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"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

Romans 3:24-26

Judge Horace Gray of Boston who would later go on to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court once said to the man who escaped conviction on a technicality: "I know that you are guilty and you know it, and I wish you to remember that one day you will stand before a better and wiser Judge, and that there you will be dealt with according to justice and not according to law."

Man’s justice is always subject to errors, but God’s justice is perfect. No sin escapes His gaze, and though punishment is sometimes delayed as God grants room to repent, it is certain. No one escapes God’s justice on a technicality. Longfellow wrote, “Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small.”

And yet, though God is just, He is also merciful and loving toward us. The love of God for us is so great that He sent His Son Jesus to die so that the payment for our sins could be provided. As Romans 3:26 says, Jesus is both “just, and the justifier.” His blood shed on the Cross paid the penalty for our sins in full so that when His righteousness is applied to our account through faith, we are fully justified in God’s sight. When God looks at my record and your record, He finds only the perfection of Jesus. Knowing that we have been justified should inspire us to share the Gospel with others.

"And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying."

Mark 14:6-8

Giving is largely a matter of the heart, not the checkbook or bank balance. When people have a heart to give, they cannot be stopped. The woman who came and anointed Jesus’ feet with very precious oil just before His crucifixion was not giving out of great wealth but out of great love. This truth is borne out by some statistics on giving that I recently encountered. Mississippi is the 49th state in per capita income, yet the people there averaged $4,070 in charitable giving, which was 2nd highest in the nation. Conversely Massachusetts had the 4th highest average income, yet people there averaged only $2,645 in charitable giving, which was 49th in the nation.

The Lord’s plan is for His work to be financed by His people. Because everything belongs to Him, He could easily have chosen another way. Yet in His wisdom He knows that it is important for us to give. It reminds us of His ownership of everything when we give part of what He has given us back to Him.

Having a giving heart does not mean that we are giving great amounts. Instead it means that we are giving what we are able to give. The great English statesman Edmund Burke said, “No one ever made a greater mistake that he who, because he could only do a little, did nothing.” The Scripture is clear that God blesses the gift given from a heart willing to give.

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Malachi 3:8-10

Police had little trouble tracking down a man who robbed a bank in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The hapless thief used a bank deposit slip for his note informing the teller that the bank was being robbed—a deposit slip he had filled out with his name! The robber was quickly arrested and sent to prison.

Yet as silly and shortsighted as that is, many people are doing something far worse. Though they would never rob a bank or a store, they are robbing the very God of Heaven. He has given us commands regarding our giving that He takes very seriously. The people of Israel in the days of the prophet Malachi protested when they were accused of robbing God, and reacted as if that were something they would never do.

In response, God sent them a powerful message—they were under a curse because they had not faithfully brought their tithes and offerings as they were commanded. Not giving is a dangerous theft, and it is a double tragedy. Not only were the people suffering under a curse but they were missing an amazing blessing that God was willing to give them in response to their obedience. “Prove Me,” God said, offering them a challenge that they should find out for themselves how faithful He would be to reward them for giving.

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."

Proverbs 19:17

James L. Kraft, head of the Kraft Cheese Corporation, made his fortune on the basis of a unique process for pasteurizing cheese so that it would not spoil. Along with his brothers he created a massive industrial enterprise. A committed Christian, Kraft gave approximately 25% of his enormous income to Christian causes for many years. He once said, "The only investment I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord."

There are many things we can and should do with the resources God entrusts to us, but none of them are more important than using them to further His work. We have seen over and over in recent years that investments thought to be safe proved to be based on nothing but empty promises—sometimes even outright fraud and deception. Some of the biggest names on Wall Street have vanished. Well-known economist Irving Fisher famously said, “Stock prices have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau” just three days before the stock market crashed in 1929.

In such an uncertain world, there is great comfort in having the rock of God’s promise that when we give He will guarantee the return. While many today promote a false view of God’s blessing that teaches every child of God should be rich, we must not let their erroneous doctrine make us forget what God actually says. There is a very certain return on our “deposits” into God’s kingdom, both in this world and the next.

