Tag Archives: Knowing God

Eastertide

Our Faith Declaration

The power of our words

Every Sunday our church recites in unison our affirmation of faith.  It consists of a series of declarations as to who God is and the mission of our church as part of His kingdom. Many congregations share in this tradition by reading The Apostle’s or Nicene Creed.

The intent of this practice is to express collective agreement and commitment to the basic tenets of Christian faith.  As I recited our church’s affirmation, I was not fully aware of its significance for me personally.

However, as I studied the Apostles’ writings during this Eastertide season, I have discovered its application for me in my spiritual formation. It is this meaning and reality I’d like to share today.

The importance of our declaration

After the Damascus Road (Acts 9:15), Jesus shared with the Apostle Paul the importance of knowing the source of one’s meaning.  This would serve to guide him through many trials and difficulties as he prepared for his day at the court of Rome.

The philosophers of Rome fancied themselves as great thinkers and orators, spending their day debating over the latest doctrines, beliefs, and suppositions. They were unimpressed with Paul’s credentials, describing him as a “babbler” (Acts 17:18).

Despite their intellect, they didn’t know the name of THE UNKNOWN GOD on whose altar they inscribed this title.  However, Paul personally knew THE UNKNOWN GOD. It was HIS GOD , who “made the world and all things therein” (Acts 17:23, 24).

The reality of God

Paul introduced the scoffers to the reality of God as the Sovereign Creator of the universe. God created everything they were familiar with, both living and inanimate. Paul knew that Creator God was “the source of life and not and idol god made of “gold, or silver, or stone” (Acts 17:29).

The men of Athens foolishly erected altars to dead gods, but the God of Heaven and Earth resurrected the Living Savior. Paul closes his oration to the Athenians by calling them to repentance (Acts 17:30) in realization that they would ultimately face a time of righteous judgment by “that man” whom God has ordained (Jesus). This final reality was authenticated by Jesus Christ’s resurrection (Acts 17:31).

What is our reality?

How does Paul’s teaching to Athenians speak to believers today? Believer’s reality and meaning must be grounded in God. That reality began in the Garden of Eden. Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny are tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Colossians 3:3).

This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted. Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, our sins were forgiven, and we are now reconciled back to God (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19).

When we affirm our faith, we acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Galatians 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). We no longer follow the world’s view of reality.  Our view is patterned after Jesus and is now being reshaped by His Blood. Our meaning and reality are realigned with God (2 Corinthians 5:15). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a).

My personal declaration of faith can be found in my church’s affirmation. “We believe in God, Who is the absolute source of life from whom all creation derives its meaning and reality.”   That meaning and reality includes me.  This is my faith declaration!

Our Faith Walk

Two Boats and a Helicopter

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Two boats and a helicopter

The choices we make

I’m sure you have heard the story about the man who faced imminent danger as a result of a flood that begun to ravage his community.  The flood waters became higher, forcing him to retreat to the roof of his house.  On two occasions, individuals in boats beckoned him to climb into their boats and save his life.  But he refused and shouted back from his roof, “I’m a Christian! God will save me!”

Finally, the waters rose to the edge of the roof.  Suddenly a helicopter appeared and begged the man to grab the dropped latter and be saved.  Well, you know what happened!  The man refused and ultimately died.  When he entered heaven, he demanded to see God.  “Why did you let me drown?”  Instead of striking him down with a lightening bolt, God calmly replied, “Hey, I sent you two boats and a helicopter.”

As we face the challenges and problems in our life, we often fail to watch and follow the leads that God sends us.  Many of these are given to us before we enter our trial.  However, when we’re in that dire situation, so is God!  God is there AND He wants us to use the resources He has provided for us.  Such was the case with Moses as he faced his first hurdle–leaving Egypt.

After Moses and the Israelites left Egypt, Pharoah had “seller remorse”.  God hardened his heart and caused him to regret letting the Israelite slaves leave (Exodus 7:14).  He probably felt like he had been duped.  Who would do the work that the Israelites did?  Egypt’s economy would probably suffer, not to mention their quality of life—who would cook, clean, and serve them?   So much for Pharoah right now, let’s return to Moses’ dilemma.

The dilemma

As Pharoah and his army approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Weren’t there enough graves in Egypt that you brought us out here to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?”

