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“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”

1 Peter 2:4–6

In our day very few buildings are made of stone. There may be a stone veneer added to the outside for appearances, but generally rock is not considered the best material for most construction projects. But there was a time when stone was the major building block of any significant building. In the Old Testament, we read about the construction of Solomon’s Temple where the blocks were so carefully cut in advance that they could be assembled without being hammered into place. It was critical when building with stone that the cornerstone and foundation be laid right so that the massive weight would be distributed safely and the building would not fall.

But there was another necessary element—the joining of many stones together. Each of us stands before God on our own. We do not need a priest or mediator to go to God on our behalf. That is the role Jesus alone can play. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5). That does not mean, however, that we are to live and serve Him as isolated individuals. Instead, His plan is for us to be joined together in a local church to build His work. Each stone has a place to fill in the wall so that it is complete. Each stone brings something to a role that no one else can fill in exactly the same way. Each stone is necessary for the strength and stability of the whole building.

“If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”

1 Corinthians 15:32–34

According to the latest statistics, the world’s population is rapidly approaching eight billion people. Never before have so many been alive on earth at one time. Though the typical lifespan varies greatly from country to country, on average a person born today will live about sixty-seven years. At the end of each life, whether long or short, lies eternity. Though many teach other concepts, the Bible makes it clear that there are only two destinations for that eternity—Heaven or Hell.

The fact that billions of people have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel should motivate us to actively work and support missionary efforts, both around the globe and across the street from where we live. Paul told the church at Corinth the fact that the lost have not yet been reached should bring shame to them. Charles Spurgeon said, “If there be any one point in which the Christian church ought to keep its fervor at a white heat, it is concerning missions. If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is in the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world.”

The primary mission of the church and of each Christian is to fulfill the command to reach the lost. This was the heartbeat of Jesus throughout His life and ministry and it should be ours as well. “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Galatians 6:7–9

When William Carey went to India, the concept of missionaries was sadly unknown and unpracticed among most of the people he knew. There was a great deal of resistance to Carey’s plan to take the gospel to a foreign land. Carey was not a pastor or theologian, he ran a shoe repair business. But his burning zeal to reach the lost compelled him to leave his home and country behind. His first years on the field were hard. His son Peter died, his wife suffered a mental breakdown, and it was seven long years before the first convert was baptized. There was little to indicate a mighty work from God was about to happen.

On a trip to England, I was able to visit Regents Park College at Oxford where they have preserved the letters William Carey wrote to his family and supporters during his time in India. They are filled with news of various difficulties and hardships, but also with an unwavering commitment to continue the work. He closed one of the letters to his sisters with the admonition, “Be strong in the Lord.” Carey remained faithful, and his work eventually made a major impact on India and challenged thousands of others to take up the missionary cause.

No one has accomplished anything lasting and great for God who was not willing to pay the price of faithfulness. Those who shrink or give up when things get hard will not see the harvest. Only those who remain faithful and keep doing what is right reap.

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

Acts 20:29–31

Anyone who is involved with ministering to, caring for, teaching, and reaching others has days when it feels like what we are doing simply isn’t making a difference. We try everything we know to help people, only to see them refuse to listen. We invest in someone’s life, only to see them stray from God looking for greener pastures. We do all we can for someone only to hear that they’ve told a friend no one helped them when they were hurting.

How do you respond when things don’t go right? How do you continue to minister, work, and pray in the face of what seems like failure? A great part of the answer to those questions is found in the motivation for our service. When we are driven by a burden for the needs and condition of others and motivated by God’s love, we will not be deterred by a lack of apparent success. We will care more about their needs than about ourselves.

One of the greatest needs of the church in our day is a generation of Christian workers and leaders alike who are gripped by a vision of the desperate spiritual condition of those around us. They may not realize their peril, but we should. We need to care more for their needs and join with the ancient prophet Jeremiah in saying, “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” (Jeremiah 9:1).

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Matthew 9:36–38

I read about a missionary who was invited to address a large church here in the States for their “missions minute” back in the days of the Iranian hostage crisis. Since he had only been given a minute, he wanted to do something that would make an impact. He decided to ask the audience the following two questions. He started with, “How many of you are praying for the 52 American hostages being held in Iran?” Hands went up all over the massive auditorium. “Praise the Lord,” he said. “Now put your hands down and let me ask you another question. How many of you are praying for the 42 million Iranians being held hostage by Islam?”

There are many things that each of us should be doing to promote and support the cause of reaching the lost, both at home and around the world. We should be involved with encouraging missionaries, giving to the cause, and if the opportunity is available, going to different mission fields. We should be active in the soul winning program of the local church. We should keep up with what is going on regarding missions. But nothing we can do is more important than prayer.

The work of reaching the lost is not accomplished through human strength, ingenuity, programs, personalities, or methods. The work of reaching the lost is only accomplished through the power of God. And that power is only available through prayer. We should be regularly and diligently praying for the health, protection, and effectiveness of missionaries, and for more to join them in the work.

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:17–19

Dr. Curtis Hutson was a full time mailman and part time pastor when he started out in the ministry. His small church wasn’t able to pay enough for him to support his family. So he continued to work day after day delivering mail, and fitting his ministry around his job schedule. God began to work on his heart to give up the mail route and enter the ministry full time despite the fact that his starting salary would be $75 a month. Years later when he told the story, Dr. Hutson said, “I finally told God I’d do it, even though I wasn’t sure how we could. I told Gerri [his wife], ‘If I starve to death, you tell the devil I was fasting!’” God blessed him with an amazingly fruitful ministry first as a pastor and then as an evangelist. His faith was honored.

When it comes to making sacrifices for the work of God, whether it involves our time, our talent, or our treasure, we must remember two things. First, God doesn’t need our help. He has infinite resources. We do not add to His supply in any way when we give to His work. He allows us to give and reap the benefits even though He does not need what we contribute. Second, God doesn’t overlook our help. When we step out in faith to be part of His work, He sees what we have done and rewards us. Our giving is pleasant in the sight of God not for the gift itself, but for the heart that gives it.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.”

