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“For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Matthew 7:8–11

For a number of years Bill Gates has been one of the richest people in the world. The massive growth of his company created a vast store of wealth. If you or I were to talk with him about a need in our lives, there is no question that he would have the resources to meet it. But it is highly unlikely that he would respond to any of us—we do not have a relationship with him. If one of his children had a need however, his response would be very different.

Our Father in Heaven has unlimited resources, far beyond the wealth of the entire world put together. No need that we ever have will cause Him to dip into a reserve fund or summon a new measure of strength. We cannot even comprehend the scope of His abilities and power. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20).

And because of the family relationship we have with Him as one of the benefits of our salvation, we have every reason to be confident when we ask for the provision He has promised to give us when we pray. There is no reason for a Christian not to pray with full confidence based on the love God has for us as His children.

“For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

Luke 6:43–45

In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, we see red hearts popping up all over. They are used as decorations, placed in advertisements, and made out of chocolate in all sizes. This is a time when people are talking and thinking about love more than usual. The physical heart is just a muscle that pumps blood through our bodies, but the spiritual heart—the inward thoughts, emotions and, desires that we have—does far more. It determines the entire course of our lives. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

Jesus said that what comes out in our lives, the way we act toward others and speak to them, is determined by what is on the inside. The things that we care about and love most, that which we treasure, is not revealed in what we say matters but in what we do. And while the things that are on the inside may be covered up for a while, eventually they will be seen by the entire world. The best way, indeed the only way, to maintain a good testimony is to maintain a good heart. What do you value most? What do you really love? Is God and what He commands at the top of your agenda on a daily basis? What does your heart treasure?

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.”

Micah 7:18–20

After playing a crucial role in the English defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, Sir Francis Drake returned to his lucrative and successful career as a privateer. His attacks on Spanish treasure fleets were so successful that King Phillip II of Spain offered a bounty worth $8 million in today’s money for anyone who captured or killed Drake. In 1596 while attacking Spanish strongholds in the Caribbean, Drake became ill and died of dysentery. At his request, he was dressed in his full suit of armor, placed in a lead-lined coffin, and buried at sea off the coast of Panama. Despite numerous expeditions carried out with modern diving techniques and cameras, his coffin has never been recovered.

One of the most beautiful pictures in the Bible of the way God deals with our sins is the image of them being thrown into the sea where they will never be found. Many people are haunted by things from their past, but while the scars and consequences of sin remain, the guilt is gone forever when we confess and forsake that sin. The devil may bring up the past, friends or family may bring up the past, our conscience may bring up the past, but God never brings up the past. He is full of mercy and compassion, and when He forgives us He does so freely and forever.

“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

In AD 64, about a year after Peter penned his first epistle, a massive fire broke out that destroyed much of the city of Rome. The people were unhappy with the slow response of Emperor Nero, and some were even blaming him for setting the fire. To deflect attention from himself, Nero falsely declared that the fire was the work of Christians. Nero unleashed a wave of persecution and hatred toward believers that resulted in the deaths of thousands.

The Roman historian Tacitus wrote, “Therefore, first those were seized who admitted their faith, and then, using the information they provided, a vast multitude were convicted, not so much for the crime of burning the city, but for hatred of the human race. And perishing they were additionally made into sports: they were killed by dogs by having the hides of beasts attached to them, or they were nailed to crosses or set aflame, and, when the daylight passed away, they were used as nighttime lamps. Nero gave his own gardens for this spectacle and performed a Circus game.”

There are places in the world today where being a Christian places one’s life in danger. If those days come to us, how will we respond? Will we hold to our faith and testimony regardless of potential consequences? Persecution is not something we would enjoy, but it is something we must prepare to withstand.

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Philippians 2:1–4

It’s easy for us to fall into being selfish and caring only about ourselves. We may recognize the needs of others, but often we do not respond by doing anything that will help make a difference. We want to hoard what we have and focus on ourselves, but that is not God’s plan. The Christian life is meant to be outward focused. This kind of living not only is obedient, but it produces great rewards in our own lives when we care about and give to others. Booker T. Washington said, “I think I began learning long ago that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”

If we are focused on the needs of others and looking for ways to meet them rather than to avoid them, we will live like Jesus did. When thousands of people gathered to hear Jesus preach, the disciples wanted to send them away at the end of the day so that they would not have to deal with finding some means of feeding them. Jesus, however, had compassion and worked one of His greatest miracles by multiplying the lunch of one little boy into enough food for the entire crowd.

“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

Over the years I’ve heard a lot of people talk about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Many have speculated as to what that thorn was. Some believe it was a problem with his eyes or perhaps another physical ailment, perhaps caused by the beatings and stonings Paul received. But very few people think of the thorn in the flesh in terms of it being a gift. Yet, that is how Paul described it. When he said, “there was given to me a thorn,” he used the same Greek word that Jesus used when He taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). We find such gifts unwelcome, but God sends them so that His grace can be manifest.

George Matheson, the Scottish preacher who wrote the beautiful hymn “O Love that Will Not Let Me Go” knew about hardship because of the blindness he had to deal with throughout his ministry. Matheson wrote, “My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn. I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but not once for my thorn. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross, but I have never thought of my cross as itself a present glory. Thou divine Love, whose human path has been perfected through sufferings, teach me the glory of my cross, teach me the value of my thorn.”

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 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 9:35–38

There was no shortage of religious leaders in the time of Christ. Even small villages had a synagogue where a rabbi would teach the people each Sabbath day. These were learned men, experts in the smallest details of the law that Moses had recorded at God’s direction. They devoted themselves to study and learning. But they were not making an impact on those around them. After Jesus completed a ministry trip through Galilee, He was brokenhearted over the spiritual condition of the people. The thing that made the difference between Jesus and those religious leaders was His compassion for the lost.

