is His Spoken truth.  These truths are absolute, and in them is nothing false.  

Q:    Do we truly believe God's Word is absolute truth?

It would be an oxymoron or a lie to say we are Christian, but deny God's written Word as absolute truth.  If we accept Christ we must understand He is the Word, so we are actually saying we accept His written Word as authority over our life, understanding God has inspired every written Scripture (Biblical writing).

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) 
 
Herein lies the problem for us as Christian believers, and for non-believers alike.  If God's Word is absolute truth, then we know it is righteous and we are compelled to be accountable if we say we believe in truth.  To decide not to abide in or obey God's Word would in fact be akin to living a lie.  This is why so many unbelievers attack God's Word.  For them to dismiss it as merely someone's opinion enables them to live in whatever manner they choose to live without the accountability of living in sin.   This is because God's Word represents "light", and His light exposes the darkness of sin within our lives. 

...And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.  But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. John 3:19-21 (NKJV)

This is also why many people are being deceived by the enemy to turn to something other than the Bible to guide them in their Christian walk.  These false teachings are attacking the very essence of truth.  They are declaring Jesus to be something other than what He truly is - God.  They are declaring His Word to be noncurrent - saying there is something else needing to be added to it for one to fully understand it, and to be enlightened. 

Satan does this in an attempt to keep new believers living in darkness and the bondage of his lie, and to keep the unbeliever from hearing God's truth - knowing the power of hearing it will expose his lie.  This is exactly what Jesus was saying as written in the Book of John. 

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32 (NKJV)
Hey Christian, can you say today with all truth and honesty, "Jesus, You are my Lord, and I believe Your written Word."  Can you, like the Psalmist say, "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation."

In Part 2 of this devotion, we will take a look at what happens when people have a problem with God's Word being the absolute truth.  

STUDY QUESTION: What Promise did Jesus (God) make us in John 8:31-32?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to ask God to lead you in His truth and to teach you?  Is Jesus the God of your salvation?

APPLICATION: Seek the Lord today and begin to read His Word as absolute truth.  Now, apply every jot and tittle written within it to your life.  

Who Lives On Bitter Root Street If You Do, It is Time To Move

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV)

My wife Carol and I had a friend Teresa stop by our house after a road trip to Twin Falls, Idaho. She was sharing with us about her travels and she told us how she had gone down this one section of town and noticed the name of a street titled, Bitter Root Street.  She proposed a question to me with a grin saying, don't you just wonder who lives there? She was speaking metaphorically, and referring to people who might actually have a bitter root living there.  

It got me thinking about how everyone of us could probably have lived on this street at one point in our lives.  Truth be told, if there were such a place set up for people with bitter roots within their hearts, there would be an assortment of people living there and for a different amount of time.  Some would simply come and go, stopping for only a short time.  Some would opt for an extended stay, while still others would live there for their entire lives.

When I think about a bitter root, I immediately think of someone who has been hurt in a relationship in some way or another, because this is where the root starts.  They have chosen to continue to hold another person accountable for something they experienced, and they are unwilling to let it go and forgive.  And much like a case of cancer, it eats away at their life until certain death occurs.  

We see the writer of Hebrews speaking of this as we are told to pursue peace with ALL people...looking carefully, or "diligently" as some translations state it, lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled (See Heb. 12:14-15).   

This is a sharp warning for every Christian believer, telling us we need to be attentive in making sure we don't become bitter when others hurt or offend us.  We need to identify any bitterness causing us to stray in our faith, fall away from the Lord, and to ultimately disrespect what He has expressively commanded us to do.  

When this happens, we can sometimes continue to go through the motions in our Christian walk, even attending studies and church, but our heart is far from being one of worship and praise.  Instead, we can become cynical, bitter, and pessimistic, causing our fellow brothers and sisters to stumble and to lose hope in the process. 

The ultimate result of a bitter root is it will defile the body of believers, as it continues to pollute one person at a time - ruining their testimony and the ministry God has allowed them to be a part of.   Some will choose to leave the church as a result of having a bitter root, while others will burrow in much like a tick, not content to simply leave, they choose to infect the whole body. 