Hebrews 3:13–15

In April of 2016, Jim Herman fulfilled a lifelong dream when he won his first PGA tournament at the age of thirty-eight. Ten years earlier, after trying and failing repeatedly to qualify as a professional golfer, Herman gave up on his dream and got a job at a golf course in New Jersey as an assistant pro. A conversation with the owner of the club, Donald Trump, changed the course of his life. After his win, Herman told an interviewer, “I got into a conversation with Mr. Trump. He said, ‘Why are you folding shirts and giving lessons? Why aren’t you on the Tour? I’ve played with Tour players—you’re good enough!” Inspired to try again, Herman did make the tour and reached his dream by winning the Shell Houston Open.

Our words have enormous power in the lives of others (and the words we tell ourselves silently have enormous power in our own lives). So it is vital that we use that great power for good rather than evil. The careless words that we speak without thinking, the cruel words that we utter without caring, and the critical words that we declare without rightly judging are not harmless. They can leave deep wounds and echo for years in someone’s heart and mind. God commands us to use our words to encourage and lift up others. Eliphaz gave this testimony about his friend Job, “Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees” (Job 4:3–4).

“And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”

Luke 19:6–8

In 1985, a young mother named Cathleen Webb contacted the Cook County State’s Attorney with a shocking revelation. Eight years before, she had falsely claimed that she had been raped. She had identified a man named Gary Dotson as her assailant, and he had been convicted and sentenced to prison. But in the interim she had gotten saved, and after talking to her husband and her pastor, decided that even though it put her at great legal and financial risk, she had to come forward with the truth.

At first her story was not believed by the authorities. It would take three years, and a DNA test before Dotson was finally released from prison. Webb wrote a book about the situation, donating the proceeds to Gary Dotson. She later died of cancer. Her husband spoke about her after her death. “She fully expected to pay more of a price than she actually did. There was a good chance that she might have had to go to jail. She couldn’t give Gary back his years, but at that point she did everything she could to make it right.”

If we are genuinely repentant for what we have done wrong, we will not only confess it to God, but do whatever is possible to rectify the harm we have caused. There are some things that cannot be undone, but as much as is possible, it should be our desire to address the pain of those we have wronged.

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.”

Genesis 37:3–4

For an example of a deeply dysfunctional family, we have only to look to the one in which Joseph grew up. His father Jacob played favorites, not just with his sons but with his wives. Joseph’s mother died when he was young, and his father latched on to Joseph as a result. Because of that favoritism, Joseph’s brothers hated him and when the opportunity arose they were going to kill him, but decided to sell him into slavery instead and pocket the money. When they got home they told their father Jacob that they had found Joseph’s coat of many colors covered in blood, and that he had been killed. Joseph certainly had every reason to hold a grudge about his experiences growing up.

Yet though his pain was real, Joseph was not bound by his past. Joseph recognized that God could use even the worst things that happened to him for good—provided that he was willing to trust God with the process. We see Joseph’s understanding of this truth revealed in the birth and naming of his children. “And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Genesis 41:51–52) Before we can be fruitful, we have to forget the past—not in the sense that we pretend it didn’t happen, but that we release our claim to retaliation against those who have done us wrong. Only then can we enjoy God’s fruitfulness in our lives.

“Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.”

2 Timothy 4:9–12

I read the story of G. Campbell Morgan starting out in the ministry. He was part of a group of 150 young men who applied for ordination in 1888. To qualify, they had to pass doctrinal examinations and then preach a sermon. Morgan did fine on the test, but his trial sermon was a disaster. Two weeks later Morgan found his name on the list of candidates who had failed. A despondent Morgan telegraphed his father one word, “Rejected.” Soon he received a reply: “Rejected on Earth. Accepted in Heaven.” Morgan did not give up, and became one of the great preachers of his generation.

When Paul and Barnabas went on their first missionary trip, they took Mark with them, but he gave up and went home. Paul refused to allow Mark to go on their second trip, and the tension over his decision was so great that it separated two men who had been dear friends and coworkers in the ministry for many years. But near the end of his life, Paul had a different opinion. Over the years Mark had proven himself to be faithful in the work. His initial failure did not keep him from trying again. And in Paul’s final epistle, he described Mark as an asset in God’s work.

Every one of us knows what it is like to fail. Some people allow those failures to become the definition of their lives. Others decide instead to get up and try again...and again...and again. These are the people who accomplish things. We do not have to stop trying just because our last attempt didn’t work.

“Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker: And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.”

Genesis 41:9–11

When Joseph was unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, his attitude and God’s blessing gave him great favor with the jailers. As a result, he was able to interact with the other prisoners. When Pharoah’s butler was in prison, Joseph interpreted a dream for him that promised him restoration to his former position. Joseph asked that his case be reviewed because he was innocent. But when the butler got back to the palace, he forgot all about Joseph. Two full years passed before Pharaoh had a dream, and only then did the butler remember what he had promised Joseph.

Too many times we take the help that we receive from others for granted. Yet in truth all of us have benefited in ways both large and small from parents, teachers, pastors, youth workers, relatives, and friends who have invested in our lives. How often do we stop to thank them? How often do we take the time to let them know that what they did made a difference? How often do we express the simple words that would mean so much to them?

Sometimes, like the butler, we get busy with the duties and responsibilities of life and simply forget those who have helped. Other times our pride does not want to acknowledge the contributions of others so that we can give ourselves more credit for what we have accomplished. But as the old saying goes, if you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, he probably didn’t get there by himself. Do not let pride render you ungrateful.

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.”

Hebrews 10:16–18

I read a humorous story about a couple who were having a problem in their marriage. Years before, Saul had done something really dumb, and Ethel had chewed him out royally. After he apologized, they made up. But as time passed, Ethel would from time to time bring up what he had done. Finally Saul said, “Honey, why do you keep bringing up what I did? I thought you said you would forgive and forget.” “I have,” Ethel replied, “But I don’t want you to forget that I’ve forgiven and forgotten!”

All of us have suffered from unfair treatment or unjust punishment at one point or another. Many have endured abuse, hardship, and suffering that they in no way deserved or merited. The world is filled with sinful people, and sinful people act in sinful ways. While there are scars that do not go away, there is a plan laid out for us in the Word of God to keep us from having to live with the pain of the past on an ongoing basis. And that plan centers around forgiveness.

