We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. — I John 3:14
When a foreign irritant gets inside the shell of an oyster, a pearl is formed. The irritant is covered with layers of a substance called nacre. When the foreign irritant (sort of like us getting a splinter under our fingernail) invades the oyster’s soft inner parts, the natural reaction is to cover the irritant to protect itself from the constant pain. To alleviate the pain, the oyster wraps the foreign object with secretions, eventually creating a pearl. Not all pearls turn out well. Some are oddly shaped and are not as valuable as those of perfect shape.
In the parable of the pearl (Matthew 13:45-46), the fine pearls represent those who have accepted the call to salvation provided by Jesus Christ. The merchant (Jesus) went away (died on the cross) and bought the pearl (believers Hebrews 12:2).
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed (purchased) from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. — I Peter 1:18-19
What would happen if every time an irritant gets under our skin, rather than trying to get rid of it we secreted this strange substance around it—called love. The irritant enters our sphere; we begin to immediately wrap love around the irritant until it becomes a pearl. Some beautiful, some not so beautiful; but love would at worst relieve the irritant—at best make a beautiful pearl that we could enjoy the rest of our lives.
I have a feeling that the degree of true and sincere love of Christ we would wrap around an irritating person would determine the luminosity of that person. The more love—the more beauty.
There are Christians who have not turned out well, and shall we say—are oddly shaped, and thus not as valuable as they could be. Perhaps that’s because they were not wrapped in love in their formative years. Wrapping an irritant in love doesn’t negate the lost art of lovingly rebuking those who are clearly wrong.
Paul told Timothy, “Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning” (I Tim. 5:20); and… “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge; preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” — II Timothy 4:1-2
Some well-meaning people say they just want to lead with love like Jesus did, clearly forgetting that Jesus rebuked Peter quite harshly at one time (Mark 8:33); on numerous occasions Jesus accused His disciples of having little or no faith; he told them they were dull (Matthew 15:16); he called the Pharisees hypocrites (Matthew 22:18); and twice He cleared the temple—with whips! (John 2:13-16; Matthew 21:12-13).
Jesus wasn’t a weak-minded, willy-nilly man who allowed sin to run rampant in the lives of those around Him. Clearly, He led with strength—in love.
Everyone needs boundaries and parameters. Without Godly boundaries we descend into an unhappy and disorderly behavior pattern. This is vividly portrayed in the indulgent lives of the offspring of Eli, Samuel and King David. Due to the lack of correction and Godly training, their children grew up quite dysfunctional. Each parent reaped untold grief due to their lack of Godly directional leadership with their children.
Like some pearls that don’t turn out well—odd shaped and less valuable than they should be to the Body of Christ—some churches are oddly shaped and less valuable than they should be, as well. Instead of thriving, they sometimes fail due to the lack of loving Godly leadership.
When this happens there will be those who are hurt or disillusioned. As you come into contact with these people and listen to their stories, wrap each one with the loving instruction of the Word of God. While we can’t allow ourselves to become dumping grounds for their bitterness, we must hear their heart and give them loving instruction, as set forth in the Scriptures.
Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
— Ephesians 4:29
Bottom line—wrap all situations with love. We love with encouragement. We love with instruction. We love with exhortation. We love with discipline—but we love!
Not everyone will respond positively and become beautiful pearls—some will leave, and some will be “odd shaped” and less valuable to the fellowship. Nevertheless, what we cover with love, God will keep from irritating us. It is up to Him what kind of pearl He makes.
As God’s people, we must grow up to maturity in Christ. We must encourage everyone who comes within our sphere to grow up, as well. We simply cannot continue to have baby Christians—remain babies.
Let’s wrap every irritant with the pure love of Jesus, and each of us do our part to make the bride of Christ a beautiful pearl, worthy of His high calling. Of course, this will require “older Christians” to spend time in the Word of God so they know how to train younger Christians.
Are you doing your part?
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. — I Peter 2:2
Further Study
Matthew 5
Matthew 6
Matthew 7
I Corinthians 3
I Corinthians 4
I Corinthians 6
Friday, September 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
God Prepares a Lavish Table
You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! (Psalm 23:5 The Book).
I love entertaining. My husband, Glenn, and I used to have get-togethers, with upwards of thirty people in our yard and on our deck, sitting at tables under trees overlooking the river. It was wonderful. It was such fun preparing everything so that every guest would enjoy themselves.
Glenn would make sure the yard was lovely and the deck clean. He would also help me strategically organize the tables so that guests who wanted to have private conversations could do so. Other tables we arranged close enough together so that there was great fellowship among the guests.
It was fun making sure there were a variety of things to drink, salty snacks and sweet snacks. Sour dough French bread prepared in a variety of ways, and an assortment of cheeses and crackers were always delightful.
Dinner came later after everyone had plenty of time for catching up. We always prepared a varied assortment of foods to satisfy even the guest who might be a bit picky. . . .
Of course, we always made a couple of flavors of homemade ice cream. And just in case someone didn’t care for ice cream, we had a couple of other luscious desserts.
I must confess, I never gave one thought to whether a guest needed all of what I was preparing. My objective was always that there was an array of foods and that every guest had a wonderful time. When departure time came they left replete—lavished with good and sumptuous things.
Ah, those times were so enjoyable. . . . But you know, just as I enjoyed those times of entertaining, God enjoys entertaining us.
He provides delicious food for us and welcomes us as His guest! (Psalm 23:5)
Think about it . . . the Sovereign Ruler—Creator and Sustainer of all things, Elohim—entertains us lavishly. We are His special guest. And He welcomes us with open arms!
My mind cannot wrap itself around that. I wish I had a better grasp of the English language in order to expound on the wonder of it. . . .
The KJV of Psalm 23:5 is wonderful because it tells us that God not only provides this lavish feast—He prepares it—Himself!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
The word anoint literally means to fatten, hence to satisfy abundantly.
Not only does the Lord prepare a lavish feast for us, He anoints our head with oil. Remember when the sinful woman anointed Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee? (Luke 7:36-50). It was a lavish thing she did.
It was the custom to anoint the head of special guests. Everyday guests were not necessarily anointed, but they were greeted with a kiss and their feet were washed.
If you wanted to be lavish with a special guest, you would anoint them with oil. That’s what the sinful woman did. Her heart was so full of love for Jesus that she lavished Him with very expensive oil.
That’s the thought in Psalm 23:5. King David is saying that God prepares the finest table for us, a very lavish table.
How cool is that?
For God to send His Son to die for my sins is amazing indeed and far exceeds anything my simple mind can grasp. But for Him to personally prepare a table for me—to lavishly prepare a feast just for me—wow! That both humbles me and fills my spirit with an awe that simple words cannot express.
Keep in mind, this is not just the absence of need, or even want. No, God makes sure our cup overflows. This is not just a cup that is full, but a cup overflowing with His goodness so that it will hold nothing else. And He does it just for us. Each of us is His special guest.
This brings to mind Numbers 6:24-26:
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace.”
King David sang, “You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn” (Samuel 22:36-37).
And so I ask, dear friend, are you at peace?
Is your soul at rest?
Are you basking in God’s love and provision?
Are you enjoying the table God has lavishly prepared just for you?
Life is a one-time trip through this world that will soon be over. At best your life will last seventy, or perhaps eighty years. Wouldn’t it be great to view life as God does, a lavish dinner party, with Him as your Host? He is exactly that.
And face it, since He created all of this and heaven too, and He knitted you together just as He wants you, don’t you think that He knows exactly what you love and need to prepare you to live with Him in the place He is building just for you?
Are you willing to settle for a hot dog or leftovers when God has a lavish feast prepared especially for you? I want all that He has to offer, all that He has prepared specifically for me. He knows what I love and He provides lavishly for me.
I have seen some of His most remarkable creations. Spring flowers in the Ozarks. Beautiful colors as the fall chill prepares the trees for winter. Winter blizzards with snow-flakes, not one of which is identical. That in itself is amazing.