And while seeking riches is not meant to be the purpose of our lives and our money management, God does expect us to be wise with what He gives to us. There is nothing more wise than lending money to One who always repays.

"Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

Job 23:8-10

I am not a big fan of road construction projects. When you see those big orange signs warning that there is construction ahead, the natural tendency is to groan a little. Someone said the official state flower of California is the orange traffic cone! And you may have seen the picture of the construction sign that says, “Prepare to be annoyed.” However despite the frustration that comes with the process, the end result is wonderful when we get to drive on a smooth, rebuilt road.

Life is filled with things that bring us frustration and annoyance. Often like Job we may not be able to see or understand what God is doing in our lives. Yet even when we cannot discern the purpose behind what is happening to us, we can be certain and confident that God knows exactly where we are and He knows exactly what He is doing. The process may be filled with things that are painful and difficult and sometimes frustrating, but the end result is something beautiful made according to His design.

God’s purpose is for us to be “conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). That requires that the things in our life that do not match that image be removed. Many times the things God must take away for us to be like Jesus are things that we would rather cling to. In faith we must be willing to release them to His purpose, trusting that He knows what the best end result will be.

"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:"

Hebrews 11:37-39

Faith is easy to maintain when things are going well—when we’re in good health and the bills are paid and we are seeing results from our work. When things are going wrong (according to our perspective) it is much more difficult to continue to trust in God. He has called on us to have a committed faith that is just as certain when we are suffering as it is when we are rejoicing.

Charles Spurgeon said, "I would recommend you either believe God up to the hilt, or else not to believe at all. Believe this book of God, every letter of it, or else reject it. There is no logical standing place between the two. Be satisfied with nothing less than a faith that swims in the deeps of divine revelation; a faith that paddles about the edge of the water is poor faith at best. It is little better than a dry-land faith, and is not good for much."

James 1:6 tells us that, when we pray, we are to “ask in faith, nothing wavering.” So many times we miss what God could and would have done for us simply because we allow our faith to be shaken. Like Peter when he walked on the water we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to focus on the wind and the waves. And like Peter we sink. God will not fail you today. He never has, and you are not going to be the first of His children to be abandoned. Trust Him fully.

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

We often think of giving only in financial terms, and that is certainly an important part of it. Yet there is so much more than money involved in having a giving spirit. Giving begins with our attitude, not our checkbook or wallet. When we grasp our possessions and talents tightly, wanting to keep everything we have for ourselves, we are not following the plan of God for our lives.

His grace is meant to turn us into givers, and not just givers, but cheerful and generous givers. Appreciating grace means that we understand that all of the things we have are given to us by God. It also means that we understand the difference between the temporal and the eternal. The great missionary Jim Elliot who was killed in Ecuador in 1956 said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

God does not need our money or our talent or anything else that we have. He owns everything and is all-sufficient. He said, “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 50:12). He has designated His work to be supported and carried out by His people because we need to give and work for Him. If we allow His grace to work in our hearts, we will not find it hard to be generous and do what we can to minister to others in need.f

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."

Acts 4:31-33

Someone said that prayer is much more talked of than practiced. One evangelist of the past used to say that on average Christians pray about five minutes a day, and sadly he may have been a little optimistic in that low assessment. In truth we need prayer to be a daily, sustained and regular part of our lives. The power of the early church as recorded in Acts was repeatedly seen following their times of prayer.

In our day we often fail to pray because we feel self-sufficient. We think that we are able to figure things out and make things happen on our own. We have lost the spirit of dependence that led President Abraham Lincoln to say, "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day."

Dr. Curtis Hutson often said, “There is more that you can do after you pray, but there is nothing you can do until you pray.” Like the early disciples, we need to be diligent about our praying. We should not allow anything to distract or deter us from seeking God’s face. It is only after we have spent time in His presence asking Him for His wisdom and power and blessing that we are prepared to work for Him.