Many people struggle to forgive and let go because they think it means they have to say that what happened to them was justified. But forgiveness is not an admission that you deserved what happened. Rather it is an expression of your faith and obedience to God. Following the example that He set for us, we do not hold on to the things of the past, but replace them with a new future through grace He provides.

“Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.”

Daniel 2:16–18

Daniel had risen through the ranks of the captives, carried to Babylon, and was recognized in that heathen country as a man of wisdom and learning. The thing that set Daniel and his three friends apart from hundreds of others taken from Israel and many other lands conquered by Nebuchadnezzar as he expanded his empire, was their faith in God and their faithfulness to Him. Their faith was not theoretical—it was tested in the most severe ways possible.

When Nebuchadnezzar’s personal guard showed up to kill Daniel and his friends because none of the other wise men had been able to interpret the king’s dream, they were literally facing a life or death moment. Yet Daniel did not panic. He did not condemn God for abandoning him, nor did he bewail the injustice of being threatened because someone else had made impossible demands. He did not criticize the Babylonian form of government that placed his life in peril. He prayed!

Daniel’s faith was expressed in his response to trouble. He believed that even in a foreign country, surrounded by danger and facing a death sentence, God was able to intervene. He threw himself on the mercy of God and found the answer that he needed. Our faith is not measured by how loudly we speak of it in public, but by how consistently we exercise it in private. If we rely on ourselves when we are tested, we reveal that we don’t trust God as we should.

“The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”

Psalm 34:16–19

David knew what it was like to be truly desperate. We often think of him as a great king ruling over an expanding nation and winning great victories against Israel’s enemies. But those triumphs only came after many years of very difficult circumstances. Saul’s jealousy toward David was a real threat. The old king God had rejected viewed the hero of the battle against Goliath as a challenge to his throne. As a result, Saul set out to kill David.

At one point David even resorted to leaving Israel and going to the Philistines—to the hometown of the giant he had famously killed. Think about how desperate he must have been to take that step. To keep the Philistines from killing him, David pretended to be crazy. “And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard” (1 Samuel 21:12–13).

It was against that background and in those dark days that David was inspired to write the words of praise that we know as Psalm 34. He had seen the goodness and faithfulness of God in a severe trial. David was both expressing his thanks to God for his deliverance and encouraging others to turn to Him when they were in distress.

“Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.”

Daniel 2:27–29

I read the story of a missionary who had a problem with his car—it wouldn’t start without being pushed. Each time he went somewhere, he had to make sure he was parked facing a downhill grade so that he would be able to get the car started again when he was ready to leave. After two years went by, a new missionary came to replace him at that station. After he explained his procedure for ensuring he wouldn’t be stranded, the new man lifted the hood of the car. He saw that the battery cable was loose, tightened it, and the car started right away. The problem was the connection, not the power source.

All of us who are children of God have access to an unlimited array of power and resources to do His work. Yet, if we are honest, we have to admit that many times we do not see anything of the divine or supernatural. Too often, we settle instead for what we are able to accomplish rather than checking for a “loose cable” to the power source. Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:12–14

Author and motivational speaker Erick Reahm recounted a story from his days as a student at West Point. During the summer between his junior and senior years, he was stationed at Ft. Hood in Texas. He was asked to represent his company in a 10k race. About 200 runners, both soldiers and civilians entered. As the race went on and the field thinned out, Reahm saw there was only one runner ahead of him.

He wrote, “With little over a mile to go, I noticed that he started to look back to see where I was. I observed that his form was deteriorating, and I knew I had a chance to beat him. The more he looked back, the more confident I became. As I closed the gap on him, I would wave at him and smile every time he looked back at me. By the time I passed him, he was demoralized and could not match my surge. I won the race easily and solidified a lesson I learned early in my running career—NEVER LOOK BACK!”

All of us have things in the past that we would like to change, but that is impossible. We can do our best to make up for things left undone and make right things that were done, but we cannot change the past. It is a grave error to spend your life looking over your shoulder. The sins and failures we have confessed and forsaken are covered with the blood of Jesus Christ.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Colossians 3:1–4

I read a fascinating interview with astronaut John Blaha who spent several months on the Russian Mir space station back in the 1990s. This veteran astronaut flew six space shuttle missions, but spending months with people he didn’t know and with whom he had a significant language barrier proved challenging. Blaha said that his first month was pretty miserable. “I kept longing for things that I loved on earth. Finally, I decided that I had to forget them. When I did that, then I loved being on the Space Station.”

No matter what country a Christian lives in here on Earth, our true citizenship is in Heaven. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 3:20). And while there are concerns of daily living that must be met, when our focus settles on earthly things, we cannot love Heaven and the things of God as we should. Everything around us is temporal, and one day all that is material will be destroyed.

Living for the things of God requires our affection. It is no mistake that Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God above all else. Obedience and holiness are primarily a matter of the heart. No matter what temptations or inducements are offered to someone who loves God as he should, he will remain focused on pleasing the One he loves. This is how we glorify and obey God.

“And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 12:27–29

One of the most popular books of the 1800s was Jules Verne’s adventure story Around the World in Eighty Days, which highlighted the way travel and technology improvements of the 1860s had brought the world closer together. At the beginning of the book, the eccentric Englishman Phileas Fogg, who would soon set out on the great trip around the globe, fires his valet, James Forster. The offense that led to his dismissal? “Forster had brought him shaving water that was 84 degrees instead of 86!”

God is not an unreasonable or capricious master, but He is sovereign and Lord, and He has every right to demand our full obedience. When we do as we choose rather than as He commands, we should not expect our service to receive His approval. The Bible is filled with examples of people doing things their own way and finding God’s disfavor—Cain offering produce instead of a blood sacrifice, Nadab and Abihu bringing strange fire to the altar, Uzzah touching the Ark of the Covenant, Saul saving animals for a sacrifice when God had commanded him to destroy them, and Ananias and Sapphira lying about their partial offering.

God is not a negotiator. He doesn’t settle for less than He demands and decide it is close enough. In fact, Jesus expressed God’s standard in very stark terms: “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10). The way we view God determines how we serve Him.

