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“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.”

Hebrews 13:9–11

In 1845 after a long and successful military and political career, former president Andrew Jackson lay dying at his home in Tennessee. He had survived many battles, being shot in a duel, and the first assassination attempt on an American president. Now at seventy-eight, suffering from tuberculosis and heart failure, the old general knew that his time was drawing near. He asked those present for a song—the favorite of his beloved wife Rachel—“How Firm a Foundation.”

Everyone who has trusted Christ as Saviour has a foundation that can never be shaken on which to base faith and hope. Under the old covenant, the offerings and sacrifices couldn’t really wash away sin; they were merely a sign of faith in the coming Messiah who could make a true atonement. The faith in God’s promise, not the sacrifice itself, was what mattered. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).

Under the covenant, established by Christ’s death and sealed by His resurrection, we have the assurance that our sins are gone, our salvation is settled, and our eternity is secure. This foundation is based on God’s grace. That is why it is firm and settled. If we trusted in what we do, we could never have confidence that we had done enough. But when we come in faith and take God at His Word, we can rest with complete assurance that He will do what He has promised.

“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

Hebrews 9:24–26

In the 1980s, archaeologists discovered an ancient papyrus dating back to around 170 BC. The document is a receipt for payments over the course of several months. Because the papyrus is only a fragment, it is not clear to whom these payments were made, but one thing is very clear. Written at the top is the Greek word tetelestai, indicating that the accounts listed had been paid in full. This is the same word Jesus used on the cross, translated in English, “It is finished.”

The work of salvation is done—once and for all. It does not need to be repeated, expanded, or improved. It only needs to be received by grace through faith. Most of the religious systems invented by people throughout history have focused on what man must do or not do in order to be accepted by God. But the plan of salvation God has given is different. It rests entirely upon the work Jesus did. False religion says “do,” but Christ says, “done!” Salvation is a gift, received by faith in Christ’s finished work.

It is true that Christians are commanded to be diligent in their work for the Lord, but that has nothing to do with our redemption. Service is a matter of obedience, not of adding up points to “deserve” salvation. Nothing we can do could add to what Jesus completed, and any attempt to do so demonstrates a lack of understanding of salvation.

“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

Hebrews 13:12–15

If you have the opportunity to visit Israel, there are numerous amazing archaeological sites you can see. One of the most revealing is Tel Megiddo. This ancient city predates Israel’s arrival in the land of Canaan, and is located near where the Battle of Armageddon will one day take place. A series of excavations has revealed no less than twenty-six distinct cities built on the site, each one on top of the ruins of the preceding city. It is a stark illustration of the transient nature of things here on Earth. Nothing truly lasts in this world.

Yet as Christians, we have the hope of a “continuing city.” We are promised a permanent, abiding, unending dwelling in Heaven in a place where there is no sin, no sickness, no night and no tears. Not only is Heaven perfect now, it always will be: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

The human mind with its finite understanding cannot grasp the full wonders of Heaven, but we do know that it will not only be perfect, but enduring. This life may be filled with things that do not last, but eternity with God, rejoicing in His presence, and praising and glorifying Him with perfect love will never end. The great glory of Heaven is that it will truly last forever.

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.”

Psalm 92:1–4

The story is told of a pastor in the Midwest during the Great Depression walking down the street of a small town and seeing a little boy with his nose pressed up against the window of a store. Inside were jars of candy, and the boy clearly was longing for what he could not afford. Remembering the joy of a piece of candy in his youth, the preacher took the boy inside the store and bought him a whole bag filled with candies. But when the preacher asked the boy to give him a piece, the boy clutched it to his chest. “It’s mine!” he exclaimed and dashed out of the store.

Every Christian has numerous reasons to be thankful every day. No matter how bad things seem to be going, we have received eternal gifts through no merit of our own that we did not deserve and can never lose. These blessings are not just one-time events, but an ongoing shower of God’s gracious love. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah” (Psalm 68:19).

Though we often think of thanksgiving in terms of what we say, it is more powerfully expressed in our actions. The lives that we lead should be characterized by giving back to God from what He has given to us rather than selfishly trying to hoard every blessing for ourselves. Gratitude for what God has given us is better shown by our actions than by our words.

“And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.”

Joshua 7:10–12

I read about an irate woman who entered a bakery to register her complaint. “I sent my son in this morning to buy two pounds of cookies,” she said. “But I just weighed them, and there is only one pound. I think you should check your scale.” The manager looked at her for a moment and then replied, “Your son carried the cookies? Maybe you should weigh your son instead of the cookies.”

Many times when there is a problem we look for the solution in the wrong place. When the Children of Israel were defeated in the battle at Ai, Joshua turned to pray. While that may seem like the right place to look for the solution, God told him to get up and deal with the sin in the camp. The root of the problem was Achan’s sin in taking spoils of war from Jericho which God had reserved for Himself. Until that problem was addressed, no progress could be made.

The reality is that many times we would rather pray or perform some other religious activity instead of confronting a sin, especially in our own lives. Too often we try to “make up” for our sins, not by confessing and forsaking them, but by service in some other area. God does not work on the barter system. He freely forgives our sin and by grace draws our hearts back into right fellowship with Him. But pretending as if sin does not exist is not a valid option if we want a close relationship with God and His power on our lives.

“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.”

Numbers 21:5–7

In the church today we often divide sins into two categories: those we think are really bad, and those that don’t seem to us to be all that serious. Often people draw that line precisely between the sins that really tempt them and the ones that don’t. That way they feel good in evaluating themselves compared to those around them, but that doesn’t change the way God views sins. He hates all of them, even the ones we deem to be “little” sins. And one of the worst of those that we so often overlook or excuse is complaining.

Mark Twain said, “Don’t complain and talk about your problems. Eighty percent of the people won’t care and the other twenty percent will think you deserve them.” But complaining is far worse than just ineffective—it is wrong.

Complaining reveals that we are not thankful for the multitude of blessings that we have received. The way God views complaining is vividly illustrated for us by the poisonous snakes God sent among the Israelites when they complained about God’s provision for them. God had graciously freed them from slavery, taken them across the Red Sea, and fed them with manna from Heaven, yet they still complained. It is not an “acceptable” sin.