For Jesus it was not enough to see the condition of the people—His compassion moved Him into action. Despite the enormity of the need, there was a great shortage of workers actually doing something about it. So Jesus instructed His disciples to pray for more helpers to join in the harvest. The measure of our compassion for those around us is not how eloquently we talk about them but how diligently we work to reach them. If we would truly be like Jesus, then we must have hearts filled with compassion. That is what changes us from being technical experts with knowledge into people who genuinely care and get involved in the lives of others. As Jude reminds us: “And of some have compassion, making a difference” (Jude 1:22).

“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:13–14

In 23 BC the Roman poet Horace published his influential Odes. Among all his poems filling three volumes, perhaps the most famous line is, “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero,” which translates as, “Seize the day and put little trust in the future.” The world around us has taken this philosophy of not waiting and hoping for the future but acting in the present and turned it into an excuse for self-gratification. The YOLO (you only live once) mentality often leads to foolish or sinful conduct. That is not the proper way to live in the present.

The Christian is to seize the day because we do not know and cannot presume on the future. The only day that we know for certain we have to serve God and love others is today. James reminds us: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). We must not let what is before us today slip away because we do not know if there will ever be another opportunity to carry out what is before us.

When we face a “such a time as this” moment, we must act or it will forever be lost. Someone said, “The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.” We are gifted each day with twenty-four hours, and how we use those hours determines the impact of our lives.

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

Philippians 2:14–16

It is no secret that the society in which we live is becoming increasingly wicked. All kinds of sin and perversion that were once hidden in shame are now publicly embraced, and those who speak for the truth are regarded as bigots. Yet it is possible for us to use the condition and practices of the world around us as an excuse for lowering our standards and compromising the truth. The Bible teaches us that even in “a crooked and perverse nation” it is still possible for God’s people to do what is right.

We are meant to be lights in the darkness, and the reality is that the greater the darkness is, the brighter any light will shine. But we must be responsible and do what is necessary for our light to continue to shine. No matter how hopeless the situation around us seems to be, no matter how deeply or how far the world goes into sin, we have a responsibility to do what is right and let our lights shine in the world.

The ancient city of Sodom is a powerful example of this truth. Though they were greatly evil, they were not past hope. Jesus said, “And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day” (Matthew 11:23). But Lot failed to influence those around him, and the city was destroyed for the lack of even ten righteous people.

“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Psalm 90:10–12

Despite his enormous talent for writing and his skill as a political leader, George Gordon Byron was better known both during his life and after for his careless living, profligate spending, and rampant immorality. He was famously described as being “mad, bad, and dangerous to know.” Numerous debts and scandals eventually forced him to leave England, and he spent the rest of his life far from his home. In a poem composed not long before his death, at just thirty-six years of age, Lord Byron wrote:

My days are in the yellow leaf;
  The flowers and fruits of love are gone;

The worm, the canker, and the grief
  Are mine alone!

The wasting of any life is a tragedy. The wasting of the life of a believer who has been called and gifted by God to work for His Kingdom in this world is even worse. Every one of us has been given gifts and talents that are meant to be used, not buried in the ground. When we number our days, we realize that we have only a limited time to do what God has placed before us. Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). The reality is that none of us know what tomorrow holds. Whatever we are going to do needs to be motivated by the knowledge that there is a number to our days.

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

1 John 5:11–13

Dr. R. A. Torrey told the story of a young man who had been raised in a Christian home but turned away from the faith. He had convinced himself that he could never be truly saved, and became suicidal, certain that he was doomed to Hell. In desperation, his parents put him on a train for Chicago to talk with R. A. Torrey, and sent a guard with him to ensure he would not try to kill himself on the way. When he reached Torrey’s office, he declared the impossibility of his ever being saved. Torrey simply quoted the promise of Jesus: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

Every time the young man described something he had done or failed to do, Torrey quoted the verse again. Finally Torrey asked if he at least believed Jesus would never lie and he said that he did. Torrey then said simply, “Come to Him.” The young man knelt and prayed, then enrolled in the Bible Institute and became a powerful and effective preacher. Our faith and confidence does not come from our wisdom, or our feelings, or from our performance. Rather it is based completely on the faithfulness of the God who made the promises on which we rely. There is nothing too hard for Him, and when we act in faith as He commands, He never fails to do all that He has said.

“When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me. Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

Jeremiah 8:18–20

After a lengthy and successful business career, Harvey MacKay began writing books to share his insights and experiences with others. His first best-seller, How to Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive, established him as one of the most read authors of his time. Most of his books are filled with practical wisdom and sound advice. MacKay wrote, “Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.”

There are some things that we can go back and fix if we fail to get them right the first time. But there are other opportunities that must be grasped in the moment, or they will never return. There are many differences between people, in ability, intelligence, talent, and more. But every one of us gets the same 86,400 seconds every day. What we do with them determines whether our lives will have a meaningful impact or will be wasted.

Those who seize the opportunities before them and maximize the value of their time will accomplish the most even if they are not the most gifted people. The realization of the fleeting nature of time should encourage us to use it as wisely and diligently as we can. Longfellow wrote, “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained through sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward through the night.”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:22–25

In nearly any town of any size in America, if you go to the heart of town and stand at an intersection of two major streets, in addition to traffic lights to guide the cars, there will be signs for the pedestrians as well. The “Walk, Don't Walk” lights are meant to inform everyone of when it is safe to cross the street. In recent years audio signals and commands have been added to the lights so that even those who cannot see can still determine whether they should go forward or wait. Most people obey those signs without question, especially in large cities. The reason is that they understand the purpose and value of the signs—and what could happen if they disobey. If they walk when the sign says “Don't Walk” they will be in danger. If they remain still when the sign says “Walk” they will never get anywhere.