The complaints escalated.  Moses tried to reassure the Israelites that everything would be alright.  He tried to coach them to “stand firm” and “be still”.  God would fight for them! (Exod. 14:13-14).  Moses told them that they would see the salvation of the LORD on that day.  But all they could see were Egyptians bringing up the rear fast.  They could not see God!

As I read this passage, I saw myself when facing hard times and challenges.  I tend to see only what I can look at with my physical eyes—loss of health, injustice, change in relationships, economic uncertainty.

It’s even harder for me to “be still”.  I need to fix this situation and now.  I see only me standing before the Red Sea.  But all is not loss—I’ll tell you why in a few.  Back to Moses.

“Any old help will do.”

I’m sure Moses cried to God.  Exactly what he said is not included in the scripture text.  But the Lord used this moment to speak directly to Moses.  Was God going to tell him that help was on the way?  Was He sending two boats and a helicopter?

The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exod. 14:15).

Moses probably thought, “Really?  Red Sea before me and Egyptians behind me.”  Sometimes when we pray, God’s answers don’t always make sense to us at first. But that’s where our faith in God—His greatness and His goodness—reinforces the need to obey His instructions (Heb. 11:1).

God gave Moses an answer he didn’t expect: “Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” (Exod. 14:16)  

Moses had the answer to His dilemma “right in his hand” PLUS the power of God.  Moses and his staff would be the conduit God would use to not only deliver the Israelites but also glorify God.  This act of deliverance would spread throughout the countryside including to the potential tribes in the Promise Land whom the Israelites would need to conquer (Exod. 14:18).

When you need help…

From this study, I came to the following conclusions about what to do when I need help.

    1. Assess what I currently have available to address my problem. I will not only inventory what I have with my “physical eyes” (my mind and my intellect) but also with my “spiritual eyes”.  When I read God’s Word, especially His promises and follow that with prayer, I can expect God to show me what to do.  I have learned that God’s ways, methods, and timing are not the same as mine (Is. 55:8-9).  THEY ARE BETTER!
    1. “Lift up to God” the resources He has already provided for my solution. Moses failed to remember that God had told him that He would go with him on the journey to the Promised Land. He had forgotten how God used Moses’ staff in the court of Pharoah (Exod. 4:3).  Sometimes I refuse to move forward until I have “all the information and answers”.  When that happens, it is important for me to call to remembrance (Is. 46:9,10) where God has stepped in to join me in my battles (2 Chron. 20:6-7, 12).
    1. Move forward. I am still learning each day to move forward when directed by God.  I guess it’s part of being human.  I am learning to move “more quickly” when God directs me and learning to trust Him more.

In my moments of prayer and meditation, I ask God to show me those areas of my life where I sin by being prideful or self-reliant.  He uses that time together to gently redirect my attention away from my problems and look to Him.  God is greater than any problem we may face and better equipped to solve them.  Only God can guarantee our success!

When God created us, He not only placed His purpose within us but also placed the ability to complete that purpose (Phil. 1:6).  As God prepares our path, He also prepares us for the path.  It is our responsibility to believe, to trust, and then obey.

Conclusion

The next time you need help, deliverance, or an answer for life’s challenges, don’t always look for a miracle from God.  He doesn’t need to come to our rescue.  God is always with us.  We daily live not in God’s miracles but by His lovingkindness and grace.  He is there to help us see the resources He has already provided for our escape (Eph. 1:17-20).

Prayer:  O Heavenly Father, grow within us the faith we need for the challenges we face.  Train us to look at our problems as opportunities to partner with You in their resolution.  Forgive us when we lean on our own understanding.  Place in our heart an expectation that You are with us and will always act on our behalf.  Lord, finally, help us to “Go forward” in Your name and by Your power.   Amen

Eastertide

Never Forget Redemption!

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Another Easter.

Is this our response on the Monday after Easter?  Many of us participated in several Lenten season activities that concluded with the celebration of Resurrection Sunday.   Now it’s time to put away the bunny baskets and hide the remainder of the candied eggs from our children (and ourselves).  But there is one thing we don’t want to put away until next year.  Recognition of God’s redemption.

For we believers, Resurrection Sunday is much more than the culmination of the 40-day Lenten season.  It’s more than a Sunday on the calendar in the spring.  Resurrection Sunday is celebrated in memory of the extraordinary price Jesus paid for not only our freedom (from sin, from death, from destruction) but also the greatest gift any person can ever receive (and Christ can only give)—eternal life.  Eternal life begins on earth and culminates when we return home to be with Jesus (John 17:3).