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.”

Luke 11:33–35

Before the spread of electricity, most homes in America used lanterns filled with kerosene or whale oil for light. The majority of these lanterns used a glass container to keep the flame from getting either blown out by gusts of wind or from starting a fire. Over time, the glass would be smudged by the soot from the burning wick, and the light would become less and less bright until it was cleaned. Without that important step, the light would not have the impact on the darkness that was needed.

The Bible uses a metaphor of Christians as lights in several places. Of course we understand that we do not produce the light—that is God’s job, for light is part of His very nature and essence. But we are commanded to be lights as we live in a world of darkness. That requires a commitment on our part to live according to the Word of God. Pastor Bobby Roberson said, “I don’t have to keep the light shining, I just have to keep the globe clean!”

It is a tragic error to suppose that by becoming more and more like the world we will gain a greater influence on others. Instead the accumulation of sinfulness and worldly living dims our light until it reaches the point where it can hardly be seen. Instead of conforming to the world, we need to be continually cleansed and forgiven so that our lights will shine brightly.

“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”

Luke 15:22–24

In his classic book, Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain recounts the decision of Tom, Huckleberry Finn, and another of their friends named Joe to run away and become pirates. The boys are having a wonderful time living on an island in the Mississippi River when they realize that their families and the people in the town believe that they have drowned. Tom gets the idea that they will wait until their funeral before revealing that they are still alive.

At the conclusion of the funeral, the boys file into the back of the church, to the amazement of the people who have gathered to mourn. Twain wrote, “Suddenly the minister shouted at the top of his voice: ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow—SING!—and put your hearts in it!’ And they did.” The congregation, “Swelled up with a triumphant burst, and...it shook the rafters. As the ‘sold’ congregation trooped out they said they would almost be willing to be made ridiculous again,” if it meant they could sing with such enthusiasm.

There is no joy like the joy of the lost who are found. This is true in the physical world, but it is even more true in the spiritual. The greatest need of every person is salvation, and when that need is met, there is great joy. Jesus said, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.”

Matthew 5:23–25

On January 31, 2000, Alaska Airlines Flight 261 took off from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to fly to Seattle, Washington. Tragically the plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean, killing everyone on board. The investigation into the accident revealed that the cause of the crash—a failure in the nut threads that controlled the horizontal stabilizer—could have been easily prevented. But the airline had reduced the frequency of lubrication on the parts and then falsified the maintenance logs to make it look like things had been taken care of when they had not. The results were fatal.

Every relationship we have—whether marriage, parents and children, friends, co-workers, or church members—requires regular maintenance if it is to survive. Most of us know people who were friends for a time, but now do not speak. It is sadly common for family relationships to be so ruptured that members will not even be in the same place. Church splits have become so acrimonious in some places that police had to be called in to keep order between Christian brothers and sisters.

While there are many things that can cause damage to a relationship, most of them can be overcome, if not prevented, by taking care of small things before they become major problems. If we are quick both to forgive and to seek forgiveness, if we take our own responsibilities more seriously rather than demanding perfection from others, and if we make the relationship a priority, we will find far fewer crashes.

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

Galatians 5:13–16

In November of 2014, an Australian homeowner found an unpleasant surprise on her front porch—a poisonous brown tree snake nearly five feet long. The animal control expert who responded to her call for help determined that the snake was dead. The unusual thing was that its fangs were buried in its own back. A veterinarian who examined the snake reported that it appeared to have died from its own poison.

There are few things more damaging to the body of Christ than bitter and unloving words. Whether these are spoken to the individual directly, or whispered against them behind closed doors, words matter. They carry great weight, and can cause great harm. Solomon pointed out this enormous responsibility when he wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21).

And many times, like the Australian brown snake, if we are not careful about our speech toward others, we will find ourselves the victim of our own poisonous words. The problem is that if our tongue is guided by the flesh rather than by the Holy Spirit, our words will not encourage and edify others. Left unchecked, negative words bring death and destruction. While we may only intend for that harm to come to others, if we plant a crop of criticism, gossip and slander, we should not be surprised to receive the same in return.

“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.”

2 Corinthians 13:8–10

I read about a young lady named Mary who had a tough day at school. As soon as she got home, she started commiserating about it. She moaned, “Nobody loves me. the whole school hates me. In fact, the whole world hates me!” Her teenage brother quickly responded, “That’s not true, Mary. Some people don’t even know you.” There are many times when those around us fail to provide the help and encouragement that we could use in a difficult moment.

In truth, all of us have the opportunity to edify and encourage others, and that is God’s plan for our lives. God’s creation was perfect before sin entered the world, yet God still said it was “not good” for man to be alone. While that specifically referred to marriage, it is true in every area of life. We are not designed to live in isolation. Solomon wrote, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).

While we cannot guarantee we will always receive words of encouragement from others, we do have full control over what others hear from us. We always have the ability to speak kindly. As someone once said, “Nice is free.” There are no shortage of people around us who would be thrilled to hear a word of comfort and hope from someone who cares.

“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:42–45

On their last trip to Jerusalem, where Jesus would be crucified, the disciples had a falling out. The conflict was not the result of a doctrinal disagreement or a difference over strategy to effectively reach the world. Instead, it was a fight over who would have the position of greatest prominence and power among them. Sadly, things have not changed much over two thousand years—there is still great desire among the people of God to be exalted and praised and to have authority over others. Yet the call of Christ remains clear: if we are to truly follow Him, we must serve others instead of trying to be seen as the greatest.

A major cause of conflict in the church today is that not enough Christians are willing to be humble servants. Those who gladly devote themselves to ministering to others do not create strife. “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10). In the Upper Room the night before He died, Jesus took a towel and washed the feet of His disciples. This dirty and demeaning task was considered beneath the dignity of any self-respecting Jewish man, but the Lord of all creation willingly humbled Himself to perform it. Whether or not we are willing to make the sacrifices required to serve others speaks directly to our depth of commitment to live as Jesus commands.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

The first winter the Pilgrims spent in Massachusetts was a time of great hardship and suffering. Though the weather was not especially harsh, they were not prepared for winter. The lack of adequate food and shelter, and the spread of disease from cramped living conditions took a dreadful toll. By the time spring arrived, 45 of the 102 who had made the journey from England seeking religious freedom were dead. But the losses were not equally distributed. While only three of the thirteen children perished, thirteen of the eighteen married women died. They were making sure their children ate rather than caring for themselves—because of their love.