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

1 Corinthians 13:11–13

The first railroads represented an amazing increase in the speed of travel compared to what had come before, but they were still very slow by modern standards. And passenger comfort was limited by the noise, the smoke, and the very uneven ride of early trains. I read about a little boy who was making a lengthy trip on a train by himself. At one point, a lady who had been watching him asked if he was getting tired after so long a trip. He quickly replied that he wasn’t tired. “I’m going to see my father as soon as we arrive,” he explained.

If our focus is on God as much as it should be, our greatest longing will be to be in His presence. While we know that we have the certainty of spending eternity with Him through the salvation provided by grace through faith, His presence is not just something we will experience in the future. Certainly our fellowship with God will be on a much different level in Heaven, but for those who seek His face, His presence can be experienced and enjoyed here on earth. David wrote, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). There is no such thing as a powerful, victorious Christian life apart from the abiding presence of God.

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”

Ephesians 2:1–3

Billy Sunday’s father died during the Civil War, and he grew up in the Iowa Soldiers’ Orphans Home. His amazing athletic ability provided him a lavish lifestyle as a professional baseball player in the 1880s. Known as only an average hitter, his amazing speed (he was the fastest player in the National League) made him an outstanding fielder and a feared baserunner. On a day off in Chicago, Sunday and some of his teammates watched as a group from the Pacific Garden Mission sang and preached. Sunday went to the mission where he heard the gospel and was saved.

His entire life was transformed. He gave up his drinking and gambling, and, in 1891, turned down a contract worth $3,100 per year for a job at the Rescue Mission paying less than $1,000 a year. Soon he went into full time evangelism and saw hundreds of thousands saved.

Many years later, a Chicago policeman walking his beat saw a man standing outside the Pacific Garden Mission. Not recognizing the famed preacher, he went up to ask what was going on. “My name is Billy Sunday,” the reply came, “and I was saved right inside here many years ago. If I am ever in town, I always come by and pray to thank God for saving a sinner like me.” We do nothing to earn or deserve salvation—we only accept it. But it transforms everything about our lives.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Colossians 3:15–17

I read about a pastor who was talking to a little girl after the Sunday service. He asked her, “Do you know what’s in the Bible?” “Yes, sir,” she replied confidently. “I know everything that’s in the Bible.” So he asked, “OK, tell me what’s in the Bible.” She said, “There’s a picture of my brother’s girlfriend, a ticket from the dry cleaner, a curl of my hair, and a pizza coupon.”

The Bible has all of the information God knows we need to live according to His purpose. Yet too many Christians have a very casual relationship with their Bible. They carry it with them to church, but it often never gets opened again until the following Sunday. That is not enough. George Müller said, “The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.”

There needs to be more Bible reading, more Bible study, more Bible memorization, and more Bible meditation in every one of our lives. Nothing is more important to our spiritual health and well-being. The Bible is our resource, our guide, our spiritual food, our strength, our corrector, and our comfort. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.”

Psalm 119:9–12

The evangelist Rodney “Gipsy” Smith was known not only for his pulpit ministry, which was powerful and effective, but for his personal evangelism as well. He would talk to everyone he met about their need for Jesus. After his services, he would often stay for long periods of time to talk to those who were concerned about their souls and to counsel Christians who sought a deeper relationship with God. After one service, a man told Smith that the Bible hadn’t done anything for him even though he had “gone through it several times.” Smith replied, “Let it once go through you, and you will tell a different story.”

The Bible was not given to us primarily for informational purposes, even though it is perfect and without error, and everything it says is correct and true. The Bible was given to us to guide our path and keep us from sin. But it must be applied to our lives in order to have that effect. Having a state of the art GPS system in your car will not get you to your destination unless you actually follow the directions it gives. There are things in the Bible that require deep study to grasp, and truths that a lifetime of learning will never reach. It was inspired by an infinite and unlimited God. But rather than being discouraged by what we haven’t yet learned, we need to focus on putting into practice everything we know. God reveals more truth to us when we follow what we have already been given.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Corinthians 12:7–9

One of the reasons the Peanuts comics were popular for so many years is the level of insight into adult issues that appear in the mouths of young children. In one strip, Linus is talking to Charlie Brown when he says, “I don’t like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a distinct philosophy of mine. No problem is so big or so complicated that it can’t be run away from.”

While that approach to problems may be attractive, it doesn’t truly resolve anything. In fact, problems that we refuse to deal with do not somehow magically disappear. They usually become even greater when we try to avoid them. The right approach is to take inventory of our own life and determine whether the problem is caused by something we have done or failed to do. Many of the difficulties we face are self-inflicted and can only be addressed by making a change.

But in the cases where the problem has an external cause, the most important thing we can do is run to God and seek His grace. While some of our prayers for relief will be answered quickly, some hardships will not be removed because they are part of God’s program to shape our lives. In either case, we must rely on His grace.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

1 Peter 4:12-14

When Peter was inspired to write on the subject of persecution, trials, and faith being challenged, he was not talking about theory. Peter’s faith had faced a trial the night before Jesus was crucified, and he had failed the test. He had also experienced great suffering first hand—being beaten, jailed, and threatened with execution. Many of his fellow disciples lost their lives because of their faithful witness and testimony, and Peter himself would eventually be crucified.

The appearance of hardships, trials, and even persecution in our lives should not come as a surprise to us. The popular notion that the Christian life is meant to be easy and that we should expect to only receive blessings leaves people poorly prepared when difficulty does come. The Bible instead tells us that if we are committed to doing right, we should expect to experience difficulties and challenges. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

The thing that sustains us through trials and testing is our faith that God is still in control. Though we are often surprised by what happens, God never is. As someone once said, “All of our fiery trials are Father-filtered.” When we remember that God is in control even when things go wrong according to our expectation and understanding, we are reminded to keep our faith in Him.

“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”

Psalm 63:3–6

David penned this Holy Spirit-inspired song of praise, not at a time of success, ease, and blessing, but at a time when he was running for his life. Yet even while living in the wilderness and hiding from Saul, David recognized that God was faithful to him. So many times we equate God’s goodness with our comfort, but He is always good, no matter our circumstances. Every good thing we receive comes from His hand, and in every trial, He remains faithful to us.

