Feeding the Fire that Destroys - October 31, Readings: Ezekiel 7-8, 1 Timothy 4, Psalm 119:89–96, Proverbs 26:20–21

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Nothing like a good campfire in the chilled fall air, is there? A group of friends and family sitting around the crackling fire talking and roasting marshmallows to make smores. Makes for a great night. Of course, if you want to keep the fun going, you have to constantly add wood to the fire. The logs burn away and turn to dust, and if you don't feed the fire, it goes out.

Solomon told us that the same thing happens with gossip and quarrels. Look at the vivid pictures he draws in Proverbs 26:20-21.

For lack of wood the fire goes out,

    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,

    so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

He differentiates between two options on how to respond to quarrels. We all get upset, have spats, and argue. That quarreling is part of our fleshly nature and the Spirit works to replace it with love, patience and kindness. But it is still a reality in our lives. But how we respond to those quarrels is the key.

When a quarrel blazes to life, there is a simple solution. Don't feed it. The fuel for a fire is wood. The fuel for a quarrel is gossip. When we involve others in the quarrel, when we spread rumors, gossip, and slander concerning the issue, when we take sides, we add fuel to the fire. A small flame can then become a conflagration that destroys families, divides churches and hurts people. That's what happens when you let gossip fuel the fire.

Better to just let it go, let it die. The Spirit of God can give the redeemed the power to do that, to turn our hurts and griefs over to him instead of spreading them around with gossip and slander. Blessed are the peacemakers, Jesus said. A large part of peacemaking is simply not to share gossip and fuel the fires of anger.

Father, help me to be a peacemaker, not one who feed fires with my tongue. May the Spirit control my tongue and may it praise you and bless the Body of Christ. 

Depths of Sin - October 30, Readings: Ezekiel 5-6, 1 Timothy 3, Psalm 119:81–88, Proverbs 26:17–19

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"I never thought it would happen to me."

How many Christians who have fallen into sin have uttered those words? They were sure that the foibles and failings that had taken others over the edge would never tear them down. But they did. I remember sitting in my office talking to a man, a spiritual leader, a pastor, who had compromised his marriage, his ministry, and his integrity. I asked him how it happened, what the warning signs were. He was befuddled. Never in his life did he ever imagine that he would make the kind of mess of things that he ended up making.

That is the nature of sin. I don't know who the first person to say this was, but I've heard it all my life.

Sin takes you farther than you want to go.
It keeps you longer than you want to stay.
It costs you more than you want to pay. 

People start out thinking, "It's no big deal - just a small compromise. I can handle it." Then suddenly, like the fish who nibbles at the lure, he is suddenly hooked and unable to get away.

Ezekiel 5 discusses the judgment of God on Jerusalem in a passage like dozens other. God's people have turned from him to live like the nations around them and even done greater wickedness (verse 6) than those nations - likely because as the people of God who had the law they were held to a higher standard. God was about to bring his judgment down on them for their wickedness.

When I read verse 10, it slapped me in the face. It is a disgusting thought which reveals the depths to which sin can take us.

Therefore fathers shall eat their sons in your midst and sons shall eat their fathers. 

It doesn't get much worse than that, does it? Cannibalism. Family cannibalism. Despicable and disgusting - something none of us would ever want to even imagine. And it is something no one in Israel ever considered doing. They were decent people, not perverts. This kind of unnatural act was  not on the radar.

But that is the nature of sin. You start out sticking your toe in. Nothing big. Then, you go in a little farther. Another step. Then another. Pretty soon you are up to your neck and you are paddling for all you are worth to keep your head above water. Then, you are sinking into the depths. Sin takes you farther than you ever imagined you could go. That is why is is never worth it to dabble in sin. Maybe you will never dig to the depths that God prophesied these Israelites would go, but you will go farther than you want, and the price will be higher than you can imagine.

Jesus Christ went to the Cross so that you could be not only forgiven for your sin, but freed from slavery to it, so that you and I could live in victory over the hold of sin. Why would we wander the paths of sin, risking the sad slavery of sin when Christ came to break the grip of sin?

Father, may I never accept less than the victory over and freedom from sin's power than you sent your Son to give me day by day. 

One Mediator - October 29, Readings: Ezekiel 3-4, 1 Timothy 2, Psalm 119:73–80, Proverbs 26:15–16

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It is an awesome thing to stand on the ancient steps of the Temple in Jerusalem, one of the few places where the original stones that Jesus walked on are still in place. There, you can imagine people for hundreds of years walking up those stairs into the Temple courtyard to offer sacrifices day after day, week after week, year after year.  Hebrews 10 tells us that those sacrifices revealed the fundamental flaw in the system - they could remind people of their sin and their need for salvation but could not provide a permanent solution for them. They could not truly wash away sin, but they were a foreshadowing of the sacrifice that God would send one day to deal with sins for real and for ever.

At the perfect time, God sent Jesus into this world as his permanent, "once for all" solution to our sin problem. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says,

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

There is only one God - the Creator and ruler of the world, the one against whom we have sinned and from whom we are separated. Our sins build a wall between us and God and prevent us from experiencing the life he intended for us. But there is a mediator, One who stood between God and man, who gave himself for us and for our sins, to make peace with God and to make us fit to dwell in God's presence forever. He was the only truly unblemished sacrifice ever, perfect, sinless holy. One sacrifice paid the entire price for all the sins of all those who believe in Christ. Once and for all the way was opened for us.

Every day of my life I will be grateful that the God against whom I sinned, the God who had every right to send me to eternal hell, instead sent his Son as the mediator to reconcile me to God by giving his own life as a sacrifice for mine. Because of his sacrifice, no other sacrifice is needed - ever.

Thank you Lord for sending your Son as my mediator, who paid my ransom that I might live. 

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Solomon and Self-Esteem - October 28, Readings: Ezekiel 1-2, 2 Thessalonians 3, 1 Timothy 1, Psalm 119:65–72, Proverbs 26:12–14

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He may have been the wisest man who ever lived, but Solomon failed completely to understand the wisdom that has come to dominate the mindset of the American educational, sociological, and psychological mindset. "Believe in yourself. Trust your instincts. No one else can tell you what is right or wrong; that is something that only you can decide for yourself. You have to make your own rules, trust your own wisdom, seek your own path, and do it your way." In this world, it's all about self - self-confidence, self-esteem, self-direction.

Solomon's wisdom moved in a different direction. He told us that the beginning of wisdom was not self-esteem and self-reliance, but humility and the fear of the Lord. Folly, he told us, is bound up in the heart of a child and must be driven away by wisdom, discipline, and the correction of the Lord. We are flawed by inborn sin and natural folly and need the wisdom and correction of God. That is why he spent much of the book of Proverbs admonishing his sons to listen to wisdom and not to lean on their own understanding. Look at Proverbs 26:12.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?   

