Category Archives: Victorious Living

God’s Compassion: A Study in Contrast

February 21, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Our Emotional Response (ER)

Last week, we described compassion as a willingness to relieve the suffering of another. With that definition we introduced a series of emotional responses (ERs) to the pain and suffering we experience. The intent was to help us better understand the differences in our emotional response to the anguish and distress of others.

Our ER can fall on a continuum ranging from pity to compassion. This is summarized below:

As we survey our cities, nation, and the world, we appear to be more jaded in our feelings concerning the plight of others. This cynical view has begun to infiltrate, not only our personal response but has become reflected in our reaction to the growing social issues and “human problems” we face each day. For example, can we honestly say that our education, health, and social systems reflect compassion for the people they are to serve? Are we REALLY our brother’s keeper (Gen. 4:9)?

I wonder what God has to say about our ER to the conditions of our world. Does God view compassion in the same way we do? This week we will explore how our view of compassion differs from God’s view.

Will the compassionate people please stand?

How would you describe a compassionate person? Would you describe yourself as compassionate? You may be sometimes and then at other times, not compassionate at all? Why the difference in ER?

The Greater Good of Berkeley University define compassion as a mental state or orientation toward suffering (your own or others’) and includes four components:

- Bringing attention or awareness to recognizing that there is suffering (cognitive)
- Feeling emotionally moved by that suffering (affective)
- Wishing there to be relief from that suffering (intentional)
- A readiness to take action to relieve that suffering (motivational)

This explanation does not consider other factors that may also impact our ability to respond with compassion, such as understanding the nature of the situation and the effort required to resolve the situation.

Where’s the compassion?

If we look at Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:31-37), what were the orientations or mental states of the travelers, as described by The Greater Good.

Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came, and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Where did the train go off the rails? The priest “saw”. The Levite “came and looked.” Only the Samaritan moved passed the cognitive response and moved directly to motivational. “The Samaritan came where he was and when he saw him, he had compassion”.

So, he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

More like God

The Hebrew and Greek words sometimes translate “compassion” to have a broader meaning such as “to love” and “to show mercy.” Synonyms for compassion in English are “to be loved by,” “to show concern for,” to be tenderhearted,” and “to act kindly.” Do these words describe you?

Compassion is an inherent part of God’s very being (Exod. 34:6). In the Old Testament, God’s compassion was rooted in His covenant relationship with His people (2 Kings 13:23).

In the New Testament, God’s compassion is demonstrated in His Son’s ministry and among His people. Jesus’ messianic compassion was extended to the helpless crowds (Matt. 9:36), the sickly masses (Matt. 14:24), the hungry people (Mark 8:2), the demon possessed (Mark 5:90), the unclean lepers (Luke 5:12-16), and to all in need of “love and mercy” (Isa. 61:1-3).

In our generation, Jesus has extended compassion to each of us—the hopeless sinner (Rom. 5:8). While compassion is not a uniquely Christian response to suffering (Luke 10:33), Christians have unique reasons for nurturing our compassionate disposition. God compassionately and truly cares what happens to us. We will talk more next week about how to develop a more compassionate disposition and its importance in navigating 21^st century living.

Victorious Living

Have a Heart!

February 15, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Here’s how it all began

A businessman was called away to attend a critical meeting in a neighboring city. Because it was not very far away, he decided to drive versus fly. As often is the case in car travel, he decided to stop at a familiar rest area along the way. Unfortunately, during that stop, he was robbed and brutally beaten while exiting his car.

As he laid on the concrete, two travelers like himself stopped, but when they noticed him bleeding on the ground, retreated back into their cars and quickly drove away. Finally, a traveler pulled alongside him and seeing his situation, came to his aid. This last traveler loaded the businessman into his car and took him to the nearest hospital.

Does this story sound familiar? This is my 21st century version of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. The context for Jesus’ teaching was the question posed to Him concerning loving others and defining who is one’s neighbor? Who are we to love or have a heart for?

I will use this familiar text to begin our study on compassion. What is compassion and why is it important for us to express it to others?