I read about an older Christian singer who had been diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. When he was told that it would require surgery, he was also informed that following the surgery, he would no longer be able to sing. In the operating room he told the doctor, “I’ve had many good times singing the praises of God. Now you tell me I can never sing again. I have one song that will be my last.” He began to sign the old hymn by Isaac Watts:

I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath,
And when my voice is lost in death,
Praise shall employ my nobler power;
My days of praise shall ne’er be past,
While life, and thought, and being last,
Or immortality endures.

The praise we offer to God, especially in hard times, guards us from despair and defeat. When we remember all that God has done for us in the past, we are encouraged to seek His help for the present and the future. Our praise is sweet to the ears of God.

“And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”

Luke 19:37–40

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, He was fulfilling prophecies that were hundreds of years old. Every detail happened just as God had said, according to the timeline revealed to Daniel in his vision. There were many who welcomed Jesus, but most of them wanted Him to be a king who would overthrow the Romans rather than the Saviour who would rescue them from their sin. For the Pharisees, even a political deliverer was too much. They feared the loss of their prestigious and profitable positions. “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation” (John 11:48). So they demanded that Jesus quiet the throngs who had gathered.

In response, Jesus told them that if the people were silenced, the very stones would cry out. The praise, glory, and greatness of God is beyond human ability to properly express, but that should not stop us from doing our best to let everyone know our love and gratitude toward God. The gift of salvation alone would be worthy of a lifetime of praise and worship, to say nothing of the daily blessings and provision we receive. Yet, too often our praise is tepid at best, rather than filled with sincere joy and appreciation as it should be.

“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.”

1 Corinthians 15:9–11

The cartoon character Popeye made his first appearance in 1929 just before the start of the Great Depression. First introduced as a character in another comic strip, Popeye quickly became one of the most popular fictional characters of the 1930s in both print and film. The spinach-eating sailor dispatched bad guys and saved the day, while singing his famous theme song:

I’m Popeye the Sailor Man,
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man…

None of us have the power to save ourselves. We are utterly dependent on God’s grace. But that grace is not just extended to us for salvation—it brings change into our lives, making us more like Christ. And it equips and enables us for a life of service. All that we are, for good and for God, is a result of grace. Truly understanding this fact allows us both to remain humble and to recognize and praise God for His goodness to us.

Paul realized that all he was and all he had done was because of God’s grace. He had done much of which he could have been proud, but instead, he kept his focus on what God had done for him and through him. The devil has destroyed many promising lives and ministries by pride. When we attempt to work in our own strength, apart from God’s grace, we can never accomplish anything of lasting value.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 5:8–11

In 1957, a professor at Johns Hopkins University named Curt Richter published the findings of a study he had conducted on rats to measure the effect of hope on response to hardship and difficulty. He placed a number of rats in water, and took note of how long they could swim before drowning. Then he took a second set of rats and put them in the same conditions.

This time, just before the average time of survival was reached, his team would take the rats out of the water. After they had rested a while and dried off, the rats were placed back into the water. This time they were able to swim for a much longer period of time. “In this way,” Richter reported, “the rats quickly learn that the situation is not actually hopeless. After elimination of hopelessness the rats do not die.”

Most, if not all, of us know the feeling of enduring a trial or time of suffering that feels like it will never end. It is tempting for us to lose hope and give up, or to blame God and become bitter against Him. But Peter reminds us that all of our suffering is limited. It only lasts for “a while.” That does not mean it doesn’t hurt or even that things will improve. What it does mean is that there is hope. We have a loving Father who will never fail or forsake us.

“The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”

Acts 1:1–3

The early church in Jerusalem saw a staggering level of growth. Just days after three thousand were saved on the Day of Pentecost, five thousand more were saved after Peter healed the lame man at the Temple and preached again. Every day new converts were being added to the church. What explains the phenomenal impact they made? That church had none of the things we think are essentials—no facilities, no advanced educational training, no music program, and no structure. Yet they changed the world. The impact of the Jerusalem church has a simple explanation: they had the teaching of Jesus, and they worked in the power of the Holy Spirit.

That explanation raises an obvious question: why aren’t we making the same impact? We have the teachings of Jesus, and even more of the Bible than they did. We have the same Holy Spirit living within, who has the same power. Nothing has changed on God’s end. The problem lies with us.

We have far too many churches that have traded power for programs and divine enabling for human effort. We work in our strength, gather the latest research, follow the latest trends, and try to produce what only God can perform. There is nothing wrong with strategy, research, or programs. We need to be wise in how we spend our time and resources. But the bottom line is that we need a return to the Word of God and the power of His Holy Spirit.

“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”

Acts 7:51–53

Though Herman Melville is best remembered now for writing the whaling tale Moby Dick, he was better known in his lifetime for his short stories. One of the most influential was “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street,” which told of a man hired to copy legal documents in a busy law firm. After a period productive work, Bartleby fell into a deep depression and stopped accepting assignments. Every order or suggestion was met with the phrase, “I would prefer not to.” Eventually Bartleby lost his job and his home, and even refused to eat, until he died.

It is a tragic story, and we find it hard to believe that someone could be so obstinate with such negative results. Yet if we are honest, we must admit that there are times when we know exactly what God has directed and commanded, but our response is anything but obedience. We come up with all kinds of excuses and explanations to justify our rebellion, but in the final analysis it comes down to a matter of the will—we either bend our necks to God’s yoke or we stubbornly insist on going our own way.

It is often easier to diagnose rebellion in others than in our own hearts. But we must not allow our preferences and desires to be placed ahead of God’s command. The only proper response that a Christian can make to a directive from the Lord is cheerful, prompt, and complete obedience.

“And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way, And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.”

Luke 4:28–31

There are many events recorded in Scripture that would be amazing to have witnessed in person. We think of David’s battle with Goliath, Daniel in the den of lions, or Elijah calling down fire on Mt. Carmel and picture the events in our minds. But what would it have been like to have heard Jesus preach in person? We tell ourselves that we would eagerly receive His teaching and hang on every word, but often that was not the response of those who heard Him.

When Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth and preached in the synagogue, those who had watched Him grow up, and should have been the first to respond and follow Him, did not like what they heard. In fact, they were so outraged that they tried to kill Jesus. If you have the chance to see Nazareth today you can still visit the place overlooking the city where that attempted murder took place. After that response, Jesus moved His headquarters to Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

What a tragedy to have Jesus in your presence but reject His message. We do not have Jesus physically present to hear His voice, but we can read His Word. What is our response? Do we gladly obey what He says, or do we find, like the people of Nazareth, that the message compels us to make changes we are unwilling to make?

“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words,”

Luke 24:5–8

The three days that Jesus was in the grave were dark indeed for those who had followed and loved Him. Despite the fact that He had told them of His impending death, they did not seem to grasp the reality of God’s plan for redemption. As those around them celebrated Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, they huddled together in hiding. Fear and doubt filled their minds. Their problem was revealed by the angels at the empty tomb—they had forgotten what Jesus said.

If we are honest, many of us live in fear and doubt rather than in confidence and faith. There are times when our fears have a real foundation. Not all of the things we dread are imaginary. Some are very real. But just as the disciples faced the loss of the Lord, when we face real threats we do not have to give in to hopelessness and despair. Even when all of the evidence, all of our senses, all of our experience, and all those around us say that there is no hope, with God all things are possible.

The faithfulness of God is our comfort and strength in times of distress, but only if we remember what He has promised to do for us. Too often, we allow bad circumstances to fill our minds, so that the only thing we remember is how bad things are. When we stop and recall the unfailing promises we have been given, we will not despair.

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”

Job 19:25–27

Thousands of years before Jesus came to the world as the Saviour and Messiah who had been promised, those who knew and believed God had a great faith that this life is not the end—that there is an eternity beyond this life. Job lived long before there was a written promise of the resurrection recorded in Scripture, yet in the midst of his great trial, he declared with confidence that after his death he would see God in his physical body.

The death of Christ alone could not be the end of the story for us to have salvation. It was necessary that He also rise from the dead. Paul wrote, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The resurrection is just as much a part of the gospel as the cross.

The fact—not a myth or a legend or a tradition, but a historical, demonstrated fact—that Jesus rose from the dead is the evidence that all of God’s promises concerning our future are reliable. The power that overcame death and the grave guarantees our place in Heaven. This is the message of the resurrection. It is the center and source of our hope. It is the greatest miracle in all of human history. The empty tomb is an assurance that God will fulfill all of His commitments to us, and that one day the Lord will return to take us home.

“And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”

Mark 7:35–37

Because she was blind and unable to work a traditional job, Fanny Crosby relied on the sale of her poems and hymns for her financial income. Despite her popularity, there were often times when money was short. On one particular day, she had a pressing need for five dollars. Though the sum was not huge, she had no prospect of getting the money, so she began to pray for God’s help. Only a few minutes passed before a stranger knocked on her door and gave her exactly five dollars. She wrote, “I have no way of accounting for this, except to believe that God, in answer to my prayer, put it into the heart of this good man to bring the money.” My first thought was, “It is so wonderful the way the Lord leads me.” Not long after, she wrote the words to the song we still sing today, “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me”:

All the way my Saviour leads me;
What have I to ask beside
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my guide?

Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know what ‘er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know what ‘er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

There is great peace in remembering that God always knows what is best for us. Many times, it is the very things that bring us hardship and pain that He is using to mold us to be more like Jesus. We must trust our Father who knows and does what is best.

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Ephesians 4:13–15

In our society, it has become common to hear people referring to “my truth” or “your truth.” But there is no such thing. Truth is not a commodity that varies based on the person. Truth is an absolute. There are things that are true, and there are things that are false. Our perceptions and experiences may vary, but that does not change the truth. The truth is absolute, certain, and unchanging. It is not and never has been relative to conditions, circumstances, or personalities.

The truth is what the truth is, because the truth is set and settled by the nature and character of God. “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18). People change. Scientific understanding is altered and updated constantly. History is rewritten as new discoveries are made. Educational methods and ideologies are altered. Truth remains.

If we want a sure and certain source of truth upon which to build our lives, we must fill our hearts and minds with the Word of God. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). We must know the truth to overcome error.

“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”

Philippians 3:15–17

In 1938, a patent lawyer and inventor named Chester Carlson revolutionized the business world with his work in what was known at the time as electrophotography—making exact copies using a machine. He soon begin calling his process xerography, from the Greek for “dry writing.” The Xerox machine was one of the most successful inventions in history. The ability to reproduce page after page of duplicates changed the way people kept records and did business.

God’s plan for His work in the world also revolves around making copies. Paul wrote to Timothy, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). The process we are commanded to follow is patterned after the work Jesus did with twelve chosen men—discipleship, and it is nothing less than making copies of ourselves.

This is not a matter of setting ourselves up in pride as great examples, but a matter of living like Jesus so much that we can say as Paul did to the church at Corinth, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The more closely we adhere to the example of Jesus, the better copies our lives will produce. We must never forget that whether we intend it or not, we have great influence on those around us. We must be careful to live so that our pattern is a good one for others to follow.

“And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Revelation 4:9–11

Many of us have faced the challenge of hanging a picture when we didn’t have a hammer close at hand. The number of tools and other objects that we have used to drive nails is impressive. People have used shoes, books, screwdriver handles, and many other things, but nothing does the job in the same way that a hammer does. Hammers are designed and created with a specific purpose in mind, and they’re very good at doing what they were made to do. If we could stretch the analogy a little more and give personality to hammers, we could also note that they don’t spend their days wishing they could do something else. Hammers are quite content being used for their original purpose. They don’t seek to bring glory to themselves. They were made to drive nails. When we pick up a hammer, it does the job.

People on the other hand were also created for a purpose—to glorify God. Yet, far too often we are not content with our purpose and design, and seek fulfillment on our own rather than yielding to God’s creation and calling on our lives. Everything that God made plays its role except for man. This is not something new to our day. Thousands of years ago God spoke to Isaiah and said, “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider” (Isaiah 1:3). There is no greater or higher purpose we can reach than to bring glory to our Creator.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

1 John 3:1–3

One of the biggest stars of radio and the early days of television was Art Linkletter. He described his success simply: “Put regular people, especially kids, in front a camera and let them be themselves.” Linkletter had a long and successful life and career, but things could have gone very differently for him. He was born in 1912 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, as Arthur Kelly. His parents abandoned him on the steps of a local church when he was just a few weeks old, and Art was adopted by a pastor and his wife. In an interview given in his nineties, Linkletter talked about all he had experienced and then said, “But I’m still the preacher’s kid.”