Love is not selfish. It does not focus on what it can get, but what it can give. Much of what the world refers to as love in our day is radically different from the Bible standard. God’s love, the love which we are to have in our lives as a fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit, looks out for the welfare and benefit of others rather than self. Genuine love in any relationship does not look for what it can get, but what it can give. If we say we love someone but are not willing to sacrifice and put their interests first, it is at best a very shallow imitation of love. Love gives and gives and gives for the sake of the one who is loved. Jesus said, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15).

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4–7

I read a parable about two women who had gotten together to do laundry and some clothing repair work. As they talked about their lives, one said, “My husband is so miserable. Nothing goes right at work, and he can’t find anything good on television. Our home is a place of despair. When we go to church, the song leader is terrible and the pastor is dumb.” The other replied, “My husband is so excited. He can’t wait to go to church. He loves the sermons and enjoys his job. We laugh all the time and enjoy our family time together.” Quiet descended on the room as the women continued working on their repairs. Then, at the same time, they both noticed which part of the garments they were repairing—the first woman was patching the seat of her husband’s pants, while the other was patching the knees.

There is a powerful lesson in that story. The difference between those who are joyful and live a life of peace and those who do not, is not found in circumstances. All of us face troubles and trials as we go through this life in a fallen, sin-filled world. The difference is internal—whether we gripe and complain and feel sorry for ourselves, or whether we turn to God, praying in faith for His grace to face our trials. The peace of God is not a random feeling that comes and goes. It is a conscious awareness of His presence found as we spend time in His Word and in prayer. Too often, prayer is a last resort rather than our first response to a challenge or trial.

“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

John 17:14–17

Those of us who love the Word of God know that it is a source of peace, hope, inspiration, guidance, instruction, and doctrine. But to much of the world, the Bible is simply a collection of fables, unworthy of attention or respect. If we hold a high and proper opinion of the Scriptures, we should not be surprised to find that the world will reject our beliefs and that they will be the source of conflict and strife. As Christians in America, we have enjoyed great religious freedom, but that is not promised to us. We need to know what we believe and why we believe it, and be ready to stand for it no matter what.

The preparation of the Christian for living in days of persecution and opposition begins with our relationship with the Bible. If we do not have a deep personal commitment to the Word of God before the trouble starts, it will be too late to develop it afterwards. Yet too often, we treat the Bible casually and pick and choose what to focus on rather than taking all that God has given us seriously. This especially applies to the parts that convict us of sin and call us to repentance. Charles Spurgeon said, “If any text has a quarrel with you, quarrel with yourself; but yield wholly to the Word of God.” Our opinions and traditions are not strong enough to overcome the world, but the Bible is.

“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.”

1 Thessalonians 2:7–9

At a time without any of the modern communication or travel tools that we take for granted, the Apostle Paul journeyed thousands of miles, enduring great physical suffering to preach the gospel to multitudes of people. He planted churches across the Roman Empire, preaching with power and teaching the new converts. Young believers that he trained, like Timothy and Titus, carried on the work of the gospel ministry as they led churches in places like Crete and Ephesus, continuing what Paul had begun. There is no question that Paul’s ministry was effective. But why did he accomplish so much?

We tend to look at Paul as a giant of the faith, but while he was a great pattern and model of ministry, Paul was not without his faults and his detractors. It was not so much his talent or gifts as a speaker that produced the results as it was the power of the Spirit poured out through Paul’s heart for those to whom he ministered. In fact, Paul’s speaking was sometimes critiqued as ineffective. “For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible” (2 Corinthians 10:10).

But no one could deny the compassion and fervor with which Paul labored to reach the lost and train the saints. He cared about people. As a result, he was patient, gentle, dedicated, and loving in his approach. Paul shook the world not by his gifts, but by his compassion.

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

Revelation 2:5–7

I read about a father whose son was somewhat stubborn and required a great deal of persuading to obey the instructions he was given. After he graduated from high school, he decided to join the Marines. On his first trip home after boot camp, he was noticeably changed. He said to his father, “You know, my life makes sense now, Dad. Everything you said and did when I was growing up now makes sense. I really, really understand.” Somewhat surprised, but very pleased, his father expressed his pride and appreciation. Then he asked his son, “What is the biggest lesson you have learned?” Without hesitation the young man replied, “I learned what now means.”

The Lord does not just expect us to do what He commands, but to do it without delay. There is a marked human tendency to procrastination, even in situations where speedy action seems the best course. When the plague of frogs descended on Egypt, rendering the land nearly unlivable, Pharaoh begged Moses to pray that they would be taken away. When Moses agreed, he asked when Pharaoh wanted that to happen. “And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God” (Exodus 8:10). If we know what is right, there is no reason for delay in doing it.

“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

Matthew 18:32–35

When Peter asked how often he had to forgive someone who had wronged him, apparently seeking to limit the extent of forgiveness, Jesus responded with the parable of a king who was owed a massive sum by one of his servants. Instead of demanding the repayment that was rightly his, he freely forgave the debt, giving the man new hope for his future. But the servant who was forgiven was also owed a debt. Rather than extending the same grace he had been shown, he demanded full repayment, grabbing the man by the throat and throwing him into jail.

Forgiveness is one of the issues that many Christians struggle with, because to truly forgive someone from the heart, we have to take our hands away from their throats and give up our right to insist that they get what is coming to them. Many hold grudges for years rather than take this important step. The problem is that when we do not forgive, it has far greater consequences for us than to the person who has wronged us. It harms our health both spiritually and physically when we insist on carrying the weight of past offenses. And as severe as the consequences on human relationships are, a failure to forgive destroys our close fellowship with God. “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).

