12/5/24 “The Love of Money” (Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 3-6)

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

According to Statista (i.e. follow this by pressing ctrl then click on this link: State lotteries sales US 2022 | Statista U.S. lottery ticket sales in 2022 totaled over 107 billion dollars. Why do people purchase lottery tickets? They hope to “strike it rich”.

Is there anything inherently evil about money? No, money is simply a tool. However, the love of money is the problem. As the opening verses above indicate, the love of money creates a lot of problems for us and is a temptation we should acknowledge and of which we should beware.

The apostle Paul speaks about those who desire to be rich “fall into temptation and a snare” (1 Timothy 6:9).  The love of money can entrap us. Furthermore, Paul adds that the love of money will “drown men in destruction and perdition” as they give “into many foolish and harmful lusts” (1 Timothy 6:9). Those who become consumed with greediness will soon find that they harm themselves as the pierce “themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). The consuming desire for wealth will cause some to stray from the faith (1 Timothy 6:10).

It is interesting that Paul describes the love of money as “a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Normally, the root of a plant grows deep into the ground to get the nourishment the plant needs to thrive and grow. However, in describing the self-destructive desire of greed, Paul describes it as a root growing in the ground that is providing “all kinds of evil” for the owner of it. Instead of providing nourishment for the well-being of its owner, it is providing poison for the destruction of its owner! 

How do we prevent giving into this powerful temptation of “the love of money”? We must learn to be content. In fact, learning contentment is described as “great gain”! Paul writes, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Learning contentment is not easy in a society which measures success in the amount of money one has and constantly bombards us with advertisements telling us we must have the latest gadget!

Is there anything necessarily wrong with having material prosperity? No, there are many Christians, who have learned contentment, but still have been materially blessed by God. They have been given a wonderful opportunity to serve others, but need to understand the temptation that wealth can bring. Paul adds, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

I acknowledge that living in such a prosperous nation as the United States, the love of money is a powerful temptation. Today, I will fight this temptation by learning to be content!

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12).

12/4/24 “Thankful for My Ministry” (Daily Bible Reading: 2 Thess. 3 – 1 Timothy 2)

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:12-14).

What is your personal ministry? Have you made the time and effort to discover the peculiar way you may minister to others in the church and in the world (cf. Ephesians 4:11-16)? Some may be preachers, Bible class teachers, building maintainers, encouragers, gospel sharers, elders or deacons. There are a host of possible ministries in which we may be involved.

If you have discovered your ministry, how do you feel about it? If you have been involved in ministry for a long time it is possible that you are growing weary in carrying it out. The apostle Paul warns, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:10). For example, if you have been teaching a Bible class for years, it is possible that you become weary of getting ready every Sunday morning to prepare to teach it.

How do we prevent growing weary in our ministry? In the opening passage above, Paul gives us a key of how to cure this: We can keep a proper perspective on continuing to serve in our personal ministry by remembering to be thankful for our ministry. As a Christians, we are told, “In everything give thanks…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Our practicing thankfulness helps keep a proper perspective.

Why should we be thankful for our ministry? First, remember from where you came. Paul writes, “although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man…” (1 Timothy 1:13). As Christians, each of us came from a background where we were lost in sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23). God has taken us from that lost position, saved us from our sins through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:28), and elevated us to being allowed to serve in our unique ministry!

Furthermore, we should be thankful for our ministry because of what God has given to us. First, he has shown us His mercy by not punishing us for our sins. Paul adds, “…but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13). Second, God has shown each of us and exceedingly abundant measure of His grace. Paul writes, “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14).

Recalling everything that God has done for us, helps us to be thankful for the privilege of being able to serve God in our personal ministry. Paul concludes by saying, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16).

I realize there is a temptation for me to grow weary in carrying out my unique ministry for the Lord. I can get tired of carrying it out and can become discouraged when I feel unappreciated. However, I can combat these negative feelings by practicing the attitude of gratitude. Today, I choose to remember to be thankful that God has enabled me to have my peculiar ministry because He has overlooked my past failures and shown to me His exceeding mercy and grace!

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4).

12/3/24 “Looking Forward to Going Home” (Daily Bible Reading: 1 Thess. 5- 2 Thessalonians 2)

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).

There is something special about going home. With my job I travel out of state often and I always look forward to the day I come home to my family. It is wonderful to have our children come to our house to celebrate birthdays and special holidays. Home is a special place!

As Christians, we should look forward to going to our Heavenly Home to be with God and our fellow saints. Just before He left them, Jesus told His disciples, “In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). It is fitting for those who follow Christ to look forward to the time when He will come again to take us home!

However, can one spend too much time, energy, and effort in looking forward to going to our Heavenly Home? As strange as it may sound, the answer is “yes”. Perhaps, because of all the persecution they faced (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14), the Christians at the church at Thessalonica placed a heavy emphasis upon going to their Heavenly Home. In fact, some of them had quit their jobs in anticipation of the Lord coming again at any moment to take them home (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10, 11). Furthermore, there were some that were falsely teaching that the Lord had come already (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).