I’ve watched as God painted a lavish sunrise so beautiful it took my breath away. I walked along in awe of His majesty, and since often I’m the only one walking on the beach, the wonder of it is that He is painting it just for me.
I’ve seen ocean water so clear and beautiful that a friend remarked, “I thought water like this was just painted in brochures, I didn’t know it actually existed.”
I’ve seen fish so strange and beautiful they had to be uniquely designed by a God Who is lavish with His creation, and Whose imagination far surpasses what any mere human could think up.
I’ve gazed on the Grand Teton Mountains, and caught my breath as I peered over the railing at the Colorado River rushing through the Grand Canyon.
And I’ve been a bit claustrophobic, but enraptured, several stories beneath the ground exploring various caverns across America, that God carved out just for our enjoyment.
The wonder and majesty of Niagara Falls is unparalleled. Only God could design something so powerful and awesome. Or how about the Great Gorge a few miles down stream, where all that water flowing from the falls has been channeled into a much narrower river? The river makes a sudden double bend and the sound made by the force of the water is deafening.
Only God could do that.
I could go on and talk about the Indian Paint Pots and the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, or the incredible wildlife in Denali National Park in Alaska.
What about the majestic White Cliffs of Dover in England, or the beautiful green countryside of Ireland?
Yes, the same God Who created all of the wonders of our world just for our enjoyment prepares a lavish table for us and anoints our head with oil. Wow!
Shouldn’t we trust in the God Who has designed and created these things? Since He created such magnificence just for our enjoyment, shouldn’t we trust in what He personally prepares for our life while we’re here on this earth?
Just imagine what He is designing for our eternal life? My mind goes blank and I’m at a loss for words—that alone is a wonder!
But I do know that while I’m here, I want to dine at the table of the life He has prepared because I know He lavishes His creation with what He knows we need.
One day we will get to behold this God Who is so wonderful our finite mind cannot fathom Him. We will get to thank Him for the life He prepared uniquely for us. And then we will see our cup as He sees it—overflowing with His wonderful things.
Let’s not miss it, my friend. We get one shot at this life of abundance God has prepared for us.
And if all of this were not enough, we have a standing invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb . . . and-it-will-be-incredible (Revelation 19:7-9).
Imagine dinner with all of the saints of the ages. . . . The fellowship will be thrilling.
What questions will we ask. . . ? But the One Who will dominate our focus will be Jesus. We will get to see Him face to face, kiss the nail-scarred hands, and bow on our knees and cry,
“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY. . . .”
I can hardly wait. The thought takes my breath away.
Are you enjoying the bounty God has prepared specifically for you?
God has prepared a lavish table—are you hungry?
Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).
He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him (John 13:4-5).
Recommended Reading
Psalm 23
Psalm 52:8-9
Psalm 89:1-26
Psalm 91:14-16
Psalm 92:10
Isaiah 43:1-4
Isaiah 58:8, 11, 14
Isaiah 61:10
I love entertaining. My husband, Glenn, and I used to have get-togethers, with upwards of thirty people in our yard and on our deck, sitting at tables under trees overlooking the river. It was wonderful. It was such fun preparing everything so that every guest would enjoy themselves.
Glenn would make sure the yard was lovely and the deck clean. He would also help me strategically organize the tables so that guests who wanted to have private conversations could do so. Other tables we arranged close enough together so that there was great fellowship among the guests.
It was fun making sure there were a variety of things to drink, salty snacks and sweet snacks. Sour dough French bread prepared in a variety of ways, and an assortment of cheeses and crackers were always delightful.
Dinner came later after everyone had plenty of time for catching up. We always prepared a varied assortment of foods to satisfy even the guest who might be a bit picky. . . .
Of course, we always made a couple of flavors of homemade ice cream. And just in case someone didn’t care for ice cream, we had a couple of other luscious desserts.
I must confess, I never gave one thought to whether a guest needed all of what I was preparing. My objective was always that there was an array of foods and that every guest had a wonderful time. When departure time came they left replete—lavished with good and sumptuous things.
Ah, those times were so enjoyable. . . . But you know, just as I enjoyed those times of entertaining, God enjoys entertaining us.
He provides delicious food for us and welcomes us as His guest! (Psalm 23:5)
Think about it . . . the Sovereign Ruler—Creator and Sustainer of all things, Elohim—entertains us lavishly. We are His special guest. And He welcomes us with open arms!
My mind cannot wrap itself around that. I wish I had a better grasp of the English language in order to expound on the wonder of it. . . .
The KJV of Psalm 23:5 is wonderful because it tells us that God not only provides this lavish feast—He prepares it—Himself!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
The word anoint literally means to fatten, hence to satisfy abundantly.
Not only does the Lord prepare a lavish feast for us, He anoints our head with oil. Remember when the sinful woman anointed Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee? (Luke 7:36-50). It was a lavish thing she did.
It was the custom to anoint the head of special guests. Everyday guests were not necessarily anointed, but they were greeted with a kiss and their feet were washed.
If you wanted to be lavish with a special guest, you would anoint them with oil. That’s what the sinful woman did. Her heart was so full of love for Jesus that she lavished Him with very expensive oil.
That’s the thought in Psalm 23:5. King David is saying that God prepares the finest table for us, a very lavish table.
How cool is that?
For God to send His Son to die for my sins is amazing indeed and far exceeds anything my simple mind can grasp. But for Him to personally prepare a table for me—to lavishly prepare a feast just for me—wow! That both humbles me and fills my spirit with an awe that simple words cannot express.
Keep in mind, this is not just the absence of need, or even want. No, God makes sure our cup overflows. This is not just a cup that is full, but a cup overflowing with His goodness so that it will hold nothing else. And He does it just for us. Each of us is His special guest.
This brings to mind Numbers 6:24-26:
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace.”
King David sang, “You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn” (Samuel 22:36-37).
And so I ask, dear friend, are you at peace?
Is your soul at rest?
Are you basking in God’s love and provision?
Are you enjoying the table God has lavishly prepared just for you?
Life is a one-time trip through this world that will soon be over. At best your life will last seventy, or perhaps eighty years. Wouldn’t it be great to view life as God does, a lavish dinner party, with Him as your Host? He is exactly that.
And face it, since He created all of this and heaven too, and He knitted you together just as He wants you, don’t you think that He knows exactly what you love and need to prepare you to live with Him in the place He is building just for you?
Are you willing to settle for a hot dog or leftovers when God has a lavish feast prepared especially for you? I want all that He has to offer, all that He has prepared specifically for me. He knows what I love and He provides lavishly for me.
I have seen some of His most remarkable creations. Spring flowers in the Ozarks. Beautiful colors as the fall chill prepares the trees for winter. Winter blizzards with snow-flakes, not one of which is identical. That in itself is amazing.
I’ve watched as God painted a lavish sunrise so beautiful it took my breath away. I walked along in awe of His majesty, and since often I’m the only one walking on the beach, the wonder of it is that He is painting it just for me.
I’ve seen ocean water so clear and beautiful that a friend remarked, “I thought water like this was just painted in brochures, I didn’t know it actually existed.”
I’ve seen fish so strange and beautiful they had to be uniquely designed by a God Who is lavish with His creation, and Whose imagination far surpasses what any mere human could think up.
I’ve gazed on the Grand Teton Mountains, and caught my breath as I peered over the railing at the Colorado River rushing through the Grand Canyon.
And I’ve been a bit claustrophobic, but enraptured, several stories beneath the ground exploring various caverns across America, that God carved out just for our enjoyment.
The wonder and majesty of Niagara Falls is unparalleled. Only God could design something so powerful and awesome. Or how about the Great Gorge a few miles down stream, where all that water flowing from the falls has been channeled into a much narrower river? The river makes a sudden double bend and the sound made by the force of the water is deafening.
Only God could do that.
I could go on and talk about the Indian Paint Pots and the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, or the incredible wildlife in Denali National Park in Alaska.
What about the majestic White Cliffs of Dover in England, or the beautiful green countryside of Ireland?