“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. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

James 1:17–20

There are not any new problems in our day. There may be new forms and methods of doing wrong, but the basic underlying temptations and sins are the same as they have been for thousands of years. The same sins of the heart—envy, lust, bitterness, and anger—that spurred the evil in the days of Noah that resulted in the destruction of the world by the Flood are still with us today. And of all the sins that bring destruction and damage to the world, few have a deeper impact than anger. This was just as true in the day when James was inspired to write his epistle as it is in ours.

James gives us two powerful reasons to refrain from wrath: First, James points out the purpose of God for our lives—that our salvation produces fruitful lives. God is not just interested in our eternal destiny, but in how we live here on Earth. Being quick to anger, “flying off the handle,” and losing our temper hinders fruit bearing. If we are known as angry and wrathful people, who will want to listen to us proclaim a message of peace and hope?

Second, we see that anger left unchecked always leads to further sin. Those who have wrath in their hearts will soon have evil in their deeds. We cannot be the righteous children of God we are called to be if we are angry all the time.

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

John 4:35–38

After many years of fruitful work with the Salvation Army, the founder, General William Booth, was invited to a personal audience with Queen Victoria. The ruler of England had heard about his work in the slums among the poor, preaching the gospel, and helping those in need. When she asked for the secret of his success, Booth replied, “Your Majesty, some men have a passion for money. Some people have a passion for things. I have a passion for people.”

All around us there are people with an eternal destiny who need someone to give them the good news of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet in truth many Christians seldom if ever think about that most pressing need. Like the disciples who wanted Jesus to send the crowd of people away without any food, we too often view others as an annoyance or a burden, rather than seeing them as precious souls for whom Christ died.

The harvest is not waiting to get ripe. The fields are white. Tens of thousands of people will die today, many of them without ever hearing the gospel. There are no second chances to accept Christ. If no one reaches them in this life, they will spend eternity in Hell apart from God. That sobering truth should motivate us and give us a burning passion for people.

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:7–9

Under the United States Constitution, the president has wide ranging power to grant pardons. Article II, Section 1 says that the president, “Shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.” Once the president has issued a pardon, there is no review or recourse for anyone who objects. The law of the land grants presidents the ability to act in all federal cases except for impeachments.

God’s power, however, goes significantly further. While the president can give earthly pardon, God is still the final Judge, and all will stand before Him one day, regardless of their earthly verdict. And yet, God is able and willing to fully forgive and pardon all that we have done against Him. No sin is too great to be pardoned if it is confessed and forsaken. With such a wide ranging and unqualified offer of forgiveness on the table, why do so many people fail to take advantage of His abundant pardon? In large measure, it is because we are bound by the limits of our thinking. Because we do not find it easy to freely forgive and forget what has been done to us, we think God will hold grudges and remember our sins.

But the Lord is not limited in His ability to wipe the slate clean. He never brings up sins that we have dealt with. Indeed, He forgets them. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12). When we have been forgiven by God, we are cleansed forever.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

2 Corinthians 5:17-19

All over the world there are people who realize that they need to have a proper relationship with God. While some deny His existence, most recognize the reality of a Deity, even if they do not fully understand who God is. There are many religions and belief systems that attempt to bring us into alignment with God, but there is only one way that works. Only through accepting the payment made for our sins by Christ on the cross, can we be reconciled to God. There are no other options.

No effort on our part can atone for our sins, because the only just and fitting penalty for sin is separation from God forever. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Yet in His amazing love and mercy, God provided His Son Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins, and when we claim His offer of salvation in faith, our sins are forgiven—completely and forever.

Charles Spurgeon said, “When God pardons a man’s sins, he pardons them all; he makes a clean sweep of the whole. God never pardons half a man’s sins, and leaves the rest in His book. He has pardon for all sin at once.” When we turn to Christ and accept Him as our Saviour, His perfect holiness is credited to our account in place of our sins. There is no other way to be right with God.

“And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.”

1 Kings 8:54–56

Charles Spurgeon said, “I sometimes liken the promises to the smith’s great bunch of keys which he brings when you have lost the key of your chest, and cannot unlock it. He feels pretty sure that out of all the keys upon the ring some one or other will fit, and he tries them with patient industry. At last—yes—that is it, he has loosened the bolt, and you can get at your treasures. There is always a promise in the volume of inspiration suitable to your present case.”

The challenges that we face as we go through life require strength, wisdom, and resources that are beyond our ability to produce. But for every trial and burden, there is a promise in the Word of God on which we can lean for help—and not one of those promises God makes has ever been broken. No child of God has ever been turned away because the Father in Heaven did not have the resources or ability to meet his need.

While many Bible promises are conditioned on our obedience, and cannot be claimed unless we fulfill the conditions, all of them are utterly reliable. Our task is to fill our hearts and minds with the Bible so that we know what God has said, and then to claim His promises in faith. When we do, we will receive what God offers.

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”

Luke 17:15–18

No matter how much or how little we may have as the world measures resources, all of us have a great deal more than we deserve. The good things we enjoy are gifts from God, not the product of our ability. “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). Yet all too often our mouths and our hearts are filled with discontent rather than gratitude.

Rather than praising God for His goodness and mercy, we often take for granted the blessings we receive, even thinking that we deserve them. Evangelist D. L. Moody said, “We have in our churches a great deal of prayer, but I think it would be a good thing if we had a praise meeting occasionally. If we could only get people to praise God for what He has done, it would be a good deal better than asking Him continually for something.”

Moses warned the Children of Israel of the dangers of taking blessings for granted when they were preparing to enter the Promised Land: “Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 6:12). The more God does for us, the more risk we face of assuming His bountiful blessings are because of us rather than an expression of His grace and love. Let us never fail to be thankful for all we have received.

“And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

Luke 2:46–49

None of us has enough time, money, or talent to accomplish everything that could be done. Every day we have to make choices about how we will invest what we have been given. Every night there will be things that did not get accomplished. Our task is to work to the best of our ability to see that the most important things are done. This requires that we identify what matters most, and dedicate ourselves to living so that those things are accomplished.