With the 2 letters he writes to the church at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul takes time to teach them regarding the Lord’s Second Coming. He teaches them that the Lord’s coming will come suddenly without notice or warning as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3). Jesus’ coming was not imminent because there would be a falling away first and the son of perdition would be revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3-10). When Christ comes, the trumpet of the Lord will sound, the dead in Christ will rise first, and those faithful Christians who remain on earth will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Paul writes, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And, thus, we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Thinking about going home to be with the Lord is a source of great comfort to Christians (1 Thessalonians 4:18). It is a time when we receive from the Lord the rest which He has promised to us who faithfully follow Him (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). We are to be watchful and be ready so that the Second Coming of the Lord does not take us by surprise (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8). However, we are not to consume ourselves with looking for “signs” of His coming, but rather are to devote ourselves to faithfully serving Him and glorifying Him by our lives (Mark 10:43-45; Matthew 5:13-16). While others may look for signs of Jesus’ 2nd coming as they look at the latest headlines in the news, I will be watchful of the Lord’s Second Coming by continuing in faithful service to Him. Jesus said, “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes” (Luke 12:43).

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

12/2/24 “Not Shaken by These Afflictions” (Daily Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-4)

“Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3).

Job said, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). Troubles are the common lot of everyone who has inhabited this earth. We all face our share of afflictions. How do we handle these challenges? Do they have a negative or positive impact upon our faith in God?

As the opening passage above indicates, when the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at the church in Thessalonica, he had concerns that the afflictions faced by the Christians there would negatively impact their faith. Why did Paul have these concerns? He understood the power afflictions can have upon turning people away from God. Remember, it was Jesus, Who, when He taught the Parable of the Sower, described the seed which fell among thorns by saying, “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles” (Matthew 13:20-21).

From its beginning, the church at Thessalonica had faced persecution. Shortly after the church was established there, a mob had set the city in an uproar and accused Paul and other Christians saying, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6). Paul and Silas had to flee for their lives by night and leave the city (Acts 17:10). Before he left Paul had warned the Christians at Thessalonica that they too would suffer tribulation (1 Thessalonians 3:4).

Paul now desperately wants to know how they are holding up under this affliction. Do they have root in themselves or, are they like the stony soil of which Jesus spoke, whose faith withers away under persecution because of the Word (cf. Matthew 13:20-21)? When he can no longer endure waiting for this answer, Paul sends Timothy to see how they are doing (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2, 5).

What does Paul find out from Timothy’s report? Timothy reports to Paul that these Christians are holding up well in their afflictions. Paul writes, “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you” (1 Thessalonians 3:6). In fact, this report greatly encourages Paul in his faith: “Therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. For now, we live, if you stand fast in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8).

All of us will face our share of adversity. The question is, “How will I let these afflictions affect me?” Will I let them cause my faith in God to wither as did the seed which fell among the stony soil or will I persevere through these afflictions and not only allow them to cause me to cling more tightly to my faith in God, but also result in my being an encouragement to the faith of others as well? These Christians at Thessalonica were not shaken by these afflictions and even encouraged Paul in his efforts to keep up the faith as well as he endured his own share of persecutions. Today, like the Christians in Thessalonica I will strive to not be shaken by these afflictions! 

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

12/1/24 “Delivered from the Power of the Dark Side” (Daily Bible Reading: Colossians 1-4)

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).

My youngest daughter was and is a huge fan of the “Star Wars” movies. She must have watched them over and over again for what seems like a hundred times. Many of us remember hearing James Earl Ray’s powerful voice as Darth Vader as he says to his son Luke Skywalker, “You don’t know the power of the dark side. I must obey my master”.

Jesus spoke about the power of the dark side as he spoke about the power temptation and sin has in our lives. He said, “"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 5:22-23). Moreover, Jesus adds how the dark side can overtake us and become our master when we let sin dominate our lives: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 5:24).

However, as the opening passage above indicates, as Christians we can rejoice because we have been delivered from the power of the dark side. Paul describes how, through Christ, we have been taken away from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of God’s Son (Colossians 1:13). We no longer have to say as did Darth Vader, “You don’t know the power of the dark side. I must obey my master” because we have been delivered from the master of sin and darkness.

God is described as being full of light. The apostle John writes, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). As we follow God, we are described as “walking in the light”. Moreover, John adds, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). We are richly blessed to not have to grope about in the darkness unsure of where we are going. We have the assurance of knowing God is lighting the way for us to go through our journey of this earthly life.

However, we are warned that the dark side is still pulling at us. Temptation and sin are strong forces which Satan uses to pull us to come back to him. Again, the apostle John uses the sin of hate as an example of the power the dark side can exert in our lives if we give ourselves over to it: “He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:9-11). The dark side is ever at work seeking to become master once again of our lives!

Paul encourages us to remember to walk as children of light: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). I realize I am blessed to be delivered from the power of darkness. Today, I will rejoice and walk as a child of light!

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

11/30/24 “Selfish Ambition” (Daily Bible Reading: Philippians 2-4)

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

“What about me?” This was a statement my wife and I often heard from one of our children when one of them got a gift, but the other did not. Eventually, both learned to share with each other and be happy when others, beside themselves, got gifts. However, it was interesting to hear them be consumed with their own self-interest at this early stage of their lives.