But when it comes to the Christian life, too many take the commands and prohibitions of Scripture far less seriously than they do street signs. People who avoid crossing a street with a “Don't Walk” sign flashing think nothing of ignoring the warnings of the Bible so that they can go ahead and indulge their fleshly appetites. There is a constant warfare between the flesh and the Spirit, and we must yield to God's control to be victorious. Andrew Murray wrote, “May not a single moment of my life be spent outside the light, love, and joy of God’s presence and not a moment without the entire surrender of myself as a vessel for Him to fill full of His Spirit and His love.”

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

2 Timothy 3:1–5

There have been many times throughout history when churches have faced serious challenges. Often the problem is that compromises made by Christians hoping to be accepted by the world have impacted the teaching of the truth, and though the church buildings may still be there, they are no longer accomplishing anything for God. Sometimes those not closely involved may not even realize the change that has taken place. The church at Sardis was like that. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead” (Revelation 3:1).

When we abandon the truth and waver in our stand on the Word of God, we abandon our ability to impact the world for Christ. A. W. Tozer wrote, “Religion today is not transforming the people—it is being transformed by the people. It is not raising the moral level of society—it is descending to society's own level and congratulating itself that it has scored a victory because society is smiling accepting its surrender.”

The power of godliness does not diminish when the world around us declines. In fact, it increases as the contrast becomes clearer. That means it is vital that we hold to the truth, no matter what compromises and choices others may make. Rituals and traditions of religion do not change the world. Only godly living and teaching can do that.

“But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

Numbers 13:31–33

In 1871 a doctor named Brewster Higley moved from Indiana to Smith County, Kansas, to claim land under the Homestead Act. He built a small cabin and began to improve the land as was required under the law. Dr. Higley enjoyed living there, and the next year published a poem called “My Western Home” in a small local paper. Soon a friend wrote music to go with the poem, and the song we know as “Home on the Range” was born. In 1947 Kansas adopted it as their official state song.

One of the things Dr. Higley apparently liked about living in Kansas was the positive attitudes of those around him. He described that in his poem when he wrote, “Where seldom is heard a discouraging word.” The words that we hear from (and speak to) others have a profound influence on our thoughts and actions. Negative, critical, and discouraging people have a negative impact on our lives. The ten spies who brought back a bad report from their visit to the Promised Land took away the confidence of the Israelites, and they refused to cross the Jordan to fight. We need to make sure we are helping people do right rather than holding them back by our words.

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”

Matthew 6:1–4

Though many of us are blessed to find great enjoyment and fulfillment in our work, that is not true for everyone. Some people are, for various reasons, working at jobs they do not particularly like. But in either case, the fact that the job brings a paycheck is a major factor for most people in choosing their employment. Very few people would willingly work for an extended period of time if they knew that the paycheck they received from their employer wouldn’t be honored when they tried to cash it. We expect to receive the agreed upon reward in exchange for our work.

Yet it is possible for us to do the right things for God and not be rewarded. This is not because God is unfair or unjust. He rewards just as He has promised. But if our good works are not done with the right motives and for the right reasons, we have no valid reason to expect to receive rewards for them. Even the most generous and extreme gifts have no eternal value if we do them out of selfish motives. Paul wrote, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3).

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

James 2:14–17

For hundreds of years, people in countries across Europe followed the custom of throwing a coin into a well of water and making a wish. In ancient times, wells were extremely valuable. A deep well provided a source of water that would not be impacted by a temporary drought in the region. This was vital to people, livestock, and crops alike. Often in pagan superstition, people would associate the well with a local deity or idol and credit that as the source of the water. Throwing a coin into the well was seen as an offering to help ensure the wish that was made would come true.

Of course, we know that there are no spirits living in wells and that throwing in coins has nothing to do with whether a wish comes true or not. In fact, in almost every case the outcome of our “wishes” is determined not by the wish itself, but by the effort and work we put into making it a reality. The same thing is true when it comes to our interactions with others. Wishing for someone in urgent need to get warm clothing or food doesn’t do anything to improve their situation. While it is nice that we wish them well, it is far better if we take action to help meet the need that we see. There is no real lasting value and improvement in a situation of need unless there is concrete action.

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

2 Kings 6:15-17

Though the Syrian army was stronger than the Israelite army, they were not winning battles. That is because Elisha was giving updated military intelligence to the king of Israel, warning him of where the Syrians were planning to attack and setting up ambushes. The king of Syria thought he had a spy in his palace, but one of his advisers told him the problem was the prophet who lived in Dothan. So the king decided to take care of that problem permanently and sent his army to capture or kill Elisha. The presence of the enemy alarmed the servant, but Elisha had no fear. That is because he recognized the power of God that had deployed in his defense.

Once the servant's eyes were opened to the angels standing guard, his fear fled. There is a great spiritual battle going on all around us, and it is important for us to be aware of it.

Paul wrote, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). We have no shortage of power available to us—but we must be conscious of the conflict and seek God's help for victory.

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

Ephesians 1:4–6

The entry of sin into the world did not take God by surprise. There was only one prohibition He had given to Adam—not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet even with only one rule in place, obedience was more than Adam could manage, and he sinned. Since that day, every person born into the world has been born with a sinful nature. That nature alienates us from God, and despite His love for us, His justice and holiness demand that the price for sin be paid. The only hope that we have for Heaven is to receive what we do not deserve through grace.

That is why Jesus came into the world. In love, He paid the price for our sins so that salvation could be offered. Just as Adam brought sin into the world and affected everyone who followed, Jesus brought grace into the world, which is for all who will believe. “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many” (Romans 5:15).

So many people are trying to earn their salvation. They hope that the things they do or avoid doing will somehow improve their standing with God. But our only hope is His grace. The best that we can do falls short of His perfect righteousness.

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

2 Timothy 2:20–22

Before electricity came into widespread use, most homes in America were lighted at night by some form of oil lamp. Whale oil was one of the first commonly used substances, but when kerosene became available it quickly became the most used oil in lighting. A wick was placed in a container of kerosene and then set on fire. It would burn slowly and continually to provide constant, though not very bright, illumination. To prevent the fire from getting out of control, a glass container would be placed over the flame. As the lamp was used day after day, the glass would become clouded by the soot and debris from the burning wick. If the glass was not cleaned, the light would be greatly diminished.