Yes, the same God Who created all of the wonders of our world just for our enjoyment prepares a lavish table for us and anoints our head with oil. Wow!
Shouldn’t we trust in the God Who has designed and created these things? Since He created such magnificence just for our enjoyment, shouldn’t we trust in what He personally prepares for our life while we’re here on this earth?
Just imagine what He is designing for our eternal life? My mind goes blank and I’m at a loss for words—that alone is a wonder!
But I do know that while I’m here, I want to dine at the table of the life He has prepared because I know He lavishes His creation with what He knows we need.
One day we will get to behold this God Who is so wonderful our finite mind cannot fathom Him. We will get to thank Him for the life He prepared uniquely for us. And then we will see our cup as He sees it—overflowing with His wonderful things.
Let’s not miss it, my friend. We get one shot at this life of abundance God has prepared for us.
And if all of this were not enough, we have a standing invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb . . . and-it-will-be-incredible (Revelation 19:7-9).
Imagine dinner with all of the saints of the ages. . . . The fellowship will be thrilling.
What questions will we ask. . . ? But the One Who will dominate our focus will be Jesus. We will get to see Him face to face, kiss the nail-scarred hands, and bow on our knees and cry,
“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY. . . .”
I can hardly wait. The thought takes my breath away.
Are you enjoying the bounty God has prepared specifically for you?
God has prepared a lavish table—are you hungry?
Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).
He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him (John 13:4-5).
Recommended Reading
Psalm 23
Psalm 52:8-9
Psalm 89:1-26
Psalm 91:14-16
Psalm 92:10
Isaiah 43:1-4
Isaiah 58:8, 11, 14
Isaiah 61:10
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Friends
“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me” (Psalm 139:1).
I had lunch a few days ago with a dear friend. I could say “old friend,” but being female I’ll refrain.
I’ve known Pat for over forty years. Actually, I met her when I met my husband’s family. Her family had been long-term friends with his family. It has been a wonderful relationship through the years.
We don’t get together often any more, but when we do, we chatter for as many hours as we can glean from our schedule that day, knowing that it has to last until we meet again.
There is no want for words. No silences in the conversation. We pick up on phrases from each other and just continue talking.
It’s not that we necessarily always agree. In fact, it is common for us to disagree on various topics—and we cover a plethora of topics during our time together. But we disagree amicably, stating our view, with the other stating their view, and then moving on to another topic.
She is a dear friend that I value very highly. I think the length of time I’ve known her contributes greatly to that value. No cover-ups. No hiding anything. She knows me well.
I have another dear friend whom I’ve known for over thirty years. Lorna, too, is a highly valued friend. She is a completely different personality than Pat.
But the same wonderful conversations develop between us. Again, there is no want for words. No lapses in conversation. No silences. We don’t always agree on every topic either, but there is a mutual love and respect between us that is of infinite worth.
Both of these women have brought something very special to my life. I am blessed, and I am better for having known them. Both of these women have known me long before I accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord.
They knew me when. . . .
Both of these women know me so well that either of them would be able to defend my character and my morals. Because they know how I think, they would be able to defend my thought process.
If they were to hear something about me that was untrue, they would be able to say, “Oh, no, I don’t believe that, Peggy would not do that.”
Likewise I would be able to defend either of these women. I know them well. I know how they think. I know their integrity. I know what they would and would not do in any given circumstance.
Now, I’m not naïve. I know there are things within each of our hearts that we can never know about another person. But I have known these women for a long time, and I’ve watched how they’ve weathered their many storms, and they have watched as I’ve weathered mine.
Watching each other persevere in very trying circumstances through the years has established a respect for the character of the other. Wonderful!
I am so fortunate to have these two women in my life.
I’ve read that if we have one true friend, a bosom friend, a kindred spirit, one who knows us and loves us “warts and all,” then we are truly blessed. Since I have two such friends, I am indeed abundantly blessed.
Did I mention they are “dear friends?”
And then I have my Best Friend. I haven’t known Him as long as I’ve known Lorna and Pat, but He has known me since before the creation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4).
Actually I know Him better than I know Lorna and Pat. The reason I know Him better in a shorter period of time is because He has written all about Himself in His personal Love Letter to me. Not only has He told me all about Himself, but He tells me all about me, too, warts and all (Hebrews 4:12).
Again, there is no want for conversation between us. I don’t even have to call Him on the phone or meet Him for lunch. I just have to think, and He knows exactly what I’m thinking.
“Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely . . .” (Psalm 139: 4).
The amazing thing is that He can and does read my mind even before I know the thought is there, and He loves me anyway. Don’t be shocked. He loves you too, in spite of some of the things you think!
One of the wonderful things about good friends is they never intrude. They value each other’s space and privacy, so they don’t tire of one another.
Because Jesus is my very Best Friend, I spend a great deal more time with Him than I spend with anyone else. Of course, He spends every second of every day 24/7 with me and He never tires of me, nor do I tire of Him. He never gets bored with our conversation, nor do I.
I want to know everything about Him. So, I’ve set apart time each morning to spend with Him. I talk to Him throughout the day. I study a great deal. I discuss everything with Him. And I do nothing without first consulting Him.
The reason I value Him so highly and spend so much time with Him is because He loves me and values me highly (Ephesians 1:1-6). In fact, He loves me enough to die for me—and He did—for you too.
Think about it. Before we were ever born, God died for us.
He created a perfect world. We sinned. (I can say “we” because if Adam and Eve had not sinned, and the world would have been perfect down through the centuries, when I was born I would have been the one who sinned—and so would you.)
But God loved us so much that He left His beautiful heaven to come to earth and live as one of us and die for our sin. There was only one way for us to get to heaven, and that was for us to be perfect every minute of every day of every year of our lifetime here on this earth.
Since we can’t be perfect for even a few minutes, the likelihood of us getting to heaven was nil. So God did it for us. Heaven is frosting on our already delicious cake.
Knowing God is without equal.
As much as I value my friends, and they value me, earthly relationships pale in comparison with our relationship with Jesus, our Best Friend.
Of course, the wonder of my Best Friend is that He died for me so that He could have me with Him forever—the same reason He died for you.
But of nearly equal importance is how much He loves us, knows each of us, searches our inmost spirit, and then provides exactly what we need. How amazing is that?
Think about it.
The Best Friend we have knows us from the inside out. We can tell Him anything—because He knows it already.
For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12-13).
In this world there are many sorrows, hurts, pain, disillusionment, rejection, and the list goes on and on. But we have a Best Friend Who lives on the inside of us, Who constantly searches our spirit, and then communes with God what He sees there (Romans 8:27), and then takes appropriate measures to satisfy our deepest desires.
How cool is that?
There are times when I don’t know what I want. I try to think things through as best I can with my limited knowledge. But when it’s all said and done, I rely on my Best Friend to search me, cleanse me, purify me and make me whole.
He knows all things, controls all things, and His love is infinitely greater than we can fathom, we can depend upon Him to work out our lives for our good and His glory.
After all, that is why we were created (Isaiah 43:7).
My Best Friend knows me better than anyone else, even my long-term friends. He knows my character, my morals, and He knows how my mind works.
He defends me against the enemy, and He is always interceding for me (Hebrews 7:25). He is my Refuge, my Shield and my Rampart (Psalm 91).
He never listens to gossip. He always knows truth. He doesn’t always agree with me, but when He shares His view, I always agree with Him. What a wonderful Best Friend. I rest in His Presence.
What about you? Do you know my Best Friend? How much time do you spend with Him? Is the time you spend with Him commensurate with someone you would claim to be your best friend?
Do you read His Love Letter to you? It is filled with wonderful truths about Him that cannot be gleaned any other way. Do you remain in constant prayer all day—every day with your Best Friend?
Are you resting in Him?
Remember, life isn’t about what is going on around you that is tangible and temporal. Life is simply the means by which we establish our destiny with our Best Friend.