For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, Amplified)

Just as the birth of Christ was orchestrated by God, so it was with His crucifixion and glorious resurrection (Genesis 3:15). Our understanding of God’s redemptive plan is critical knowledge that must be DAILY applied, integrated, and assimilated into our hearts, our minds, and our spirit (John 17:17-26).

The Best Plan

God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) fashioned a plan whereby “He Himself” would become human and finally resolve the problem of sin (1 Peter 2:24). But why did this plan require Jesus Christ to take on flesh and blood?

Therefore, since [these His] children share in flesh and blood [the physical nature of mankind], He Himself in a similar manner also shared in the same [physical nature, but without sin], so that through [experiencing] death He might make powerless (ineffective, impotent) him who had the power of death—that is, the devil. (Hebrews 2:14, Amplified)

Only Christ could satisfy the “righteous requirements” of the law (Romans 8:4).   The Mosaic Law demanded that blood be shed, in the form of an animal sacrifice for the “forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). This process of sacrifice was repeated continuously, generation after generation, until Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:23-28).

Christ would be able to share in our humanity. He would be able to understand our weaknesses and temptations. As a partaker of flesh and blood, He “might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people” (Hebrew 2:17).

Christ’s defeat of Satan would free believers from sin’s power (Romans 6:6-7).  It is in the destruction of Satan’s power that we are now able to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).  We can live victoriously in and for Christ.

 Our Part in the Plan.

God’s salvation does not require us to lay down our physical life for Him but God does ask us to die, spiritually, to the control which our flesh, the world and Satan exert upon us.

The Apostles gave us hints as to the best way to live in the remembrance of redemption.  These are great scripture to use during your time of devotion and meditation.

Paul stated:  I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20, Amplified)

Peter reaffirmed this thought in his letter to God’s scattered elect: Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world],  so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God. (1 Peter 4: 1-2).

How can we continue remembrance of God’s plan of redemption in 2025?  We can include in our daily devotions activities that recognize and acknowledge God’s gift of redemption.  Scripture memorization, meditation, and journaling are great starters.   Being intentional in our efforts will ensure we never forget what Jesus Christ has done and continues to do for us! (2 Corinthians 1:9-10)

Knowing God

What is God revealing?

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Revealing Hidden Things

As stated last week, secret things belong to God.  Revealed things, however, belong to us and to our children so that we may follow God’s law.  They are truths which God has communicated through the Bible and His Holy Spirit. These also include those things revealed through the whole counsel of God.

This truth, found in Deuteronomy 29:29, falls in the fourth address to the children of Israel by Moses.  It is a summary of the covenant demands and an appeal for covenant obedience (Deut. 29:2-29).

For the Israelites, the secret things of the LORD probably referred to future details that God had not revealed to Moses.  Yet what He had revealed (e.g., future judgment for disobedience, future blessing for obedience, His requirement for holiness, etc.) was enough to encourage the Israelites to follow all the words of the Law.[1]  

Is God’s revealed truth enough to encourage 21st century believers to trust and obey Him?  To answer this question, let’s consider four (4) tenets of faith currently revealed by God in His Word and through His Spirit.

These are not meant to be exhaustive, but have proven to anchor one’s faith during tumultuous times (Heb. 6:19).  As we look at our current world situation, it is easy to become weary.  Hopefully, these revealed truths will encourage us not to “lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:16-17).

What has God revealed?

Our Knowledge of Him (2 Pet. 1:3-5).  Jesus came not only to acquire our salvation but to also manifest (reveal) the Father’s name (nature) to His children (John 17:6; 26).  Armed with that knowledge, we believers have access to divine power and precious promises.  God has also provided us with spiritual wisdom and insight through His Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-10).

Our Identity (Eph. 1:3-4). Identity is defined as the set of characteristics by which a thing is definitively recognized or known.   God chose us to be adopted as sons, heirs and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17).  Our identity also connects us with other believers in God’s universal Church.  Because of our identity we have access to everything we need to accomplish God’s purpose for our life and His kingdom. (Eph. 2:10)

 Our Salvation (2 Cor. 5:17).  We are new creatures in Christ.  Because of Christ’s substitutional death on the Cross, we have been set free from the penalty and power of sin in our life.  This freedom will be fully experienced once in heaven where we will be delivered from the presence of sin (Rev. 21:4).