All of us were born into the wrong family. Jesus said, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). But the love of God for us was so great, that even when we did not know Him or love Him, He reached out to us by sending His Son to be the Saviour of all who believe. Our adoption is the measure of His devotion.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Dr. John Rice said that one of the sermons he heard as a young man had a powerful influence on his life. An old Texas preacher named Dr. J. B. Gambrell delivered a message entitled “Who Owns the Wool?” Dr. Rice remembered, “His argument was very simple. He who owns the sheep owns the wool. And if God owns the Christian, then He owns all his time. He owns all his money. He owns all his family. A Christian ought to say, ‘All I am, all I have belongs to God. I want to use it for Him.’”

There is no circumstance in which a Christian has a right to say “No” to God’s command. It is an act of defiance and rebellion to disobey what the Lord says we are to do—not to mention an act that demonstrates we do not love Him. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Surely there have been times when people have misinterpreted Scripture and incorrectly claimed Divine support for a position. In those cases, it is not disobedience to God to do what He says rather than what men may declare God wants.

But where the Bible is clear, we must obey. We have no right to do otherwise. Because God owns us, both by right of creation and by right of redemption, everything that we are and everything that we have is His. We have a profound obligation to obedience because of the price that was paid for our salvation. A Christian who clings to his possessions without regard to God’s ultimate ownership is a disobedient servant.

“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

John 10:7–10

In our increasingly pluralistic society, it is becoming more and more unpopular to declare that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. But that was His message while He was here on earth, and it is the message all of His faithful followers must declare. Though God is love, and He loves the world, He is also holy, and the only way we can enter His presence is if our sins have been cleansed through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Many churches, even some that are at least nominally “Christian,” have backed away from this truth. Writing to Eygenio Scalfari, editor of the La Repubblica newspaper, Pope Francis wrote: “You ask me if the God of the Christians forgives those who don’t believe and who don’t seek the faith. I start by saying—and this is the fundamental thing—that God’s mercy has no limits if you go to him with a sincere and contrite heart. The issue for those who do not believe in God is to obey their conscience.”

No one comes to God by following His conscience. No one comes to God by following the Pope or the Dalai Lama or any other religious leader. No one comes to God by joining a church, getting baptized, or being kind to others. We only come to God by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus in our place.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21–24

In 1916, Woodrow Wilson ran for re-election as President of the United States. What we now call World War I had been going on in Europe for two years, and there was great disagreement over whether the United States should get involved. Wilson had been favorable toward the British and French, who were fighting the Germans, but the official US policy was neutrality. During the campaign, the slogan “He kept us out of war” was used by Wilson’s supporters to encourage people to vote for him. Wilson won the election and was sworn in for his second term in office on March 4, 1917. On April 2, however, he asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany, and the US entered the conflict.

The promises made by men are not always reliable. Though there may be a few people we have learned that we can trust, and though we should always have the character and integrity to do what we say we will do, the reality is that as fallible and sinful human beings, our promises are not always certain. Almost all of us have had the experience of being let down by someone we counted on.

No one who relies on God ever has that experience. He does not drop a task before He has done all that He said He will do. We can have faith in Him because He is always faithful. He cannot make a promise beyond His ability to fulfill, and nothing can deter Him from His purpose.

“And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.”

Genesis 30:25–27

Jacob was hardly a great example of faithful Christian living. He cheated his brother and lied to his father, and he took advantage of every opportunity to increase his wealth at any cost. Despite the pain of growing up in a family where the parents were divided by their favorites, he played favorites with his sons to the point where Joseph’s brothers hated him and eventually sold him into slavery. Yet for all of his failings, Jacob trusted God.

As a result of his faith, Jacob promised to honor God with his resources. At Bethel where he saw the vision of angels ascending and descending from Heaven, Jacob promised, “And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee” (Genesis 28:22). God honored Jacob’s faith and blessed him with great wealth. But the blessing of God was not limited to Jacob alone.

Jacob’s father-in-law, Laban, recognized that God was at work in Jacob’s life and that he (Laban) had been blessed as a result of their association. We often think of the blessing of God solely in terms of what it means to us. But if we are living in such a way that allows God’s blessing to flow, the impact is not limited—it helps others as well as us.

“What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”

Romans 9:14–16

We live in a self-obsessed culture. People are more and more focused inwardly. The networks and connections that once bound communities and society together have frayed. Everything you need to know about what we value can be seen on the ubiquitous cell phone where the camera doesn’t just take pictures of what you are looking it—it quickly changes to take selfies. I read recently that most celebrities are no longer asked for autographs. Instead, they are now asked to pose for a picture, not of themselves, but with the fan. Even those that many look up to are included in memory only to the extent that they reinforce the image of self.

God’s plan is not focused on us. He is not impressed by our strength, our intelligence, or our resources which pale in comparison to His perfection. Yet despite our shortcomings by God’s standard, we find it easy to be proud because we measure ourselves by whatever standard will make us feel better. We nurture and feed our pride, even though it is at the very top of the list of sins that God despises. “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:16–17).

This self-obsession is not limited to the world. We see its effects in God’s work as well. The temptation to focus on and rely on self has led to the destruction of many men and many ministries. The only hope we have is God.

“And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.”

Genesis 50:19–21

In his autobiography, An American Life, Ronald Reagan wrote, “I was raised to believe that God had a plan for everyone and that seemingly random twists of fate are all a part of His plan. My mother—a small woman with auburn hair and a sense of optimism that ran as deep as the cosmos—told me that everything in life happened for a purpose. She said all things were part of God’s plan, even the most disheartening setbacks, and in the end, everything worked out for the best. If something went wrong, she said, you didn’t let it get you down: You stepped away from it, stepped over it, and moved on.”

The trials and tribulations of life are not pleasant to endure, but we must learn to view them as God views them—as tools to work His plan in our lives. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2–3). Many times we miss the opportunity trouble brings because we fail to see God working in and through it to prepare and equip us for His purpose.