One more thing we need to know about bitter roots is they don't always pop up over one offense.  They will usually culminate over a series of events where a person feels wronged, and will eventually surface.  This is important for us to identify because we tend to bury the past hurts, or those bitter roots and simply tear the head off of what surfaces rather than deal with them properly.  

Now here me in this, I am not speaking of going down and letting a psychologist peel back your mind like the layers of an onion - to expose hurtful times or actions you feel have affected you or your life - I am talking about choosing to forgive those who have hurt you immediately and then letting the offense go.

Here is the thing, as Christians, we have God's promise to be faithful to us, even when we are faithless (See 2 Tim 2:13).  And we have the promise of Him completing what He started in us when we gave our life to Him and made Him our Lord and Savior (See Phil. 1:6).  So, if we make the decision to live on Bitter Root Street, it will be by our own choice, and we will have to work very hard to be permanent residents. This is exactly why the Apostle Paul was exhorting the believers in Rome to get rid of the bitterness.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV)
Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to think for just a few minutes about any bitterness you may be holding onto.  Ask God to reveal any bitterness you're harboring against an old friend or coworker.  Against any employer or supervisor, or potentially even a family member.  If you are holding on to this bitterness, you are taking away the blessings God has in store for you in this life. You are hindering your prayer life, and you are limiting your effective witness as a Christian.  STUDY QUESTION: According to the Scriptures contained within this devotional, what could we learn about bitterness, and our responsibility to deal with it?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you harboring any bitterness towards someone, even God, because of a past hurt?

APPLICATION: Let the bitterness go, repent of hanging on to it and forgive anyone who may have offended you.  God will give you a great blessing of peace.

Who Can Be Likened To The Lord?

For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD?  Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? Psalms 89:6 (NKJV)

Q:    What do you want to be when you grow up?

How many times have you been asked this question?  I guess it can be a fair question when you are 6-years old, or even at age 10.  But what if someone asked you today, would you be offended, or would you give it some truthful consideration?  After all, it really doesn't matter at what age we are asked - what matters is how we answer it.  

At age 50, I am nearing senior citizen discount territory (Yikes!), and I still feel amazingly young within the confines of my mind.  My friend CH is pushing 83, and he says the same.  So, what would keep us from answering this question in all honesty? The way I see it, I am in the process of growing up every day of my life, and I won't be fully grown - at least spiritually - until I see God face-to-face. We see this being spoken of in 1 Corinthians. 

For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 (NKJV)

I think for me, one of the hardest things to do is to consistently come to terms with the fact that I am to be transformed to be like Christ.  I guess I can foresee this happening when I am in the presence of God in heaven, but God's Word tells us this process doesn't happen when we get to heaven.  We are told it actually starts from the very point of our profession of faith, or our being born again in Jesus (Regeneration).   And it continues throughout our lives (Transformation), and will not be finished until we see Him (Completion).  We play a vital role in this process as we choose to allow God to use us and to change us into what He desires, which is to be transformed to the image of Christ. 

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29 (NKJV)

We can see the lives of the Apostles being transformed throughout the writings of the New Testament.  And throughout history this Christ-like transformation has continued in every person who has made Jesus his or her Lord.   Take Billy Graham for example.  Billy was a simple country boy living on a dairy farm in Charlotte, North Carolina.  At age 16, Billy became saved, but was still regarded as too worldly to become a part of a local youth group.  But God continued to transform Billy and he went on to become a powerful preacher, speaking to over 2.2 billion people, and leading over 2.5 million to the Lord.  

In Psalm 89, the Psalmist asks the question, "Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD?"

Each of us who are saved and who are led by the Spirit - we are sons of God, and this makes us sons of the mighty.  I believe each of us can be likened to God as we yield our wants and desires to Him and allow Him to shape and transform us to become the vessels of honor He intends for us to become (Rom. 9:21).  

Let's be practical, you might not be called by God to become the next Billy Graham.   And you might not end up speaking to billions of people or leading millions more to the Lord.  But let me ask you this.

Q:    Are you willing to speak to your neighbor, or coworker?  
Q:    Are you willing to speak to whomever God brings to you?
Q:    Are you willing to allow God to transform you into the vessel of honor He desires you to be?

 Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to honestly ask yourself, "What do I want to be?"  I hope your answer is that you want to be everything God intends for you to be - to be used as a vessel of honor, and to be like Christ.  If this is your answer, then let God do His work within your life.  Let Him know He has full permission to change and transform you today.  

STUDY QUESTION: According to Romans 8:29, what are we to be transformed into?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to allow God to transform you into the image of Christ?

APPLICATION: Seek the Lord daily and ask Him to show you anything you need to abstain from.  Give Him permission to shape your life to be more like Christ.  

Who Are You Lord-Part 2 Lord, What Do You Want Me To Do?

Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, Who are You, Lord?  Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Acts 9:4-5 (NKJV)

We are looking at a two-part devotional titled, Who Are You Lord?  In this devotional we are looking at a passage of Scripture in Acts 9:1-6, where we see the Apostle Paul, who was still called Saul at this point.  Saul was on a trip to persecute new Christian believers, and Jesus had stopped and confronted him on the Road to Damascus and said, "Saul, Saul, Why do you persecute me?"  And, we see Saul asking a question back, "Who are You Lord?"

We learned two great truths in these questions and answers contained within these Scriptures, and they were:

1.    When we persecute other believers, we are persecuting Christ (Acts 9:4).
2.    Jesus Christ is Lord (Acts 9:5).
Let's look at our third great truth from this set of Scriptures.

3.    When we come against other believers, and Jesus, we are kicking against the goads (Acts 9:5).

Q:    What is a Goad?
A:    A goad is a stick with a sharp point, sometimes fashioned with iron on the tip of it.  It was used to poke or stimulate oxen to move forward when plowing fields.  When an ox would decide to be stubborn, he would kick back against the goads, and in doing so, he would only wound himself in the process.

It is the same way with us in our walk with God.  He is the One who is guiding our path in life, and there are times when we foolishly, and stubbornly kick back against Him.  In doing so, we are only injuring ourselves.  It is also interesting to me in looking at this definition, the word "Goad" means a "Divine impulse."  So when Jesus spoke about kicking against the goads, He was saying we are actually kicking against a divine impulse within our mind and heart to do something we know to be right.

Q:    So how did Paul respond to the revelation of Jesus being his Lord?
A:    He humbled himself and he asked a very smart question.

So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Acts 9:6 (NKJV)

This leads me into our fourth great truth we can derive out of this passage of Scripture, which is,

4.    We need to ask God continuously, "What do You want me to do Lord?"

As Christian believers, this should be a template question we should lay over every situation we encounter.

•  When we speak to others, we should say this at the beginning of the conversation in our minds. 
•  When others seeking our advice or help ask us questions.  
•  When we get up in the morning to start our day, and are going before the Lord in prayer.
•  When making our plans for new jobs, or relationships.
•  When being tempted by the enemy to do something we know to be wrong.

We should always be asking God, "What do you want me to do Lord, in this situation?"  When we realize and believe Jesus is our personal Lord, then we need to be willing to submit to His guidance and leading, and refrain from being stubborn like an ox.

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to ask God, "In what area am I still kicking against the goads?"  Be honest and be listening to those divine impulses for God's leading.  Now be willing to change any area in your life needing to be changed.  God will guide you and empower you in every step of the way.  Trust Him and begin a new walk today.

STUDY QUESTION: According to Acts 9:6, what was Saul's reaction to Jesus being his Lord?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to ask this same question of God today in every aspect of your life?

APPLICATION: Make it your highest priority to ask God this question as you face your choices today.

Who Are You Lord-Part 1 Jesus Is Lord

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him,"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, Who are You, Lord?  Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Acts 9:1-6 (NKJV)
So here is the deal, Saul was a Pharisee and a religious zealot - he was so determined to do what is right, and he believed he was right in persecuting Christianity.  He was on his way to Damascus to round up a batch of new converts to the Christian faith, and to bring them back to face persecution or death for their beliefs.  In the midst of his journey, he was confronted on the road by Jesus, and asked, "Why are you persecuting Me?"
There are 4 great truths we can learn from this passage of Scripture, and from Saul's ultimate response to Jesus' question.  And we can find application for our lives in the process.  Let's look at the first truth from this passage.