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

This is just one of the commands of Proverbs. In 28:26, we read, "he who trusts in himself (his own mind) is a fool." That slaps the mindset of the world right in the face. The false theology of human goodness says that we are innately good and wise and if we follow our instincts everything will be okay. Listen to your heart. Do what you feel inside. Nonsense. Balderdash. Poppycock. Solomon says that is folly and wickedness - the path to a life that is destroyed.

Of course, one of the most well-known portions of this book is Proverbs 3:5-6. You know it, right? Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Trust God's wisdom. His intelligence. His Lordship and direction. In case you don't understand exactly what that means, he follows that up with the second statement. Do not lean on your own understanding. Solomon makes it very clear. Don't trust yourself. Don't listen to your heart. Don't decide for yourself what is right and wrong. You can't handle that. Trust God and obey his word! Don't trust your instincts - they are flawed and sinful. Don't trust your own ability to figure things out, you will just mess up. Obey God and follow the word.

We have two ways we can walk. We can trust our own understanding or we can walk in obedience to God and his word. One path leads to trouble and the other to the blessing of God. Solomon, in Proverbs 26:12, makes it clear which way he thinks is right. Don't listen to the snake oil that Satan sold to Adam and Eve and that he's been peddling ever since. Listen to God and walk in humility, submission and obedience to him.

Father, I am flawed. My wisdom is not enough. My strength is not enough. I need your wisdom and your strength to get through. I trust in you and not in myself. 

Embracing the Darkness - October 27, Readings: Lamentations 4-5, 2 Thessalonians 2, Psalm 119:57–64, Proverbs 26:10–11

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I try not to devote a lot of time in these devotions to controversial topics or issues on which we disagree. But as I read 2 Thessalonians 2 today, I was reminded of something that is generally misunderstood. Those of you who read this who might be amillennial, postmillennial, or of some other view  - I'll pray for you! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself!) But there is a principle that is universally true here, I believe, even if you don't share the end-times view that I hold.

2 Thessalonians 2 describes the rise and reign of the Antichrist, the one who comes to stand against the work of Christ and lead the world against him. There is a perception about the Antichrist which is seen in some of the fiction that has been produced attempting to depict the events of the tribulation. The Antichrist schemes his way to power and brutally represses and oppresses the people of the earth. By crushing people into submission, he unites the world under his evil rule.

That is not the idea that is given in this passage. Look at verses 9-12.

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

This last great work of Satan is in accord with all the works of Satan. He did not force Adam and Eve into sin. He lied to them and they willingly embraced the deception. They believed the lie and took pleasure in unrighteousness. Thus it was and thus it always has been. Yes, at times Satan possesses sinners in extreme circumstances, but it is not his normal strategy. He lies. When men are deceived they willingly and enthusiastically embrace the unrighteous wickedness that will be their destruction. Human beings always celebrate the sin the that brings them low.  

The Antichrist will not conquer the world, he will be carried to the throne on the shoulders of those he will one day crush. The world will believe the lie because it wants to, because it rejoices in the victory of wickedness. Mankind refuses to love truth and instead takes pleasure in unrighteousness. Yes, one day the Antichrist will pull back the cloak and reveal himself for the man of evil he is. Men will regret their choices when it is too late. But he will rise to power celebrated by sinners who hail him as the hope of the world. 

Satan lies and deceives and the sinful world cheers those lies. That is why the truth is so important. The greatest thing we can do in this dark and darkening world is to shine the light of Jesus Christ. The prescription for the lie is the truth. Jesus is truth. God's truth. And he blows the lies of Satan out of the water. 

We look at this wicked world and see the encroachment of evil. It bothers us, stresses us, even causes us to quake and fear. But it need not. The lie cannot stand in the presence of the truth. Darkness flees when the light shines. And in his coming, Jesus will bring low all the works of the Antichrist and the forces of darkness with him. Jesus will reign supreme. 

And so, Paul tells the Thessalonians (and us), in verse 15, to stand firm. Isn't that interesting. That's what he always says in passages about the future. Not panic, or develop a morbid interest, or set dates, or develop charts. Stand firm. Just keep serving Jesus, proclaiming the truth, and shining the light until the trumpet sounds and the dead in Christ rise first!

Father, thank  you that the light of Christ dispels all the enemy's lies. Help me to walk in your truth every day.  

When the Tables Turn - October 26, Readings: Lamentations 2-3, 2 Thessalonians 1, Psalm 119:53–56, Proverbs 26:7–9

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Have you watched any of the videos of atrocities committed against Christians in the Middle East in recent months? (Actually, there has been a fairly lively debate as to whether Christians ought to watch such awful videos. Some say we need to educate ourselves to the realities of the wicked world; others counter that such evil will only pollute our minds.) Christians have been put to death in the most gruesome ways because they would not deny Christ. Here in our land there are constant reports of the basic rights of Christians being denied in our increasingly secular and seemingly hostile world.

It would be easy to conclude that the enemy is winning, wouldn't it? But anyone who makes that conclusion is completely, totally and 100% wrong. In this sinful world the powers of darkness are having their day. They do their evil and it seems they get away with it. But we need to remember...the rest of the story.

Paul wrong to the Thessalonians, people who knew a level of suffering most of us here in America know absolutely nothing about. That church was forged in the fires of suffering and became a people used to being persecuted for their faith,. Paul commended them for their endurance in suffering, repeatedly.

But he also gives them an important assurance in 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10.

This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

God's judgment may be delayed but it will not be denied. It is certain and unavoidable. He will "repay with affliction those who afflict you," as he grants relief to the saints who are afflicted. God turns the tables in a power, dramatic and eternal way. Those in power who think they can treat God's children with disdain or cruelty, who think there is no God in heaven whom they need fear, who think they can act with impunity and without fear of judgment - they will find one day that God protects his children. He loves us and he will watch over us. 

For those who know Christ, there is glory awaiting at the end of this life of suffering. For those who scorn Christ and afflict his people, there is judgment. God is just and he will act! We need not fear or panic. Even if suffering comes our way we can know that our God is in control, that in the end he will dispense a justice that is both eternal and perfect. 

So, when you see things happening in this world that are disconcerting, don't get angry. Don't panic. Don't fall apart. And don't be afraid. Remember the God you serve. He is mighty and powerful and he will protect his people. 

Father, thank you for being a God of might and power who will comfort his people and bring justice to those who afflict and persecute us. We can trust you in all things and that is comforting in this sinful world. 