Just a thought, but if you don’t want to spend time with Him here on earth—are you really sure you want to go to heaven?
Heaven will be all about Him.
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).
Loving His Presence now is evidence that we have made our reservation with Him—forever.
Are you anticipating eternity with Him?
Don’t let anyone or anything cause you to lose your eternal focus. And don’t let anyone or anything intrude upon the most valuable relationship of life.
Jesus, your Best Friend. Your closest Friend. He is your Advocate, your Defender, your Protector, your Shield, and He is your Refuge.
He is the very best part of life—don’t miss Him. Don’t settle for the mundane and mediocre of this life. Don’t settle for a bologna sandwich when you can have Fillet Mignon.
So, do you know my best friend?
You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name (John 15:14-16).
Recommended Reading
Hebrews 3:1-6
Hebrews 4:14-16
Hebrews 8:1-6
Hebrews 9:11-15
Hebrews 10:19-39
Hebrews 12:1-11
Hebrews13:15-16
I had lunch a few days ago with a dear friend. I could say “old friend,” but being female I’ll refrain.
I’ve known Pat for over forty years. Actually, I met her when I met my husband’s family. Her family had been long-term friends with his family. It has been a wonderful relationship through the years.
We don’t get together often any more, but when we do, we chatter for as many hours as we can glean from our schedule that day, knowing that it has to last until we meet again.
There is no want for words. No silences in the conversation. We pick up on phrases from each other and just continue talking.
It’s not that we necessarily always agree. In fact, it is common for us to disagree on various topics—and we cover a plethora of topics during our time together. But we disagree amicably, stating our view, with the other stating their view, and then moving on to another topic.
She is a dear friend that I value very highly. I think the length of time I’ve known her contributes greatly to that value. No cover-ups. No hiding anything. She knows me well.
I have another dear friend whom I’ve known for over thirty years. Lorna, too, is a highly valued friend. She is a completely different personality than Pat.
But the same wonderful conversations develop between us. Again, there is no want for words. No lapses in conversation. No silences. We don’t always agree on every topic either, but there is a mutual love and respect between us that is of infinite worth.
Both of these women have brought something very special to my life. I am blessed, and I am better for having known them. Both of these women have known me long before I accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord.
They knew me when. . . .
Both of these women know me so well that either of them would be able to defend my character and my morals. Because they know how I think, they would be able to defend my thought process.
If they were to hear something about me that was untrue, they would be able to say, “Oh, no, I don’t believe that, Peggy would not do that.”
Likewise I would be able to defend either of these women. I know them well. I know how they think. I know their integrity. I know what they would and would not do in any given circumstance.
Now, I’m not naïve. I know there are things within each of our hearts that we can never know about another person. But I have known these women for a long time, and I’ve watched how they’ve weathered their many storms, and they have watched as I’ve weathered mine.
Watching each other persevere in very trying circumstances through the years has established a respect for the character of the other. Wonderful!
I am so fortunate to have these two women in my life.
I’ve read that if we have one true friend, a bosom friend, a kindred spirit, one who knows us and loves us “warts and all,” then we are truly blessed. Since I have two such friends, I am indeed abundantly blessed.
Did I mention they are “dear friends?”
And then I have my Best Friend. I haven’t known Him as long as I’ve known Lorna and Pat, but He has known me since before the creation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4).
Actually I know Him better than I know Lorna and Pat. The reason I know Him better in a shorter period of time is because He has written all about Himself in His personal Love Letter to me. Not only has He told me all about Himself, but He tells me all about me, too, warts and all (Hebrews 4:12).
Again, there is no want for conversation between us. I don’t even have to call Him on the phone or meet Him for lunch. I just have to think, and He knows exactly what I’m thinking.
“Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely . . .” (Psalm 139: 4).
The amazing thing is that He can and does read my mind even before I know the thought is there, and He loves me anyway. Don’t be shocked. He loves you too, in spite of some of the things you think!
One of the wonderful things about good friends is they never intrude. They value each other’s space and privacy, so they don’t tire of one another.
Because Jesus is my very Best Friend, I spend a great deal more time with Him than I spend with anyone else. Of course, He spends every second of every day 24/7 with me and He never tires of me, nor do I tire of Him. He never gets bored with our conversation, nor do I.
I want to know everything about Him. So, I’ve set apart time each morning to spend with Him. I talk to Him throughout the day. I study a great deal. I discuss everything with Him. And I do nothing without first consulting Him.
The reason I value Him so highly and spend so much time with Him is because He loves me and values me highly (Ephesians 1:1-6). In fact, He loves me enough to die for me—and He did—for you too.
Think about it. Before we were ever born, God died for us.
He created a perfect world. We sinned. (I can say “we” because if Adam and Eve had not sinned, and the world would have been perfect down through the centuries, when I was born I would have been the one who sinned—and so would you.)
But God loved us so much that He left His beautiful heaven to come to earth and live as one of us and die for our sin. There was only one way for us to get to heaven, and that was for us to be perfect every minute of every day of every year of our lifetime here on this earth.
Since we can’t be perfect for even a few minutes, the likelihood of us getting to heaven was nil. So God did it for us. Heaven is frosting on our already delicious cake.
Knowing God is without equal.
As much as I value my friends, and they value me, earthly relationships pale in comparison with our relationship with Jesus, our Best Friend.
Of course, the wonder of my Best Friend is that He died for me so that He could have me with Him forever—the same reason He died for you.
But of nearly equal importance is how much He loves us, knows each of us, searches our inmost spirit, and then provides exactly what we need. How amazing is that?
Think about it.
The Best Friend we have knows us from the inside out. We can tell Him anything—because He knows it already.
For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12-13).
In this world there are many sorrows, hurts, pain, disillusionment, rejection, and the list goes on and on. But we have a Best Friend Who lives on the inside of us, Who constantly searches our spirit, and then communes with God what He sees there (Romans 8:27), and then takes appropriate measures to satisfy our deepest desires.
How cool is that?
There are times when I don’t know what I want. I try to think things through as best I can with my limited knowledge. But when it’s all said and done, I rely on my Best Friend to search me, cleanse me, purify me and make me whole.
He knows all things, controls all things, and His love is infinitely greater than we can fathom, we can depend upon Him to work out our lives for our good and His glory.
After all, that is why we were created (Isaiah 43:7).
My Best Friend knows me better than anyone else, even my long-term friends. He knows my character, my morals, and He knows how my mind works.
He defends me against the enemy, and He is always interceding for me (Hebrews 7:25). He is my Refuge, my Shield and my Rampart (Psalm 91).
He never listens to gossip. He always knows truth. He doesn’t always agree with me, but when He shares His view, I always agree with Him. What a wonderful Best Friend. I rest in His Presence.
What about you? Do you know my Best Friend? How much time do you spend with Him? Is the time you spend with Him commensurate with someone you would claim to be your best friend?
Do you read His Love Letter to you? It is filled with wonderful truths about Him that cannot be gleaned any other way. Do you remain in constant prayer all day—every day with your Best Friend?
Are you resting in Him?
Remember, life isn’t about what is going on around you that is tangible and temporal. Life is simply the means by which we establish our destiny with our Best Friend.
Just a thought, but if you don’t want to spend time with Him here on earth—are you really sure you want to go to heaven?
Heaven will be all about Him.
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).
Loving His Presence now is evidence that we have made our reservation with Him—forever.
Are you anticipating eternity with Him?
Don’t let anyone or anything cause you to lose your eternal focus. And don’t let anyone or anything intrude upon the most valuable relationship of life.
Jesus, your Best Friend. Your closest Friend. He is your Advocate, your Defender, your Protector, your Shield, and He is your Refuge.
He is the very best part of life—don’t miss Him. Don’t settle for the mundane and mediocre of this life. Don’t settle for a bologna sandwich when you can have Fillet Mignon.
So, do you know my best friend?
You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name (John 15:14-16).