What’s it all about?

Dr. Luke’s story, sad to say, is not unfamiliar in our society today. We’ve heard stories about crowds who witnessed harm to another person right in front of them but chose to turn their head or back on the situation.

On a broader scope, we see social injustices and human needs accelerate in our cities. Homelessness, food insecurities, and economic disparities, are all too familiar examples of where society has figuratively, turned their back. Why? What are we missing? Do we have a heart? Where is our compassion?

Compassion by any other name

There is much confusion as to the difference between pity, empathy, sympathy, and compassion. Perhaps because we tend to use these nouns to describe our reaction to pain and suffering. While these words are close cousins, they are not, however, synonymous with one another.

While there are broader details around the meaning of these emotions, I will try to be as simple as I can, for the purpose of this teaching.

- Pity. We acknowledge a person’s suffering. “I really feel sorry for those who loss their life in the earthquake.”
- Empathy. We understand what the person is feeling. “I felt the same way when I loss my job.”
- Sympathy. We feel what a person is feeling. “I was also harassed during high school.”
- Compassion. We are willing to relieve the suffering of another. “I will help you end your pain.”

Authors studying these emotions, find that placing them on a continuum helps us better understand their differences including the key factors that affect our response to human suffering and pain, i.e., effort, understanding, and engagement.

Compassion is the feeling of sorrow or pity excited by the suffering or misfortunes of another.

Compassion is made up of two words: “com” which means with or together; “pati” which means to suffer. Together one suffers with another.

What’s our response?

When we view the misfortune of others on social media, are we moved to sorrow or pity? As we look at famines and wars in countries thousands of miles from us, what is our emotional response? Sympathy? Does your response change, based on the specific situation or person? What moves us from pity to compassion?

I close with a few quotes on compassion to help us understand it is needed more than ever for what afflicts us in the 21^st century. What does it take for us to have a heart?

True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness. Mother Teresa

When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection or compassionate action. Daniel Goleman

Compassion is an action word with no boundaries. Prince

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. Psalm 111:4

Victorious Living

What I Learned in 2022: The Needful Thing

January 11, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Where did I spend my time?

In formulating my list this year, I began by answering the question, “where did I spent my time.” I considered the books I read: books on spiritual disciplines, strategic prayer, and holy watchfulness. Who were the people I included on my calendar and how was my life enriched by being with them?

All these informed my final selection of what I learned in 2022. And what I learned was this: The pursuit of God is the most important thing in my life. He is everything His Word says He is. He is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is our Everlasting Father, our Healer, Provider, and Protector. And much, much more.

The pursuit of God and His righteousness really resonated with me as I read the Luke narrative about two sisters who had differing views on how to spend their time.

Mary and Martha

In Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV), we are introduced to two sisters, Mary and Martha. We are given a snapshot of how each chooses to “spend their time with Jesus.” As you read this text, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal who you most resemble.

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Is this us today? The busyness of life steals time from us. That same time can be best used in fellowship with Jesus. What stands in our way? Perhaps, it’s social media, or an over committed calendar. Satan loves to keep us busy. As a result, we fill our lives with things of the world rather than sitting at the feet of Jesus, the only One Who has all we need.

A Thirst for God

In Psalm 42:1-2, the Psalmists uses the imagery of a thirsty deer, to describe longing to be with God.

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?

This is perhaps what Mary had a thirst for: The Living God. Isn’t it funny how we continually look for things in this world to satisfy our human “thirsts”. We attempt to satisfy them with “stuff”: money, clothes, ambition, relationships. But in the end, it is the intangibles that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can truly satisfy. Love, joy, peace. Only in God’s presence can we satisfy our thirsty soul.

One thing is needful…that good part

What was the one thing needed? The New Living Translation says it this way: “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it.” The word “needed” is translated to mean “a necessity; such things needed for sustenance and the journey”. And what was that good part? Jesus. Jesus, the Living Word, was necessary for Mary to live life more abundantly (John 10:10). Jesus was needed for spiritual sustenance and the journey of life. And He still is.