However, do some of us struggle with never outgrowing this selfish ambition that seems to begin in childhood and permeates throughout our society? Previously, many of us remember the “Me generation” of the 1960’s and 70’s and the focus on “Looking out for #1”. Man has been struggling with selfish ambition since the Garden of Eden. When Eve told Satan, she was not to partake of the forbidden fruit lest she die, Satan appealed to her selfish ambition by saying, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:4-5)." Eve allowed her selfish ambition to lead her astray as she succumbed to this temptation by the devil. Our selfish ambition can cause us to sin against God as we trample over others on our way to the top, place our individual wills above God’s Will, and remove any sense of purpose from our lives as we become consumed with pleasing only ourselves.

In the opening verses above, the apostle Paul describes how the Christian life is lived just the opposite. Instead of doing things out of selfish ambition, we are to set aside our ambitions to serve others. Rather than being conceited and consumed with thinking about ourselves, we are to esteem others and be mindful of them. Our focus is not to just be on “looking out for #1”, but rather looking out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

Paul then gives us the perfect example for us to follow regarding this way of thinking. Jesus led the way and gave us an example to emulate. Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8). Christ did not look out for Himself, He looked out for us! Jesus was not consumed with His own interests. He was consumed with looking out for His Father’s interest and for our interest (John 4:34; Luke 19:10). He was so committed to this that He went to the cross to endure the penalty for our sins (Isaiah 53:5-6).

God rewarded His Son for His selflessness: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). I do not want to let selfish ambition ruin my life. Today, I will follow Christ example of selflessness and focus on looking out for others in my service to God!

“And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:44-45).

11/29/24 “For to Me, to Live Is Christ, and to Die Is Gain” (Daily Bible Reading: Ephesians 5-Philippians 1)

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:21-23).

How do you feel about dying? How often do you think about your own death? Many of us avoid this subject like the plague. From the opening passage above, it is evident that the apostle Paul took some time to contemplate the consequences of his own death (Philippians 1:21-23).

It was certainly appropriate for Paul to consider his own death as he wrote his letter to the church at Philippi because he wrote this letter from a prison cell in Rome. As he wrote he did not know what the outcome of his sentence would be: Would he be sentenced to death or would he be set free?

While Paul did not know what his sentence would be, more importantly, Paul did know what his purpose was regarding the time he had left on this earth. His purpose was to live for Christ and to glorify Him. Paul writes, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20).

Paul knew either he would be delivered from prison to go on to serve Christ or he would be delivered from this earthly life to go on to his heavenly home to be with Christ. Furthermore, he says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). In fact, Paul struggled with having his desire to leave this earthly life be greater, at times, than his desire to stay: “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23).

How could Paul make such a statement? Did Paul have some kind of death wish or was he suicidal? No! He loved his brethren in the church and knew they needed him (Philippians 1:24-26). However, he loved God and wanted to be with Him too! Paul knew this earth was not his home, but that he was just passing through. Paul understood it was not his place to choose whether he would stay on this earth or go to his heavenly home (Philippians 1:22). Paul would not rob himself of the peace of God by worrying about such things. He determined that while he remained on earth his purpose was to live a Christ-centered life as he looked forward to going home to be with God.

Years ago, I met a preacher of the gospel named Garvin Smith. He had been told he had cancer and was going to die soon. He prepared himself for death and told myself and others he was looking forward to going home to be with God. However, his cancer went into remission. After learning this, he said he was disappointed to learn of this because he was looking forward to going home.

Would I have reacted this way? Is my desire for heaven so strong that to learn I am being given more days to spend on earth would be a disappointment to me? Brother’s Smith’s cancer eventually did come back and he got to go home to be with God, but his example, like Paul’s, is a great example to me to remember that my “longing” needs to be for my heavenly home, not my earthly tent! Today, I will strive to live by Paul’s words: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”.

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

11/28/24 “Walking Worthy of Our Calling” (Daily Bible Reading: Ephesians 2-4)

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

As Christians we have been called by God to be saved from our sins by being redeemed from our sins by the blood of Christ, can look forward to an inheritance prepared for us by God, and have been sealed by the Holy Spirit as we journey through the remainder of our time in this life on earth (Ephesians 1:4-6, 7, 11, 13-14). As the apostle Paul writes in the opening passage above, he encourages us to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1). What is our response to be to this high calling of God?

First, our response involves a profound appreciation and love for our fellow Christians. Paul describes we should walk “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). By our love for one another, all the world will know we are Jesus’ disciples (John 13:34-35).

Furthermore, walking worthy of our calling involves a deep gratitude of God’s plan and the church which His Son established: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). Walking worthy of our calling leaves no room for one to want to add additional churches (i.e. bodies, Colossians 1:18), baptisms, faiths, etc. to God’s plan!

Moreover, those who walk worthy of God understand they have a role to play and an area in which to serve to build up the Lord’s church. While in Paul’s day, many had miraculous gifts distributed to them by God (Ephesians 4:8-11), nonetheless, to each one of us today, God has given some unique ability or talent that we can use for the edifying or building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7, 12, 16). Walking worthy of our calling involves our discovering our talent and using it to glorify God!

Finally, walking worthy of our calling involves a process of continual transformation on the part of each of us into thinking and conducting ourselves in a way that honors God. This involves our stopping behaving like those in the world. Paul writes, “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness”. Though we have been saved by God’s grace, we cannot continue to live sinful lifestyles (cf. Romans 6:1). We are called to be transformed (Romans 12:1-2). Paul adds that we should, “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 4:23-24). Simply put: Walking worthy of God means living right!