Recommended Reading
Hebrews 3:1-6
Hebrews 4:14-16
Hebrews 8:1-6
Hebrews 9:11-15
Hebrews 10:19-39
Hebrews 12:1-11
Hebrews13:15-16
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Cross
“If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” — Matthew 16:24
The story is told about a man who went to the Lord and complained that his cross was too heavy to bear. The Lord showed him a room where He stored the crosses and told the man to choose the cross of his liking. The man searched and searched all around the room but all of the crosses were large and cumbersome. Finally, completely dejected, he spotted a small cross near the door where he had entered. Hurrying over to it he exclaimed, “Lord, I’ll take this one!” “My child,” the Lord said gently, “that is the cross you brought in.” Author unknown
By its very definition a cross is cursed. It is difficult. It is cumbersome. It is hurtful. And we will bend under the load of it unless we are following our Lord. Reread what Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” The cross then, is the denial of our self, the denial of anything and everything that prevents us from following Christ. How difficult that is unless we die to self—daily (I Corinthians 15:31).
In the context of the verse, Jesus had just told His disciples He was going to die, and Peter had taken Him aside and rebuked Him. Peter loved Jesus and he didn’t want Him to suffer. Peter was trying to get Jesus to bypass the cross and choose the easy way. But Jesus chose the cross, and Hebrews 12:2 tells us He endured it with joy—just for us.
So, if Jesus endured the cross for us with joy, should it not be our joy to endure our cross for Him? What then does that look like walked out in shoe leather? It is the denial of our self. When someone hurts us, we deny our self the quick retort that immediately springs to mind. We allow others to go before us. We think of others before we think of ourselves. We think how they will feel if we do or say what we are thinking—and we deny ourselves—and love them in return.
Simply put, we walk through life with a gentle spirit. We settle our spirit down so that our outward walk manifests the quiet spirit that is within. This does not come overnight nor does it come easily. It comes with prayer and practice. When we fail, we ask forgiveness and begin again in the strength of the Lord.
Denying ourselves and taking up our own cross is admitting that we are no longer our own person. We now belong to Christ. We are a gift from our Father to His Son (John 17:6). We were bought at a very high price—God’s only Son. Since we no longer own ourselves, we are not entitled to defend ourselves. We have no rights. Everything we have belongs to God. Indeed, all of our being belongs to God. We “follow after Christ” and it is up to Him to take care of us, give us strength to carry our cross, feed us, clothe us, and provide all that we need for today (Matthew 6:25-34).
For the joy that is set before you, pleasing your Father, take up your cross today and follow after Christ. And tonight take anything that has hurt you and everything that you have overcome, and offer it up to God as a wonderful sacrificial bouquet. And then, lay your head down on your pillow and rest, knowing that your life today has been a pleasing aroma to your Lord (Exodus 29:18).
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 5:3
Recommended Reading
Matthew 10:37-39
Romans 8:5-11; 12:1-2
Philippians 2:1-11; 3:7-14
Revelation 22:12
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
The story is told about a man who went to the Lord and complained that his cross was too heavy to bear. The Lord showed him a room where He stored the crosses and told the man to choose the cross of his liking. The man searched and searched all around the room but all of the crosses were large and cumbersome. Finally, completely dejected, he spotted a small cross near the door where he had entered. Hurrying over to it he exclaimed, “Lord, I’ll take this one!” “My child,” the Lord said gently, “that is the cross you brought in.” Author unknown
By its very definition a cross is cursed. It is difficult. It is cumbersome. It is hurtful. And we will bend under the load of it unless we are following our Lord. Reread what Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” The cross then, is the denial of our self, the denial of anything and everything that prevents us from following Christ. How difficult that is unless we die to self—daily (I Corinthians 15:31).
In the context of the verse, Jesus had just told His disciples He was going to die, and Peter had taken Him aside and rebuked Him. Peter loved Jesus and he didn’t want Him to suffer. Peter was trying to get Jesus to bypass the cross and choose the easy way. But Jesus chose the cross, and Hebrews 12:2 tells us He endured it with joy—just for us.
So, if Jesus endured the cross for us with joy, should it not be our joy to endure our cross for Him? What then does that look like walked out in shoe leather? It is the denial of our self. When someone hurts us, we deny our self the quick retort that immediately springs to mind. We allow others to go before us. We think of others before we think of ourselves. We think how they will feel if we do or say what we are thinking—and we deny ourselves—and love them in return.
Simply put, we walk through life with a gentle spirit. We settle our spirit down so that our outward walk manifests the quiet spirit that is within. This does not come overnight nor does it come easily. It comes with prayer and practice. When we fail, we ask forgiveness and begin again in the strength of the Lord.
Denying ourselves and taking up our own cross is admitting that we are no longer our own person. We now belong to Christ. We are a gift from our Father to His Son (John 17:6). We were bought at a very high price—God’s only Son. Since we no longer own ourselves, we are not entitled to defend ourselves. We have no rights. Everything we have belongs to God. Indeed, all of our being belongs to God. We “follow after Christ” and it is up to Him to take care of us, give us strength to carry our cross, feed us, clothe us, and provide all that we need for today (Matthew 6:25-34).
For the joy that is set before you, pleasing your Father, take up your cross today and follow after Christ. And tonight take anything that has hurt you and everything that you have overcome, and offer it up to God as a wonderful sacrificial bouquet. And then, lay your head down on your pillow and rest, knowing that your life today has been a pleasing aroma to your Lord (Exodus 29:18).
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 5:3
Recommended Reading
Matthew 10:37-39
Romans 8:5-11; 12:1-2
Philippians 2:1-11; 3:7-14
Revelation 22:12
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Prisoner
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1)
The cell is small, cold and dark—barely wide enough to lie down—not high enough to stand up. The dampness penetrates the old man’s bones. He shivers, suffering greatly, deprived of even the barest necessities.
The food is almost inedible, gruel mostly. Moldy bread when he is lucky. Nothing to drink. No coat. No blanket. No pen or parchments. Deserted by friends and family, it is dangerous to be seen with him now. The dungeon at best—death sentence at worst.
Paul, the prisoner of Christ, is alone.
He is counting on Timothy, his son in the faith, to come for a visit. Timothy will bring his coat and his parchments, and John Mark. He can hardly wait to see them.
Paul is lonely. He has had only the Roman Elite Guard for company, to whom he is chained 24/7. There are the other prisoners, a few of whom are still violent, but many of whom are converted now. If you are fortunate enough to be in Paul’s company you will learn about his Lord—the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Will Timothy and Mark make it before I go?” he ponders audibly, longing to see them one last time. The Lord has made it clear to Paul that he will soon make his final move—to heaven.
Ah, the blessedness of that thought. He’s been there—to the third heaven. Saw inexpressible things. Things that mortal man cannot utter (II Corinthians 12:1-10). Any day now he will go to be with the Lord, and-he-can-hardly-wait. To see the Lord Jesus and hear the angels sing again . . . ah, the rapture of it.
He shivers again from the cold and dampness.
He has nearly finished his race. He has written the letters the Lord Jesus instructed him to write. He has corrected doctrine, encouraged the brethren, and rebuked those who were leaving grace and returning to Law. He has reminded everyone to live a life worthy of the high calling of Christ Jesus.
Yeah, he has completed his course.
Life is behind him now. He will soon be poured out like a drink offering. The anticipation is welling up in his heart. Any day now, he-will-see-Jesus. He would not have to return to this old world again. This time, he will remain in the Presence of the Lord—forever.
He shivers again. This time it is not from the cold, but from the sheer glory of knowing that he will soon leave his old body behind and make his final move.
He begins to hum. Then he breaks out in a song. The other prisoners come to full consciousness. Even though Paul’s voice is old and raspy now, it sounds beautiful to them. They can hardly believe what they’re hearing. This old man is a Christian. All Christians have a death sentence on their head. . . .
Why on earth is he singing?
The guards and the prisoners try to join in. They are new to the Way, so they don’t know the words—but they try to hum along.
They can’t quite believe how joyful he is. But they know this old gentleman, and they have learned to love him and admire his amazing courage. They are now personally acquainted with Paul’s God.