As we address the challenges of 21^st century living, we as believers have left our “first Love” (Rev. 2:4). We have forgotten what it means to be “in relationship with Jesus”. Relationship is built as we read God’s Word and better understand His ways and His works. Martha had forgotten that at one time she too sat at Jesus feet and listened to His Word. But now she had allowed the “busy work” to replace the “good work”.

Why is it the “good part”? Relationship with Jesus is the only thing that is important—in time and for eternity. What we see now is fading away…deteriorating…temporary. But what God offers us is incorruptible and undefiled, that never fades away; reserved in heaven for us (1 Pet. 1:4). This is what was offered to Mary and therefore, wouldn’t be taken away from her. This is still the offer to us today.

Where do we sit?

What’s most important to you? What will our calendar say is the priority for our time? What “words” capture our attention and become our values, beliefs, and lifestyles? What I learned in 2022, was illustrated in the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus states it clearly then as He states it in 2023. “One thing is needful.” (Luke 10:42) Rediscover and pursue your First Love. Make fellowship with the Father and Jesus your top priority in 2023.

Victorious Living

Thanksgiving Gratitude

November 22, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“In everything give thanks.”

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are instructed to give thanks in everything. What does that look like in our homes and cities as we continue to deal with challenges on every hand. Especially this Thanksgiving.

As we prepare for our family gatherings, the impact of inflation, rising gas prices, and supply shortages may cause us to question, “is there really anything to be thankful for?” What gratitude are you bringing to this year’s Thanksgiving celebration?

Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation and thankfulness for what one has. Is there anything we appreciate or are thankful for? While we are very good at expressing our displeasure for what we don’t have, regrettably, we often miss the mark in articulating our gratitude.

Failure to show gratitude

We, in general, are slow in offering gratitude. We will sometimes express gratitude when prayers are answered, or catastrophes are avoided. However, even in those special circumstances, we are more likely to attribute our good fortune to luck than to God’s benevolence.

In the busyness of living, we take for granted those things God provides through His grace to all mankind: the sun and the moon (Deut. 33:14), the regularity with which the seasons change (Gen. 8:22), and the marvels of created life (Rom. 1:20).

We fail to recognize our blessings and therefore fail to express gratitude. Gratitude is the only “proper response” to beneficence: the generosity and kindness from a benefactor. In our case, exuberant gratitude is the best response to our gracious and loving God.

Gratitude and salvation

With salvation, we as believers experience a multitude of blessings, both now and in the future. First and foremost is our deliverance from the power and penalty of sin (Rom. 6:9). This release from our sin nature provides instant access to God the Father (Rom. 5:2).

We are given a new identity in Christ, both as children of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17). As new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), we are gifted with the presence of the Holy Spirit who empowers us with the same dunamis power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19).

Finally, eternal life is God’s special gift to believers. It is a gift that cannot be acquired through works, or any other path. Yet it is readily available through belief in Jesus the Christ (John 3:16). Through eternal life, we can experience God’s presence, peace, and provision. As heirs of God, we await our final inheritance reserved for us in heaven, when we return to our true home (1 Pet. 1:3-4).

It is God’s will that in everything, we give thanks.

It is not God’s will that we express gratitude for “gratitude’s sake only”. We know that in giving thanks, His power can be released into our life in ways never before seen.

This includes the formation of incredible joy, unshakeable hope, and unbroken peace (1 Pet. 1:2-4). The outward expression of appreciation to God, works to bring new power and access that, under other circumstances, would be unattainable.

As we prepare for this year’s Thanksgiving, are we grateful for what we do have? According to the Greek writer and philosopher, Cicero, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues but the parent of all others.” Let us, therefore, bring to this Thanksgiving dinner an “extra serving” of gratitude.

Victorious Living

Losing Our Mind

July 26, 2022 ITWMinistries

Losing our Mind

In the 90’s there was a commercial that declared “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Its intent was to encourage the pursuit of higher education.