It is not that the fire glows less brightly, but that the means through which we view the fire has become obscured that causes the lessening of the light. This same principle applies to our spiritual lives. Dr. Bobby Roberson said, “I don’t have to worry about keeping the light shining, I just have to keep the lamp clean.” The light has been provided already. There is no diminishing of its brightness and glory. But it still can be concealed from those around us. Paul warned the carnal church at Corinth of the impact of disobedient living. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Corinthians 4:3).

“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

If you were old enough at the time, I’m sure you remember the Y2K scare. In the late 1990s, people began worrying that computers were not properly programmed to handle dates in a new millennium and would crash. Many warned of electrical outages, banking failures, water shortages, and massive trouble as every computer in the nation might crash at once. People began stockpiling food, medical supplies, and water. Like many families, we filled the bathtubs with water on New Year’s Eve, just in case. Nothing happened.

Why did so many people put so much time, effort, and money into preparing for Y2K? Because they thought that there was at least a chance that things would go wrong, and they wanted to be ready. As Christians, we know one thing about the future with absolute certainty. We know that Jesus is going to return. Yet, many Christians are not doing anything to be prepared for their meeting with the Lord.

If we do not prepare for the day of the Lord, it indicates that we do not truly believe that day is coming. While we wouldn’t deny it out loud, our actions speak loudly that we are not serious about the day when we will see Jesus. If we take His promise to heart, we will prepare for the certainty of His return. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

“These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”

John 15:17–20

In 1754, Benjamin Franklin’s newspaper, the Philadelphia Gazette, published what is considered to be the first political cartoon in America. It was still more than twenty years before the American Revolution, but already divisions and disputes among the colonies were creating serious issues. The cartoon showed a snake cut into eight parts, each labeled for a colony or region of the country. Below the snake was this caption: “Join, or Die.” It graphically highlighted the importance of unity in the face of difficulty. Franklin expressed the same sentiment just before the Declaration of Independence was issued when he said, “We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Christian love and unity are always important, but never more so than in times of opposition and persecution. It was in the context of the hatred they could expect to receive from the world that Jesus told the disciples to love each other. As we see persecution and animosity more and more directed against those who are remaining true to what the Bible teaches, we should do more than ever to build strong relationships within the body of Christ. The love that we share and express and demonstrate will be a vital resource when severe tests arise. By sticking together we encourage each other and maintain the strength to hold fast to the truth.

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Romans 8:15–17

In 44 BC Gaius Octavius Thurinus, just seventeen years of age, was named in the will of the assassinated Julius Caesar as his adopted heir. Caesar was his great uncle, and Octavian spent much of his youth with Caesar’s sister. His courage and resourcefulness even as a teenager when he joined the army fighting in Spain led to Casear’s decision. In 27 BC his name was officially changed to Caesar Augustus, and though he never took the title for himself, he became Rome’s first emperor. During his forty-year reign, the empire doubled in size. Not long before his death he said, “I found Rome of clay; I leave it to you of marble.” None of that would have happened had not Julius Caesar adopted him into his family and named Octavian heir to all he possessed.

Every person born into the world is born into the “wrong family.” Because of the fall, each of us are born with a sin nature. The only hope that we have is for God’s grace to place us into His family. Along with our salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us confidence in our new standing and relationship. We did nothing to deserve or gain membership in God’s family. But once we have been placed there by grace, we have a responsibility to live holy lives. “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

“Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:”

Exodus 30:18–20

When God gave Moses instructions for the tabernacle that would be the center of worship for the nation of Israel, nothing was left to chance. God specified everything down to the smallest detail. The colors, materials, sizes, and shapes of each part were laid out exactly as God meant for them to be. And one of those was the brass laver, where the priests would wash their hands and feet. Along with the instructions for this large wash basin came a stern warning. If the priests did not cleanse themselves before starting the worship ceremonies, they would die.

The picture is clear. We cannot bring sin into the presence of a holy God. It is possible to be in His family with dirty hands (though we will be chastened), but it is not possible to enjoy a close and intimate relationship with Him unless our lives are clean. David asked, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3–4). All of us sin. There is no such thing as a perfect Christian. Because He knows our weaknesses, God made a provision for us, just as He did for the priests in the Old Testament. But we must confess and forsake sin to be cleansed.

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?”

Mark 4:35–38

In 1901, Frank Graeff was carrying a great burden. He had served God faithfully as a pastor and youth worker for a number of years. But the death of his beloved younger sister, Arasma, broke his heart. His parents had died a few years before, and Frank and his wife had no children of their own. Feeling lonely and depressed, Graeff turned to the Word of God for comfort. Later that year he wrote the beautiful hymn “Does Jesus Care?”

            Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
            Too deeply for mirth or song,
            As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
            And the way grows weary and long?
            Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
            His heart is touched with my grief;
            When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
            I know my Saviour cares.

No trial we endure takes God by surprise. It is striking that Jesus had a pillow in the boat. That is not standard equipment for a fishing vessel. But knowing that the storm was coming, Jesus arranged to have a pillow to use while He slept. His sleeping vexed the disciples, who took it as a sign of a lack of care for their peril. Instead it was a demonstration of faith. He knew the storm, but He also knew the Father, and He knew they were perfectly safe.

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

Matthew 24:42–44

When Jesus wanted an illustration to teach about His return, He used the example of a thief who sneaks into a house at a time when the homeowner is not on guard. Of course, in our day many people have electronic alarm systems, some with cameras which record everything that goes on whether we are home or not. Even those who can’t afford that find creative ways to protect their lives and possessions. I read about one family that was worried after some burglaries in their neighborhood but didn’t have the money for an alarm system. They left this note on the door: “Nancy, don’t come in. The snakes are loose. Mom.” They were never robbed!