1.    When we persecute other believers, we are persecuting Christ (Acts 9:4).

Jesus was saying to Saul, and to us, when you persecute these Christian believers, you are persecuting Me.  Jesus was actually asking the question in a way as to cause Saul to think about what he was doing.  And it is something we should be doing as well.  Any time we come against another Christian believer, in word or in deed, we are in fact coming against Christ.  Each one of us makes up a part of the body of believers with Christ being the Head (Eph. 4:15).  So in effect, we are coming against Christ.

Saul had just been part of a group of men who had stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr.  Saul had done this because Stephen had shared the Gospel message of Jesus Christ being the Messiah.  This testimony infuriated Saul, and others, as they could not accept Jesus' deity, and Lordship.  This leads us to our second truth we can learn from this passage of Scripture.

2.    Jesus Christ is Lord (Acts 9:5).

Saul had witnessed the truth of God's Word being shared by Stephen, and the seed was planted deep within his heart.  Saul had looked upon Stephen, and Acts 6:15 records Stephen's face shone like an angel.  Now Saul was being confronted by the Lord on the road to Damascus.  Saul, knowing it was the Lord of Heaven, had only one question he absolutely needed to have answered, and so as he fell to his knees, he asked.

 Who are You, Lord? Acts 9:5 (NKJV)

The answer confirmed what Saul probably already knew in his heart; it was Jesus. 

•  Jesus Christ is Lord, and He is the Messiah who was sent to save the human race from sin (John 3:16-21).  
•  Jesus was the One who paid for all sin by dying on the cross (Col. 1:19-21; Heb. 10:10).  
•  Jesus is the One who rose from the grave 3 days after His death (1 Cor. 15:4).  
•  Jesus is the One who sits on the right side of the Father and makes intercession for His Children--those who believe in Him (Rom. 8:34).

Hey Christian, there are many today who try to deny who Jesus is.  Some will say He was a good man.  Others will say He was a messenger from God.  While others will say He is just a prophet.  Satan will do anything he can to distort the truth of who Jesus is.  We need to know and believe who He is if we are to be saved.  Jesus is Lord.  Jesus is God (See Matt. 1:23; John 1:1-3, 14; Rom. 9:5; 1 John 5:20; 1 Tim. 3:15-16.)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-3, 14 (NKJV)

STUDY QUESTION: According to Acts 9:1-6, who is the Lord?  According to John 1:1 what can we learn about Jesus being God?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Who is Jesus to you?  Is He your Lord?  Is He your Savior?  Is He your God?

APPLICATION: Read your Bible, and share the Gospel message.  Don't let anyone tell you that Jesus is anything less than fully God.

Apathy, Fear, or Laziness - Unwillingness to Fight

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV)

No one wants this battle of spiritual warfare, but we have been compelled by our Lord to fight the good fight against the forces of evil.  To choose not to do battle, or to be indifferent to this warfare is a greater evil.   Scott F. Wright

William Tecumseh Sherman, General of the Union army aptly stated, "War is hell", and I would agree with him in that it can be a devastating, and ongoing battle of evil.  I haven't personally fought in any physical war as an enlisted man in our military, but I can definitely say I have fought and continue to fight a spiritual war daily.  Truth be told, we all have, as our ongoing battle is against the enemy known as Satan and his emissaries who have chosen to cast their lot with him, and who have dedicated their existence to making attacks on the human race.  We are told of this battle in Ephesians.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

We are exhorted as Christian men and women to fight the good fight - to lay hold of eternal life (see 1 Tim. 6:12), and we are told to prepare for this battle by putting on our Spiritual body armor.

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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Ephesians 6:13-17 (NKJV)
Once we have put on our Spiritual body armor, we should seek the Lord to empower us for our daily battle against Satan's temptations, schemes and lies - we are to be filled with God's Holy Spirit. 

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)
Once we have been filled with God's Holy Spirit, we are now prepared to fight, but we will use no conventional weapon such as a rifle or knife - we will use the mighty weapons of God (See 2 Cor 10:3-5).  Any attempt to fight against the enemy without God's assistance will end in loss (John 15:5).  We are told God's weapons are all we need to pull down any stronghold of the enemy.  A stronghold is any area in our life where we are succumbing to the enemy's temptation and are allowing ongoing sin to be present.  