Unfortunately, a politician, hoping to win “kudos” and votes with potential constituents misquoted this saying resulting in the statement, “a mind is a terrible thing to lose.” That politician was not re-elected.

Mind management

In his letter to the church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul gives advice as to the best use of one’s mind. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). In other words, we are to set aside our way of thinking and replace it with the same type of thinking as Jesus. And what is the results of doing this? Victorious living.

Victorious according to Webster is defined as having won a victory or characterized by victory. I’m not suggesting that our life will be perfect nor problem free. Our victory comes in the knowledge that Jesus has already overcome every situation we now face in our life (Heb. 4:15; 1 John 5:5). In Christ, we have everything we need to overcome the challenges of 21^st century living (2 Pet. 1:3-4, RSV).

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion and become partakers of the divine nature.

How do we obtain the mind of Christ?

To have a mind of Christ we must…

Be willing to exchange our position and our plans, for the purpose God has designed for our life. Christ willingly joined God in His plan of salvation for mankind (Eph. 1: 4-6).

Trust in God and believe that all things work together for good to those called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

Humble ourselves like Christ. Our intents and actions should seek “no personal reputation” nor gain (Phil. 2:6-8). Christ voluntarily set aside His privileges (“being in the form of God”) and accepted a lower status (“took on the form of a bondservant and made in the likeness of man”). Why? For us. That we might be released from the bonds of sin and have eternal life.

Our victory

Finally, to have the mind of Christ, we must be obedient. Obedience is the highest form of love. Because of our love for God, we must be willing to sacrifice our thoughts and actions to follow the instructions He has set before us (1 Sam. 15:22). Christ’s obedience was love of the highest caliber. Jesus was obedient even if it meant death by the worst possible punishment, death on the cross (Phil. 2:8).

Paul shares with the Philippians God’s reward for Jesus Christ’s “mind” (Phil. 2:9-10):

Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Possessing the mind of Christ will empower us to “pull down strongholds and cast down obstacles that hold themselves up above the knowledge of God. We can do this by bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:4-5)

“A mind may be a terrible thing to lose” unless you replace it with the mind of Christ. There is an old axiom that states, “You can’t lose what you never had.” Read the Gospel account of the Madman of Gadarenes (Mark 5:1-19) and see how losing your mind can change your life.

Victorious Living

Throwback Wednesday: Remember to Press In!

June 28, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Welcome to Throwback Wednesday

We close June with Throwback Wednesday. It is an occasion to look back and rediscover truths that we may have forgotten. In reading this WordBytes, I was challenged to place its insights in the context of today’s realities.

I’m sure many of you, like myself, are fatigued by the continual bombardments of bad news, emerging crisis in our nation, and the challenges to make sense of a world that seems to have lost its way. Regardless of the circumstances and events of the day, I invite you to “press in”. Press into God and feel His presence which will help us continue with hope and renewed energy.

I have always shared with friends and family, that God has purposed our lives for times such as this. Our resiliency and our ability to move forward need to be connected with the power, presence, and promise of God. He will not leave us nor forsake us. We need only “press in!

“You will find me when you seek Me.” Jeremiah 29:13

We have explored on many occasions the biblical truth that God is in and among us—continually, without interruption, 7 by 24. We experience God through our personal fellowship with Him and through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

However, there may be times when we don’t “feel” God. We feel estranged from Him, alone, and unable to hear His voice. Be assured, this is a common experience for believers. The resolution for this spiritual occurrence, however, is not to curb our prayer life or cease in reading His Word. During those times, it is imperative that we “press in.”

Disturbing Quietness

There are seasons in my life when it is extremely difficult to hear God’s voice. I’m not talking about unanswered prayer but times of “disturbing quietness” when l must strain to hear Him—if I hear Him at all.

As I shared this experience, I found other believers had been through similar seasons of silence. Interestingly, we all described it as a period when we “didn’t hear His voice.”

In Search of an Answer

When I first experienced this quietness, I began to the search my heart for sins I might have committed yet failed to confess. It was the sin of Adam that separated him from fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden. Later Adam and Eve would experience the physical death of their body—the final separation from the world God had created for them. I asked God to forgive me of my sins, yet I still felt disconnected from my First Love (Rev. 2:4).