Priorities do not set themselves. You must purposefully set them and then resist the natural drift away from them. This will include saying “no” to some opportunities or activities that don’t contribute toward or that prohibit you from doing what matters most. But it is easier to say “no” to something when there is a greater “yes” burning inside. When you start by identifying your God-given priorities, it helps you identify that greater “yes,” making your needed “no” more clear.

The excuses that we often hear (or that we use ourselves) for why things that matter don’t get done usually reveal that it was what mattered most that was done rather than what was claimed as the goal. Many people lament what they have failed to accomplish without realizing that it was the choices they made that kept them from their goals.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

James 1:13–15

In 1958, a high school guidance counselor wrote a recommendation to Harvard University, urging them to admit one of her students. She said, “I believe Ted has one of the greatest contributions to make to society. He is reflective, sensitive, and deeply conscious of his responsibilities to society.” The student she was recommending had an IQ of 167 and was graduating from high school at just sixteen years of age. The young man, who so many expected to do great things was Ted Kaczynski, who became the terrorist murderer known as the “Unabomber.”

Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say, “Behind every tragedy in human character lies a long process of wicked thinking.” We do not accomplish good things because we are good. Every human born into this world starts out with a sinful nature that is opposed to God. The most brilliant minds and the best education money can buy cannot change the inherent nature of man. Only God can do that through the power of salvation that provides a new nature. The only hope, the only cure, for sin is found in turning to Christ. The Bible tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Once we are saved, we still wrestle with fleshly desires that lead us into temptation. Only by recognizing that we have been delivered from sin and relying on the power of God to resist temptation will we be able to experience victory.

“And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?”

1 Samuel 1:6–8

There have been times in my life when trouble has come, and I’ve gone to my knees in prayer and seen God work almost immediately to resolve the issue. I’ve seen Him provide in ways beyond human explanation—ways that could only be Him at work. There have been other times of trouble when my prayers and petitions have been every bit just as sincere and heartfelt, when there is nothing hindering my relationship with God, when I am walking in close fellowship with Him, but there has been no immediate answer.

God does promise to meet our needs, but He does not promise to work in the way that seems best to us. What He expects from us is that we trust just as much when the answer to our prayer is delayed as we do when it comes right away. The natural tendency in those moments is to think that God has failed and that we must take matters into our own hands.

That approach always leads to failure. In truth, there are times when the delay is a vital part of God’s plan to strengthen and build us into what He desires. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:3–4). We must continue to trust and wait for God to work in His time.

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.”

Psalm 61:1–4

The idea that a Christian will only receive good things from God and coast through life on a bed of blessings sounds good and draws large crowds and television audiences. But it is not the reality of life presented in Scripture. David, who was known as a man after God’s own heart, spent years running for his life. He was the number one target on Saul’s list, singled out for death not because he had done wrong, but because of Saul’s jealousy. Yet even on days when it seemed that everyone on Earth had turned against him, David clung to his faith in God.

Faith is not a barrier that prevents trouble from coming; it is a shield that keeps those troubles from conquering us. In the moments that challenge us the most, we sometimes feel that we must be strong. But victory is not found in our strength; it is only found in the power of God. Even the apostle Paul, to whom we look as a great example of the Christian life, knew what it was like to be pushed to the edge. He wrote, “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears” (2 Corinthians 7:5).

We sometimes think that if our faith were stronger we wouldn’t worry at all. But David was overwhelmed and Paul was troubled. We must understand that faith is not the absence of fear, but the continuance of trust and obedience.

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

James 5:16–18

There is a great deal of attention paid to prayer in the church today, but many times it is only theoretical. We tend to talk about prayer more than we actually practice it. If we are not careful, we can become what Dr. Curtis Hutson called “practical atheists.” We believe there is a God, but we live as if we do not. And when we do not pray, we rob both ourselves and God’s work of the power and resources that are needed.

Prayer is not a relic. It is not something reserved for great saints of the past but out of date in the modern era. Prayer works just as surely now as it has for thousands of years. We must never forget the privilege God has offered us to boldly enter His presence and make our requests, confident in His ability to respond. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Prayer moves the arm that moves the world.”

Our society glorifies the myth of those who do it on their own, without any help. But God honors and rewards those who live in dependence on His strength and claim His promised resources to accomplish His purposes. If we do not pray, we will certainly fail when the moments of test and challenge come. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Luke 18:1).

“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. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”

Philippians 2:14–17

The pioneering work of missionary J. Hudson Taylor in China benefited greatly from the help of his wife Maria. She had spent her early years in China, and her knowledge of the language was invaluable to their ministry. In addition to teaching, writing, and witnessing, she gave birth to nine children, only four of whom survived to adulthood. All four adult Taylor children became missionaries with the China Inland Mission. Despite her grief at the loss of her little boys and girls, Maria Taylor remained faithful to the work until her death from cholera in 1871. On her gravestone these words were carved:

AN EARNEST CHRISTIAN AND DEVOTED MISSIONARY,
A FAITHFUL AND AFFECTIONATE WIFE AND TENDER MOTHER,
A SINCERE AND WARM HEARTED FRIEND,
TO HER TO LIVE WAS CHRIST, AND TO DIE WAS GAIN

The things that we endure in this life because of our service for God may sometimes be very painful, but they do not compare to what God has done for us, nor do they compare to the rewards that He offers those who faithfully serve Him. “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting” (Luke 18:29–30).

“And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.”

1 Samuel 2:1–3

Helen Roseveare, who was a medical missionary in Africa, told the story of a remarkable answer to prayer. A mother had died in childbirth leaving a dangerously premature infant child. They had no advanced facilities, so their normal practice was to keep the baby warm with a hot water bottle. But as they filled the bottle it burst because the rubber had decayed in the African climate. Unfortunately, they had no replacement. Dr. Roseveare doubted the baby would live. But that day they prayed with the other children at the mission.

Dr. Roseveare recounted, “During the prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt consciousness of our African children. ‘Please, God,’ she prayed, ‘send us a water bottle. It’ll be no good tomorrow, God, the baby’ll be dead; so, please send it this afternoon.’” She was stunned at the girl’s simple faith, hardly daring to believe the prayer could be answered. But that very day she received a package sent by friends from her home church in England. Not only had the package been five months in the mail, but it was the first package she had received in four years on the field. Among the supplies it included was a new hot water bottle that saved the baby’s life.

