Last week’s teaching on Eastertide and “Living in Resurrection Power” has led to many questions from you with regard to its application for 21st century living.
In response, I invite you to a follow-up WordBytes entitled, “Living the Resurrected Life.” I am pleased that we are continuing to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord (2 Pet. 3:18). His plan of salvation continues even into this present age. Hallelujah!
Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)
This is the closing instruction the Psalmist gives in the 46th division of Israel’s song book. It was to be remembered and recited as they worshipped Jehovah in the Temple. Perhaps it was read during times when the nation was threatened by foreign nations. It could even be cited as kings prepared to bring a somber message or bad news to their subjects.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though the waters be therefore roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah
With the latest mass shooting in Kansas City after the Chief’s Super Bowl parade, we ask ourselves the question, “Lord, when will the madness stop?” It seems as if evil is on every hand—locally, nationally, and without a doubt internationally. We may even ask, “is God in control?”
Psalm 46 answers those questions in its final verses. Yes, God is still in control. And in response to the problems we face, we are to “be still and know” who God is and His ability to address the issue at hand. To know (yada) means: (1) to know by observing and reflecting, and (2) to know by experiencing. It is to have an intimate knowledge of Him.
As we reflect on our lives, where have we seen God at work? When has God come to our rescue or given us the strength to endure trying times? Have there been situations where we realized that God had gone before us to make a way out of no way (Psa. 50:15)? God is awesome and available and much, much, more.
As I process the trauma of the senseless shooting, this time, in “my city”, I recall the words from the powerful hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, which is said to be a paraphrase of Psalm 46.
A mighty Fortress is our God
A Bulwark never failing
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing
The concept of fortress appears numerous times throughout the Bible, often carrying deep symbolic meaning beyond just a stronghold or place of defense (Psa. 18:2; 62:6-8). Fortress is most often used metaphorically to represent God as a source of refuge, protection, and salvation for His people. These verses portray God as an unshakable fortress or tower that provides safety and security for those who trust in Him.
This thought continues with the Psalmist’s use of the word, bulwark. A bulwark is a wall meant to provide protection. “Mortal ills” are human sins we must deal with while operating in our “human flesh”. These often result in negative outcomes in our personal life and in society.
Jesus in His final moments with His Disciples presented a “sobering expectation” of their future: “In this life you will have tribulations.” That message is still true for us in the 21st century. But Jesus adds the “blessed reality and result” of our relationship with Him. “Be of good cheer (take courage), I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
In other words, Jesus’ victory over death and sin by way of the Cross, would be the same victory we would experience as we encountered life’s trials—individually or collectively. Victory includes our ability to persevere and to succeed regardless of the circumstances we may experience (Eph. 1: 18-19).
As we navigate tragedies and misfortunes, we must remember that we live in a fallen world. And while we have been delivered from the penalty and power of sin, we must still expect and deal with the consequences of its presence. Our knowledge of God assures us that His presence will go with us (Deut. 31:8), His power will protect us (2 Thess. 3:3), and His peace will sustain us (John 14:26-27). Therefore, we can be still (relax).
To know or knowledge (yada) in the Old Testament means to: (1) know by observing and reflecting (thinking) and (2) to know by experiencing and being acquainted with. Yada represents both the intellectual and experiential side of knowing.
In the New Testament this same thought is continued with the Greek words, ginosko and oida, which recognizes an increase in knowing or knowledge. The word epiginosko (epi, “upon”) expands knowing to full knowledge through a special participation and uniting with the object (Col. 1:6). This is the experiential side of knowledge.
Knowledge of God accomplishes three things in our life as believers: (1) it establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life, (2) it results in purposeful living, and (3) it enlightens us as to what God has given to us.
Knowing God and knowledge of God are both part of the same coin. Our knowledge of God paves the way to knowing God AND knowing God creates a desire to increase our knowledge of Him.
In Peter’s second letter to God’s elect, he expressed concern about false teachers in their cities. He opened with a special blessing that would offer both favor and protection against the error being communicated at that time. Peter prayed that grace and peace would increase abundantly to meet the challenges they faced. How? By continuing to grow in the knowledge of God AND Jesus their Lord (2 Pet. 1:2, NKJV).