The Second Coming is very different in its intent than a robbery, but it is shares the condition of being unexpected. Staying alert to thieves involves trying to prevent something bad from happening. Staying alert for the Lord’s return is preparing for something wonderful to happen. Both require paying attention and preparing. There should never be a day when we do not expect the Lord to come back, and are not prepared to meet Him.

There are many people who have set various dates for Christ’s return, while others are looking for specific signs to alert them to that blessed event. But Jesus told us that it is not God’s plan for us to know the date, but instead to prepare. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

Jude 1:22–25

Edward Mote was largely ignored as a child. His parents were busy running a pub in London and left him to play unsupervised in the street. After his conversion, Mote became a pastor. In addition to his preaching, Mote was a prolific hymn writer. In 1834, he wrote the most famous of his hymns, and one we still sing today, which he originally called “The Immutable Basis for a Sinner’s Hope.”

            When He shall come with trumpet sound,
            Oh may I then in Him be found;
            Dressed in His righteousness alone,
            Faultless to stand before His throne.
            On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
            All other ground is sinking sand.

The God of Heaven who sees everything and even knows the thoughts and desires that are hidden from everyone else has a perfect knowledge of us. Yet though all men are born as sinners, when God looks at those who have placed their faith in His Son for salvation, He sees them as perfectly righteous. That is because the perfection of Jesus has been placed on our account, and our sins are covered under His precious blood.

The devil accuses us both to God and to our own consciences. And while he is a liar, there are plenty of true accusations he can make. But we do not face them alone. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Ephesians 6:13–16

Ever since the Garden of Eden, the devil has been working to undermine man’s faith in the Word of God. Before getting Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, Satan questioned what God had told them, and convinced them they would not experience the consequences God had warned them about. Time and again Christians yield to temptation and give in to sin because they do not exercise faith—they do not believe what God has said and act on it being true.

The darts Satan sends against us take many forms, but the most damaging are the ones that seek to make us question God’s Word. Faith, which is built on the promises of God recorded in Scripture, quenches the fires of temptation. But we must exercise and build that faith if we are to win the victory. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

In the desert when He was tempted, Jesus responded to each attempt to get Him to do wrong with an appropriate quote from the Bible. Because He was setting an example for us, He did not use Divine power to defeat Satan, but rather the Word of God. This is a pattern that will work every time we use it. But we will not respond in this fashion unless we have been strengthening and encouraging our faith day by day.

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:”

Acts 3:6–9

In Bible times a person who was crippled and could not work had very few options. If he had no family to whom he could turn for help, the remaining option was to become a beggar. To increase the chances of receiving help, beggars would try to find places in high traffic areas. The lame man Peter and John met at the Temple had someone carry him to one of the main gates every day so that he could ask those going in for help. When he asked Peter and John for alms, he received something much better than money. In the name of Jesus, Peter healed the deformity that had been this man’s burden for all of his life.

But God never does just enough. He is overflowing with grace, strength, and love. Not only was the man healed, but he was immediately able to walk and jump. Most of us remember the process of teaching our children to walk. It doesn’t happen in an instant. It takes repeated practice and encouragement. Yet this man who had never walked in his life was able to do so without hindrance once he was touched by God’s power. Too many Christians are living without the blessing and victory they could have. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”

Philippians 1:27–29

A few years ago, my wife Terrie and I were in a park near the beach. We saw they had tandem bikes for rent and thought that would be fun to try. So we went over and paid our money and set off. I was in the front, pedaling away. But it seemed like we weren’t going as fast as we should have been. When I looked back over my shoulder, I realized that Terrie wasn’t pedaling! That was a humorous moment for us, but sadly it is all too common in churches. A few people are doing most of the work while many others are coasting.

This is not a new phenomenon. Nearly 150 years ago Charles Spurgeon said, “I was taken aback the other day when I heard a minister of large experience, who has been for many years a pastor of a very useful church, say that he did not think that more than 5 percent of the members of our churches were actually serving God by direct Christian effort. I have reason to believe that it is sadly near the truth as to many churches; for while a large number of workers would be reckoned up in our statistics, it would be found that the same persons are filling several posts of service, and so are counted several times over.”

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

Philippians 2:12–15

When Mary Slessor heard that David Livingstone had died in Africa, she was convinced that God’s call was for her to become a missionary. Though it was rare for a single woman to be approved as a missionary, she sailed for Nigeria in 1876. Her work there bore great fruit. In addition to helping spread the gospel, she helped put an end to the practice of killing twins at birth because of the local belief that they were a curse. After a few years on the field, she was visited by friends from Scotland who expressed amazement at what she had been able to accomplish in the face of such great obstacles. One of the native chiefs who had been converted said, “You have clearly forgotten to think of the woman’s God.”

Though we are to be diligent in our labor for the Lord, we must never forget that it is not our strength, wisdom, and effort that bring the results. Paul wrote, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Remembering how dependent we are on God’s power to make our work have meaning, value, and results helps keep us from yielding to the sin of pride. The praise and glory and honor must go to Him alone, because it is He alone who makes the work that we do fruitful.

“Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

Malachi 3:4–6

I read a cute story about a preschool teacher who was trying to help her young students at the start of a new year learn the days of the week. Each morning she would ask the students what day it was. On the fourth day of the week, she asked who could identify the day. After several wrong answers, she said, “It’s Thursday. It’s Thursday!” After a moment one of the frustrated children raised his hand and said, “But Miss Dana, you change the answer every day.”

In our world many things seem to change every day. The pace of technological advancement we are experiencing is unrivaled in history. The latest and greatest today will quickly be out of date tomorrow. Yet God never changes. He remains steadfast and constant—a Rock to whom we can cling no matter what storms of change may rage around us. The unchanging nature of God is the foundation of our faith.

James reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). The same God who parted the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, sent fire from Heaven on Mt. Carmel, and raised Jesus from the dead is the God we are privileged to call Father.

“But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”

Luke 6:24–26

In 1925, Wolfgang Pauli, who was one of the leaders in establishing in the field of quantum physics, formulated an explanation for the behavior of atomic particles called electrons. His idea, which came to be known as the Pauli Exclusion Principle, stated that it was impossible for two identical objects no matter how small to occupy the same space at the same time. The principle was later proven to apply to other objects as well and became a cornerstone of the study of physics. In 1945, at the nomination of Albert Einstein, Pauli was awarded the Nobel Prize.

That same principle holds true for our spiritual lives. The reason that the Bible commands us over and over again to be filled with the Holy Spirit is that if we are full of something else, there is no room for Him to work and minister in our lives. Whether the thing that fills us is good or bad, if it is not God, it will keep us from being filled by Him. And that will inevitably lead to failure and heartbreak. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “When your own emptiness is painfully forced upon your consciousness, chide yourself that you ever dreamed of being full except in the Lord.”

God will not take second place to anything. He demands and deserves to be our highest priority. Jesus said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).

“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.”

Colossians 3:1–3

The moment a person places his faith in Christ as his Saviour, he is completely justified. He is saved for certain and forever, given new life through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. That is already settled forever. Yet many Christians struggle with overcoming sin on a daily basis, because they do not understand how to apply the overcoming power of the risen Lord to their daily lives. If we recognize that we are truly in Him, we will have new appetites and affections.

R. A. Torrey said, “When Jesus died, He died as my representative, and I died in Him; when He arose, He rose as my representative, and I arose in Him; when He ascended up on high and took His place at the right hand of the Father in the glory, He ascended as my representative and I ascended in Him, and today I am seated in Christ with God in the heavenlies. I look at the cross of Christ, and I know that atonement has been made for my sins; I look at the open sepulcher and the risen and ascended Lord, and I know the atonement has been accepted. There no longer remains a single sin on me, no matter how many or how great my sins may have been.”

There is no power that can overcome the power of God. That means that when we live in the power, in the freedom of redemption and the hope of Heaven, we will not be defeated by the enemy. It is only when we, like Samson after his hair was cut, go out in our own strength that we fail.

“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

1 Chronicles 4:9–10

Time and again, in both the Bible and the history of the church, we see God doing great things in answer to prayer. When we rely on His strength, there is no limit to what He is able to do. We should be challenged to not settle for less than God has promised to us. Adoniram Judson said, “The future is as bright as the promises of God.” D. L. Moody said, “If God be your partner, make your plans large!” John R. Rice said, “Big prayers delight a mighty God.”

Yet despite the unlimited power of God and His promises to provide for us, many Christians are not receiving what they want or need. The disconnect is not on God’s end. He has no shortages. But too often we fail to tap into the Divine resources He has made available to us. James said, “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2).

There is certainly great value in being content with what we have and not being driven by envy and covetousness. But there is no value in not claiming what is our right according to God’s offer of help for His children. There are many things that we do not have, not because they would not be good for us, but simply because we have settled for less and do not ask God to provide.

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jude 1:3–4

In July of 2018, Swedish crown jewels dating back to the early 1600s were stolen from Stragnas Cathedral. Crowns belonging to King Karl IX and Queen Kristina, who are buried there were among the items stolen. The thieves fled in a small boat after their daring noontime robbery of the cathedral, escaping through the extensive canal network in the region. The stolen objects were said to be impossible to evaluate for a price, being so rare and old, but certainly of great worth. More than six months later the suspects were finally identified and arrested. The missing jewels were recovered in a rubbish bin.

There are precious things given to us as children of God. The faith that has been delivered to us is beyond price. But we must be on guard against those who would steal it away. We can never assume that just because someone is smooth and polished, and opens a Bible before they speak that they can be trusted. We must judge every teaching and doctrine against the standard of the Word of God because the sad reality is that there are those who would steal the truth from us. Paul warned the leaders of the church at Ephesus, “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” (Acts 20:29–30).

“Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.”

Romans 15:15–17

A brilliant scholar, Henry Martyn, was headed toward a lucrative legal career when he heard a man named Charles Simeon tell about what William Carey was doing as a missionary in India. He immediately changed course and began training to go to India himself. Martyn set sail for India in 1805. He died just seven years later, at the age of 31. But in that brief period of ministry, Martyn translated the New Testament into three different languages, and had a powerful impact on both India and Iran. Martyn’s priority was revealed when he said, “Let me be taught that the first great business on Earth is the sanctification of my own soul.”

The purpose of God for our lives is for us to be sanctified—to become more like the image of His perfect Son, Jesus Christ. This is not done through our determination, resolve, will power, or strength, but by the Holy Spirit as we yield our lives to His control and are filled with Him. No matter how hard we try or how diligently we work, the process of sanctification is beyond human power to achieve. “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3). Only as we are being sanctified will our lives bring honor and glory to God as he intends.

“Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Exodus 14:12–14

The story goes that at one point during the long ministry of James Henry Jowett, he was faced with a decision he simply did not know how to make. After wrestling with it for a while, he went to another preacher friend and asked for his advice. “What would you do if you were in my place?” Jowett asked. “I am not there, and you are not there yet,” his friend replied. “When have you to act?” “On Friday,” Jowett said. “Then you will find your way perfectly clear on Friday. The Lord will not fail you.”

It is hard for us not to want all the details worked out ahead of time, but that is rarely the way God works. It would have been just as easy for God to have parted the Red Sea long before the Israelites arrived so that they could have gone straight across without waiting. But His plan was for them to see His power at work and deliver them in such a way that there would be no mistaking God had been at work. The trials and difficulties that we face in life do not take God by surprise. He already has solutions in store. It is our responsibility to live in faith rather than worry, and trust Him to do what we cannot.

“And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.”