My next effort was to examine my devotion time with Him. I would increase my time of reading His Word. Psalm 119 became my “song book” as I sought to hear His voice.

- I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (v. 16)
- I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. (v. 26)
- Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. (v. 151)
- May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. (v. 169)

I would rise early to pray—leaving more time to “listen” and less to speak. I would “draw near” with a sincere heart with expectations that He would do likewise (James 4:8; Heb. 10:22). I would dedicate my day to praise and worship. If God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3), He will surely respond to me as I emptied myself to Him. Yet with all the modifications to my devotional time, I couldn’t hear Him. After many days of silence, I finally experienced a breakthrough.

Learning to Press in

In Secrets of the Secret Place, Bob Sorge shared his insight into my situation.

Many of us feel like we move in and out of God’s throne room. We have times of great connectedness, and then we suffer periods of disconnectedness. We can’t always analyze exactly why a distance has developed in our hearts toward the Lord, but most of us feel like our relationship with Christ is a roller coaster ride of feeling close, then far, then close, then far, then close again. In and out. And we hate it. We were created for constant intimacy, and anything less drives us crazy on the inside. It is at those times that we need to press into God like you never have in your life! Allow the desperation of your soul to help you pursue God with absolute abandonment.

God’s periods of quietness were an invitation to draw closer to Him—to “press in.” More than proximity, He desires to establish an intimate friendship with us that is walked out through the course of our everyday lives. He is not looking for a segment of our day nor a day of the week. He desires unbroken communion with us.

So on those occasions when it appears that “you can’t hear God”, press in! Be of good courage for He is ever near (Ps. 73:28). Press in! Eagerly and unabashedly pursue Him, the Pearl of Great Price (Matt. 13:46). Press in!

SELAH: Read Psalm 63:1-8. Write in your journal the ways that David “pressed in” to God during his time in the wilderness. Read the text again using a different translation or paraphrase. Then ask the Holy Spirit how He wants you to “press in”.

Victorious Living

In the Presence of God

June 14, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.”

Psalm 139:7-8 (NRS)

Unseen influences

Our life consists of more than “flesh and blood”. It includes our assumptions, beliefs and behaviors that regulate our personal preferences and pursuits. These can be “of the world” or “of God.”

These assumptions, beliefs and behaviors eventually influence the choices we make daily and are ultimately reflected in our life style.

It is important that God’s influence is evident in our lives. This begins by our acknowledging His glorious presence. In Psalm 139 David shares the effect such knowledge can have in the life of the believer.

Where can I go?

In Psalm 139, God’s presence is demonstrated through several of His key attributes.

In verses 7-12, from which our text for today is found, David speaks specifically of God’s omnipresence. God is everywhere all the time.

In Jeremiah 23:23-24 this characteristic is spoken of by God Himself. “Am I a God near by, says the LORD, and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.”

Acknowledging God’s Presence

The impact of living in God’s presence offers extraordinary benefit for the believer.

First, knowing God is everywhere offers us great comfort. The new norm for living in the 21^st century requires us to be ever vigilant—watching for potential risks and dangers that may threaten us physically, financially, and/or socially. To know that we are never out of the presence of God should settle the faint-hearted. God alone can make good on His promise that He will “never leave nor forsake us” (Gen. 28:15).

Secondarily, believers living in the presence of God possess great confidence knowing that God is ever-present. Even in the most routine of transactions, recognizing that the “only wise God” (Rom. 16:27) is there to guide and direct our steps, releases us from unnecessary stress and concern (Phil. 4:6-7).

Finally, living in God’s presence provides us great clarity as to how we are to live in this present age (Titus 2:11-13). This acknowledgment requires that we live obediently according to His Word and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Living in God’s Presence

God’s Word, especially the New Testament, describes God’s expectation of our conduct in light of living in a fallen world. Our behavior is different from the world’s view (Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 John 2: 16-17)

As believers in Christ, our reality recognizes that God is the center of our universe and it is God who sustains us and keeps us (Ps. 3:5; Heb. 1:3). We joyfully seek His will—the divine purpose of the ever-present God. Our life and reality is derived from knowing we live continuously in the presence of God.