The prisoner of Christ is ready to go home.
What about you, my friend—are you ready to go home? Have you lived a life worthy of the calling you have received? If today was your last day on earth, would you be able to meet the Lord Jesus with a clear conscience that you had completed all that He had given you to do?
Are you a prisoner of Christ—seeking His kingdom—first? We all belong to someone. Whose prisoner are you? Who pulls your chain? Someone has you shackled and firmly in their grip.
Is it Christ Jesus? Or is it the enemy?
You can tell who you’re serving by whom or what occupies the majority of your time and thought. You can tell by how much joy you have in your heart—or how much turmoil.
Are you in a spiritual prison? An emotional prison? Are you shackled by unforgiveness and bitterness? Maybe your prison is an abusive spouse who continually batters and bruises you, physically, emotionally, or both. Are you in the prison of financial difficulties? Is your prison a job you don’t like or a boss you can’t follow?
You may be in the prison of mediocrity. You know the one. You do your own thing and wonder why God isn’t blessing you. You don’t give appropriately. You don’t attend church regularly. You aren’t involved. You don’t work in your gifted area—you don’t even know what your spiritual gift is.
Ah, someone else will volunteer. . . .
Whatever your prison, God is able to give you a song. He doesn’t always deliver us out of our prisons. But He will always give us strength to overcome them. He will always give us a song in the night. And when you can’t find God, remember, He hasn’t moved. You will find Him when you seek Him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
God doesn’t play second fiddle!
Paul never complained about the cold, the dampness, or the bad food. We gain insight into the conditions he suffered from historical writings.
While Paul was enduring the extremely severe conditions of a Roman prison, and shackled 24/7 to the Roman Elite Guards, he wrote several epistles, and shared the gospel with everyone within hearing, including those in Caesar’s household. And as a result all of them came to believe in the Jesus Paul knew.
What are you doing for the Lord in your prison?
Are you fulfilling your calling? Are you sharing Christ with those in your sphere of influence? Are you teaching? Helping with the children? Cleaning the church? Giving, perhaps to those who are less fortunate? Writing cards of encouragement to others who are hurting? Are you praying for the needs of others? Are you doing whatever you can. . . ?
I learned many years ago that encouraging others is wonderful therapy and an antidote for suffering. I was house bound for six years as caregiver for my mom, my husband, and then his mom.
There were days that I was so lonely for outside fellowship, but I couldn’t leave the house and my ailing charges. I learned to sit down at my desk, open my Bible to the Psalms, and write cards of encouragement to those I knew were struggling.
It is impossible to write cards of encouragement from the Word and remain in a prison of discouragement. When I had finished, my heart was singing and I was joyful in the Lord. My circumstances had not changed, but my shackles were loosed and my prison doors had flown open.
I was free—and soaring like an eagle!
And so, my friend, unlock those shackles that have you bound. You are a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ! That is a high and lofty calling that sets you free from the cares of this old world.
Go ahead, pour your life into others—and give God praise for setting you free.
Praise the Name of the Lord. Praise Him for Who He is. Praise Him for His wonders. Praise Him for His plans for you—they are wonderful plans.
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; Praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; Praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise him with the harp and lyre, Praise him with tambourine and dancing, Praise him with the strings and flute, Praise him with the clash of cymbals, Praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
(Psalm 150)
Recommended Reading
Ephesians 1:1-11
Ephesians 2:1-10
Ephesians 3:1, 7, 14-21
Ephesians 4:1-6, 24-32
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
The cell is small, cold and dark—barely wide enough to lie down—not high enough to stand up. The dampness penetrates the old man’s bones. He shivers, suffering greatly, deprived of even the barest necessities.
The food is almost inedible, gruel mostly. Moldy bread when he is lucky. Nothing to drink. No coat. No blanket. No pen or parchments. Deserted by friends and family, it is dangerous to be seen with him now. The dungeon at best—death sentence at worst.
Paul, the prisoner of Christ, is alone.
He is counting on Timothy, his son in the faith, to come for a visit. Timothy will bring his coat and his parchments, and John Mark. He can hardly wait to see them.
Paul is lonely. He has had only the Roman Elite Guard for company, to whom he is chained 24/7. There are the other prisoners, a few of whom are still violent, but many of whom are converted now. If you are fortunate enough to be in Paul’s company you will learn about his Lord—the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Will Timothy and Mark make it before I go?” he ponders audibly, longing to see them one last time. The Lord has made it clear to Paul that he will soon make his final move—to heaven.
Ah, the blessedness of that thought. He’s been there—to the third heaven. Saw inexpressible things. Things that mortal man cannot utter (II Corinthians 12:1-10). Any day now he will go to be with the Lord, and-he-can-hardly-wait. To see the Lord Jesus and hear the angels sing again . . . ah, the rapture of it.
He shivers again from the cold and dampness.
He has nearly finished his race. He has written the letters the Lord Jesus instructed him to write. He has corrected doctrine, encouraged the brethren, and rebuked those who were leaving grace and returning to Law. He has reminded everyone to live a life worthy of the high calling of Christ Jesus.
Yeah, he has completed his course.
Life is behind him now. He will soon be poured out like a drink offering. The anticipation is welling up in his heart. Any day now, he-will-see-Jesus. He would not have to return to this old world again. This time, he will remain in the Presence of the Lord—forever.
He shivers again. This time it is not from the cold, but from the sheer glory of knowing that he will soon leave his old body behind and make his final move.
He begins to hum. Then he breaks out in a song. The other prisoners come to full consciousness. Even though Paul’s voice is old and raspy now, it sounds beautiful to them. They can hardly believe what they’re hearing. This old man is a Christian. All Christians have a death sentence on their head. . . .
Why on earth is he singing?
The guards and the prisoners try to join in. They are new to the Way, so they don’t know the words—but they try to hum along.
They can’t quite believe how joyful he is. But they know this old gentleman, and they have learned to love him and admire his amazing courage. They are now personally acquainted with Paul’s God.
The prisoner of Christ is ready to go home.
What about you, my friend—are you ready to go home? Have you lived a life worthy of the calling you have received? If today was your last day on earth, would you be able to meet the Lord Jesus with a clear conscience that you had completed all that He had given you to do?
Are you a prisoner of Christ—seeking His kingdom—first? We all belong to someone. Whose prisoner are you? Who pulls your chain? Someone has you shackled and firmly in their grip.
Is it Christ Jesus? Or is it the enemy?
You can tell who you’re serving by whom or what occupies the majority of your time and thought. You can tell by how much joy you have in your heart—or how much turmoil.
Are you in a spiritual prison? An emotional prison? Are you shackled by unforgiveness and bitterness? Maybe your prison is an abusive spouse who continually batters and bruises you, physically, emotionally, or both. Are you in the prison of financial difficulties? Is your prison a job you don’t like or a boss you can’t follow?
You may be in the prison of mediocrity. You know the one. You do your own thing and wonder why God isn’t blessing you. You don’t give appropriately. You don’t attend church regularly. You aren’t involved. You don’t work in your gifted area—you don’t even know what your spiritual gift is.
Ah, someone else will volunteer. . . .
Whatever your prison, God is able to give you a song. He doesn’t always deliver us out of our prisons. But He will always give us strength to overcome them. He will always give us a song in the night. And when you can’t find God, remember, He hasn’t moved. You will find Him when you seek Him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
God doesn’t play second fiddle!
Paul never complained about the cold, the dampness, or the bad food. We gain insight into the conditions he suffered from historical writings.
While Paul was enduring the extremely severe conditions of a Roman prison, and shackled 24/7 to the Roman Elite Guards, he wrote several epistles, and shared the gospel with everyone within hearing, including those in Caesar’s household. And as a result all of them came to believe in the Jesus Paul knew.
What are you doing for the Lord in your prison?