Genesis 39:10–12

One of the most damaging things about our current culture is the widespread promotion of tolerance toward sin as being a virtue rather than a defect. No matter how many people in a society follow the path of evil, God’s standards and definitions are unchanging. Things that were wrong when a majority opposed them are still wrong if the majority changes sides and approves them. God is not running a democracy, and His commands are not subject to review by popular vote.

The people of Egypt in the day of Joseph appear to have had no concept of God’s law. It was by no means a moral society. It is highly unlikely that Joseph was the first household slave Potiphar’s wife approached with her immoral invitation. Yet he responded, not by yielding, but by running. Joseph maintained his purity even at a high cost, as he was falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned. Joseph was blessed and honored by God because he was willing to do whatever it took to do right.

In his final letter to Timothy, Paul included this warning: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). The word Paul used for flee comes from the same root as the word fugitive—someone desperately seeking to escape. Every temptation represents a lethal threat, and we should remove ourselves as far and fast as possible.

“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

In 2005, Cha So-Soon took the written driver’s test in the small village of Sinchon, South Korea. She failed the exam. Neither of those things were particularly unusual, but they are part of an expected story. “Grandma Cha” as she is known in Korea was in her sixties. She had received little formal education, being forced to begin work at a very young age to help her family survive. It was what happened next that made the news. She took the test again. And again. And again. And failed each time. Finally in 2010, on her 960th attempt, she passed. The Hyundai car company, based in Korea featured her in their advertising and gave her a car. She achieved her goal because she would not let anything stop her.

There are many people who do not achieve what they want and work for, not as a result of a lack of talent or desire, or because they are pursuing the wrong thing, but simply because they quit before they reach their goal. The passage of many weeks or even months between the time a farmer plants a crop and when he harvests it are not an indication of failure on his part. The fact that there is not yet food on the table does not mean that his effort has been wasted. It simply means that he needs to continue on until the time of harvest. Rather than being discouraged because we have not yet seen the reward, we should be patient and keep on doing what is right.

“They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

Hebrews 11:37–40

We live in a results-oriented world. If we do not receive what we expect to get, we think that something has gone wrong. We would quickly lose faith in a company that never delivered the products we ordered. We would not keep on doing business with them. Yet when it comes to faith in God, that results-focused attitude does not work. It is not that God is unfaithful and cannot be trusted. Rather, we cannot expect Him to work according to our plans and schedules. He is bringing His plan to perfect completion, and that means we may not see all of the things we would like to see.

The Old Testament saints did not receive the full measure of what was promised during their lifetimes. This was not because of their failure or an unfaithfulness on God’s part, but simply a function of the timing of God’s plan. Though it goes against the grain of our society, the reality is that we are not the center of the universe—God is. His purposes and plans bless and benefit us in many ways, but that is not the primary function of His plan. God is working to bring about His ultimate purpose for all of His creation. “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10).

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;”

Psalm 103:13–17

All of us who have children know how painful it is to see them hurting. When a little one falls down and scrapes a knee or an elbow, our hearts ache for them, even though it is a minor wound. Some of us have had the experience of watching our children go through serious and life-threatening medical conditions. But even though the circumstances and seriousness of the situations are far different, the feeling we have is much the same. It is not so much the level of pain they are enduring but the level of love in our hearts that stirs up the pity we feel for them.

God is the same way with His children. Whether our hurts are large or small, He still cares for us. He does not delight in our suffering and pain, but rather shares it with us. That is why at the grave of Lazarus, even with the full knowledge that all of the sorrow of those around Him was about to be turned into overwhelming joy, Jesus wept. The heartbreak of Mary and Martha and their friends mattered to Jesus, even though it would only be fleeting. God cares about what we experience because of His great love for us. Our concerns, even the small ones, matter to God because we matter to Him. He knows all about us, and He never forgets His children.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1–2

Over the years I’ve watched a number of different kinds of athletic competitions, both in person and on television. When I was young, Alvin Dark was a member of our church, so we got to go see the Oakland A’s team that he managed play baseball games (from really good seats). I’ve watched our children and now grandchildren at sporting events over the years. If you get there early enough, you will usually see members of the team or competitors getting ready by stretching and warming up for the event. But in all the years I’ve watched these events, I’ve never seen an athlete come back out on the field after the game or race ended to stretch and warm up.

Jesus came to the world and lived a perfect life, completely fulfilling the will and purpose of His Father. He defeated Satan, died on the cross, and was resurrected after three days in the tomb. He settled forever the outcome with a resounding triumph. And the Bible tells us that when His work was completed, Jesus sat down. He is not “warming up” or getting ready, because the battle is over. We have not yet seen the final victory. We still face trials and temptations on a daily basis, and will as long as this life endures. But the outcome is settled. The seated Saviour is our guarantee that that battle has already been won.

“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

Hebrews 12:3–6

At the highest levels, chess is as much about managing the overall event strategy as much as which piece to move where in a single game. Still the chess world was stunned during the 2018 World Championships, when the defending champion, Magnus Carlsen, ended the final game by offering his opponent a draw despite having a marked advantage that meant he had a good chance to win. Carlsen apparently feared making a mistake that would cost him the game, and knew that his position in a tiebreaker would be stronger. This proved to be the case, and he retained his world title. But many experts and other players criticized Carlsen for giving up and accepting a tie when he could have won an outright victory.

That sometimes happenss in our spiritual life as well. We accept less of a victory than God has provided because we would rather give up than fight. There is no ambiguity about the promise of God. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The reality is that many Christians are living in close proximity to the devil and temptation rather than watching him run away—not because God’s promise is untrue, but because they are not willing to resist and remain in the battle. Each time we yield to temptation we are losing a battle that could be won if we were willing to fight and win.