Like the elect receiving Peter’s letter, we too are surrounded by false teachers. I use this term more generally to describe those who perpetrate disinformation and misinformation. Their sole purpose is to create false narratives, perpetuate divisiveness, and seed dissension for gain. Social media continues to invade our thoughts resulting in unhealthy influences, high anxiety, and fear. AI with its many benefits also brings new threats of abuse and misuse.
Peter contends that through knowledge of God, we have everything we need for living godly and prosperous lives. This knowledge is made available to us through God’s Word (Psa. 19:7-9) and through His Holy Spirit. In addition to God’s “exceeding and great promises”, we are also partakers of His “divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:3-4).
Even in the direst of circumstances, we must remember and declare that we have the victory through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (Rom. 8:35,37; John 16:33). Our knowledge of God is the filter through which we respond to 21st century challenges and live triumphantly even in a fallen world (2 Cor. 4:14-18). Next week we will detail how we can grow in our knowledge of God.
Truth time. Do we want to come to a knowledge of God? Do we want to increase our knowledge of Him? Or are we satisfied with what we know today?
A.W. Tozer in his book, “The Dangers of a Shallow Faith,” shares his observation of the modern Church in their search for things of “this world” rather than knowing God. After reading this short excerpt, let’s ask ourselves, “what are we seeking as a substitute for the knowledge of God?”
The Early Church was in wonderment at Christ. He dazzled them and stirred within such feelings of amazement that they could never get over Christ. All they talked about was Christ. All they thought about, from morning to night, was Christ. Christ was their only reason for living, and they were more than willing to die for Him. Now we looked to celebrity to dazzle us. For some reason we assume that carnal entertainment is the appropriate replacement for the sanctified adoration of the Most High. No cheap thrill can ever replace the ecstatic joy of knowing Jesus Christ.
In choosing our year-end WordBytes, it was amazing how quickly the teaching for today came to my attention.
This WordBytes was written in 2019, as we entered the world of COVID. At that time, we had no idea that our lives would be forever changed. The world as we knew would never be the same.
This WordBytes was also written to address the anxiety we typically experience as we begin planning for the new year.
In our text today, Moses is preparing the Israelites for the changes that lie ahead as they prepare to enter the Promise Land with 2+million people. Just imagine the heightened anxiety and fear of the people. But Moses shares with them a promise they could “hang their hat on”. God will go before them!
It’s been said, “Hindsight is 20/20.” As we look back over the past year with new COVID variants, political division, wars around the world, and more, we might ask this question, “Is God still going before us?”
Take a moment and think about how God has intervened on your behalf during this past year. It’s true that we have experienced many hardships this year. However, regardless of them, we are now planning for a “new year”.
Do you want to know why? Because God still (even in the 21st century) goes before us. Whatever circumstance we may face in 2024, know that God is more than able to sustain you through it. I pray that today’s WordBytes will increase your confidence and trust in the Lord. Have a blessed and happy new year.
Advent season is a time of waiting. Waiting by its very definition is challenging. It is defined as the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.
How well we wait lies not only in what we are waiting for but also who we trust to provide our desired outcome. That trust is based on the provider’s ability to deliver the outcome. That’s why as believers, it is important to remember that Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith is worth waiting for.
Waiting is a discipline. “Godly” waiting is a spiritual discipline that we must cultivate. As with any discipline, practice makes “progress” (perfection is not always the goal). Advent is a time in which we should make every effort to expand our capacity to wait. That increased capacity will strengthen us for the days ahead.
While waiting, we exercise our patience “muscles” and bolster our endurance until we receive what we are waiting for (Heb.10:36). In our waiting, faith is activated and strengthened. It is in the waiting that our hope becomes an expectation. While waiting, our belief and trust become rooted and grounded in the Lord (Ps. 27:13-14).
As we continue our journey through “Advent past”, we will look at waiting from a different perspective: God’s perspective.
Have you ever awakened in the morning and instantly felt overwhelmed by the day? I mean, have you been totally immobilized so that you’re unable to get out of bed?
We can be sure that it is Satan’s effort to get us off God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Of course, our flesh also plays a part in this conspiracy. It is in the morning that the battle for our mind and our spirit begins.
This is the time to connect with the Holy Spirit and the truth found in God’s Word. This is the moment we can declare, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psa. 118:24).
Each day begins with our perception of what lies ahead for us. Our calendar and day timer contains our commitments. Our mental and physical state impacts how we receive each new day. We are mentally challenged with fears, anxiety, depression, attention deficit, even our negative talk. We may physically “not feel good”. Seasonal ailments, chronic pain and disease make “jumping out of bed” a real chore. Getting up in the morning is a complex endeavor.