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."

Psalm 40:1-3

When Hudson Taylor went to China, he made the voyage on a sailing vessel. As it neared the channel between the southern Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra, the missionary heard an urgent knock on his stateroom door. He opened it, and there stood the captain of the ship. "Mr. Taylor," he said, "we have no wind. We are drifting toward an island where the people are heathen, and I fear they are cannibals."

Taylor agreed to pray for wind. He wrote later that after a few minutes of praying he was so certain of the answer that he thought there was no need to pray any longer. So Taylor went up to the deck of the ship. He told the first mate to let down the sails. When the man protested that there was no wind, Taylor told him it was coming. The man reluctantly gave the order, and in moments the wind began to blow and stayed with them until they reached their destination.

When we ask God for His help, it is important that our faith remains firm. Whether the answer comes quickly or after the passage of time, we must trust that God knows not only what we need but also when we need it. He is never late according to His timetable. Since He is God and we are not, we must remain patient if He does not work quickly. And even before the wind begins to blow, you can be confident in His answer.

"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

Acts 2:46-47

In 1996, the pastor of a small church in Arkansas who was distressed because the members of the congregation were divided came up with a plan to unite them. When he went to the church on a Saturday evening to turn on the air conditioner for the next day’s services, he lit a small fire by one of the walls. In his confession to the police, the pastor said he only meant to scorch a wall in hopes that having a repair project to work on would bring the people together. Instead the entire building burned down, and the pastor was convicted of arson.

The phrase “in one accord” appears often in the book of Acts. The early church had great power from God in large part because of their unity. When the church is divided, it should come as no surprise that very little of lasting good gets accomplished. Yet all too often we allow small matters to divide us and discord grows among the people of God.

While there certainly are things worth fighting over, most of the conflicts that divide churches are not over major doctrinal points, but rather over minor issues and preferences. We lament the church’s lack of power to make an impact on our communities and culture, yet we do not copy the early church’s unity of spirit and purpose. They had a common heartbeat—they were united around their love for Christ and their desire to take His Gospel to everyone they could. Like pianos tuned with the same tuning fork, their message and ministry was marked by unity, and as a result, by great power.

"If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

Luke 11:11-13

The great evangelist D. L. Moody once said, “Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.” God cares even about the details we think are small and insignificant. If He knows when each sparrow falls and how many hairs are on our heads, how much more important are our needs and concerns to Him?

Of course God does not need us to inform Him of what our problems are. We never give Him information He does not already have. Why then has God ordained prayer as the means through which our needs can be met and His work can be done? Prayer is meant to build our relationship with God. As we come to Him in faith pouring out our hearts before Him, we are giving a visible demonstration of our belief in His promises and His goodness.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that this is a prerequisite for prayer: “He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” In addition when we have past answered prayers to look back on and rejoice in, it encourages us to continue to boldly go to the throne of grace to seek help. Nothing shows God’s love for His children more than the fact that He is willing to meet our needs. God wants to hear from you today.

"Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Acts 6:2-4

Author E. M. Bounds wrote, “What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use—men of prayer, men mighty in prayer.” Our culture has a fascination with new methods to accomplish God’s work. The “seeker-sensitive” church movement has abandoned many core truths of the Scripture in their effort to make the church attractive and comfortable to the lost.

Instead of seeking new tools and leaving behind our convictions, we should go back to what the Word of God commands and do things His way. A praying church will be a powerful church. And while there is an important place for corporate prayer, it is also true that a praying church is characterized primarily by having praying members. In our individual time alone with God, we must seek His power and resources for the church to accomplish His work.

Jonathan Edwards said, “There is no way that Christians can do so much to promote the work of God and advance the kingdom of Christ as by prayer.” As a pastor, it is a blessing to know that people are praying for me in the work. Your prayers for the work of your church are important. The Bible warns us that the enemy is seeking to devour us, and prayer provides a shield against his attacks. I encourage you today to spend time praying for the power and protection of your pastor and your church.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

Hebrews 11:6-7

One of the most beautiful pictures of grace in all the Word of God is found in the story of Noah. At a time when the world was filled with great wickedness—much like our day—Noah found grace from the Lord and was saved along with his family from the flood that destroyed the world. Our modern world skeptically laughs at the story of the flood, just as Peter said that they would. He wrote that in the last days men would deny the truth of this particular Bible story.