Our Hope (Rom. 4:18-21).  Hope is simply defined as the expectation of future good.   “Biblical hope is the anticipation of a favorable outcome under God’s guidance. More specifically, hope is the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future. This contrasts to the world’s definition of hope as a feeling that what is wanted will happen.”[2]

What keeps us from trusting what God has revealed?

One reason we may not trust what God is revealing is because we fail to recognize it.   In the 2020 Barna study, “Signs of Decline & Hope Among Key Metrics of Faith”, it is noted that there are fewer “faith engagements” occurring among both believers and non-believers.  These include Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance.  These activities are critical to gaining an understanding of what God has revealed in the past and what God is revealing in the present.

The U.S. population is undergoing major religious, social, demographic and digital change. The rise of digital life, including social media, the economic crisis, changing attitudes about social issues and the emergence of younger generations on the scene are some of the factors that are likely to form undercurrents recalibrating Americans’ connection to faith and to Christianity.

Another reason we may not trust what God is revealing is because we choose not to believe.  One’s disbelief may be tied to the feeling that religion and the Bible are no longer relevant to 21st century living.  Such beliefs are not new.  The Apostle Paul warned the young minister Timothy that the time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3-5).   People are choosing other forms of spirituality that “better accommodate” their chosen life style and worldview.

Finally, we may not trust what God is revealing because we choose not to obey God.  Have you ever noticed that when a person is auguring over a specific teaching from the Bible, it is often connected to a personal obedience challenge they are facing in their life?  Obedience is more than just following the letter of the law.  It is discerning what God would want and then seeking that outcome.

So where do we go from here?

As we discover things revealed (and the list is infinite), we gain access to the very mind of God (Rom. 11:33-36).  Things revealed may be answers to those persistent questions concerning God’s purpose for our life.  Our receptivity to things revealed may be our entry to God’s power, presence, and provision.

Our life and the current challenges of 21st century living may seem impossible, but with God’s grace and favor, nothing is impossible.    We need only trust in Him and in the things He has revealed.

[1]  The Bible Knowledge Commentary , Old Testament

[2]  Holman Bible Dictionary

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: How Are You Holding Up?

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How are you holding up?

How are you holding up?

In recounting the major events of this century, I better understand the severe damage they have had on us, and on our view of life.  Pandemics, wars, terrorism (domestic and foreign), social strife, natural disasters and so much more.  Our personal lives have also been affected as we navigate changes in responsibilities, relationships, and work life.

It has been exhausting!   These shifts, and dips of life, have required more than “pushing through”.  It has necessitated more than “hanging on”.  It requires that we cling even more closely to God.  God’s presence and power is the only true source of resiliency.

In John 16:33, Jesus shares this truth with His Disciples.  We can place our trust in this truth as we move into 2025 and beyond.

 In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer.  I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD. 

 The Amplified Version of Jesus’ words encourage us even more.

In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Because of “these times” in which we live, it is imperative that we holdfast our faith.  Our trust and belief in Sovereign God is essential not only for our physical and mental well-being, but also for our spiritual perseverance and endurance (Psalm 18:1-2).

To help us on our faith journey, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, a message that is important to remember when facing 21st century challenges and tribulation:  “Don’t Let Go Your Faith!”

 

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: A Heart to See God

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A Heart to See God

Intentional teaching

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  As a little girl, Matthew 5:8 was one of the first memory verses I was taught.  I can’t explain the reason for the choice of this verse.  Perhaps my mother felt it would help tame my mischievous spirit.  She was very intentional when it came to her children.  Little did I realize that my mother’s guidance would lead to a fuller vision of God and His Kingdom.

Jesus was also intentional in His teachings.  The Beatitudes, both in unity and individually, radically flew in the face of how the world defined happiness, satisfaction, and success: poor in spirit, mourners, meek, merciful, hungry and thirsty.

Jesus’ purposefulness is seen in His presentation of each of the beatitudes, especially with the placement of this sixth beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”  Today’s beatitude is no exception to this teaching pattern.  It redefines purity and the resulting blessedness of “seeing God.”

Jesus knows what’s needed.

Jesus has to this point shared with His Disciples key behaviors of those who enjoy the “happiness and satisfaction” of living by kingdom rules.