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

2 Timothy 2:20–22

If you grew up going to church, youth camps, Christian school, revival meetings, and teen rallies, you almost certainly heard many messages on the topic “Flee youthful lusts.” That is vitally important, and never more than now as our culture goes deeper and deeper into tolerance and promotion of sin. But this vital warning is not just for young people. Though the Bible does not tell us how old Timothy was when he received this final letter from Paul, according to church history and tradition, he was probably at least in his forties and may have been fifty years old. Yet Timothy still needed to be reminded to flee youthful lusts.

While it would be nice if temptation left us alone once we got old enough, that is simply not the case. Though they may take different forms, the same basic evil desires remain in our hearts. Even as adults who have walked with God for years, we are still at risk from youthful lusts, and we must remain on guard. The devil is willing to lay traps that will not spring for years or even decades. He is faithful and consistent in his evil work, and he is not discouraged if we resist temptation today. Even when Jesus resisted him, Satan only left for a time. “And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season” (Luke 4:13).

“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

James 3:1–18

Every living thing that God made, both plants and animals, has the capacity to reproduce itself. But as great an impact as that has, from the beginning that ability was limited. Nothing creates something that is different from itself. “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so” (Genesis 1:11). If we want a harvest of corn, we don’t plant tomato seeds. If we want oranges, we don’t plant apples. If we want giraffes, we don’t start with lions.

The same principle is true in the spiritual world. There are many people who want to experience the benefits and blessings of the good fruit of righteousness in their lives. But they are continually reaping a very different kind of harvest which they do not enjoy. The seeds we sow determine the harvest we reap. There are no exceptions to God’s divine law. It will remain in effect until the end of the world. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22).

The reality of harvest places a great responsibility on us to carefully consider what we are planting day after day. The future is not determined by our wishes but by our seeds. Those who desire righteousness and peace tomorrow must sow those things today. Wisdom reminds us that the future of every harvest is determined by our present actions.

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

2 Corinthians 11:13–15

In December of 1944, the beleaguered German army launched a desperate counterattack, attempting to drive back the advancing forces in what came to be known as the Battle of the Bulge. Taking advantage of bad weather, which kept Allied planes grounded, they launched a surprise attack. In heavy fighting, American forces suffered many casualties before finally restoring their lines and halting the German offensive. This was the final serious German offensive of the war, and in May they surrendered.

A vital element of the German plan for the Battle of the Bulge was Operation Griffin, led by a highly decorated commando named Otto Skorzeny. He and his men, all of whom spoke fluent English, wearing captured American uniforms and driving captured American vehicles, made their way in secret across the American lines before the attack was launched. Then they changed road signs, acted as traffic coordinators to intentionally send responding units in the wrong direction, and spread false reports and rumors to sow confusion about what was actually happening.

Just because someone stands behind a pulpit, opens a Bible, and speaks eloquently, does not mean that he is speaking the truth. There are a host of quite popular teachers and preachers who are undermining if not outright denying much of what the Bible teaches. Although they are wearing the “uniform,” they are enemy agents sent to sow confusion and discord. It is vitally important that we exercise discernment rather than blindly accept what someone says because of the packaging in which it is presented. The devil is out to deceive us, and we must remain on guard.

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

2 Timothy 2:23–26

In February 2008, Randall Munroe published what has become one of the most copied and widely used comics in the history of the Internet. The simple one panel cartoon is titled “Duty Calls.” It shows a stick figure sitting in front of a computer. From outside the panel a voice asks, “Are you coming to bed?” “I can’t. This is important.” “What?” “Someone is wrong on the Internet.”

Anyone who has been part of a discussion online (or often a discussion in person) knows that they can go on and on and on without ever reaching a conclusion. While it is important to stand for the truth and oppose error, it is also important not to get bogged down in pointless arguments. One of the most famous examples of this was the in-depth consideration of the question: “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” It simply doesn’t matter.

Dr. Curtis Hutson used to say, “Never have an argument over things that don’t matter.” He was right. Wise Christians recognize the trap of foolish discussions that only lead to strife and avoid them. It may be hard for us to admit, even to ourselves, but it is possible to let someone who is wrong have the last word. Again, this is not saying that we should be silent in a way that will promote error or allow false doctrine to grow and flourish unopposed, but rather that we must be wise in choosing which arguments to have.

“Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.”

Psalm 55:2–6

The first major battle of the American Civil War was fought near Manassas, Virginia, in July of 1861. After his home was requisitioned by the Confederate Army for use as their headquarters and shelled by Union artillery, Wilmer McLean decided to move his family somewhere safer. He relocated 150 miles further south to a small town known as Appomattox, Virginia. And it was in the parlor of his new home that Lee and Grant met years later to sign the surrender that effectively ended the Civil War.

While the notion that we could escape trouble by starting over somewhere else may be attractive, it doesn't work. Even if we had wings to fly away as David wished, we would find trouble wherever we landed. We live in a broken and fallen world, and there aren't any perfect places in it. And even if we could find such a place, our own deceitful hearts and sinful natures would guarantee that it would not long remain a perfect place.

The solution is not found in a place, but in a Person. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Rather than spending time looking for an easier place, we should seek His presence and peace.

“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”

Revelation 5:12–14

Though the Bible does not tell us a great deal about Heaven where we will spend eternity, the glimpses we are given reveal a place filled with praise and worship. The fact that we will be in the very presence of God, in a place of perfection, is almost impossible for us to imagine; for it is so different from all that we have known. In Heaven, we will not be spectators, but active participants in the worship of our worthy and beautiful Lord.

Charles Spurgeon said, “Another holy offering is adoration—the adoring of Jesus. Do we not too often forget this adoration in our assemblies, or thrust it into a corner? The best part of all our public engagements is the worship—the direct worship; and in this the first place should be given to the worship of the Lord Jesus.”

There is no reason we should wait for Heaven to begin this worship—in fact, we are commanded to praise and glorify God here on Earth. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:23). The Christian who does not have both a heart and a mouth filled with praise and gratitude for God is a disobedient and ungrateful child of the King.