Peter said these scoffers “willingly are ignorant…that…the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.” (2 Peter 3:5-6) Why would men deny the flood? The answer is twofold: First, denying the flood is an attempt to deny the fact that we must one day face judgment. Second, denying the flood is an attempt to deny that the only way of escape from the judgment that is to come is found in the grace of God.

As you remember, the ark had only one door—symbolizing that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. This message of an exclusive means of salvation is not popular in our day, but it is true. There are not many roads that lead to Heaven; there is only one way. For those of us who have received salvation by grace through faith, there is a responsibility to do as Noah did and invite others to join us in escaping the coming judgment.

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."

Luke 17:5-6

The normal response of Jesus to His disciples when they asked Him for something was to grant their requests. Yet in response to their plea for increased faith, Jesus simply told them that a tiny amount of faith—mustard seeds are very small—was enough to have a tree picked up and planted in the sea. The problem was not that they needed more faith; the problem was that they were not exercising the faith they already had.

We often think of people who see God work in amazing ways as if they had some secret and superior level of faith that allowed them to accomplish so much. Instead the key is found in their willingness to use their faith. Think of the early church praying for the release of Peter from prison. Herod had already killed James and was planning on killing Peter. As the church met to cry out to God for deliverance, an angel came and freed Peter from the prison.

When he knocked on the door where they were meeting, the young lady named Rhoda who answered the door was so happy to hear Peter’s voice that she ran back inside, leaving the delivered prisoner standing in the street. But when she told the church that their prayers had been answered, they did not believe her. “And they said unto her, Thou art mad” (Acts 12:15). When they finally did let Peter in, the Bible says they “were astonished” to see him. Did they have great faith? No. They were surprised when the answer came. But they did have enough faith to pray, and God answered their prayers.

"And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger."

Judges 2:10-12

God’s plan for faith to be transferred from one generation to the next is for those who have seen His work for themselves to pass that knowledge on to their children and those they lead to Him. If we are not faithful to accomplish that task, the results will quickly become catastrophic. Joshua and the leaders of his generation served God faithfully and led the people well. But they failed miserably at transferring their knowledge of God to the next generation.

Former Education Secretary William Bennett wrote: “Today’s ordinary citizen is living off the stored up moral capital of another century’s experience.” That accurate description highlights the true problem facing our country and our churches today. We cannot continue to coast on the faith of the past. We need people who are walking with God now rather than simply reliving the days of the past when others walked with Him and saw Him work.

Our children and grandchildren need to see God as real and at work in our lives so that they too will love, fear, and serve Him rather than following other gods in their heart. The knowledge of the true and living God is a vital inheritance—far more important than money or property or anything else that we could leave to those who follow us.

"And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. So he arose and went to Zarephath."

1 Kings 17:7-10

God sent Elijah to King Ahab with the message that it would not rain because of the people’s worship of Baal. Ahab attempted to kill the prophet because he did not like the message, and God sent Elijah to hide by the brook Cherith where He sent ravens to feed Elijah. When the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath.

To our logic and reasoning, the command to go to Zarephath was a crazy instruction. Zarephath was in Zidon—the home country of Jezebel. If there was anyone who wanted Elijah dead more than Ahab, it was his evil wife. Now God was sending His prophet deep into enemy territory.

Furthermore, God sent Elijah to a widow who did not have the resources to take care of him. When he arrived in Zarephath, she was preparing one last meal for herself and her son—she was literally scraping the bottom of the barrel. But that was God’s place for His prophet, and Elijah obeyed. There is no record in Scripture that he argued with God. God said “Go,” and Elijah went. Through his faith and obedience, he was kept safe and provided for until the famine was over.