Read, “Monday Morning Cup” , with Lisa Boone-Reddick
But mornings are simply “a period of time which occurs between sunrise and noon”. The bigger issue is our ability to manage the stresses, complexities, and demands that arise during our days (and nights). The challenge is knowing how to successfully navigate the realities of living during these tumultuous and demanding times.
What would happen if we changed our perception of how we operate each day? How much better would our lives be if we acknowledged the real source of release and contentment? King David gives us the answer in Psalm 118.
Psalm 118 is an excellent source of encouragement when we are perplexed with the struggles we face in our lives. King David probably penned this psalm after he had weathered the battles and challenges to gain full possession of the kingdom to which he had been anointed (1 Sam. 16:13).
In Psalm 118, David acknowledges the struggles but more importantly he witnesses to the presence and favor of God in the midst of those struggles. David begins and ends this psalm (vv. 1, 29) with praise and recognition of how Israel had made it through its most challenging days. David’s psalm was a call for all to remember God’s presence, God’s protection, and God’s provision. It was a time to give thanks for God’s goodness and His mercy.
Oh, give thanks unto the Lord,
for He is good, and
His mercy (lovingkindness) endures forever.
God granted David gracious favor in his distress. Matthew Henry describes this favor as “vouchsafe”.
God heard his prayer (v. 5): “He answered me with enlargements; he did more for me than I was able to ask; he enlarged my heart in prayer and yet gave more largely than I desired.” He answered me, and set me in a large place, where I had room to bestir myself, room to enjoy myself, and room to thrive; and the large place was the more comfortable because he was brought to it out of distress (Ps. 4:1). [1]
David’s view “from the other side” (of his rise to power) was the result of his personal relationship and experience with God. David remembered God’s faithfulness. He trusted God (vv. 8-9). This strengthened his belief that God would always be there (vv. 6-7; 17-18). David’s experience of God’s large place would prepare him for what lay ahead as he ruled the great nation of Israel.
We too can enter God’s large place through prayer and receiving His engrafted Word (James 1:21). We are invited to be intentional in recognizing and accepting God’s providence in our lives. Whether good or bad, morning or evening, God is always present to see us safely to the other side. God’s large place can be a place of victory, growth, and freedom. Let us declare, like David: Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
[1] Matthew Henry Commentary, Psalm 118.
Joy is defined as gladness of heart. It is listed among the top five things[1] people desperately want in life yet “never seem to be able to get”. Joy’s allusiveness, in many cases, is the result of our tendency to define joy as external to ourselves. We believe it is a person, place, or thing. Once we have “it”, we’ll have joy. Wrong!
As we survey the world we live it, gladness of heart is under attack. Our attempts to navigate 21st century living seem more daunting and challenging with each new day. Financial worries served as a significant source of stress ranking higher than three other causes of concern: work, family responsibilities, and health concerns.
Work, family, and health concerns have exploded. So how can we find joy? The Apostle Paul shares the secret of not only how to find joy but also how to return to it in spite of the pressures we might face.
In Philippians 4:4, Paul exhorts the Church at Philippi to holy joy and delight in God.
Delight yourselves in the Lord, yes, find your joy in him at all times. (Phillips Translation)
God has furnished us with joy even in the worst of circumstances. Nehemiah in the midst of hostility and threats, said that “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Neh. 8:10).
David acknowledged that “in God’s presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). Jesus instructed His Disciples “to live in The Vine”—in Jesus’ holy presence (John 15:5-11). By living in the Vine, Jesus’ joy would remain “in them and be full.” These same offers of joy are extended to you and I who live in the 21st century. Jesus is the source of our joy.
It is God’s desire that we return to joy regardless of life’s circumstances or difficulties. Jesus describes these as “tribulations” (John 16:33). Tribulations and trials are “natural outcomes” we suffer as a result of living in a fallen world.
We experience the effects of fallenness every day. They include death, disease, and difficulties. However, in Christ and as God’s children, we have been provided with God’s Presence (The Holy Spirit), God’s blessings (Eph. 1:3-17), and God’s inexhaustible grace to sustain us (Phil. 1:6).