It is interesting that Paul adds that failure to “walk worthy of our calling” results in grieving “the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). I do not want to grieve God who loved me. I want to please God. Today, I will strive to walk worthy of my calling!

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

11/27/24 “Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing” (Daily Bible Reading: Galatians 4-Ephesians 1)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Thanksgiving is a time of the year for us to stop and consider our blessings. During this time of year, we often think about how we have been blessed physically with family, our health and with material goods. However, how often do we reflect upon the way we have been spiritually blessed?

As the opening passage above indicates, when the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he begins by reminding them of all the spiritual blessings they had in Christ. It did them good and it does us good to take time to express “thanksgiving” for the spiritual blessings we have as Christians.

First, Paul mentions that God has chosen us to be adopted as His children (Ephesians 1:4-6). He states that God had “predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself…” (Ephesians 1:5). What does this mean? Does it mean that God only chose certain people to be saved and others have no chance? Certainly not! God predestined the plan, not the man. That is, God predetermined that all men would have the opportunity to be saved through Jesus Christ. The Gospel is for all (Mark 16:15-16). As Christians, it is good for us to thank God for the opportunity that has been given to us to have salvation through His Son.

Second, Paul states, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Not only have we been given the opportunity to have salvation, but it is God who redeemed us by paying the costly price of the blood of His Own Son (cf. 1 Peter 1:18-19). God paid the price that we simply had no means with which to pay.

Moreover, not only do we have the opportunity for salvation, and can rejoice in our redemption, but God has also given us an inheritance. Paul writes, “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). Not only did God spare us from an agonizing second death in Hell when He redeemed us through the blood of His Son, at the same time He makes us heirs of a Heavenly inheritance whose grandeur is almost beyond our comprehension (cf. 1 Peter 1:4).

Finally, Paul mentions another spiritual blessing which has been given to us: “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:13-14). As Christians, we have also been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. What does this mean? While I am not altogether sure of everything which this encompasses, I believe it and know this sealing was for the purposes to “guarantee” “our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession”. What I do know is that having saved me, God wants to keep me saved. God is on my side! Nothing can separate me from His love (cf. Romans 8:35-39). This is great encouragement to motivate me to remain faithful to Him!

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday period, let us remember to be thankful for all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Today, I rejoice in the opportunity to have salvation, for being redeemed by the blood of Christ, for my Heavenly inheritance, and for the sealing of the Holy Spirit!

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34).

11/26/24 “Setting Aside the Grace of God” (Daily Bible Reading: Galatians 1-3)

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain” (Galatians 2:20-21).

Do you ever get confused about the proper balance between grace, faith and works? If so, you are not alone. Christians throughout the centuries have struggled with keeping this properly balanced.

Jesus expects us to follow His commands. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Again, Jesus says, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). Later, James writes, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). Then, James adds, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). There are certainly commands of God which we are to follow.

However, there a difference in following the commands which God has given us, contained within God’s system of grace and faith, and rules which we make up ourselves to follow. This was happening among the churches of Galatia. They were adding to God’s commands and making up their own commands to follow. Paul writes to them, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-7).

Some among these churches were seeking to bind circumcision (i.e. an Old Testament command; Leviticus 12:3), on Christians who were Gentiles. However, for Christians the Old Testament law had been taken away (cf. Romans 7:1-4; Ephesians 2:14-16). The Old Testament Law was to remain in force until Christ came, but then it was to go away. Paul writes, “But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:23-27).

As the opening passage above states, trying to justify oneself by following rules which we make up ourselves, sets “aside the grace of God” (Galatians 2:21). Paul reminded these Christians that we are justified by following the faith of Jesus Christ: “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified” (Galatians 2:16). In fact, Paul warns them that if they did try to justify themselves by getting circumcised, Christ would profit them nothing and they would fall from grace: “Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:2-4).

Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Today, I will not set aside God’s grace by trying to follow rules which I make up, but I will rejoice in God’s grace and walk by faith and submit myself to the commands which He has given me to follow!

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

11/25/24 “My Grace Is Sufficient for You” (Daily Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 10-13)

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

How do you react when you are told you cannot be something, do something, or have something? For example, as one who likes to run as an exercise, if someone tells me I cannot run a 5K within in certain time, I would be tempted to want to try very hard to accomplish this task to prove to them and to myself that I can. However, how do we handle it when we discover that no matter how hard we try, we cannot be what we want to be, do what we want to do, or have what we want to have?

As the verses above describe, Paul addresses this subject (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). In the context of this passage, the apostle has been defending himself and his apostleship among those at the church at Corinth who began to doubt him and who he was. As he does this, he reminds them of the various sufferings he had endured for Christ (2 Corinthians 11:22-28). He also describes the revelations he had received from God (2 Corinthians 12:1-6). However, Paul adds that lest he “be exalted beyond measure” and he and others begin to think of himself too highly because of all the revelations he had received, there was something else given to Paul, a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7).

What was this thorn in the flesh? We do not know. We only know that it is described as a “messenger of Satan” that was to “buffet” Paul so that he would not “be exalted above measure” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul did not like having this. He wanted it to be gone. He “pleaded” with the Lord 3 times to have it depart from him (2 Corinthians 12:8).