When we obey God, we honor and please Him. There are people doing things in the name of God which God has not told them to do, and that is not faith no matter what it may be called. God’s directives for our lives are found in His Word. Each command of Scripture is to be obeyed, regardless of whether it fits our logic or not.

"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

Hudson Taylor said, “The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure and disappointment, let us answer God’s standing challenge, ‘Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not!'”

One of the great tragedies of modern-day Christianity is that we simply do not pray as we should. The Lord has placed all of the power and resources of Heaven at our disposal to do His work, yet we “have not, because [we] ask not” (James 4:2). Prayer is not an empty ritual. It is not a religious exercise. It is how a child of God goes to the throne of grace based on the relationship He has freely given us to seek His help which He has promised to give.

Elijah is used as a model for prayer because he “prayed earnestly” and he “prayed again.” In these brief statements we see both the importance of intensity in our praying and the importance of continued praying. Though there are times when a quick prayer is all that is needed—think of Peter sinking beneath the water—in most cases the serious issues we face will require sustained, fervent and serious prayer. God is waiting to hear from us before He will work on our behalf.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

I read a beautiful story about a young lady who wanted to join a church. One of the deacons asked, “Were you a sinner before you received the Lord Jesus into your life?” “Yes, sir,” she replied. “Well, are you still a sinner?” “To tell you the truth, I feel I'm a greater sinner than ever,” she admitted. He questioned, “Then what real change have you experienced?” “I don't quite know how to explain it,” she confessed. “I used to be a sinner running after sin, but now that I am saved, I’m a sinner running from sin!”

The transformation that the Holy Spirit works in our lives when we are saved goes far beyond changing our eternal destiny. He also changes the desires and appetites of our hearts. The sins that once were so attractive are no longer what we seek. As He sanctifies us, we can leave the past behind and move forward “to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).

Someone once told Charles Spurgeon, “If I believed what you preach about eternal security, I would sin as much as I wanted.” Spurgeon replied, “I sin more than I want to!” Our flesh will never be fully eradicated in this life, but we should be growing and maturing in grace and leaving the sins of the past. The same power that provided our salvation is available to provide our sanctification as well.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Ephesians 2:8-10

For more than forty years, Margaret Stringer faithfully served the Lord as a missionary in Indonesia. She worked among some of the most primitive people, including a number of tribes that still practiced cannibalism when she arrived on the field. She surrendered her life to be a missionary when she was just twelve years old. Later she wrote, “Nobody expected that I really would do it, but they had not taken God into account.”

Not everyone is called to a full-time ministry, but every child of God has a work to do for Him. God did not save us to sit back and enjoy the ride to Heaven; He saved us to serve. Jesus said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). There are things that you can do and people you can reach that are part of God’s plan and purpose for your life.

Annie Johnston Flint wrote, “Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today, He has no feet but our feet to lead men in the way, He has no tongue but our tongue to tell men how He died, He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.” God could have chosen any means for the Gospel to go throughout the world. He could have had angels make the announcement of the Good News or had clouds spell out the message in the sky. Instead He calls us to be His messengers, walking in the works He has prepared for us to do.

"And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."

Romans 4:19-21

The Christian life cannot be separated from faith. We are saved “by grace…through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). We “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7). We “live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Yet despite this truth many people do not really understand what faith is. In its simplest form, faith is believing what God says and then acting on it. It is treating what God says as true even before it happens.

Over and over Scripture tells us that nothing is impossible for God. Yet all too often Christians live as if they were orphans, with no Heavenly Father able and willing to work in their lives and meet their needs. George Mueller said, “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.”