In reading this beatitude today, one might comment on its simplicity in meaning and presentation.  However, in the context of the 1st century, Jesus’ statement was revolutionary.  Jesus presented it to a nation literally obsessed with purification laws and procedures (Leviticus 11-15).

Imagine the shock of hearing Jesus.  “No one, not even Moses, has ever seen Jehovah God!”    “Purity of heart and nothing else?”   This alone was sufficient reason for the scribes and the Pharisees (who benefited from the current religious system) to desire Jesus’ death.

The heart’s role in purity.

The heart is key in sustaining a faithful walk with God.  Its condition (pure or unpure) affects our thoughts, behaviors, and actions.   In the Old Testament, the Lord described the heart, the seat of man’s affection, as “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).  David understood the importance of purity of heart as he pleaded with God to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him (Psalms 51:10).

Who are the “pure in heart”?

  • Those who mourn the impurity of their hearts to the extent that they do what is needed to cleanse and purify it (Matthew 4:17; 1 John 1:9).  When standing in the presence of Holy God, we understand our personal depravity and the need for forgiveness (Romans 3:23).
  • Those who accept God’s lordship in their lives. They place Jesus as the center of their life.  The pure in heart “see” God spiritually.  They operate in His presence, under His authority, and to His honor and glory (Coram Deo).

“Seeing God” in this beatitude allows us to recognize and acknowledge God’s sovereign acts of mercy and grace in this fallen world we live in (Matthew 5:45).  We are able to see “His Hand” both physically (Acts 17:28) and spiritually (Romans 6:6-9).

Our 21st century challenge

Seeing God is a challenge for people living in the 21st century.  Nonbelievers are blinded by Satan who keeps them from seeing the possibilities that Christ offers (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4).    Beatitude living is at enmity with a world that neither recognizes nor accepts the authority of God, the lordship of Christ, or the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, we believers aren’t always the best witnesses for Beatitude living.  Satan convinces many of us that purity of the heart is impossible.  Again, a trick by Satan to frustrate and discourage our efforts to live holy. We fail to understand that it is the work of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to purity.  God is not seeking perfection but progress:  a sincere effort to grow and love others.

As children of God, we have everything we need to live pure and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:2-3).  Our pursuit of purity can become “second nature”.    How?   By spending more time with God:  reading His Word, meditating, and prayer.  The more we do this, the more we will see God.

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature]

are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character],

for they will see God.” (Amplified)

 

Advent/Christmas

New Year. New Beginnings?

 

New Year. New Beginnings?

The New Year

The new year has arrived with festive gatherings and events.  Some of us have, as is our habit, made “traditional” New Year’s resolutions (which will be quickly abandoned in 30 days or less).

It is my prayer as we prepare for 2025 with new beginnings, that we also evaluate our spiritual growth and progress.  Are we growing closer to God or are we subtly drifting away?

In 2024, where did we spend our time and our resources?  Did we invest in things eternal (Matthew 6: 19-20) or put our hope in things that reflect the values of this world: power, influence, and material wealth?

As we move into this new year, let us remember that we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Let’s let go of those “old things”.  Let’s rediscover and embrace our identity in Christ.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Christ’s work of redemption presents us with the opportunity to experience a new beginning with God. No longer separated by sin, we can now be reconciled with God and enjoy peace with our fellowman (Romans 5:1). To experience this new beginning, we must first possess a clear understanding of our new identity in Christ (1 John 5:4).

Identity is the condition of being a specific person or thing. Our personal identity is the result of the people, places, and things we connect or associate with. This is also true of our spiritual identity. What is feeding our identity in the 21st century?

While personal identity looks at outward influences, spiritual identity, however, looks at two things: (1) the Person of Jesus Christ and (2) the Place of the Cross.

“Old things have passed away.”

Jesus Christ took on our physical identity (in his fleshly body) so that we can become partakers of his spiritual identity (Hebrew 12:14-15). This divine incarnation resulted in the perfect sacrifice required to satisfy the penalty for sin.  In exchange, we have eternal life and are now children of God (Romans 8:16).

In the shadow of the Cross, we leave our old nature and become crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We die to sin and its hold upon our life (Romans 6:11). It is in His resurrection, that we received new life for our new beginning.

 “Behold, all things have become new.”

Let’s flip the switch in 2025 and consider what God has invested in us.  Our responsibility is to daily live out the new identity Christ has provided. Once we fully grasp that, we are positioned to receive “all the fullness of God” (John 1:16).