What was the Lord’s response to Paul’s pleading? Did the Lord remove Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” so that Paul might have and be everything he desired to be? No, Jesus told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). To Paul’s credit, he accepted and embraced this answer from the Lord. In fact, instead of fighting against having any weaknesses or failings, Paul acknowledged his weaknesses because his weaknesses taught him to rely on the strength and power of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9; cf. Philippians 4:13). Paul adds, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

In a day and age where everyone is striving to have the “perfect body”, have the “perfect family”, the “perfect career”, the “perfect mindset”, and the “perfect financial plan” so they enjoy their retirement years, there is a great lesson here. Life is not “perfect”. I am not “perfect”. All of us have our weaknesses. Some struggle with their body image. Others battle daily with depression. Moreover, there are others who face great challenges with relationships within their families. Still others struggle with their job and finances, even though they give their best efforts.

Do I need to get down because I have not been able to reach perfection in these areas of my life? No! Maybe, I need to realize that all of us are given some kind of “thorn in the flesh” to keep us humble and looking to the Lord to strengthen us in our weaknesses. Today, rather than bemoaning that my life is not “perfect”, I will rejoice that God grace is sufficient for me!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

11/24/24 “Growing in the Grace of Giving” (Daily Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 7-9)

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So, let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

How do you feel when you hear someone speaking about the need to give? Many become defensive as they feel like they are about to be sent on a guilt trip suggesting that they are not giving enough. However, in God’s Word, giving is described as a grace in which we need to grow (2 Corinthians 8:6-7). As Peter speaks about other graces in which we need to grow (2 Peter 1:5-7), he writes, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things, you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11). Should we all not want to grow in all Christian graces, including the grace of giving, so we may grow in our relationship with God, not stumble in our walk with Him, as we journey to our Heavenly Home?

In the opening passage above, the apostle Paul writes to the church at Corinth about the subject of giving. In his prior letter to the church there Paul had encouraged them to give to help the poor saints who were suffering from famine in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-3; cf. Acts 11:27-30). The Corinthians had started towards contributing money to help these needy saints, but, it appears, had become distracted and had not completed this work (2 Corinthians 8:6-8; 9:3-5). Paul had made preparations to make sure that the contribution was taken up in a manner that would prevent any accusations among those collecting these funds (2 Corinthians 8:16-23), but the Corinthians needed to act. They needed to give and complete what they had promised to do (2 Corinthians 9:1-5)!

How does God want me to give? What does He expect out of me when I give? God is not concerned so much with the amount we give, as He is concerned about what is going on in our hearts as we give. Consider from chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians some principles we learn concerning what God expects of us regarding our giving. First, God wants me to give myself to Him (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:5). In addition, He wants me to give, not grudgingly, but with a willing mind (2 Corinthians 8:12). In fact, God wants me to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). Furthermore, the Lord wants me to give generously with purpose and faith in Him and His ability to supply all my needs as I remember that if I sow bountifully, I will reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). God wants me to remember my giving is a proof of my love for others (2 Corinthians 8:8) and of my faith in Him (2 Corinthians 9:8-10).

When the subject of giving is brought before me, I do not have to react as does much of the world. I do not have to become defensive and grudgingly give out of a sense of guilt. Instead, I can look at giving as an opportunity for me to examine my relationship with God. For example, I can examine my faith. Do I trust in God or do I trust in money (cf. Matthew 6:19-21)? Furthermore, I can examine my gratitude towards God. Will I give cheerfully as an expression of how grateful I am to God for all that He has given to me and thus I want to give back to Him to support the work of the church and/or to help those in need? Finally, when giving, I can examine my love for God and my fellow man. James writes, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” (James 2:15-16). Will I just say I love my fellow man or will I show I love my fellow man? Today, I will strive to grow in the grace of giving!

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

11/23/24 “Not Loosing Heart” (Daily Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 4-6)

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Discouragement is a battle all have faced at different points in our lives. How do we hold up in this battle? How do we fight against becoming so discouraged we lose heart and “throw in the towel”?

Although the apostle Paul faced many challenges which could cause him to want to “throw in the towel” such as being pressured, persecuted, and perplexed, he did not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:8-11). In midst of all his trials, how did Paul not become discouraged?

First, Paul realized his ministry. What do I mean by that? Paul understood his place in the big scheme of things. Paul mentions, “…since we have this ministry” (2 Corinthians 4:1). Paul was an apostle sent to preach the gospel. His “success” in God’s eyes was not based on how many people were baptized by him, but rather by whether he was faithful in executing the ministry Christ had given to him by continuing to proclaim Jesus as God’s Son. Therefore, Paul refused to allow the negative reactions by others to the gospel to discourage him (2 Corinthians 4:2-6). He remembered he was blessed to have the ministry he did and to be privileged to be one who had been called to preach the good news of Jesus. Paul writes, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Second, Paul recalled he had received mercy. He writes, “…as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1). Paul had viewed himself as the “chief” of sinners because he had persecuted the church (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Paul recalled from where he came. Viewing where he came from (i.e., being the “chief” of sinners) to where he was now (i.e. privileged to serve Christ), because he had received mercy, was a source of encouragement to Paul so he wouldn’t lose heart.