Life a Thief in the Night - October 25, Readings: Lamentations 1, 1 Thessalonians 5, Psalm 119:49–52, Proverbs 26:5–6

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(I just noticed something interesting - you conspiracy theorists and end times date setters can make of it what you will. This is post #666 for this blog. That's right. 666. I'm sure that has some prophetic significance, right?)

Jesus could come today.

Well, he could!

No, I'm not predicting it. In fact, I'm sick to death of the crazies who ignore the Scriptures that promised us that no one would know the day or the hour and keep embarrassing the church (and those of us who believe in the imminent return of Christ) with their ill-informed, anti-biblical predictions.

Paul made it pretty clear in 1 Thessalonians 5 that Jesus would come "like a thief in the night." They seldom phone ahead and set an appointment.

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3

It is going to be a big surprise, that fateful day when God's end times work begins and the judgment of God is poured on in the terrible "day of the Lord." 

But Paul says something strange in the next verse (4) that is confusing. 

But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 

Wait a minute. The day is coming like a thief in the night, but we are not to be surprised as by a thief? Huh? The solution is simple. Paul was not confused. He was making an important point. You are never going to know when the end is going to come. The Early Church expected it every day, but its now been two thousand years and no Jesus. But that doesn't matter. I am supposed to live today, tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that in constant watchfulness, readiness, waiting for Jesus and living my life to the fullest. We are not to sleepwalk through life, but should be living daily in the fullness of the Spirit walking in his power. Look at verses 5 and 6. 

For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

Keep the lights on. Be awake. Be sober. Be ready. It may be today. It may not. But when that day comes when the trumpet sounds, don't let it catch you napping. Live each day in Christ. 

Paul finishes his book with a long series of short admonitions. They seem to be separated from the previous passage, and usually have a separate heading. But what if they are not completely separated? Maybe these admonitions are also a template for living in readiness in an evil world? Maybe verses 14-22 are an instruction sheet for "thief preparations" - getting yourself ready for that day when the Lord comes like a thief in the night. 

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

That's a pretty good way to live every day as you wait for the heavens to open, the trumpet to sound, the dead in Christ to rise, then we who are alive and remain to be caught up together with him in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air!

Father, what a day that will be! Help me to be ready every day for that day. That great and glorious day. 

God is Truth - October 24, Readings: Jeremiah 51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4, Psalm 119:41–48, Proverbs 26:2–4

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Jerusalem lay in ruins and its best and brightest had been carried off to Babylon to serve the king there. The defeat of Judah could not have been more complete and comprehensive. The war was over, the victor declared and the spoils gathered.

Except God had a different idea. He had brought Babylon from the east to punish his people for their idolatry and waywardness. They were a tool in his hand; God used the evil in their hearts and directed at his chosen nation. God scourged his people with the wickedness of the Babylonians. But God had a different message to deliver now. The punishment was over and now God brought comfort to his people, the promise of return and restoration.

And, in addition, God promised that he would deal with the evil nation that destroyed his people. Jeremiah wrote down a series of prophecies against Babylon concerning the judgment that God would wreak on them. Jeremiah gave these prophecies to Seraiah and told him to read the prophecy when the exiles arrived in Babylon. He was then to tie a rock to the scroll and cast it in the Euphrates. As the rock sank into the Euphrates, Seraiah was to deliver Jeremiah's prophecy, that Babylon would sink into the sea and be no more.

God's word ran directly counter to what anyone's eyes could observe. Babylon was victorious, powerful, secure. No one could come against them. And the question seemed to be whether the people of Israel would ever recover. But God spoke into that set of facts and said that everything was going to change. Israel would be restored and the Babylon destroyed.

Babylon will sink and never rise again because of the disaster I am bringing on her.  Jeremiah 51:64.  

Our eyes can deceive us. Circumstances can be (and often are) a lie. There was not a single indication of any trouble in Babylon - they looked like they would rule for centuries. But God had a different word and the final truth in any situation is what God says about it. 

You may feel abandoned, but the Word says that God will never leave you or forsake you. The truth is what God says, not what you feel. You may feel that you can't resist the temptation you are going through, but God says that you can, by depending on him and the power of his Spirit. We need to believe God's Word. 

Here's the thing: if you travel to the Middle East today, Israel exists. God restored the nation. But in less than a hundred years after Jeremiah's prophecy, Babylon was destroyed and it has never been rebuilt. God's word was true. 

Believe him. Always. Fully. Without reservation. God speaks the truth!

Father, help me to believe what you say about me and not to depend on my circumstances, my feelings or my own wisdom. Your word is truth. 

The Normal Hard Life - October 23, Readings: Jeremiah 49-50, 1 Thessalonians 2–3, Psalm 119:33–40, Proverbs 26:1

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(NOTE: The first three chapters of Lamentations were included in yesterday's readings - by mistake. Not sure why that happened.) 

• If you love Jesus and serve him, it will all work out. 
• Just pray and ask God, and the the answer will come. You will get what you want.  
• If there is trouble and hardship in your life or in your church, you must be doing something wrong. If you'd just get your life right, your heart right, all the problems would go away. 

I would make two assertions about what I just said. First, you probably know, in your heart, that those statements are false. Jesus died on a cross. The Apostles suffered and were martyred. The early church served Jesus faithfully and suffered dramatically. Loving Jesus and serving him is no guarantee that everything is going to go well.

But I also have observed that while we know that truth in our heads, our hearts have heard another message. When something goes wrong I wonder why God is mad at me. What did I do, God? We have adopted a variation of the Eastern concept of karma - what goes around comes around. You get what you deserve.

But life isn't like that. We are blessed far beyond what we deserve and often we suffer in ways we don't deserve - we suffer for Christ, for righteousness' sake.

Paul understood this. In fact, for him, suffering was the norm. He used his sufferings, in 1 Corinthians 11, as the proof of his ministry. He constantly reminded the church, as did Peter, James and John that those who live godly in Christ could expect to suffer. And in speaking to the church in Thessalonica, he used their suffering as a sign that they were doing things right.

For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

The servants of Christ have always suffered. We should not be surprised when things get hard, when they don't work out. I still do. I get discouraged and down. I wonder why God has forgotten me. But the word tells us that this is how things are, how they always have been, and how they always will be. 

Father, remind me daily that your love is not seen in making my life easy, but in using me through the hardships to make a difference for you. 

Melting into the Dust - October 22, Readings: Jeremiah 47-48, 1 Thessalonians 1, Psalm 119:25–32, Proverbs 25:25–28

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"I'm lower than a snake's belly."

Ever felt that way? You are down, discouraged, perhaps even depressed - not the medical kind, the kind but the kind that comes as a result of overwhelming life circumstances. One thing after another has piled up on you until you have been ground into the dust. It is just as the Psalmist described in Psalm 119:25.