Our hope and assurance rests fully on the completed work of Jesus Christ.  HE IS our New Beginning (Colossians 1:18).

Spiritual Maturity

Psalms for Thanksgiving 2024

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Thanksgiving 2024

On Thursday,  we will celebrate Thanksgiving—again.  As we prepare to join with friends and family during this time of gratitude and appreciation, my question is “what are we thankful for this year?”

For an answer, the Holy Spirit guided me to the Psalms.  The Psalms are recognized for their ability to capture the feelings and emotions of people “doing life”.  With that in mind, I’d like to share three psalms, Psalms 105-107, in gratitude for Thanksgiving 2024.

Begin with the end in mind

The opening lines of Psalms 105-107, “Oh give thanks to the LORD,” links together this trilogy of songs which praise God for His goodness and mercy to Israel.  Psalm 105 and 106, possibly originated by command of David to Asaph on the occasion when the ark of the covenant was first brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-19); Psalm 107 most likely were written during the post-Exilic period, that timeframe after the seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity.

As I read these psalms today, it is evident that their strength and intensity lie in their ability to present events of the past clearly and unabridged.  By communicating them to future generations, the nation of Israel would make sure that they would never forget what God had done for them and would result in unending praise to Him.

Psalm 105 remembered and praised God for His eternal faithfulness.

“He remembers His covenant forever, The Word which He commanded, for a thousand generations” (Psalm 105:8).  Israel’s covenant relationship with God gave them “favor” as the seed of Abraham and children of Jacob.  That covenant guaranteed God would both protect and provide for His own people.  It began in time past and is still promised to the nation of Israel in the 21st century.  God is “not a man that He should lie…as He spoken it, He will make it good” (Num. 23:19).

God’s faithfulness is extended to believers today through Jesus Christ, the Mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).  He will do everything He promised and more (Ep. 3:20).

Psalm 106 remembered and praised God for His certain forgiveness.

“We have sinned…committed iniquity…done wickedly.  Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake…” (Psalm 106:6-8)   Israel’s history is replete with accounts of their disobedience and turning away from Jehovah God.  Sometimes it took the form of idolatry; other times it was willful wickedness and rebellion.  Wherever they found themselves, the nation of Israel quickly forgot God and adopted the sinful patterns of their neighbors (v. 13).But God always extended mercy to them.

Believers today are blessed that we can ask God for forgiveness of our sins and He will faithfully and instantaneously forgive (1 John 1:9).  There is no need for the blood of bulls and goals or heifers (Hebrews 9:13-14).  Jesus paid it all that we might freely receive forgiveness.

Psalm 107 remembered and praised God for His great works of deliverance.

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy…and He delivered them out of their distresses.  And He led them forth by the right way…” (Psalm 107:2-7).

In God’s faithfulness and because of His forgiveness, He would continually show Himself strong on behalf of His people (2 Chronicles 16:9).  His works of deliverance would save them from their enemies (vv. 1-3), their sinful consequences (vv. 4-22) and the other storms in their national life (vv. 23-29).  And with that deliverance, came unmerited blessings—“wildernesses would be turned to pools of water and dry land into watersprings.”

Today, God continues to be our strength and very present help in time of trouble (Ps. 46:1).  He has delivered us, does deliver us, and we trust will still deliver us” (2 Cor. 1:10).

Your Thanksgiving Psalm

This Thanksgiving, create your own psalm in honor of God’s love and provision.  Know that He loves you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).

Sing praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who demonstrated His love for us.  Even while we were in sin, He died for us that we might have everlasting life (Rom. 5:8).    Praise the Lord and give thanks!

Spiritual Endurance

Throwback Wednesday: Is God in Control? The God Who Sees.

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Throwback: Is God in Control?

Throwback is back

At the beginning of 2024, we kicked off Throwback Wednesday with, “Living in the Resurrection Power”.  It focused on the importance of remembering that we, as believers, have resurrection power as a result of being in Christ.  Very appropriate for beginning a new year.  The Holy Spirit is the source of resurrection power.  It is through His presence that we are empowered for service to the Lord (John 16:13-15).

Resurrection power is the supernatural power God used to raise Jesus from the grave (Ephesians 1:19-20). It is this same power that has delivered us from sin’s power and penalty (Romans 6:14).  Unfortunately, we are still left to navigate sin’s presence until Christ’s return, or our transition to heaven.