There is no restriction on God’s ability to meet and supply our needs. Yet all too often we fail to receive what God could and would give us simply because we lack the faith to ask Him to work.

“The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

Matthew 8:8–10

We often talk of faith as an abstract belief, but Bible faith is never seen in the mind. Instead it is demonstrated in the actions taken by those who have it. So it was in the life of a Roman centurion who came to Jesus to ask that his servant be healed.

It is easy for us to brush by the cultural details of this story, but they are relevant to understanding the significance of the passage: Roman centurions in the day of Jesus did not attain their position by popularity or connections. A general might owe his job to a rich relative and live above the fray of battle, but the centurions, each of whom commanded one hundred trained soldiers, were in the thick of the fighting. They were hardened men who possessed the power of life and death over those under their command. But what they did understand was authority—the relation between command and obedience.

That is what amazed Jesus. The centurion’s faith was expressed in his belief that a word from Jesus would be obeyed without Him ever seeing the servant. He believed that nothing, neither disease nor distance, could stop what Jesus said from happening. That is the faith God is looking for—a belief in His Word that is expressed in our actions relying on what He promised.

“The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.”

2 Timothy 1:16–18

On his first preaching trip to England, D. L. Moody had an encounter with a British preacher named Henry Varley that changed the course of his life. Years later, now as the best known evangelist in the world, Moody returned to England and asked to meet with Varley to thank him for the impact of their brief meeting. Varley later wrote: “Mr. Moody asked me to join him in the vestry of the Baptist Church. We were alone, and he recalled the night’s meeting at Willow Park and our converse the following morning. ‘Do you remember your words?’ he said. I replied, ‘I well remember our interview, but I do not recall any special utterance.’”

Varley had said to Moody, “The world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” Though he didn’t recall the words, they made a dramatic impact. Moody said, “Those were the words sent to my soul, through you, from the living God. As I crossed the wide Atlantic, the boards of the deck of the vessel were engraved with them, and when I reached Chicago, the very paving stones seemed marked with [them]. I felt that I must not let more time pass until I let you know how God had used your words to my inmost soul.” Few people have heard of Henry Varley, but his words of encouragement and challenge sparked a mighty movement of God. We have the opportunity to encourage others every day—and we should do it.

“And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”

1 Corinthians 16:6–9

Although there are some who teach that the Christian life is an uninterrupted succession of blessings followed by happiness that leads to relaxation and enjoyment in great abundance, this is not what we find in God’s Word. While God does bless His children, He does not promise us a life of ease. Everyone who has accomplished great things for His Kingdom has done so in the face of obstacles. In fact if we are not being resisted and opposed by the forces of evil, it is probably an indication that we are not doing what we should for God.

If we are doing something meaningful and important for God, we should not expect things to go smoothly. The night before the crucifixion Jesus told His disciples, “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). If our perfect Lord was violently and bitterly opposed, why should we expect acceptance and ease?

Rather than looking to the world for comfort, we should expect opposition while knowing the Lord Himself will comfort our hearts. Rather than being discouraged by obstacles, we should be encouraged knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and can give us peace through the difficulties. In fact, sometimes opposition is a sign that we are making a difference for God. Even Paul found that God’s open doors of ministry didn’t come without spiritual conflict.

“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.”

Psalm 32:5–7

While fighting on Long Island in the early part of the Revolutionary War, George Washington found his troops outnumbered by British forces under the command of General Howe by nearly four to one. They were in danger of being surrounded and forced to surrender, a defeat that would have almost surely ended the bid for American independence. Washington’s only hope was to evacuate his troops under cover of darkness so that the war could continue.

The audacious plan worked because of three events that each occurred with perfect timing. A severe daytime storm with strong winds kept the British Navy from sailing up behind Washington’s position. But overnight the wind died and the seas calmed so that the small boats could ferry the soldiers to safety. Then before dawn the next morning, a dense fog prevented the British from seeing that Washington had fled. God had provided a way of escape. Washington would later write, “The Hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this—the course of the war—that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith.”

God’s hand is not shortened in our day. He is still able to work mighty things for those who rely on Him in faith. We have been given the privilege of fleeing to Him for refuge and deliverance, and we should do so in times of trouble.

“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Acts 4:10–12

Though many people like to think that they are okay because they are not as bad as some others, the reality is that all of us are sinners. Every person born into this world is born under the curse and penalty of sin. And despite what some people say, there is only one way sin can be forgiven and our relationship with God changed from our natural enmity toward Him to becoming part of His family—through accepting the salvation freely offered through Jesus Christ. No other solution is available, and if someone chooses to follow another path, he is heading toward destruction.

Dr. John R. Rice told of a man who had a sore on his cheek. He said, “The sore seemed incurable. It grew larger and worse. Surely, his friends said, it was cancer. He should have gone at once for treatment or surgery. But no, he read an ad in the paper where a quack doctor offered to sell a salve that would cure cancer. He bought the salve, boasted that he had saved the doctor’s expense and the pain of surgery, and applied the salve diligently. The sore healed over on the outside, but went on with its deadly work, and after awhile the man died of cancer. He would not call for help though he desperately needed it.” It is a tragedy for people to remain lost because they will not take God’s offer.

“Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Joshua 1:3–5

When we read of the way God has worked in the lives of men and women of faith in the Bible and in history, we often focus on the characteristics of their lives that enabled them to do great things for God. But while that is not a bad thing to do, we should never allow our primary focus to remain on people. Our vision should be fixed on God instead. When Moses died, the Israelites needed a new leader, but they did not need a new God. They needed Joshua to live and lead with a sense of God’s presence.

It is the same for us. Although we believe and teach that God never changes, we do not always live as if He is active and involved in our lives. Too often we settle for what we can accomplish on our own rather than seeking the presence and power of God as a reality in our lives. The Christian life was never meant to be lived apart from God’s provision, and indeed it cannot be. The God who sees and judges the heart knows whether or not we are close to Him, even if others may be deceived. The reality is that life is more than we can manage. But we are not alone. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

“And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.”