Returning to joy strengthens our resolve and helps us to continue the purpose God has set before us. Such strength can only come from Eternal God Who helps us through the worst of circumstances. When we come into the presence of the Lord, we connect with His great and eternal power. God’s power exceeds anything we can do in our own strength (Phil. 4:13).
We are invited to return to the joy that comes from serving God who is sovereign and who has overcome the world (Ps. 119:89-91).
[1] Top 5 include: Happiness, Money, Freedom, Peace, Joy
As a child, I remember our worship services especially the ones with sermons that warned our congregation of the dangers of “backsliding”. After the minister’s fiery discourse, a few members would approach the “welcoming” altar, many times weeping and repentant.
The word backslide, in a Christian context, implies movement away from Christ rather than toward Him. A backslider is someone who is going the wrong way, spiritually. He is regressing rather than progressing. The backslider had at one time demonstrated a commitment to Christ or maintained a certain standard of behavior, but he has since reverted to old ways. Backsliding in Hebrew mean “turning away, turning back, or apostasy”. It infers “defection”—turning away for the wisdom of God (Prov. 1:32) and away from Jehovah—the Covenant Keeping God (Jer. 3:6, 8, 11, 12).
We don’t hear much about backsliding these days. Perhaps our focus has shifted to the “lost” versus those who “appear to be” in the ark of safety. But backsliders are as important to God as the unsaved in that backsliding is an indication of the lack of one’s faithfulness to Him. Faithfulness to God was an important part of the prophets’ proclamations and is central in appreciating Hosea 11.
The Old Testament prophet’s function was to not only herald the warnings of God but to also remind God’s people, Israel, to remain faithful to Him. Through the prophets, God announced His intentions to enforce the covenant which was always in accordance with categories of blessings and curses already contained in the Law. Even today, we need to take heed to the prophetic Word of God. We must remain faithful to Him and if we have “backslidden”, repent, and return to faithfully follow God.
In Hosea 11, God speaks to the prophet as one would speak to a close friend and confidant. God shares with Hosea His history of unbridled favor and goodness to Israel. The opening verses (vv. 1-3) read like a doting parent, who has poured all their affection and attention upon their child only to receive, in return, opposition and defiance. God’s “gentle cords and bands of love” (v. 3) only resulted in Israel’s ingratitude and unfaithfulness.
For Israel’s immorality and worship of idols, God’s punishment of Israel would be swift and severe. Israel’s unfaithfulness would earn God’s judgment and doom. God’s compassion toward Israel would be the only reason God’s mercy and grace would be extended (Hosea 12:6). It would, however, call for their faithfulness to God.
God attributes Israel’s behavior to its “bentness to backsliding.” This “bentness” is like Paul’s description of “the flesh”—that unredeemed part of man that still exists within believers (Rom. 7: 17-19). Israel was deaf and disobedient to God’s voice, spoken by Moses and His other prophets. They rebelled and became more resolute in their disobedience; adding to Israel’s injurious behavior, was their failure to exalt God (Hos. 11:7).
The positive ending to what began as a tragic narrative is that despite Israel’s faithlessness, God was faithful. God honored His covenant and extended mercy to Israel with the promise to ultimately restore His covenant people to Himself (vv. 10-11).
How similar is Israel’s behavior to that which we find in our nation, in our homes, and in our individual faith walk. That same “bentness to sin” that tempted Israel still tempts us today to unfaithful behavior. Though delivered from the bondage of sin, we may find ourselves still pursuing those things that feed our fleshly desires and wants (1 John 2:15-17). Backsliding may manifest itself in several ways, e.g., dropping out of church, losing fervor for the Lord, walking away from a ministry or a family, or falling back into old habits.
It is a great encouragement to our hope in God’s mercies to remember that “God is God”, and not man. He is the Holy One. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and receives us even when we are guilty of backsliding. God is faithful to His covenant people. Even in our faithlessness, God remains faithful to us (2 Tim. 2:13).
What peace are we seeking and when will we find it? Because of God’s grace and mercy, we experience various degrees of peace even in this fallen world. We are no longer in enmity with God because of Jesus’ gift of life (2 Cor. 5:18). We on occasion see glimpses of peace between nations and groups divided because of preference, politics, or social agendas. However, even that peace is tenuous and subject to change with the next difference of opinion.
The search for peace is a pursuit that will continue until we transition to eternity. So why are we trying so hard to achieve it now? Because it is God’s desire that we live in peace with each other and experience peace within. Without peace we will be hindered from accomplishing our divine purpose which includes glorifying God.