Can your life and work for God be fully explained by things that can be seen, or is there something going on that shows God’s power? Do you believe the things that God has said in His Word are true? Are you living as if they are true? When God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, no one had ever been resurrected. Yet Abraham believed that would happen. He went to Mt. Moriah “Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19). Let nothing shake your faith today. Every promise of God is certain and true, and you can trust it completely.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Romans 12:1-2

In Old Testament times, bringing a sacrifice to the priest was something every Israelite was familiar with doing. Animals were brought for offerings, not to take away sins but as an expression of faith in the coming Messiah who would provide salvation through His blood. Hebrews 10:12 contrasts the work of the priests whose work never finished with the completed ministry of Jesus Christ who “after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.”

Though the sacrifices for sin are finished, there is still a sacrifice we are to make—of ourselves. We are exhorted to place our bodies at the complete disposal of God. There is a beautiful picture of this in the story of Abraham and Isaac. God instructed Abraham to offer his son as a sacrifice. Though Isaac was a strong young man and Abraham was well over one hundred years old, Isaac willingly allowed himself to be placed upon the altar.

Our tendency is to regard making such a sacrifice as something large and out of the ordinary. Yet Paul described it as “reasonable service.” In light of all that God has done for us, providing us the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and promising to hear our prayers and supply our needs, it is not at all unreasonable for us to cheerfully offer ourselves for His service. Those who truly understand the magnitude and wonder of salvation will not hold back from yielding their lives to the King who rescued them.

"And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"

Daniel 4:34-35

Roger Staubach served three winning seasons as the starting quarterback for the Navy football team, won the Heisman Trophy as the best player in collegiate football, and served in Vietnam before joining the Dallas Cowboys. But he found that his track record did not gain him much leeway with his coach. Coach Tom Landry called all the plays, and Staubach was told he could only change the play he received in an emergency. Staubach later said that he thought he should have been allowed to run the team, but he yielded his will to his coach. The Super Bowl MVP quarterback said, "I faced up to the issue of obedience. Once I learned to obey there was harmony, fulfillment, and victory."

God has a purpose and plan for your life. He knows the end from the beginning, and He wants the very best for you. Often we are tempted to think we know better than God what should happen or what we should do. However we should never forget that like a coach with the view of the entire field from the press box above, God sees things we do not. His perspective allows Him to always put us in the right game plan. Rather than insisting on having things our way, we should yield in grateful obedience to what He has shown us in His Word and walk according to His will.

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."

Galatians 4:4-6

Phillip Brooks, who pastored in Massachusetts in the late 1800s, is probably best known today as the author of the Christmas hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” It is said that one day a visitor to his office found him pacing the floor and somewhat distracted. “What’s the matter, Pastor?” the visitor asked. Brooks replied, “I’m in a hurry and God isn’t!”

Often when we pray we have a specific timeframe in mind for the answer. Yet God is operating on a schedule that we cannot see, and it is only in the “fullness of time” that He works according to His plan. George Mueller famously prayed for the conversion of two friends for more than fifty years. One was saved just before Mueller died and the other not long after. For more than five decades he was faithful, trusting God would answer even when he saw no results.

God has never yet been late. His provision is certain. His promises are secure. However if we allow our faith to fail, we can miss what God has for us. Galatians 6:9 says, “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” This is a conditional promise. The reaping requires not fainting. When we do not think God is working, we must remember it is in what He defines as the due season that we can expect the harvest. If you pull the potatoes out of the ground every day to see how fast they’re growing, you are not going to have healthy produce—and it is the same with our prayers.

"He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue."

Proverbs 28:23

In June of 1989, after weeks of protests for freedom and democracy in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, the authorities ordered a crackdown. The army was sent into the crowd to brutally break up the protests. While no exact count has ever been revealed, it is believed that at least hundreds (if not thousands) of protestors were murdered—many of them shot in the back. Perhaps the most enduring image of the protest was a single individual who came to be known simply as “Tank Man.”

This one man holding two shopping bags saw a line of army tanks rolling toward the center of the city. He stepped into the street and stood in front of the lead tank. Even when they gunned their engines, he held his ground. When the tanks tried to maneuver around him, he moved to remain in front of them. Finally two men came out of the crowd and pulled him from the street. Though his fate is unknown, his courage has never been forgotten.