Living in a fallen world

We are now three months away from celebrating 2025. This year has flown by.  Now is a great time to assess how we are doing, considering we live in such tumultuous and perilous times.  My question to you is, “How do you feel?”  Does God’s presence (through His Holy Spirit) provide the peace and joy promised in His Word? (Romans 15:13)

Remember this, we are navigating our lives in a fallen world which is “sin-bent”.  By this I mean, the behavior of those living under the world’s sway are self-directed versus Christ-directed (1 John 2:16, 17).  We can neither forget nor ignore that reality.  The world’s influence can impact all aspects of our lives especially our spiritual and emotional well-being.

Remember!

Four things I want us to remember.  Let us drill them deep into our mind, heart, and soul.

  • Number 1. We are never alone.  We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.   (1 John 4:4)
  • Number 2. Remember our position in Christ.  We have everything we need. (2 Peter1:2-3)
  • Number 3. Keep your eyes on God.  Focus on His power versus the object of our fear.  (Deuteronomy 31:8)
  • Number 4. God is ALWAYS in control.   Our God still reigns in all His power (Psalm 125:2)

It is with this fourth faith belief in mind that I introduce our October Throwback Wednesday: “Is God really in control? Knowing the God who Sees.”   May this reading bring to our remembrance that regardless of the world around us, we are safe in God, Who sees.

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Faithfulness in Prayer

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Faithfulness in Prayer

Imagine faithfulness

Imagine you with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with your fellow disciples.  You have just finished celebrating the Feast of Passover.  All of Jesus’ disciples are here except Judas.  It’s late but Jesus tells us to wait as He goes ahead by Himself to pray (He does that a lot) especially now.

Unfortunately, when Jesus comes back, He finds many of us have fallen asleep.  Fortunately for us, Jesus looks at Peter and asks, “Could you not pray with me for only an hour?”  Our scripture for today is found in the next verse.  “Watch and pray that you may not enter temptation.  The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41).

Prayer is the “faith-response and belief” that circumstances can be changed because of our prayers.  Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray because He understood fully the weakness of our flesh. He knew the disciples would need to “gird up their loins” in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead (1Pet. 1:13).  They would need to watch and pray!  That is still true for 21st century disciples!

Christmas in September

If you haven’t noticed, stores are beginning to display Christmas decorations and merchandise.  Even online stores such as Amazon are offering special deals for early shoppers.  What would happen, if we as believers took that same approach in our prayer life?

Oswald Chambers, an early-twentieth-century evangelist and teacher best known for the daily devotional My Utmost for His Highest, offers these thoughtful “gems” on the importance of prayer.

      • Prayer is not an exercise; it is the life.
      • It is impossible to conduct your life as a disciple without definite times of prayer.
      • Prayer imparts the power to walk and not faint.
      • Jesus Christ carries on intercession for us in heaven; the Holy Ghost carries on intercession in us on earth; and we the saints have to carry on intercession for all men.
      • Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.

Faithfulness in prayer

In his book, “Watchfulness: Recovering a Lost Spiritual Discipline,” Brian G. Hedge shares his thoughts on prayer and how it is cultivated.

Never forget the Savior’s words watch and pray.  Watching and praying always go together. To watch without praying is to overestimate our strength and sin through our self-reliance.  To pray without watching is to disregard the Lord’s command in presumptuous pride.

Watching acknowledges our attentiveness to prayer.  To be prayerless is to be careless and self-centered.  It results in our failure to watch for the changes prayer creates.  This includes changes that take place in hearts that humbly wait for God to act (Psalm 130:5-6).  When we pray, we declare our inherent weakness and our dependence on God.

“Watch and pray…”

Because of the effectiveness of prayer, it is important that we be alert as to when and where to pray.  That’s where watchfulness comes into play.   Watchfulness requires us to be spiritually alert because our adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy. (1 Pet. 5:8).  

As we see the movement of evil across our nation and around the world, we MUST watch and pray. Each day, whether we choose to or not, we are engaged in spiritual battles against the powers of darkness which seek to deceive, distract and destroy us (Eph. 6:12).

Therefore, as 21st century disciples, it is critical that we heed Jesus’ admonition to watch and pray.   While Jesus has physically gone ahead of us, He has instructed 21st century disciples to faithfully, “watch and pray”. Next week we will close our study with how to cultivate watchfulness.