My soul clings to the dust. 

That about sums it up, doesn't it? Dry. Lifeless. Everything feels as if it about to blow away. Life has turned to dust.

He changes to a different metaphor to say something similar in verse 28.

My soul melts away for sorrow. 

The heat, the pressure, the sadness of life has worn down the man's soul, it is melting away to nothing. These two metaphors have two things in common. First, they describe a life in pain, in sorrow, in distress. A man lying face down in the dust. A man whose soul is melting away.

Be honest - have you ever felt that way? Life 1. You 0? You've been chewed up and spit out by the world. Maybe it was a horrible tragedy, or relentless hardship, or the betrayal of a friend, or maybe it was death by a thousand paper cuts - a series of little stresses that pile upon one another until you just can't take it any more.

There is something else these two metaphors share - a solution. In verse 25, what ought one do when his soul clings to the dust? Seek "life according to your word." Verse 28 gives the solution to the the person whose soul is melting away.

Strengthen me according to your word.

Reading and studying the word of God is not a religious duty we perform to please God or earn brownie points with him. We seek the word because in it we meet God, learn of Christ, and find our souls strengthened by immersing ourselves in God's word. It's not a religious exercise; its how your soul renews and rebuilds!

God's Spirit uses the word to work within our spirits to rebuild, renew, strengthen, and reinvigorate us.

Thank you, Father, for your life-giving word, which the Spirit uses to renew and strengthen me when I am low, when my spirit is dry or sorrowful 

Past Failures, Future Questions - October 21, Readings: Jeremiah 45-46, Colossians 3:18–4:18, Psalm 119:17–24, Proverbs 25:23–24

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Have you ever known someone who started their Christian life well, with commitment, conviction and passion, but then fizzled like an Alka Seltzer? Perhaps you've known someone else who failed miserably and fell hard into sin, but didn't stay there. This person sought God's forgiveness and restoration and eventually returned to effective service and fellowship. Some surprise you with their growth and some disappoint you with their failure.

Many of Paul's books end with a series of personal greetings and instructions; Colossians is no different. Some of those identified are unknown beyond their mentions in Paul's notes. Others are significant. In Colossians 4:10-17 there are two fascinating stories at work, stories that demonstrate the ebb and flow of Christian ministry. One man with a failure in the past demonstrates he's made a comeback, while another looks promising, but will eventually fall on his face.

In verse 10, Paul references a man named Mark.

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him)... 

Seems insignificant, but it's not, if you remember reading Acts 15. Mark (also called John) went with Barnabas and Saul on their first journey, but evidently he chickened out. Later, after the Jerusalem Council, as Paul and Barnabas were planning their second trip, they disagreed sharply over whether Mark should come with them. Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance but Paul was having none of it. They ended up going their separate ways because of this disagreement.

But now, evidently, Mark is with Paul and is helping him. The bad blood is gone, reconciliation has come and all is well. In fact, in 2 Timothy 4:11, as Paul faces his imminent death, he asks for Mark to be sent to him, because "he is useful to me." Mark may have failed early, but his tide rose and he became a valuable ministry assistant to Paul.

Not so Demas. He is a man we know little about, except that he was a coworker of Paul's. He is mentioned here, in verse 14, giving his greetings to the Colossians. In Philemon 24, Paul lists him as a coworker. But Demas is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 4, just before Paul's commendation of Mark. But his reference to Demas in verse 10 is anything but a commendation.

For Demas has deserted me, because he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica.

As he sat in the dungeon awaiting his execution, Paul remembered Demas' ministry with sadness, because he had deserted both Paul and the ministry of Christ. His love for Christ waned and his love for the things of the world grew within him. He left serving Christ to seek mammon - he chose the wrong master. Did Demas ever return? No one knows. I hope so. But his faith failed and he abandoned Paul. 

This gives us both encouragement and a warning. Have you failed? A lot of Christians live with sorrow and pain because they have failed the Father and other people. They live with shame. But for the believer, there is always forgiveness and restoration. We ought never use that as an excuse to sin - there may be consequences that we have to deal with for a long time. But God always forgives and always restores. Don't let your past failures destroy your present or your future. 

But also remember that each of us has within us the tendency to drift from our first love and lose our passion for Christ. You can't live on your previous spiritual successes. God's mercies must be renewed in you daily. You need to seek Christ daily and experience his daily work of grace. Do not rest on your spiritual laurels. Demas never would have believed that he would fall away, until he did. 

Your past does not define your future. If your past is full of failure, the grace of Christ can cover it and you can be restored. And just because you have great spiritual victories in your past does not guarantee future success. Ask Jonah. Ask Elijah. Seek Christ daily and rest in his love. 

Father, may I walk with you daily. I cannot live in my past - neither my successes nor my failures. I can only walk daily with you as I face the future - one day at a time. 

A Pure Rx - October 20, Readings: Jeremiah 43-44, Colossians 3:1–17, Psalm 119:9–16, Proverbs 25:20–22

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Few would argue that this is a pure world. To the contrary, it is a world that revels in filth and scoffs and the very concept of moral or spiritual purity. Only someone with serious hangups would even pursue such a thing! God, of course, has a very different view. He values purity; in fact he demands it from his people.

The good news is that we are not left to seek it on our own. The purity demanded of us is a work of God - a product of God's grace, the cleansing power of Christ and the inner work of the Spirit. But the practical working of purity is discussed in Psalm 119:9 and 11, where the key is given.
9 

How can a young man keep his way pure?    By guarding it according to your word.   

11 I have stored up your word in my heart,    that I might not sin against you

No one is going to accuse me of being a young man any more, but this principle is still in effect. If I want to live and walk in purity, there is only one way. I must live my life in accordance with the word of God. How do I do that? I hide God's word in my heart. I read it, tudy it, memorize it, meditate on it, pray it, and apply it. Then, the power of the Spirit works within me to keep me from sin. 

Thank you, Lord, for your word which gives me strenght, that I might not sin against you!

Nothing Trivial - October 19, Readings: Jeremiah 41-42, Colossians 1:24–2:23, Psalm 119:1–8, Proverbs 25:17–19

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It is the answer to a commonly asked Bible trivia question: What is the longest chapter of the Bible? If you attended the Sunday Schools or VBSes that I did, you know the answer - Psalm 119. It is 176 verses long. It is very close to the center of the Bible. It is a well-known and wonderful chapter.

But it is much more than the answer to a trivia question!