All of us face moments when we must choose to take a stand for right even if it means saying or doing something unpopular. Even if no one else stands with us, standing for right is always honored by God. Often we find that if we do take a stand, others will be inspired by our example and join with us. The influence that we have in those moments should not be missed. When Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone to bow down before his golden idol, the three Hebrew children refused. Their courage was strengthened by being able to stand together. As a result, they presented a unified front to the heathen king. They were thrown into a burning furnace, but they emerged unharmed after walking with the Son of God through the fire.

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it."

Isaiah 46:9-11

In late 1940 and early 1941, as part of the preparation for Hitler’s planned invasion of England, the German Luftwaffe air force launched a massive aerial assault on the island nation. Thousands of German planes crossed the English Channel to drop bombs on London and other major cities. Hundreds of thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, and thousands were killed.

In an effort to protect young people, almost two million children were sent to live with relatives in the countryside or with those who volunteered to take them in. The story is told that one young boy was on the platform waiting for the train that would take him away from home. A passing man asked if he knew where he was going. “No,” the young boy replied, “but the king does.”

All of us face situations where we are not sure what to do. We make the best plans and decisions we can from the principles of Scripture and wise counsel, but we do not know the end of the path we will take. God does. Even before the world was created, He knew everything that would happen. He is able to move people around the world or across the street to accomplish His purposes. When we are tempted to doubt, we can take comfort that God knows where we are going.

"And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus."

Matthew 14:26-29

J. Sidlow Baxter wrote: "What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity." When the storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, it was so strong that even the disciples who had been fishermen, like Peter, feared for their lives. Matthew 14:24 says, “the wind was contrary.”

It was then, when their progress was stopped and their future uncertain, that they saw Jesus walking on the water toward them. One of the wonderful benefits we receive as children of God is that He is always present with us, even in our storms. In every trial of life, He is there. We are not abandoned, even when we cannot see Him. “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

God’s presence with us means that every problem we face can become a triumphant victory. We may not be delivered from the problem, as Paul was not delivered from his thorn in the flesh; but in those cases we will receive God’s sufficient grace to deal with it. What we can know and trust and act on is that with God all things are possible. Rather than being daunted and dismayed by what comes into our lives, we can confidently go forward, walking with God through the storms.

"And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink."

Luke 5:5-7

It is very rare in the history of God’s work to find great things done by an individual working alone. The pattern that Jesus established when He sent the disciples out in pairs to preach is not a coincidence but rather a recognition of an important truth. We are much stronger when we are together than when we are alone. Solomon said, “Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Each of us has a responsibility to be an encouragement, help, and support to those around us. Some people focus only on their own needs—who is caring for me. But the pattern established by Jesus was to care for others rather than self. At the Last Supper He washed the disciples’ feet. That job was considered so demeaning that only a foreign slave could be commanded to perform it—a Hebrew slave had to be asked if he or she was willing to take on the job. Yet the very Lord of Heaven took a towel and performed a task no one else was willing to do.

If we are focused on ways in which we can be a help and encouragement to others, we will find that we always have an effective ministry. There is no shortage of people who are struggling and carrying heavy burdens. As we help lift those burdens, we build up the body of Christ.

"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward. Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high."

Isaiah 52:11–13

The Scottish pastor Robert Murray McCheyne wrote to a missionary friend who had just been ordained and said, “In great measure, according to the purity and perfections of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.”

Though we live in a world that is defiled and filled with sin, we do not have to succumb to the temptations that drag down so many. As Christians, it is possible to live a holy and God-honoring life even when surrounded by great wickedness. Joseph and Daniel illustrate that it is possible to be in the middle of a heathen culture and yet do what is right. Too many in our day have adopted the mindset that we must become more and more like the world to be effective in our witness. And yet, this view is not consistent with Scripture.

The Lord Jesus was called a “friend of publicans and sinners” (Matthew 11:19), but He remained pure and sinless. We do not have to isolate ourselves from the world to ensure our holiness. Rather, we should walk through the world with our eyes fixed on Jesus. Loving Him rightly and realizing His love for us helps ensure that we can be in the world without the world becoming part of us.