The way we respond to trouble is determined by our focus. Joseph could have become bitter toward his brothers and used his powerful position to exact revenge. That is what they expected and feared. But because Joseph was focused on God, he forgave them and cared for their needs just as God had designed.

“Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.”

Acts 13:35–37

There were many times in David’s life when he was in great danger. He fought with wild animals as a boy keeping his father’s sheep. He faced a trained warrior in the giant Goliath with nothing but a sling. Saul tried to kill him repeatedly. The Philistines wanted him dead. His own son, Absalom, raised an armed insurrection against him and sought his life. Yet through all of those dangers and threats, David survived because God’s purpose for his life was not finished. David died at an old age, only after he had completed the mission God gave him.

The great missionary David Livingstone said, “I am immortal until the will of God is accomplished in my life.” While we should not be foolish or cavalier in our approach to life, we should also not live in fear and bondage, no matter how difficult our circumstances may be. Some people die unexpectedly in accidents or a sudden health crisis, while others have plenty of time to prepare for an end that seems long in advance. But in none of those cases is God taken by surprise.

God knows His plan and purpose, and He knows exactly how long we will live. Every one of those days, including the final one, will be under His care. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (Psalm 23:6). Rather than living with fear and worry, we should live joyfully, committing our lives to fulfilling God’s calling and purpose.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6–8

One of the great naval heroes of the American Civil War was Admiral David Farragut. Though he had been born in Tennessee and lived in Virginia, he opposed secession and fought for the Union. He was renowned for his personal courage, and willing to take risks to win a victory. The story goes that he met with another officer named DuPont who had failed in an attack on Charleston harbor. Farragut asked, “Why didn’t you get into Charleston?”

DuPont responded, “It was because the channel was crooked.”

“No,” Farragut said, “That is not the reason.”

“The rebel fire was perfectly horrible,” DuPont added.

“Yes, but it wasn’t that,” Farragut said.

DuPont asked, “Then what was it?”

Farragut replied, “It was because you didn’t believe you could get in.”

The successful and victorious Christian life is not a life of self-confidence. Rather, it is a life of confidence, faith, and trust in the promises of God. We can have a genuine confidence, not based on arrogance or presumption, because God has committed Himself, and He never fails. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). Our confidence is not in our limited strength but in His boundless power and might.

“For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”

Philippians 4:16–18

Of all our senses, smell is the one that produces the strongest memory and emotional effect. Repeated scientific studies show that an odor triggers more brain activity than sight, sound, touch, or taste. Psychology Today reported a study of a veteran with PTSD: “On one occasion, the smell of diesel from a neighborhood fire instantly conjured the memory of an accident in Vietnam. In his mind he could vividly see the burning vehicle, doors ajar, and billows of fire and smoke. The patient couldn’t save his fellow soldiers that day. The smell of diesel frequently caused him to re-experience the overwhelming feelings of guilt and helplessness that he initially experienced more than thirty years ago.”

The Lord certainly does not need reminders—He never forgets. Yet again and again the Bible speaks of things we do such as our gifts and our prayers being a pleasant smell to God. Using the same metaphor of smell, God spoke to Isaiah of His displeasure in the hypocritical self-righteousness of the Israelites who worshiped idols while claiming to love Him. “Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day” (Isaiah 65:5).

All of our actions, both good and bad create a “smell” which arises to God. If we desire for Him to be pleased with our lives, and we certainly should have that as our goal every day, then we must do the things that He has commanded.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.”

Hosea 4:6–8

No nation turns away from God in a moment. It is the process of a generation failing to pass on their faith to their children and failing to reach others with the gospel. It is easy to see the evidence of a marked shift in American society today. The number of people who go to church declines, and the rising tide of social ills—abortion, divorce, immorality, addiction, and more—is clear evidence of a negative shift. Yet despite the abundant proofs of a downturn, more and more people, 56 percent according to a recent Pew Research poll, say that people do not need to believe in God in order to be good and moral.

Daniel Webster, one of America’s great statesmen, left this solemn warning, “If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.”

God has no grandchildren. Each new generation must have the faith we share taught, explained, and demonstrated to them so that it can become their own. When we turn away from following God with our whole hearts, we should not be surprised if our children, grandchildren, friends, co-workers, and neighbors go even further away from Him. There are many consequences for sin, and they are not all personal. Some of them impact future generations in families and societies.

“And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”

2 Chronicles 20:10–12

William Cowper lost his mother when he was very young and grew up struggling with depression. Though a gifted student and poet, Cowper sought in vain for a purpose and direction for his life. Amid his depression, he tried to commit suicide and was sent to an asylum for a time. There at the asylum he heard and understood the gospel and put his faith in Christ. On his release, he moved to Olney, England, where he met John Newton. The former slave trader was a great help to Cowper, and it was during this time that he wrote “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” Cowper was physically weak and often ill, and continued to battle depression. But he learned some deep lessons during his battles. He found himself forced to rely on God for his every need. Cowper wrote:

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian’s armor bright;
And Satan trembles, when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

The constant temptation we face is to go our own way and to work in our own strength. This temptation is especially attractive to those who are trying to make a difference for the Lord, because we fail to realize the subtle pride involved. Yet in truth, we are completely unable to serve and live for God apart from His power. And that power can only be found on our knees. We do not need more strength and ability. We need more prayer.

“And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.”

2 Kings 20:9–11

It is true that our prayers must be in subjection to God’s will, but that does not mean that they have to be general and vague. We have been given the right to be bold and confident in coming before the throne of God and present our petition to Him. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).

Sometimes people do not offer specific prayers because they do not have confidence that they will receive an answer, and by generalizing their prayer, they make it so that it is not clear if an answer is received. This is the opposite of how we should pray. We should be clear and precise in what we ask so that we know when God answers. Again, we do not ask selfishly or presumptuously, but when we have a specific need, God cares. And if we ask in faith, we have every right to expect His help.

If you have a lost loved one or friend, do not pray just for God to save the lost—ask God for his or her salvation. If you have a financial burden, do not pray just for blessing, but for that specific need. Such definite prayer shows confidence in God’s promises, and makes it clear to everyone who hears about it that God still answers prayer.