Numbers 14:7–9

There is an old story about a shoe salesman in the days of the British empire who was sent to begin a new branch of the business in an African nation. A few days after he arrived, he sent a telegram home, announcing his resignation. “This place is hopeless for the shoe business. Everyone goes barefoot.” Undaunted, the company sent out a replacement. A few days after he arrived, he too cabled a message home. “Send more shoes. The market is unlimited!”

All of us face obstacles and difficulties in the course of daily living. This is not because of some special attack of Satan (although that sometimes happens) or a judgment on us. It is simply part of living in a broken world. Things are going to go wrong, and there are going to be problems. That is not the question. The question is how we will respond. Will we allow ourselves to be discouraged, or will we realize that God’s promises are still in operation and we can trust Him for victory?

When the ten spies gave a discouraging report, the Children of Israel refused to enter the land, despite the impassioned pleas of Joshua and Caleb. Rather than focusing on the giants and the walled cities, those two faithful men were focused on God. They realized that if God was on their side, there was nothing to fear from any obstacle.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

Hebrews 11:1–3

I came across a beautiful story of a little three-year-old boy named Todd who lived in Rhode Island. His father decided to take him to the beach to fly a kite. Never having flown a kite before, Todd had obvious doubts. His father assured him that all was well, and the kite would go up as planned. As Todd unraveled the string, and watched the kite go up into the sky, he was heard to say, “I knew it would fly, Daddy. You said it would.”

So many times we fail to trust God because we do not see Him working. Like Peter walking on the water, we make progress for a time, but then the circumstances catch our attention and lead us to doubt—and sink. The tendency of human nature is to want evidence before we believe. But God’s plan is for us to not only trust Him, but to regard our faith as the evidence itself. Faith is not imaginary, just because it is not seen. It is real and it has substance, and when we act in faith, we see God work.

Our faith in action brings honor and glory to God. Writing about the life of Abraham, Paul reminds us that even though he was almost one hundred years old, Abraham still believed God would give him a son. “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20). The lack of faith is what causes us to stagger and fail rather than the circumstances that we face.

“And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.”

Genesis 13:14–17

The size and area of the land that God promised to Abraham was vast. The promise seemed beyond the realm of what was possible. Yet Abraham believed it, even as a childless man nearing one hundred years of age. And in time, a great nation did come from his descendants, just as God had promised. Yet when God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, they refused to enter the Promised Land. It took forty years in the wilderness before they finally began to take possession of what God had promised. And even then, they did not do a thorough job. “Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed” (Joshua 13:1).

The reality is that even at its greatest extent under the reigns of David and Solomon, Israel never reached the boundaries of the land God promised to Abraham. This was not a failure on God’s part, but rather a failure of the Israelites to do what was needed to claim what God had offered them. They were greatly blessed and helped by God, but they could have had so much more. He was able to fully give them all He had promised, but they did not claim it.

“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

Take a moment to think about the most delicious meal you’ve ever eaten. Perhaps it was an old family secret recipe that made the food come alive. Perhaps it was a high-class restaurant you visited for a special occasion. But it seemed like every bite was filled with flavor and it was a delight to eat. Did you clean your plate, or did you stop after two or three bites and say, “Well that was really good but I don’t want to eat anymore”?

If we are to be the people God has called us to be, then a few bites of His Word now and then are not enough. We need to be like diners in front of a delicious meal who eat and eat because they cannot believe how good it tastes. In fact, we should view the Bible as even more important than our daily food. Job said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

We have a generation of spiritually malnourished Christians, and it should be no surprise that they are not changing the world. John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court said, “The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next.”

“And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties. He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines. And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance.”

1 Chronicles 11:12–14

No people have ever been free unless a price has been paid for that freedom. This has been true throughout recorded human history. In America, we have enjoyed a level of liberty that is almost unprecedented for people to believe and worship as they choose without fear. That freedom was made possible by the form of government our founding fathers established and by the sacrifices of those who brought that government to life and kept it from being destroyed.

There are few days that should summon such a depth of gratitude as the day we remember those who have honorably served the cause of their nation. And we recognize that for many of them, it was seen and carried out as a Christian duty. George Washington said, “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”

There are times in the history of a nation when freedom must be defended. Those moments call for great sacrifice, and it is only right that we remember those who have served. There are several lists of noted soldiers in Scripture—for military service is an honorable calling. If our society loses its appreciation for this truth, it is not likely that our freedom will long endure.

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Luke 1:35–38

Mary was presented with a completely unprecedented assignment from the Lord. Never before had a virgin borne a child, and never before had God willingly joined Himself to human nature so that there could be a Saviour for mankind. Though she did not fully understand how God’s plan for her would work, or what the cost would be, Mary believed that His purpose would be fulfilled in her life. Her expression of faith was that things would happen “according to thy word.”

The basis of our faith is the Word of God. That is where we find the promises God has given to us. It’s important to understand that not everything people believe is genuine faith based on the Bible. Some people believe that if you speak the words, you will have health, wealth, and any material prosperity you desire. God did not promise that. Real faith is only that which we believe and act on based on what God actually said

To have that faith, we must be people of the Word. Evangelist D. L. Moody said, “I prayed for faith and it did not come, but when I read the Word of God then faith came.” There are no victorious, effective Christians who are not men or women of genuine and active faith.

“And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.”

Judges 6:14–16

Many people in our society struggle with stress. A study by AARP a few years ago identified approximately $300 billion in costs—medical care, lost time from work, etc.—associated with stress. In their survey, four out of ten adults said they had trouble sleeping because of stress, slightly over half had serious worries about their health, and seventy percent worried about their jobs. While some worries are based on what might happen, others are based on real problems. As someone put it, the leading cause of stress is reality.

The situation Gideon faced when God called him to deliver Israel was certainly stressful. The Midianites had overrun the country, stealing the food that the Israelites grew. Things were so bad that Gideon was hiding just to thresh his wheat so that it too would not be stolen and there would be something to eat. He greeted the news that he had been chosen to lead a great military campaign with amazement. He did not understand how a victory was possible.