Are you fulfilling your calling? Are you sharing Christ with those in your sphere of influence? Are you teaching? Helping with the children? Cleaning the church? Giving, perhaps to those who are less fortunate? Writing cards of encouragement to others who are hurting? Are you praying for the needs of others? Are you doing whatever you can. . . ?
I learned many years ago that encouraging others is wonderful therapy and an antidote for suffering. I was house bound for six years as caregiver for my mom, my husband, and then his mom.
There were days that I was so lonely for outside fellowship, but I couldn’t leave the house and my ailing charges. I learned to sit down at my desk, open my Bible to the Psalms, and write cards of encouragement to those I knew were struggling.
It is impossible to write cards of encouragement from the Word and remain in a prison of discouragement. When I had finished, my heart was singing and I was joyful in the Lord. My circumstances had not changed, but my shackles were loosed and my prison doors had flown open.
I was free—and soaring like an eagle!
And so, my friend, unlock those shackles that have you bound. You are a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ! That is a high and lofty calling that sets you free from the cares of this old world.
Go ahead, pour your life into others—and give God praise for setting you free.
Praise the Name of the Lord. Praise Him for Who He is. Praise Him for His wonders. Praise Him for His plans for you—they are wonderful plans.
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; Praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; Praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise him with the harp and lyre, Praise him with tambourine and dancing, Praise him with the strings and flute, Praise him with the clash of cymbals, Praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
(Psalm 150)
Recommended Reading
Ephesians 1:1-11
Ephesians 2:1-10
Ephesians 3:1, 7, 14-21
Ephesians 4:1-6, 24-32
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Crowds
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them (Matthew 5:1).
The crowds were a mess!
Some were blind. Some were lame. Some had leprosy. Some were hungry. Some needed a miracle. Some wanted to see a miracle. Most just wanted food. But they all wanted—something.
They didn’t want the Kingdom of God.
They just wanted. . . .
Need wine at a wedding? Call Jesus. Need to feed a large crowd? Call Jesus. Need someone raised from the dead? Call Jesus. Need the temple cleared? Call Jesus. Need your storm calmed? Call Jesus. Need. . . ? Call Jesus.
The crowds wanted a magician . . . they needed a Savior.
Jesus was going to teach the Precepts of His Kingdom to His disciples. They would shepherd the crowds in due time. So His disciples came to Him to learn.
They didn’t really have in mind the things of God either. That would take them some time . . . and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Then they would set the world on fire with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For now, Jesus was content to teach His disciples. He knew they would step up to the plate—in His timing. Jesus looked out beyond His disciples at the crowd and He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).
Jesus still looks at the crowds today. He looks into my life and all of those I come into contact with. And He looks into your life and those in your sphere of influence. He sees the people, harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And He has compassion on them . . . do you?
Do you see people within your sphere of influence as sheep, harassed and helpless, in need of a shepherd?
The great Bible Teacher, Kay Arthur says:
“Sheep are the dumbest of all animals. They are helpless, timid, and feeble. They require constant attention and meticulous care. Sheep have little means of self-defense. If they do not have the constant care of a shepherd, they will go the wrong way, unaware of the dangers at hand. They have been known to nibble themselves right off a mountainside. If they are not led to proper pastures, they will obliviously eat or drink things that are disastrous to them. Not only that, they will literally live their lives in a rut if the shepherd does not lead them to new pastures. Sheep easily fall prey to other animals; when they do, they are virtually defenseless without their shepherd to protect them. Sheep can also become cast down and, in that state, panic and die. And so, because sheep are sheep, they need shepherds to care for them!”1
People need a Shepherd too. When they have no Shepherd they are defenseless from predators, vulnerable to disease, and susceptible to their own worldly thought processes.
Look at the world around you. It is a mess!
The enemy is rampant. Paul’s words to Timothy could be written today in the local newspaper in Any City, USA.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them” (II Timothy 3:1-5).
Peter warned us: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
The enemy is destroying lives. Suicide is on the increase, as is divorce, child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, murder, rape, robbery, and every other sort of crime. But we have a Shepherd Who watches over us. He leads—we follow. When we stray or wander away from Him, we, too, become vulnerable to the tactics of the enemy.
Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:14-15, 27-29).
So, my friend, are you following your Shepherd? If so, you will think as He thinks. You will look upon the crowds, those within your sphere of influence, as harassed and helpless sheep without a Shepherd, and see them with compassion.
We are to listen to the voice of the Master Shepherd so that we may influence the crowds around us. We are to stay close to our Shepherd by spending time in His Word and prayer, so that we can impact the crowds in our world for the kingdom.
Perhaps you feel like one of the crowd, harassed and beaten up. Your world may have fallen apart and the enemy has attacked you on every hand. Maybe you have been on the receiving end of abuse, unforgiveness and slander.
The Shepherd has an abundance of grace and peace for you.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Or maybe you have wandered away from your Shepherd like the sheep Kay Arthur spoke of. If so, there is an easy way back. It’s called repentance. It is making a U-turn and running toward your Shepherd. He is always watching and waiting, and He will welcome you with open arms.
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, emphasis mine).
Wow—to be kissed by God. . . !
Don’t accept the lie of the enemy that no one loves you, that God is angry with you, or any such nonsense that he dishes out. He is a liar and the father of lies. It is his native tongue (John 8:44). He is a thief and robber (John 10:1), and he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
Christ Jesus, Jehovah Raah, is our Shepherd. He laid down His life for us (John 10:11). The cross forever proves His love. Guilt will drive us from the cross. Humility will drive us to it. Know who you are, dear friend; a sheep of the Master Shepherd.
He will care for you—and you in turn will care for the crowds. . . .
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever (Psalm 23).
Recommended Reading
Romans 1:26-30
I Thessalonians 1:4-10
I Thessalonians 3:12-13
I Thessalonians 4:1-12
I Thessalonians 5:12-28
II Thessalonians 1:3
II Thessalonians 2:13-17
Notes
1. Kay Arthur, LORD, I Want to Know You
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
The crowds were a mess!
Some were blind. Some were lame. Some had leprosy. Some were hungry. Some needed a miracle. Some wanted to see a miracle. Most just wanted food. But they all wanted—something.
They didn’t want the Kingdom of God.
They just wanted. . . .
Need wine at a wedding? Call Jesus. Need to feed a large crowd? Call Jesus. Need someone raised from the dead? Call Jesus. Need the temple cleared? Call Jesus. Need your storm calmed? Call Jesus. Need. . . ? Call Jesus.
The crowds wanted a magician . . . they needed a Savior.
Jesus was going to teach the Precepts of His Kingdom to His disciples. They would shepherd the crowds in due time. So His disciples came to Him to learn.
They didn’t really have in mind the things of God either. That would take them some time . . . and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Then they would set the world on fire with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For now, Jesus was content to teach His disciples. He knew they would step up to the plate—in His timing. Jesus looked out beyond His disciples at the crowd and He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).
Jesus still looks at the crowds today. He looks into my life and all of those I come into contact with. And He looks into your life and those in your sphere of influence. He sees the people, harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And He has compassion on them . . . do you?
Do you see people within your sphere of influence as sheep, harassed and helpless, in need of a shepherd?
The great Bible Teacher, Kay Arthur says:
“Sheep are the dumbest of all animals. They are helpless, timid, and feeble. They require constant attention and meticulous care. Sheep have little means of self-defense. If they do not have the constant care of a shepherd, they will go the wrong way, unaware of the dangers at hand. They have been known to nibble themselves right off a mountainside. If they are not led to proper pastures, they will obliviously eat or drink things that are disastrous to them. Not only that, they will literally live their lives in a rut if the shepherd does not lead them to new pastures. Sheep easily fall prey to other animals; when they do, they are virtually defenseless without their shepherd to protect them. Sheep can also become cast down and, in that state, panic and die. And so, because sheep are sheep, they need shepherds to care for them!”1
People need a Shepherd too. When they have no Shepherd they are defenseless from predators, vulnerable to disease, and susceptible to their own worldly thought processes.
Look at the world around you. It is a mess!