It is one of the most carefully constructed chapters of scripture. It is an acrostic poem. Have you ever noticed that it is divided up into 22 sections of 8 verses each, and that each of those sections has a strange word at the beginning? Our reading today starts with the word "Aleph." That is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the 8 verses in this second begins with the letter aleph. The next section will be headed by the word, "Beth," and each of the verses in that section begins with the letter beth. You get the picture, I'm sure. Each of the 22 sections has eight verses each of which begins with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

But there is only one topic. Each of the 22 sections, each of the 176 verses; all of them focus on the same thing - the power and glory of the Word of God. In the days this Psalm was written, the focus was on the Law of God - specifically the Books of Moses, but generally referring to all of the Old Testament writings. The principles here apply to all of scripture, even those that were written a thousand years later.

As you read this chapter for most of the next month, look for what it says about this wonderful and powerful Bible you are reading. It is a light to our feet. When we hide it in our hearts, it helps us not to sin. It is the food that feeds our souls. The longest chapter of the Word is an ode the awesome power of God's word to accomplish God's purposes in God's people.

The first two verses of the psalm set the theme for the entire chapter.

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,

God's Word is not just a storybook, a good read meant to entertain us. It is the story of God's plan of redemption and his call to us to repentance, faith and to a life lived under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Word of God is meant to be obeyed, and it is those who learn and live by all that is revealed in the Word of God who experience God's blessings.

Father, may your word be my law! Thank you for Jesus who is revealed there and the life that he gives. May I walk in obedience to every word. 

Bone-breaking Words - October 18, Readings: Jeremiah 39-40, Colossians 1:1–23, Psalm 118:25–29, Proverbs 25:15–16

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There is a simple brilliance to some of the proverbs in Solomon's storehouse of wisdom. They deal with every aspect and area of life, but among the most common are those that deal with our conversation, the way we use our tongues. Proverbs 25:15 is a vivid nugget of wisdom.

With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.

What on earth can that second line mean? There is no tongue that is strong enough or hard enough to shatter a bone. It's impossible. But there is a powerful truth behind the figure of speech. It reminds us that our words can have a powerful effect. A tongue is a soft piece of muscle, but it has the ability to accomplish great things - both good and evil.

In this proverb, the point, based on its parallel concept in the first phrase, is that patient, kind and gentle words can persuade, change and alter lives. We do not need to shout or cajole, but our words can still have power. When we speak the word of God the Spirit uses those words in a powerful way, they have a divine power that over time is awesome in effect.

I recently went hiking with some high school friends in the mountains near Santa Fe, New Mexico. do you see the groove in that rock? In the Tsankawi ruins, there are a lot of these. They were actually made over hundreds of  years by the feet of the natives as they walked. They wore deep grooves into the rocks, some came up nearly to my knees. Their light footsteps wore deep grooves in rock over time. It didn't happen overnight, but it happened. It took time, but it happened.

When someone is not listening to the gospel you proclaim or the advice you are giving, don't freak out and lose your cool. It isn't necessary. When you are speaking the truth of God you can wait patiently for the Spirit to use you and to bring about their desired effect. Like the grooves in the rock, it may take time, but God will use your words if they are from his word to accomplish great things.

Father, may the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. And may they, over time, wear grooves of truth in this world. 

I Can Do All Things? October 17, Readings: Jeremiah 37-38, Philippians 4:2–23, Psalm 118:18–24, Proverbs 25:12–14

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"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

What a wonderful verse - and one that is much used in this world. I can hit a home run or score a touchdown through Christ who strengthens me. I can succeed in business through Christ who strengthens me. I can achieve this personal goal through Christ who strengthens me. I can stick to my diet through Christ who strengthens me.

We have turned Philippians 4:13 into a motivational mantra, a motto to be hung on the wall and to be remembered as we go through this world attempting to reach our goals, achieve our potential, find happiness and success and be all that we have hoped to be. And certainly, this verse has a wide application. God can empower us to do all that he calls us to do.

But the common motivational uses of this verse are not exactly what Paul intended when he wrote it (under the Spirit's inspiration).  Verses 11 and 12, which (obviously) immediately precede this favorite verse, provide the context.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Paul was commending the Philippians for the generosity to him, but clarified in these verses that his purpose was not just to seek money from them. He had learned to be content whatever happened to him. Paul had experienced both abundance and lack. Sometimes, he had all that he needed, sometimes he did not. His goal was not the accumulation of possessions, but contentment in Christ.

When he says, "I can do all things through Christ," he is talking about handling anything this world throws at him. If he abounds, he will abound for the glory of God. If he is in need, he will continue to glorify God and serve him. His life was about doing all things for God's glory regardless of what happened to him. Facing plenty or hunger, he could do it all through the strength that Christ gave him.

And that is the key here. Paul was not saying that we should set our goals and appeal to Christ to be our source of strength as we reach them and do as we please. He was living in the will of God and accepting whatever God had for him. This verse is not about getting what I want or achieving my goals, but about living in God's will wherever that takes me.

It is a beautiful verse, of course, but it is a verse that must be set in its appropriate context, not ripped from that context and made to say what it doesn't say.

Father in heaven, may I accept your will and live in the peace that passes understanding and the contentment of Christ no matter what, knowing that whatever comes, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 

Happy to Lose Everything - October 16, Readings: Jeremiah 35-36, Philippians 3:1–4:1, Psalm 118:11–17, Proverbs 25:10–11

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"I like myself just the way I am."
"Don't try to change me."
"I am who I am and you shouldn't judge me."
"This is the way I was raised - my heritage."

In America's self-centered and self-affirming culture, we place a greater value on being ourselves than on becoming what God wants us to be.

Paul had no such issue. In Philippians 3:4-6 Paul catalogs his identity before Christ appeared to him on the Damascus Road.

If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 

Paul was a loyal Hebrew, a Pharisee and one who closely observed the law. He attempted to follow the law as carefully as he could and was so passionate for his faith that he even persecuted the church.

But when Paul came to Christ, he did not cherish his culture, prize his heritage, hold on to traditions or insist on affirming himself the way he was. Instead, he turned his back on all of these things that once made him so proud and considered them loss, even garbage. They no longer meant anything to him because of his passion for Jesus Christ.

I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 

Nothing that was part of Paul's past, his culture, his heritage, his former life was of great value to him anymore because of the exceedingly wonderful value of knowing Jesus Christ. 

He had a new goal. It was not to seek his own way or to "be all he can be." No, his new purpose, in verses 9 and 10, was:

…in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

Now it was all about knowing Christ, experiencing the power of his resurrection and serving him sacrificially in both his life and if necessary, by his death. 

Father, may I be like Paul, who left behind everything to pursue the knowledge of Christ. 