Victorious Living

A Better New Year’s Resolution, Part 2

January 4, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A better new year

As we shared last week, new year’s resolutions are not the best way to create change in our life. Strength of character and self-will, often fall short in taking us where we really want to be. We determined that “the best way” to introduce real change in our lives is through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We must put on our “new man”. In Christ we have a new identity.

Embrace our identity in Christ

When I began my Christian walk, the meaning of “in Christ” was a mystery to me. I tried to understand it based on those things I was familiar with. For example, I established membership in the local church. I was in fellowship with its members to serve and glorify God in my life. But “in Christ”, what did it mean?

In Christ is the present experience of the risen Christ indwelling the believer’s heart. By the Holy Spirit we take on the personality of Christ. It is more than an imitation of the life and teaching of Jesus. It describes the believer’s union with Christ as a result of the divine action of grace by God. The result of that action is the believer is transformed into a “new man.” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Renewed in knowledge

Knowledge is defined as general awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

However, in Colossians 3:10 knowledge means “precise and correct knowledge”. It is used in the New Testament of the knowledge of things ethical and divine. It is this type of knowledge that is needed today to navigate the challenges of our times.

Paul tells the church at Colosse to “put on the new man” who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. “New man” and “old man” were terms introduced by Paul to contrast the believer’s new versus old behaviors and lifestyle (Rom. 6:6, Eph. 2:15; 4:22-24, Col.3:9-11).

So why did Paul tell the church to put on the new man? Because the new man has access to the “precise and correct” knowledge needed for righteous living (living in right relations with God and with mankind). This knowledge is provided through the Holy Spirit living within the new man (John 16:13). This is where transformation takes place.

In addition, this new man’s knowledge is further strengthened as a result of being created in the image of God. In Christ we possess God’s divine nature—His DNA. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms. It is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally. In Christ, we have been given a new spiritual DNA that equips us for the purpose and plan God has created for our lives.

True Knowledge

In Christ, we not only have renewed knowledge but also “true” knowledge. Paul describes this in 2 Peter 1:2-4.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Knowledge (of God) protects us against error and deception, regardless of its source. It helps us discern and use God’s truth to guide our life. True knowledge sharpens our spiritual eyes to see not only potential dangers but also the possibilities that God has in store for us.

Promise of a better year

If we want a better new year, we must be intentional. Our aim should not be wasted on things that never work. Our focus must continue to be on the Person who has the authority and power to “make all things work together for our good.” (Rom. 8:28). That person is Almighty God (Ps. 97:1-2).

Our divine truth is this. Being in Christ and knowledge of God will provide us with everything we need to be successful not only in 2022 but also all the way to glory. Let us diligently seek the Lord more this year than last. This is the best way to a better new year.

Victorious Living

Where do you get your information?

October 5, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What’s up?

Well it’s October. The fall is my favorite season. Good-bye bugs and bites! No more 95% humidity and sneezy nose. Bye-bye day light savings time! Better than it being fall, it’s Throwback Wednesday. For those of you who may be new to WordBytes, on Throwback Wednesday, we look at what’s trending in the news or what the hot topic of the week is.

Well if you slept through yesterday, you failed to experience the crash of Facebook and its social media sisters, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Facebook-owned services, WhatsApp and Instagram went down on Monday, for the second time in 2021. This failure left some three billion online users frustrated and unable to connect all over the world. It is reported that Zuckerberg lost nearly $7B alone on the Facebook outage. The outage shut out 2.9 billion Facebook subscribers.

So what did we do when Facebook and her affiliate platforms went down? There are about 3.78 billion social media users worldwide. Social media has become the life blood for us living in the 21^st century. It has become not only a source of information, but also our primary connection with others. This sometimes fosters a false sense of belonging and fellowship. Now really, who has over 20,000 friends? Have you ever asked them for a loan?