Finally, as the opening verses above describe, Paul understood God was renewing him day by day into all God wanted Paul to become (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Paul writes, “…Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). As Christians, not only are we renewed by the transforming of our minds as we apply God’s Word to our lives (cf. Romans 12:1-2), but we are also renewed by the trials we face as we learn to place our faith in God as we go through these challenges (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; James 1:2-4). As Paul went through the trials he faced, he walked by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and remembered the reward that awaited him: “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you” (2 Corinthians 4:13-14).

I realize the trials of life can cause us to want to “throw in the towel”. However, like Paul, if I realize my ministry, recall I have received mercy, and remember God’s is constantly renewing me to become all He wants me to be, I can walk by faith and trust in Him to see me through all that I face. Today, I will not let the trials of life cause me to lose heart!

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

11/22/24 “Ignorant of Satan’s Devices” (Daily Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1-3)

“Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:9-11).

How do you view the different challenges or opportunities that come before you? Do you view them from strictly a physical point of view or is there a spiritual aspect to consider? In other words, could this challenge or opportunity before you be a device Satan is using to entrap you or lead you astray?

In the Scriptures we are told that Satan is working against us. Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Before Peter had denied the Lord, Jesus warned him to be aware that Satan was at work against him, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31). Peter had succumbed to that temptation partly because he was ignorant of Satan’s devices.

As the opening passage above indicates, when the apostle Paul wrote his second epistle to the church at Corinth, he speaks that the church should be willing to forgive a particular person to whom he refers by saying, “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). What was the situation and who was the person whom they were to forgive?

In his first letter to the Corinthian church Paul speaks of a young man who was a part of the church at Corinth who was having sexual relations with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). The church had not done anything about this ungodly situation so Paul had urged them to withdraw their fellowship from this young man and “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:4-5, 11). They were to stop welcoming this young man into their midst as long as he was determined to engage in this sin.

What was the result of the church of Corinth following these instructions from Paul? From his second letter to the church, it appears this young man had repented of his sin with his father’s wife. However, the church failed to forgive the young man and welcome him back into their fellowship. Paul wrote, “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore, I urge you to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).

Paul was concerned that because the church had failed to forgive this man, welcome him back into their fellowship, and reaffirm their love for him, Satan would use this as a “device” or “means” to harm not only the young man who had repented, but the church at Corinth as a whole. The church needed to be “aware”, not ignorant, of what the devil was trying to do regarding this situation!

Am I “aware” or am I “ignorant” of what Satan is trying to do to me in my life? Some opportunities, such as a higher paying job, may initially appear good; but, on closer examination, may be Satan’s devices to lead me astray because the position may require longer hours or more time away from family. Like Paul, I need to be “aware”, not “ignorant, of Satan’s efforts against me and those around me in my life. I need to strive to see things not only from a physical point of view, but also from a spiritual point of view. Today, I will not be ignorant of Satan’s devices!

“Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

11/21/24 “O Victory in Jesus!” (Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 14-16)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

When facing a challenging situation, if you knew the outcome was going to result in a victory would this impact the way you coped with it? For example, if you had cancer and knew you were going to be overcome it, would this motivate you to continue battling knowing that you would win over it?

As the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church, he reminds them they had a great victory which belonged to them which had already been won by Christ. It was the victory over death. It had been won by Jesus as He rose from the dead giving them assurance that they too would overcome death through Him. However, these Christians seemed to have forgotten they were assured of this victory!

Why had this happened to them? It appears there were those in the church which began to question whether there was a resurrection of the dead. Paul writes, “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? (1 Corinthians 15:12). Perhaps, part of the reason was because they did not understand all the details of how the resurrection was going to happen. Again, Paul states, “But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" (1 Corinthians 15:35). The old saying, “There is no such thing as a dumb question” is not necessarily true. Questions, such as the ones the Christians at Corinth were asking, which undermined their own faith in God, were not healthy questions to be asking.

Paul addresses how doubting the resurrection affected their faith: “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:13-14). Moreover, Paul adds, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). The resurrection of Jesus has a major impact on how we live our lives as Christians!

Paul answers these questions by reminding them of the many witnesses who had seen Jesus resurrected from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Furthermore, Paul describes what will happen following our resurrection when Jesus delivers the kingdom (i.e. the church) to His Father having conquered the last enemy which is death (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). Moreover, Paul mentions how our resurrected bodies will be changed into spiritual bodies prepared to enter our Heavenly Home as He gives us a glimpse of things to come (1 Corinthians 15:36-54).

As the opening verses above described, knowing by faith the victory we have in Christ over death, we can be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” because we know that our labor in the Lord “is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). I rejoice in the impact that the resurrection of Jesus has upon my life. When I face the adversities in life, I will not be discouraged and act defeated. Today, I cling to my hope made possible by the resurrection of Jesus and know that no matter what happens to me I will overcome death. I will praise God and sing, “O Victory in Jesus!”

“So, when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

11/20/24 “The Greatest of These is Love” (Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 11-13)

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

How well would you say you practice showing love to others? It is a natural tendency for us to think we do a good job in expressing our love to those around us. However, as I read the opening verses above, I am made aware that it is a continual challenge for me to love others the way I should.