Thinking Like Jesus - October 15, Readings: Jeremiah 33-34, Philippians 2, Psalm 118:1–10, Proverbs 25:7–9

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Paul cared about the glory of God, the proclamation of the gospel, the power of the resurrected Christ and the fullness of the Spirit. But one of the things he cared most about, as a result of those truths, was the unity of the Body of Christ. It glorified God, it was one purpose of the gospel - to redeem ONE Body, and it was a work of the Holy Spirit. It was one of the most common themes of his writings.

We see that in Philippians 2:1-11. Because of the mercies and comfort of God and because of the work of the Spirit, he called on the church to:

"...complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:2-4 

What would bring Paul bliss would be if the church were of the same mind (that doesn't mean they always have to agree, but that they agree to put Christ first), unite in love for God and for one another and to live in one accord. Again, that does not imply any kind of forced uniformity or suppression of various opinions. It means a united will to make Christ known and to encourage one another in the Body of Christ.

The second phrase, in verse 3, is a shocking one. We are not to act out of selfishness of any form, but are to "count others more significant than yourselves." That runs directly contrary to the "you have to love yourself first" mentality that predominates in this world. We are not to assert ourselves or put ourselves first, but to honor one another. Each of us should see ourselves as servants among royalty, humble and devoted to the other's success. That is what verse 4 says, that we ought to see the interests of others, not just our own.

Paul makes it clear (1 Corinthians 3, Romans 14) that we will stand before God to have our lives as believers reviewed. I believe that the basis of that review will primarily be our obedience to that verse. Jesus' life and ministry was all about serving others. Who is a spiritual success as a result of my ministry in his or her life? Who have I encouraged? Helped to lift up when they were fallen? Led to walk with Christ? Instructed in the full counsel of God? Our lives are measured in the lives of those we serve in the name and by the power of Christ.

Verses 6-11, thought by some to be the remnants of an early hymn sung in the NT church, describe Jesus as the model of this selflessness. He left heaven and sacrificed his lofty position to come to earth in humility and die for the redemption of sinners. God then exalted him to the highest place which he occupies today and bestowed on him that Name he always deserved.

We must, by the Spirit's power, follow after the example of Jesus and give up our status, our ambitions, our goals, hopes and dreams to serve others as Jesus did. We must have the mind of Christ.

Father, may I be like Jesus Christ, who gave up his own glory and served others in your name. 

To Die Is Gain? October 14, Readings: Jeremiah 31-32, Philippians 1:19–30, Psalm 117, Proverbs 25:5–6

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Paul is my hero.

Of course, Jesus is the Savior who purchased me and the Lord to whom I must submit every day. But Paul is the human example who impresses me so much. He was bold in the proclamation of Christ, risking his life on a regular basis. There was nothing he wouldn't do to advance the gospel. He was willing to put his culture behind him and give up many of the trappings of Judaism to reach Gentiles. He endured endured persecution such as I can't even imagine and never let it slow him down.

On a pastor's resume he generally gives a brief statement of his personal philosophy of ministry. That is essentially what Paul gives in Philippians 1:20-26. He begins with a summary statement in verse 20.

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 

It was his greatest fear that in some way he might shame his Savior. Instead,, he desired that in everything he did Christ would be honored. If he lived, he wanted to honor Christ. If he died, he wanted his death to honor Christ. For him it was all about Christ. When he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, all of his dreams, hopes and ambitions were subsumed into a desire for the glory of Jesus to shine through him. 

At the time of the writing of Philippians, he was in prison in Rome and did not know his fate. Maybe Caesar would look at the facts and release him. Maybe Caesar would decide to end his life. He did not know. In a strange statement, in verse 23, Paul claims that he is torn between his options. Most of us hold on to life but Paul was so captivated by Christ that his heart's desire was to go to heaven and see his Savior face to face. 

But he was also willing to stay in his difficult and challenging life if that would produce "fruitful labor" that would bring many to Christ and help many grow strong in him. His personal preference - to be with Jesus - was of no value compared to doing faithfully the work God had set before him. 

His life motto was pretty simple, as stated in verse 21. 

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 

Living is all about Jesus - his will, his ambitions and purposes, his work. And the more that living is about Jesus, the more that death becomes gain. Paul was not suicidal in any way, but his hearts desire was to be with his Lord. When you have a life as difficult as his, heaven is appealing. When we live for the world, death is a tragedy. When Christ is life, death is graduation into glory. 

Father, I want to be like Paul. Help me more, ever day, to make my life about Christ so that death can be gain. 

A Failure,Destined for Glory - October 13, Readings: Jeremiah 29-30, Philippians 1:1–18, Psalm 116:11–19, Proverbs 25:3–4

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I have been a Christian now for over 5 decades. I knelt in prayer to put my faith in Christ as a child of 6, as my dad read a book called "Little Pilgrim's Progress." I realized that I, like little Christian in the story, needed to take my burden of sin to Calvary and lay it there.

In the half a century that has transpired since I knelt by my bed in Cedar Rapids to  trust Christ, I have failed my Savior more times than I want to think about. In some ways, I look back on my years of squandered opportunities, misplaced priorities, shirked responsibilities and so many heart issues I cannot count them as a giant failure. I avoided a lot of the big physical sins, but my heart has been so full of myself, and sin, and this world - way more than it should have been.

Many is the time I have wondered why God even bothers with me. Why does he keep working with me, giving me chances, renewing me? If someone let me down a tenth of the times I've let him down, a hundredth, I'd give up on them and walk away. God has never done that. Though I've failed him, his love and faithfulness endures.

That is why I love Philippians 1:6. Certainly, we can never use God's faithfulness as an excuse for sin and careless living. But with all the problems I have run into in my life, with all my faults and failings as a Christian, I have the confidence that this verse is a word from God about my life.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

God knew I would mess up so he didn't leave it up to me. As my salvation was a work of Christ so is the culmination of the process. He started it all and he will finish the work.

My goal now is to cooperate with the work of Christ instead of fighting against it. I want to be a willing subject, clay in the Potter's hand, to be molded after the pattern of his will. Since my destiny is settled by God's grace, I may as well give in to the Lordship of Christ and yield fully to the power of God every day!

Father, thank you for your son who not only began his work of glory in me but has promised to culminate that work. I am thankful that my salvation depends on you and not me.

Pleasant Lies - October 12, Readings: Jeremiah 27-28, Ephesians 6, Psalm 116:1–10, Proverbs 25:1-2

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 The exchange between Jeremiah, the false prophets, and the leaders of Israel is classic, revealing the ongoing battle between false prophets and those who hear from God.

The situation was dire. Israel was under the threat of destruction by the Babylonians and they were looking for some help, for some good news. Unfortunately, God sent Jeremiah with a message (Jeremiah 26:1-6 - yesterday's readings) no one wanted to hear - judgment was coming and was going to be severe. Judah's sins had piled up to the point where God's hand of discipline was on them.