Where did you get that from?

That’s the question I usually ask people when they share information that I question. Surprisingly, we look to social media to inform our decision making. “If it’s on the internet, it must be true”. Really?

So where do we, who rely on social media platforms, go to get our information. Is social media the “best” source of truth (that is if you’re looking for truth)? Does it help us “respond” wisely or simply “react”?

According to the Pew Research Center, about a quarter of U.S. adults get most of their news through social media. They recently shared information on “Americans Who Mainly Get Their News on Social Media.” Here are some of their key findings.

1. U.S. adults who mostly get news through social media lag behind others in attention to election and pandemic news.

1. U.S. adults who mostly rely on social media for political news are often less knowledgeable about current events.

1. In addition to lower awareness of current events, social media news users hear more about some unproven claims.

Where do you get your information?

When I opened my email today, I received two invitations to help “inform” me. One was 10 Things You Need to Know Today. They highlight key news stories nationally and internationally. They know where I should focus my attention, right? The “1 Thing I Need to Know Today” is that in Christ Jesus, I live, and move, and have my meaning (Acts 17:28). This one thing guides my actions and thoughts for the day.

The other is The Week. Their subject line states, “Read what the world’s thinking”. I asked myself; “do I really care what the world is thinking?” The only Person’s thinking I’m concerned with is God. So I pray that I have the mind of Christ and joyfully obey His will (Phil. 2:5).

Our continual reliance on social media and the Internet makes it necessary to carefully examine the sources of our information. Believers must especially be intentional in practicing spiritual discernment. Truth and life come from God through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

We must not only seek truth in all we do, but we must also boldly denounce lies that keep others in darkness (Eph. 5:11). A lie by any other name—alternate view, misstatement, or an error in communication, is still a lie. Its intent is to deceive, mislead, and misrepresent.

So for this month’s Throwback Wednesday, we offer for your reading, “Discernment: Light for Darkened Eyes.” MAY THE TRUTH BE WITH YOU!

Victorious Living

The God Who Contends

June 11, 2019 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children.” Is. 49:25b

In our study last week, we discovered the power available to us when we exchange our human weakness for God’s inexhaustible strength. Declaring our total dependence on God moves believers from doubt and fear to confidence and trust. This confidence is strengthened by the reality that we have a God who contend on our behalf.

In most Old Testament texts, contend refers to fighting or strife between two persons. The Prophet Jeremiah pleaded with God to reverse His decision to punish Judah with exile: Give heed to me, O LORD, and listen to the voice of those who content with me! (Jer. 18:19)

In other biblical writings, contend is used in reference to a legal argument or defense. In Ps. 35:1, 23 the psalmist is asking the Lord to enter the case and act as their advocate. Such is the case in John’s epistle as he reminds this new church that they have a “heavenly Advocate” who stands before the throne of God and contends for His saints (1 John 2:1).

Our text today is found in the section of Isaiah known as the “Prophecies of Comfort”. Israel and Judah’s disobedience was a major offense to God throughout their national history. Upon hearing Isaiah’s pronouncement of judgment, the people tried to shift blame to God by accusing Him of “forsaking them” (v.14); but Isaiah would not engage in their excuses but would instead comfort them with God’s promise of the coming Messiah and hope of restoration. God would contend for Israel and Judah, even while they were in exile and bring them and their families back to their native land. Those nations who had been enemies of Zion would receive judgment for their crimes and ultimately destroyed. God would contend for Zion because of His promises and because of His great love for them (Deut. 7:7,8).

Before the foundation of the earth God was contending for us (Ps. 139:15, 16). God contends for us through His everlasting love (Jer. 31:3) and spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3). Through Jesus Christ, Satan has been defeated (Col. 2:15) and sinners reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20). With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have everything we need to successfully live in this corrupt and lustful world (2 Pet. 1:3-11). Regardless of your personal situation or circumstance, know that God “has you covered”—He contends fo you.