But God told Gideon the one thing that would make all the difference—that God would be with him. This is the same promise that Jesus made before He returned to Heaven: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20). The burdens may be real, but His presence provides peace.

“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

I read about a veteran military pilot who was teaching a group of trainees. At one point in his talk, he referred to the plane’s jet engine as an air conditioner. One of the new pilots raised his hand and asked why he called the engine that. With a grin the veteran replied, “Because if it stops working, you start sweating real quick!” All of us face moments when something we’re counting on suddenly falls away. Perhaps it is a serious medical diagnosis, a car accident, a family relationship torn apart, or a job that unexpectedly goes away. How should we respond in those moments when the “air conditioner” fails?

King Jehoshaphat had one of those moments when the Ammonites and Moabites joined forces to fight against him. His army was greatly outnumbered, and there seemed to be no chance of survival, let alone victory. But in that moment he cried out to God in faith, and God heard and answered his prayers. Not only was he delivered, but Jehoshaphat didn’t even have to fight. God turned the alliance of enemies against each other, and they destroyed their own armies. God is able to deliver us from trials and troubles today. But we must keep our faith and focus on Him, rather than giving in to despair or trying to take matters into our own hands.

“And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian. And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?”

Judges 8:4–6

After the amazing victory God gave Gideon over the Midianites, most of the enemy army was destroyed, but those who remained alive fled. Rather than settling for a partial victory, Gideon and his band of three hundred courageous warriors chased after them. Despite the fact that they were tired, hungry, and greatly outnumbered, they were committed to tracking down and destroying those who threatened their land. Even when they were refused help by those who could and should have aided them, they simply refused to stop.

Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. said, “The test of a man’s character is what it takes to stop him.” Every worthwhile task is going to encounter obstacles and difficulties. There will always be excuses that could be made for quitting. There will always be reasons why we have done enough and someone else should pick up the cause and run with it. There will always be fatigue from labor and a desire to stop and rest. There will always be those who could help, but choose to criticize instead. But if the cause is burning in our hearts, we will not stop.

Sometimes we give up too easily in pursuing opportunities which God has placed in our paths because we become weary in overcoming the obstacles. We should remember Gideon and his men who, even when they were faint, continued pursuing.

“And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”

Genesis 5:21–24

The list of the descendants of Adam given to us in Genesis chapter five includes several men whose faith was mentioned in Hebrews 11 in the great review of Old Testament saints. But only one, Enoch, is singled out with a description of his relationship with God. When the Bible speaks of walking with God, it is talking about a life that is based on and filled with faith. “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5).

If our lives are to please God, then we must have Him occupy such a position in our hearts that He is the center of our thoughts and affections. J. Oswald Sanders wrote, “It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with God. Spend plenty of time with him; let other things go, but don’t neglect Him.” Too many Christians fill their days and their lives with everything except God. Often these are not bad things, but taken in totality, they become clutter that keep us from having room for Him.

The Lord is not interested in partial devotion. He does not seek small portions of our time; rather, He demands His rightful place at the center of our lives. When we consistently walk with the Lord, our decisions and choices will reflect His priorities and obedience to His commands.

“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

Doubt is one of the most effective weapons in the devil’s toolbox to use against God’s children. Because our service for God is built on the foundation of our faith in Him, Satan tries every means possible to make us doubt whether we are truly saved. While it is important that people not have a false assurance of a salvation they do not possess, it is also vital that those who have been born again know that their salvation is secure.

Dr. John R. Rice was saved when he was a little boy, but many adults questioned his understanding, and as a result he lived with doubt. He later wrote, “I went on for three sad years not sure I was saved. Then I got to reading the Bible and found John 5:24. I KNEW that I had heard the Word of God. I KNEW that I had trusted Jesus Christ the best I knew how. So there suddenly, gloriously, came the assurance that I was really saved! I know I am saved because it is written in the Bible.”

The Bible is given to us for many purposes, but one of those is to give us a confident assurance that the same God who saved us will keep us secure until we reach Heaven. Since no part of our salvation depends on our work or effort, once we have been saved, there is nothing that can cause us to lose it.

“Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Daniel 1:6–8

It’s easy to see that we are surrounded by a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Core truths that were once taken for granted are now challenged. Those who believe and publicly state what the Word of God clearly declares are labeled as hateful and bigoted. Christian businesses and religious organizations are being sued, and often losing, simply because the owners and employees are trying to follow their faith in their daily lives. Great pressure is brought to bear on the followers of Jesus Christ to change our long-held beliefs so they align with the current morally confused beliefs of our society. Many have tragically dipped their sails and abandoned the truth.

The challenge we face is not unprecedented. Throughout history God’s people have been surrounded by hostile voices. Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon as captives and put into an intensive training program designed to break down their old loyalties and beliefs, and shape their thinking to conform to the values of Babylon. Though many young people from many nations had succumbed to that pressure, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not. As a result, they made a difference for God even in the midst of a heathen culture. Someone well said, “The men and women who have moved the world have been the men and women the world could not move.”

“If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking? 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. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.”

Job 4:2–5

When God allowed Satan to take away everything Job had, three friends came to commiserate with Job. They proved to be poor comforters because they did not understand the real reason for what was going on. Instead, they accused Job of harboring secret sins and somehow bringing his misfortune upon himself. Interestingly, however, Job’s friend Eliphaz began his condemnation with words of praise. The description he provided of Job’s life is one that any of us would be pleased to have said of our lives. He described how Job had been a help and source of comfort to many who had suffered greatly.

Yet, Eliphaz followed these words by insisting that in the moment of crisis, Job was failing the test he had encouraged others to pass. Now we know from the Bible account what was actually happening, and that Job’s faith in God did not waver. He said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him” (Job 13:15). All of us face moments when the things we have believed and taught and shared with others are tested. It is in those moments that the reality of our belief is revealed.

Given a choice, we would not select great tragedy for our lives or for those we love. However, God is at work in every situation, whether we can see His hand or not. Our responsibility is to maintain our faith and put into practice in our lives the truths we have believed and shared with others.