When God and man lived in the Garden of Eden, their world was designed to accomplish a specific purpose. God would provide for His creation—food, clothing, shelter. Man in turn would be obedient to his Creator and reverence God. They would enjoy an intimate and harmonious relationship. There was peace. Of course, we know what happened to the plan of creation.
Although many attempts have been made through the institution of covenants and laws, man has always been troubled with contention, strife, and war (Hab. 1:3; James 4:1; Rom. 2:8). The biblical text relates attempts by God’s prophets and priests to bring peace, but none could be found—externally nor within.
Only Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah, could bring the “peace” that would reverse the ravages of sin that resulted in broken relationships and shattered hearts (Isa. 9:6-7; Mic. 5:4-5).
Early in our study we defined peace as a stress-free state of security and calmness, everything co-existing in perfect harmony and freedom. Let’s be real. Man cannot orchestrate this kind of peace while we live in this fallen world. And this is the world we must live in right now. The peace described in this definition will be possible when Jesus Christ returns and rules physically during the Millennial Age.
However, right now God’s peace is guaranteed by His unchanging promises and can be found through faith in Jesus Christ. It is possible spiritually through the Holy Spirit living within us. The Holy Spirit fortifies us as we live in this fallen world. He sustains us even in the most desperate of circumstances (Gal. 5:22).
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, appealed to the church in Phillipi, to “rejoice in the Lord”. Strange message considering Paul’s situation. But while experiencing the backlash of living in a fallen world, he found peace in his situation. He offered the same to them (Phil. 4:6-7, NLT).
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Chrysostom, Eastern church father and archbishop of Constantinople wrote these words on “how this peace—God’s peace—passes all understanding”.
The peace of God, which He imparts to us, passes all understanding. For who could have expected and who could have hoped for such benefits? It transcends every human intellect and all speech. For His enemies, for those who hate Him, for the apostates—for all these He did not refuse to give his only begotten Son, so as to make peace with them. The peace which will preserve us is the one of which Christ says, “My peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” For this peace passes all human understanding. How? When He sees that we should be at peace with enemies, with the unrighteous, with those who display contentiousness and hostility toward us, how does this not pass human understanding?[1]
God’s peace is what we need for 21st century living. Peace that will not only exceed our expectations but also guard our hearts and minds, from fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and despair. Our “call to action” as believers is to, like Jesus’ Disciples and the Apostle Paul, become agents of peace and ministers of reconciliation to a “peaceless” world. In the world’s search for peace, let us be the light to show them where they can find it (Matt. 5:9).
[1] Ancient Christian Commentary of Scripture, New Testament VIII, Mark J. Edwards
We closed last week’s session by putting forth the truth that true peace can only be found in God through Jesus Christ.
Through Christ’s sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, we as believers have peace with God (Rom. 5:10), the peace of God (2 Peter 1:3-4), and peace from God (2 Cor. 4:8-9). God’s peace is underwritten by His unchanging promises and experienced through the presence of the Holy Spirit living within us. So why is there so much peacelessness?
Is there such a word? I don’t know but, for me, it is the perfect description of what we are experiencing while living in this fallen world. Increases in depression, anxieties, and mental distress. Conflict and violence in our world, in our nation, in our communities and our families.
Even nature is experiencing peacelessness as we adjust to the effects of global warming and climatic changes. Peacelessness (no peace) is one thing we can all agree is going to be difficult to attain in our immediate future!
For both believers and nonbelievers, the difficulty in finding peace lies in where we are looking for it. Unfortunately, we most often look for peace in the wrong place and from the wrong source. We place our dependency on the world and on self.
We must also consider the influence of Satan’s lies and deception. All these factors result in the same outcome which is the failure to hear and accept God’s offer of peace.
God, however, offers a solution to the peacelessness (lack of peace) in our life. The God of hope wants to fill us with joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13). How can we access this joy and peace? By believing in God and in His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. By faith, God offers “shalom shalom”—perfect peace.
The prophet Isaiah gives us both the outcome and the pathway to God’s peace (Isa. 26:3).
You (God) will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
God alone can give us the peace we so desperately need in our life and in this world. I leave you with these words from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While He shared them with His Disciples in the moments prior to His crucifixion, He speaks to us today. Read them; meditate on them. God is our peace (Eph. 2:14). He is our “Shalom Shalom”.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, NLT)