The Christians in the church at Corinth had to be reminded of the challenge of love. They had struggled with divisions among themselves (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). They had also begun to argue among themselves as to which miraculous spiritual gifts, which many of them had (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:4-7; 12:7-11), was the greatest. Paul had to remind them that whether they had a spiritual gift like speaking in tongues, the ability to prophesy, great faith that could move mountains, or if they were willing to sacrifice their goods or even their body in service to God, but lacked love, it would profit them nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). These miraculous gifts would soon come to an end when the full revelation of God (i.e. the New Testament Scriptures) were completed or perfected, but love would never go away (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). Therefore, they should not spend their time on fighting about which miraculous gift was the greatest, but their efforts should be spent on developing the kind of love God wanted them to have for each other.

Do we need to be reminded about the challenge of love? I sure do! Like those in the church at Corinth, I often start to focus on things that are not very important and forget the things that are extremely important such as developing the type of love God wants me to show others.

Paul reminds us of things which love does not do: Love does not envy, parade itself, be puffed up, behave rudely, seek its own, be provoked, think evil, or rejoice in iniquity (1 Corinthians 13:4-6). As I examine myself as to whether I am in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5), do I find myself, at times, being arrogant, rude, self-centered, easily angered, having evil thoughts, or laughing at evil jokes?

Moreover, the apostle reminds us of what loves does: Love suffers long, is kind, and rejoices in the truth (1 Corinthians 13:4-6). Am I always long suffering and kind? Regarding rejoicing in the truth, do I find myself avoiding certain passages from the Bible or reacting negatively towards certain sermon topics, because they make me uncomfortable or I am afraid of how they may offend others?

Finally, Paul tells us the extent to which love acts: Love bears, believes, hopes, and endures ALL THINGS (1 Corinthians 13:7). Love knows no boundaries. Love does not stop loving because it has reached its limit with somebody. No matter what a person has done, I still must treat them with love because love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things.

I want to learn to love as Jesus loved (John 13:34-35). This wonderful passage in 1 Corinthians 13 reminds me that I still have room to grow in the love I show to others. God does not want me to focus on my weakness and failures in the way I practice loving others. He wants me to remember He can strengthen me to grow in my love for others (Philippians 4:13). Today, I rejoice that God is love and I pray that God will help me to continue to grow in this grace of love!

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

11/19/24 “Running to Obtain the Prize” (Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 7-10)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

Do you enjoy running? For most of my life I hated it. However, as I matured in my life, I learned to embrace running and enjoyed running for both its exercise value and the stress relieving value.

It is interesting that in the opening passage above, Paul compares the Christian life to running a race (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). He describes that at the beginning of a race many people start off, but only one person will win the prize. He encourages us to run in such a way as to be the winner of the race. While we know that there are many faithful Christians who will go to heaven when Christ comes again (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), Paul encourages each of us to run the Christian race with the determination of a runner who is going to be the sole winner of the prize.

To be effective runner involves many things such as breathing techniques, eating properly, and the length of strides one takes as he or she runs. Paul’s analogy of running a race points out the kind of self-control, temperance, and discipline it takes to be successful as a follower of Christ. He describes how a runner is “temperate in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25), extremely focused running “not with uncertainty” (1 Corinthians 9:26), and must “discipline” his body (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Paul uses ancient Israel as an example. He describes how ancient Israel had passed through the Red Sea as they were led out of Egypt by Moses, fed with manna from heaven, and given water to drink by Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). They had a very promising start to their race to the Promised Land! However, Paul adds, “But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness” (1 Corinthians 10:5). They had failed to have the kind of self-control, temperance, and discipline that it takes to be a successful follower of God. They began to “lust after evil things” (1 Corinthians 10:6), commit sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 10:8), and complain (1 Corinthians 10:10). As a result, not only did they not win the prize, but got off course as the roamed in the wilderness for 40 years, and fell short of reaching the finish line, the Promised Land.

The apostle now turns from speaking about Israel to challenging us: “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). We should learn from ancient Israel that if we are going to be successful in following Christ as He leads us to our Heavenly home, we must not become distracted, undisciplined, and intemperate. Paul then adds: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

What do you think about Paul’s description of using a runner competing for a prize as an analogy for living the Christian life? Some might look at this, become discouraged, and think “I can’t do this”. Let me encourage you to not resist the challenge of running the Christian race, but join me in saying, “Today, I embrace the challenge of running the Christian race as I run to reach my Promised Land!”

“Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

11/18/24 “Tolerating Sin in the Church” (Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4-6)

“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles--that a man has his father's wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).

How are we to deal with sin openly committed by those in the church? Are we to just simply tolerate sin happening among us? On the other hand, are we to be so judgmental of one another, that we constantly feel like we are walking on eggshells as we try to live “perfectly” among our brethren?

In his epistle to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul addresses these questions. As the opening verses above indicate, in the church at Corinth there was a young Christian man who was having sexual relations with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). Instead of the church being upset about this, they were actually “puffed up” about it (1 Corinthians 5:2).

Paul commands that they should have “judged” about this matter, not tolerated it! Since they had failed to judge this matter, he would: “For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:3-5). They were to withdraw fellowship from this young man until he repented of the sin which he had committed with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:11).