We need to bring these lies which come in the form of temptation captive, and we need to identify with their origin and their mission.  They are temptations to fear, worry, doubt, to be angry, or to covet and lust.    We need to stop thinking upon them as fast as possible and discard them from our mind - replacing them with proper thoughts as outlined in Scripture (Phil. 4:8).  We need to start praying and seeking the Lord immediately.  

...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)

We need to cast our mind upon the Lord and fill our mind with His promises and guiding commands contained within His Word - instructing us on how to fight each individual battle.  

As Christians, the danger comes when we choose not to fight, whether out of apathy, fear, or just laziness.  We are not to become complacent or conformed to this world because the world is not our home (Rom. 12:1-2; John 18:36). 

The temptation to stay away from any confrontation is one of the most deadly lies from the enemy.  By choosing not to fight, you are just becoming a lamb for slaughter.  By choosing not to put on your spiritual armor, you are inviting certain mortal wounds.  By choosing not to use the mighty weapons of God to fight with, you are simply conceding to defeat.  God has commanded us to stand fast, and to fight.  He has commanded us to walk in faith and to call upon the name of the Lord in battle.  We must be obedient or we will suffer, as will those loved ones around us.  

Hear me in this Christian, there is a justified anger, and it is to be against evil.  Get mad and get fighting!

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn with respect to our responsibilities as Christian men and women with regard to engaging in Spiritual warfare?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you putting on your armor consisting of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and the only offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, which is God's Word?

APPLICATION: Seek to be dressed for battle soldier!  The war is coming to you today whether you like it or not, so be prepared to fight!

Firstfruits-Part 2

Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; Proverbs 3:9 (NKJV)

In Part 1 of this devotional series titled, "Firstfruits" we took a look at God's original covenant with His people - a series of 613 commandments.  A covenant set up by God to ensure the success and blessing of His children.  We looked at the concept of firstfruits - the first and best of the crops being harvested - and the command given by God for man to bring forth a certain percentage of these firstfruits and offer them to the Levitical Priests.   

We learned we are a type of firstfruits of Jesus Christ - the first and best of the crops (Christian Believers) being harvested - people who have confessed their faith in Jesus and have accepted His payment for sin.  

Q:    So what does this mean to us as Christians?
Q:    What application should this bring to our life?

It means we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and as such, we are not our own - we have been bought and paid for. 

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)

Knowing this Biblical truth, 

• It should change the way we look at our lives
• It should change the way we live our lives
• It should change the things we choose to participate in
• It should change the way we talk
• It should change the things we choose to think upon

This is exactly what the Apostle Paul was saying to the church in Rome.  Listen to what he exhorted the believers to do as recorded in Romans 12:1-2. 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Paul is saying, "Hey, since you know how merciful God has been to you, I am exhorting you to use your physical life here on earth as a living sacrifice to serve others and to share the Gospel message."  He then lays it all out when he says, "which is your reasonable service."  Think about what he is saying when he uses the word reasonable - he is saying it is, logical, rational, sensible, sound, and levelheaded to present our bodies a living sacrifice.  

Q:    What does this mean to us today?
A:    it means that:

• Our lives should be evidenced by this transformation
• Our actions should be clearly different next week than they are this week because we're continuing to be transformed
• Our fleshly way of speaking should be changing
• Our fleshly way of living should be changing
• Our fleshy way of thinking should be changing

This is exactly what Ephesians teaches us as well.  

But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NKJV)

I want to encourage you today to take periodic self-examinations.  I am not asking you to see if your works are good enough to be saved or loved more by God - that's not possible.  I am asking you to see if the fruit in your life lines up with the fruit in Jesus' life.  If it doesn't, ask God to show you areas where you need to lay things down.  Spend some time at the feet of Jesus.

STUDY QUESTION: According to the Scriptures contained within this devotional, what can we learn with regard to our being bought and paid for, and how we are to live as a result of our being firstfruits of Jesus?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you allowing yourself to be transformed by God, or are you being conformed to this world and the desires of this world?  

APPLICATION: Take periodic self-evaluations.  Honestly ask yourself, "Am I different this week than last; different this month than last; different this year than last?"