The reaction (Jeremiah 26:7-10) was fast and furious. The prophets and priests, the people who were supposed to be seeking God and leading the people to follow him, struck back at Jeremiah. How could he say such things about Israel? He must be a traitor. They did not like what they were hearing and they were looking to kill the messenger. Jeremiah escaped but a prophet of God named Uriah felt the peoples' wrath and was put to death.

The prophet of God spoke the hard truth while the false prophets refused to believe such things.

The clearest differentiation of this principle happens in chapter 28, when we read the prophecy of Hananiah, in verses 2-4.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the Lord's house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. 4 I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the Lord, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.”

What a wonderful prophecy - exactly what the people wanted to hear. God was going to step in and save them from Babylon. Their sins weren't so bad after all; God would come through for them.

There was one main problem with Hananiah's soothing prophecy. It was a big fat lie. God didn't say that and the prophecy was not going to come to pass. Jeremiah's unpleasant truth was what Israel needed to hear, but Hananiah's comforting lies were what they wanted to hear.

Looking at the hard truths of God is never fun. Facing my own sin is unpleasant, but it is the truth that will transform me, not sugary-sweet deceit. In the end, it is God's truth that transforms, not the pleasant lies.

Father, by your Spirit, speak truth to my soul; unpleasant and hard if need be. May I never hide from the full weight of your painful truth or seek the pleasant lies that will bind my soul. 

In Evil Days - October 11, Readings: Jeremiah 25-26, Ephesians 5, Psalm 115:15–18, Proverbs 24:30–34

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We certainly have one thing in common with the Apostle Paul. In Ephesians 5:16, he makes this assertion.

"...the days are evil." 

He looked at the world around him and realized that wickedness was entrenched in Roman culture and things didn't look like they were getting better. I cannot say whether our world is more or less sinful than the one in which Paul lived - I've got suspicions!  But we look around us and we see the Enemy seeming to gain ground daily. Our world is abandoned to immorality and perversion, it rushes headlong into self-centeredness and self-indulgence, it is completely devoted to materialism. Yes, the days are evil.

But that is not a reason to give up, to despair or to become hopeless. When the days are evil, the light of Christ shines brightest in us. Paul gave this advice for those living in Christ in an evil world.

^" Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time..."

Too often, we use the fact that the world is evil, that "everyone is doing it," that "no one is perfect," as an excuse for our sinful ways. Instead, Paul encourages them to walk carefully, wisely and to use their time and opportunities well. 

The key to this, of course, is found in verse 18. 

Be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

It is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to live carefully in a world rushing headlong into sin. It is the Spirit who empowers us to walk in wisdom in a world of folly. It is the Spirit who guides us so that we can use our opportunities to serve God and make a difference in this world. 

Father, fill me with your Spirit that I might walk carefully in this evil world. Grant me wisdom and spiritual strength. 

Our New, Clean Clothes - October 10, Readings: Jeremiah 23-24, Ephesians 4:17–32, Psalm 115:8–14, Proverbs 24:28-29

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I was doing yard work and I was muddy, dirty, and covered with grass and weeds and all sorts of grunge. I was nasty. What I did next was simple. I stood at the porch door and brushed as much stuff off me as I could. I made my way to my room where I took off all the filthy clothes, got a hot shower, and put on new, clean clothes. Now I was fresh as a daisy.

That is how Paul illustrates the new life of the Christian. We are full of sin, living according to the ways of the world and following the dictates of our own sinful hearts. Our spiritual state is comparable to my condition coming in from working in the yard - sin makes us dirty! In Ephesians 4:17-32, Paul instructs his hearers to walk worthy of their call to salvation by taking off their old dirty clothes and putting on some new clean clothes.

This metaphor speaks of the old ways that were part of our natural, sinful nature. Those are the old dirty clothes that verse 22 tells us to "put off." Then, verse 23 tells us to put on the new clothes of Christ - clean and pure.

Our God is truth, so verse 25 tells us to get rid of the dirty clothes of dishonesty and clothe ourselves in truthfulness. Of course, though this command comes to us, it is actually only possible for us to obey the command as we walk in Christ and in the power of the Spirit. The Spirit of Truth can empower us to put on the clean clothes of truth.

Many believers shipwreck their lives by holding onto anger, by letting grudges grow and becoming bitter. Paul warns them to deal with their anger quickly, in verses 26-27 so that they do not sin and do not give Satan a foothold in their lives.

In verse 28, thieves are told to take off those dishonest clothes and put on the robes of integrity.

Verse 29 takes up the matters of the tongue. No corrupting talk - words that tear down, spread poison and sin, that abuse and degrade - are to come from our mouths. Those words are to be replaced by words that build up, edify and encourage.

Perhaps verses 30-32 are the best known of these verses. They tell us to stop grieving the Spirit with bitterness, wrath and anger, and to put away all slander and hurtful words - basically, all the clothes of the sinful flesh.  Instead, we are to treat others as Christ treated us - being kind, compassionate and forgiving.

One thing is clear in this passage. God is not please when his redeemed and sanctified people walk around in the filthy clothing of the world. Since we have been redeemed, we ought to take off the nasty stuff and put on the things of Christ.

Father, forgive me for when I have walked in this world wearing the clothing of sin instead of being clothed in the righteousness of your Son. Bathe me in your holiness and clothe me in Christ. 

The Unworthy Walk Worthy - October 09, Readings: Jeremiah 21-22, Ephesians 4:1–16, Psalm 115:1–7, Proverbs 24:26–27

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Ephesians 1-3 explain in great detail the amazing salvation that God gave us in Christ. He bestowed great blessings on us in Christ and he broke down the walls of hostility between Jews and Gentiles and created one new man - redeemed by Christ. He explored the depths of human sin and the power of a salvation that comes by grace through faith. How great a salvation is ours in Christ.

Then, in Ephesians 4:1, the entire book changes. Chapters 1-3 are doctrinal, examining aspects of our salvation. After 4:1, the book is a series of practical commands. Ephesians 4:1 is the turning point.

 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

We have been called to the amazing grace of Christ. We did not earn it and can never deserve what he did for us. But we are commanded to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling." Having been saved by grace we must walk in a way that brings honor to Christ and demonstrates his redemptive work in us. 

What is a worthy manner? It is, most simply, a walk of obedience to Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit that reflects the salvation we have been given in him. 