As Christians, does God want us to spend our time constantly making judgments about others? No! Other passages from Scripture clearly warn us about being hasty in judging others (cf. Matthew 7:1-4; Romans 14:13). However, this does not mean that there are never times when we HAVE TO MAKE JUDGMENTS ABOUT OTHERS (cf. John 7:24). In the church at Corinth, this young man was brazenly flaunting his sin before the whole church by bringing his father’s wife, with whom he was having sexual relations, to church services! Paul says that as Christians there are times when we have to make judgments about those who are in the church: “For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore ‘put away from yourselves the evil person’” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).  

Yes, as Christians, we all struggle with sin. We always will. However, part of living a faithful Christian life is that when we commit sin, we acknowledge our sin, repent by turning away from sin, and ask God to forgive us for having done it: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7-9). When we fail to repent of our sin and believe we can flaunt our sin before the church and bring shame upon the body of Christ, those in the church have no choice but to honor God by judging us!

In the age of tolerance in which we live, as Christians, we must realize that we cannot tolerate sin in the church, the body of Christ. Today, I acknowledge my own struggle with sin, but when I commit sin, I will confess it to the Lord and repent of it. May God help me to never tolerate it!

“For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

11/17/24 “The Foolishness of the Cross” (Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1-3)

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).

In a world which so often believes that “might makes right”, does the message of Jesus going to the cross, make sense to you? Many have a hard time understanding that if God is all powerful, why did He not just destroy Satan so that man would not be tempted to sin? For so many it seems foolish that God would have to send His Son to die on a cross so that man could be saved from his sin.

In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul addresses Christians there because they were acting foolish as they were fighting among themselves and being divisive among the church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). They were acting like the world instead of acting as followers of Christ. In correcting them, Paul reminds them of how as Christians we are to think and act differently from the world. The Christians at Corinth needed to be reminded of the basic message of the cross because they were struggling with putting too much glory in their fellow man, such as elevated one man above another (1 Corinthians 1:12) based on their abilities or on their eloquence (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:1, 4-5).

Paul reminds them it was through the message of the cross that God would save men: “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). However, to the world the message of the cross made no sense: “For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). The Jews had expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman oppression. Jesus became a stumbling block to them when He told them He was not going to do this. For the Greeks it was foolishness to think of someone dying for another person’s sins!

Why did God choose the cross of Jesus to save men instead of a plan that made more sense to men? “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). God choose the cross to save men so that no man may glory in His Presence!

The message of Jesus being crucified on the cross is hard for the world to understand. Paul wrote, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26). Again, he writes, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Today, I embrace the message of the cross. I will resist thinking like the world, which has a hard time understanding the cross. I will strive to spiritually discern the wonderful message of the cross as it glorifies God and tells of His wonderful love for me!

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’ Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come--all are yours. And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's” (1 Corinthians 3:19-23).

11/16/24 “The Christian’s View of Governing Authorities” (Daily Bible Reading: Romans 13-16)

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Roman 13:1-2).

How do you feel about our current politicians in Washington? Approval rates for those who serve as governing officials show most of the public are displeased with them. Observing some of the posts on social media indicates that many people love to poke fun at, or are irate towards our politicians.

As Christians how are we to respond to those in political office? In the 13th chapter of Romans, Paul addresses how Christians are to view and treat those who serve as our governing officials. It is important to remember that at the time Paul wrote the book of Romans (i.e. approximately 57 A.D.), the Roman emperor Nero was ruling on the throne. Nero had ascended the throne in 54 A.D. and would die in 68 A.D. when he committed suicide. When Rome burned in 64 A.D., it was Nero who falsely blamed the Christians which led to a great persecution of those who follow Christ.

As Paul addresses how Christians are to view the governing authorities, he states that the governing authorities have been appointed by God: “Let every soul by subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1). We may not like who holds the political office, but God, in His Providence, has put them in the position they hold. The people of our nation may vote, but it is God who rules the nations and puts people in positions of power (Daniel 4:17). God refers to the person in a governing position as “God’s minister” even though the official may not even believe in God (Romans 13:4, cf. Nero)!

Knowing the governing authorities are appointed by God, as a Christian, how should I to treat them? I am told to be “subject” to them (Romans 13:1). Regarding how I am to treat the governing officials, Paul writes, “Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake” (Romans 13:5). As long as those governing are not trying to force me disobey God’s law, which is the Higher law I must always follow (cf. Acts 5:29), I must be subject to them for conscience’ sake (i.e. because I realize God put them in the position they hold) and because of wrath (i.e. they have the God appointed power to punish me if I refuse to be subject to them, cf. Romans 13:2-3).

What is involved in my being subject to the governing positions? I am to pay taxes, obey customs, show fear or reverence towards them, and to show them honor (Romans 13:7). God does not tell me I have to like those who hold political office, but I do have to respect them. In the film “Band of Brothers”, Captain Sobel had failed to salute Major Winters because he was upset that Winters had been promoted above him. Major Winters notices this, calls Captain Sobel’s attention, and says, “Captain Sobel, we salute the rank, not the man!” We are to “salute” those in governing positions by respecting them, honoring them, and paying taxes to them, even though we may disagree with them!

We are privileged in our nation to have the freedom to voice our opposition and to vote. The Christians in Rome in Paul’s time didn’t have that opportunity. However, in voicing our views about who should govern us, we must act in such a way as glorifies God (Matthew 5:16). Today, I will remember to fear, honor, and pay taxes to those who serve as God’s ministers in government!

“Therefore, I exhort first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:2).