The enemy is rampant. Paul’s words to Timothy could be written today in the local newspaper in Any City, USA.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them” (II Timothy 3:1-5).
Peter warned us: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
The enemy is destroying lives. Suicide is on the increase, as is divorce, child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, murder, rape, robbery, and every other sort of crime. But we have a Shepherd Who watches over us. He leads—we follow. When we stray or wander away from Him, we, too, become vulnerable to the tactics of the enemy.
Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:14-15, 27-29).
So, my friend, are you following your Shepherd? If so, you will think as He thinks. You will look upon the crowds, those within your sphere of influence, as harassed and helpless sheep without a Shepherd, and see them with compassion.
We are to listen to the voice of the Master Shepherd so that we may influence the crowds around us. We are to stay close to our Shepherd by spending time in His Word and prayer, so that we can impact the crowds in our world for the kingdom.
Perhaps you feel like one of the crowd, harassed and beaten up. Your world may have fallen apart and the enemy has attacked you on every hand. Maybe you have been on the receiving end of abuse, unforgiveness and slander.
The Shepherd has an abundance of grace and peace for you.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Or maybe you have wandered away from your Shepherd like the sheep Kay Arthur spoke of. If so, there is an easy way back. It’s called repentance. It is making a U-turn and running toward your Shepherd. He is always watching and waiting, and He will welcome you with open arms.
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, emphasis mine).
Wow—to be kissed by God. . . !
Don’t accept the lie of the enemy that no one loves you, that God is angry with you, or any such nonsense that he dishes out. He is a liar and the father of lies. It is his native tongue (John 8:44). He is a thief and robber (John 10:1), and he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
Christ Jesus, Jehovah Raah, is our Shepherd. He laid down His life for us (John 10:11). The cross forever proves His love. Guilt will drive us from the cross. Humility will drive us to it. Know who you are, dear friend; a sheep of the Master Shepherd.
He will care for you—and you in turn will care for the crowds. . . .
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever (Psalm 23).
Recommended Reading
Romans 1:26-30
I Thessalonians 1:4-10
I Thessalonians 3:12-13
I Thessalonians 4:1-12
I Thessalonians 5:12-28
II Thessalonians 1:3
II Thessalonians 2:13-17
Notes
1. Kay Arthur, LORD, I Want to Know You
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Matching Steps
Can two walk together unless they are agreed? — Amos 3:3
Each morning when I walk I encounter an elderly couple. They are a delightful twosome stepping out just as daylight breaks getting their morning exercise. We always speak as I pass them, and sometimes we stop and share a few words.
I came up behind them one morning just as I was completing my walk and nearing my driveway. I slowed down because I didn’t want to startle them by closing in behind them at a fast clip. I completed the last hundred yards of my walk at a slower pace just observing them.
Walking behind them was a treat. It was cold so they were bundled up in hats and coats. And as I walked about twenty yards behind them I observed their pace. They walked so well together. Their steps matched perfectly.
I could tell they had walked together for decades, because they walked as one. Pace exact, right leg to right leg stepped forward, then left leg to left leg stepped forward. They had no thought of this—it came from a long standing relationship where the wife knew her husband, trusted him and kept time with him perfectly.
The husband matched his wife’s stride as well. He didn’t pull her along; rather their steps were exactly together. In their togetherness the endearing love they had for each other was transparent. Her arm was closely tucked under his arm and his other hand covered her hand, obviously to keep it warm. He walked closest to the street as a man does to keep his wife safe from harm. It was beautiful!
As I strolled behind, observing them I couldn’t help but liken their walk together to our walk with our Lord—our Heavenly Husband. Just as this woman and man had learned to walk well together from years of doing so, we too learn to walk well with our Lord as the years pass—our hand tucked into His, His hand covering ours to keep us safe and warm.
King David had a sense of this when he said:
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
He saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around
those who fear him,
And he delivers them (Psalm 34:4-7).
What a wonderful life we have with our Lord. He is everything we need. He is a wonderful Husband, especially to those of us who have no husband.
Learning to walk with our Lord so that our steps match His, takes daily study of His Word, spending time with Him in prayer, obeying His voice, and then matching our steps with His. From our long-term relationship with Him, we learn we can trust His leading, no matter what challenges come our way.
From long-term trust in Him we know in our deepest heart nothing can thwart His plan (Job 42:2). Whatever comes into our lives comes for our good (Romans 8:28), and He will keep us through it (Isaiah 42:2).
Circumstances don’t always look as though they are good. We may have to weather the cold and step in the mud, but because we trust His Word we have confidence in the outcome.
And from long-term walking with our Lord we know that He will match His steps to ours, He will walk closest to our danger, He will tuck our arm in His arm and cover our Hand with His. There is nothing that will come our way that God won’t get us through. He has our life planned out before us.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).
God has a wonderful plan for your life and He will fulfill His plan. And because He has brought you this far you can know He will get you home safely! Just as the man who walks closely with his wife each morning, God walks closely with us. He loves us, He provides for us, He protects us and He will get us home!
Are you in step with your Lord?
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Recommended Reading
Isaiah 43:1-5
Isaiah 48:17
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Lamentations 3:37-38
Amos 3:7; 4:13
I John 1
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Each morning when I walk I encounter an elderly couple. They are a delightful twosome stepping out just as daylight breaks getting their morning exercise. We always speak as I pass them, and sometimes we stop and share a few words.
I came up behind them one morning just as I was completing my walk and nearing my driveway. I slowed down because I didn’t want to startle them by closing in behind them at a fast clip. I completed the last hundred yards of my walk at a slower pace just observing them.
Walking behind them was a treat. It was cold so they were bundled up in hats and coats. And as I walked about twenty yards behind them I observed their pace. They walked so well together. Their steps matched perfectly.
I could tell they had walked together for decades, because they walked as one. Pace exact, right leg to right leg stepped forward, then left leg to left leg stepped forward. They had no thought of this—it came from a long standing relationship where the wife knew her husband, trusted him and kept time with him perfectly.
The husband matched his wife’s stride as well. He didn’t pull her along; rather their steps were exactly together. In their togetherness the endearing love they had for each other was transparent. Her arm was closely tucked under his arm and his other hand covered her hand, obviously to keep it warm. He walked closest to the street as a man does to keep his wife safe from harm. It was beautiful!
As I strolled behind, observing them I couldn’t help but liken their walk together to our walk with our Lord—our Heavenly Husband. Just as this woman and man had learned to walk well together from years of doing so, we too learn to walk well with our Lord as the years pass—our hand tucked into His, His hand covering ours to keep us safe and warm.
King David had a sense of this when he said:
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
He saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around
those who fear him,
And he delivers them (Psalm 34:4-7).
What a wonderful life we have with our Lord. He is everything we need. He is a wonderful Husband, especially to those of us who have no husband.
Learning to walk with our Lord so that our steps match His, takes daily study of His Word, spending time with Him in prayer, obeying His voice, and then matching our steps with His. From our long-term relationship with Him, we learn we can trust His leading, no matter what challenges come our way.
From long-term trust in Him we know in our deepest heart nothing can thwart His plan (Job 42:2). Whatever comes into our lives comes for our good (Romans 8:28), and He will keep us through it (Isaiah 42:2).
Circumstances don’t always look as though they are good. We may have to weather the cold and step in the mud, but because we trust His Word we have confidence in the outcome.
And from long-term walking with our Lord we know that He will match His steps to ours, He will walk closest to our danger, He will tuck our arm in His arm and cover our Hand with His. There is nothing that will come our way that God won’t get us through. He has our life planned out before us.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).
God has a wonderful plan for your life and He will fulfill His plan. And because He has brought you this far you can know He will get you home safely! Just as the man who walks closely with his wife each morning, God walks closely with us. He loves us, He provides for us, He protects us and He will get us home!
Are you in step with your Lord?
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Recommended Reading
Isaiah 43:1-5
Isaiah 48:17
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Lamentations 3:37-38
Amos 3:7; 4:13
I John 1
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
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