A big part of salvation, described in chapter 1, is the breaking down of walls of hostility between Jews and Greeks. So, Paul begins this section with a powerful call to unity. Those who have been redeemed in Christ must walk in unity with others who have also received his grace. Then Paul turns his attention to Christ's work in the church to build us up in unity and bring us to spiritual maturity. As the book goes on we will see calls to walk in holiness and put off the wickedness of the world, to guard our tongues, to be filled with the Spirit, to put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 4-6 is chock full of specific commands that explain to us exactly how we are supposed to walk in that worthy manner. 

The question is simple: does your life adequately reflect the saving work of Christ? Is the manner of your walk worthy of the glories of his salvation? 

I heard a line one time that stuck with me - I have no idea where I heard it first. It was from someone who was feeling the pangs of godly sorrow that was leading to repentance. There was a photo from a movie about the death of Christ, one that showed Jesus suffering on the cross. And the caption said, 

He didn't die like that so that I could live like this!

How about you? Are you walking in a manner that is worthy of the calling? Consider the Cross and all Jesus did there and say, "In the power of the Spirit, I want my life to be a fitting response to the glorious salvation God gave to me." 

Father, too often my life is not a fitting sacrifice, and my walk in not worthy of the calling I received. For that I repent and ask your forgiveness. Make my walk worthy of your grace. 

An Unhappy Prophet - October 08, Readings: Jeremiah 19-20, Ephesians 3, Psalm 114, Proverbs 24:23–25

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God wants us to be happy, doesn't he?

It has become a mantra of modern American Christianity - the idea that God's chief work is to make us happy, to bring us lives of unending fun, comfort, and prosperity. I have a suspicion where this idea comes from, but I can say beyond any doubt that it does not come from the study of or the sound interpretation of the Scriptures.

Reading through Jeremiah is clear evidence of this. In a section that begins around chapter 11 and continues through chapter 20, our text today, Jeremiah endures one hardship after another in his service to God. He brings his complaints to God, decrying the unfairness of it all. Each time, God answers his complaints in an unusual way - with a new assignment. No sympathy. Not relief from the hardships. Not judgment on his foes. No, each time Jeremiah complained about the hardships he was going through, God ratcheted up the pressure and gave him something else to do. This culminated in chapter 20 when a priest named Pashhur placed him in stocks for prophesying the word of God.

At this point, Jeremiah was low. He expresses this in verses 7-8.

O Lord, you have deceived me,
    and I was deceived;
you are stronger than I,
    and you have prevailed.
I have become a laughingstock all the day;
    everyone mocks me.
For whenever I speak, I cry out,
    I shout, “Violence and destruction!”
For the word of the Lord has become for me
    a reproach and derision all day long.

Jeremiah is feeling the weight of scorn, ridicule and rejection. He has been faithful in pronouncing the judgment of God on Judah's sin, but the response has been nothing but abuse. He is not only angry at the people who have rejected and persecuted him, he feels mistreated by God. "Why did you call me to preach when no one was going to listen?"

In verses 11-13, he testifies to his continuing faith in God. In spite of his frustration, he still believes in the true and living God, in Yahweh, the Lord of Israel and will expend his life in service to that God. He testifies that God will win - one day.

But in verse 14-15, he says something very strange.

Cursed be the day    on which I was born!The day when my mother bore me,    let it not be blessed!Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father,“A son is born to you,”    making him very glad.

"I wish I'd never been born." He's just expressed his undying faith and commitment to God and his determination to serve God as long as he lives, but he still is an unhappy, discouraged prophet of God.

Here's the difficult lesson for today. Serving God is no guarantee of continual happiness. Sometimes God calls us to hard jobs, to do things that are anything but fun! His purposes in our lives focus on two things: doing battle against our inborn sin to make us holy and using us in his great war against the forces of darkness. Both of those can be ugly at times. Battling against my sinful flesh can be an ugly war - there's so much mucky-yuk buried deep in my soul that has to be dug up and hosed down by the cleansing power of Christ. And the work God has called us to do is no small thing. We battle against the principalities and powers, the spiritual forces of darkness. They are not simply going to lay down and give up. The battle is going to be hard!

So, my Christian friend, your reward is Christ. Your treasures are in heaven where unspeakable glory awaits you. Your hope is there. There you will have rest unending and the pleasure of the presence of God. But here it's war - brutal, ugly, dirty war.

And if we preachers have been telling you anything different, we've not been speaking the truth!

Father, I thank you for Jesus, who gives me hope against the power of my flesh and meaning and purpose in this life, even when it is hard. 

The Two Most Important Words - October 07, Readings: Jeremiah 17-18, Ephesians 2, Psalm 113, Proverbs 24:21–22

Links to Today's Readings

It would be comforting to know someone who was immensely wealthy - and generous. I wouldn't have to worry about mortgages, student loans, credit cards, medical bills or anything else. If I had a problem, my wealthy and generous friend could take care of it. I wouldn't have to worry about what I didn't have; I could rely on what he did have.

I have a wealthy and generous companion, except, in Ephesians 2:7 it is not money or power that comprises his wealth, but grace. In Christ (there's that phrase again) he demonstrates to us the "immeasurable riches of his grace."

And its a good thing that God is rich in grace, because that is exactly what we need. Ephesians 2:1-3 described our natural condition as humans. It's not a pretty picture.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Sin rendered us spiritually dead - that is serious, wouldn't you say? Because of our inborn sin we tend to follow the ways of world, going along with what everyone else is doing. We are subject to that deceptive spirit that is rooted in the work of Satan himself and enslaves humanity. Like the first human pair, we choose what is wrong based on those lies and mess our lives up royally. Instead of living according to the righteousness of God, we follow the desires of our minds and bodies. The horrible result of that is found in verse 3 - we were "children of wrath" - awaiting the awful day when we would receive the just reward for our sinfulness. 

Not a pretty picture, is it? 

But verse 4 has the two most important words in the Bible. "But God." God interfered to stop the victory of sin. He intervened to change the course of history. He did not leave us as we were, but went to war against the sin that had separated us from him. By sending his Son to die on the cross for our sins, God poured out the riches of his grace if full and unstinting measure. He didn't just give us a little grace. He didn't just give us a lot of grace. He lavished the riches of his grace on us, pouring it out in full measure. 

We didn't get a garden hose of grace, we got the firehose. No, we got Niagara Falls!

Verses 8 and 9 sum it all up in a very familiar way. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 

There is no room for me to boast. All I contributed was my sin, my failure, my depravity. God did everything else. It is all by grace without any mixture of my own works. What an amazing salvation we have been given by the riches of God's grace. 

We are the workmanship of the master craftsman, who builds us by his grace so that we might be ready to do the good works he has prepared us to do. From start to finish, it is all by God's grace - his immeasurable riches of grace. 

Father, I thank you that my life, my hope, my future does not depend on my own abilities or my own goodness. I rejoice that I am bathed in your immeasurable grace.