"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all."

1 Samuel 30:6–8

All of us have times when we need encouragement, and almost all of us have known the experience of not finding anyone with a good or kind word to say. In that situation where do we turn for help? I’ve heard about some pretty heated board meetings, but I’ve never heard of one where they were ready to vote on stoning the leader. Yet David’s men were so distraught that they were ready to kill their leader.

At that crucial moment, without the help of friends or encouragers, the Bible tells us that David encouraged himself “in the Lord his God.” This is not the humanist notion of telling ourselves that we are good and things will get better, but rather the biblical truth of resting in the faithfulness of God even when we cannot see Him at work. No matter what our circumstances, we can always find strength and encouragement in His nature.

What we believe about God is never really put to the test until we face difficult days. It is easy to proclaim a strong faith when things are going well. It is something else entirely to be encouraged rather than defeated when everything is going wrong and even those who should be friends turn against us. The one source of encouragement that never fails is your loving Father in Heaven.

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

A 1982 ABC Evening News special reported an unusual invention, with an even more unusual response to it. Someone had attached a chair to a loaded shotgun. People could sit in the chair and look directly down the gun barrel. The only drawback was that the inventor had set the gun on a timer, and it would fire at a predetermined (but unreleased) date sometime within the next one hundred years.

The incredible response to this invention was that people would actually wait in line for their chance to sit in the chair and stare down the loaded gun barrel. Every one of those people knew the risk, but they thought it was worth taking their chance so they could brag on it later.

One of the most common and most tragic mistakes of our day is the belief that the results of sin will be different for us. When we fall prey to the lie of Satan that we are somehow exempt from the consequences of sin, he has us right where he wants us. It is rare for someone to sin with a full understanding and appreciation for the awful results that will follow. Instead, we rationalize and convince ourselves that we will be able to avoid them somehow.

God has written the law of sowing and reaping into the very fabric of the universe. As Moses warned the children of Israel, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). When we do what we should not or fail to do what we should, we will suffer the consequences just as God declares in Scripture. How much better to instead resist sin at the point of temptation!

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Mark 8:35–37

The famous missionary to India, Henry Martyn, was a brilliant man. A Cambridge University student, Martyn’s gift for mathematics was early seen when he was honored at only twenty years of age with the highest recognition possible in that field. Yet Martyn still felt empty. He even stated once that instead of finding fulfillment with his accomplishments, he only grasped a shadow.

But while in college, Martyn trusted Christ as his Saviour. Stirred by the testimonies of missionaries William Carey and David Brainerd, Martyn committed his own live to missions. When he arrived in India at twenty-four years of age, he prayed, “Lord, let me burn out for You.” Seven years later, he was seized with a fever and died. But he left behind the New Testament translated into three Eastern languages.

The only true success and ultimate fulfillment in life is found in pleasing God rather than pleasing ourselves. This is true whatever our vocation is. Every Christian is to live for the eternal, rather than for the temporal.

God is not negotiating with us for control of our lives. He is the King, high and lifted up; and we either obey Him or disobey—there is no middle ground. He alone has the right to place demands on our lives which cannot be ignored if we wish to follow Him. The meaning of life is not found in anything that we can accumulate or achieve on the earthly level. And none of those things will ever truly satisfy the longing in our hearts that can only be met by God Himself. Live for Him, and you will be eternally thankful you did.

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Mark 8:35–37

The famous missionary to India, Henry Martyn, was a brilliant man. A Cambridge University student, Martyn’s gift for mathematics was early seen when he was honored at only twenty years of age with the highest recognition possible in that field. Yet Martyn still felt empty. He even stated once that instead of finding fulfillment with his accomplishments, he only grasped a shadow.

But while in college, Martyn trusted Christ as his Saviour. Stirred by the testimonies of missionaries William Carey and David Brainerd, Martyn committed his own live to missions. When he arrived in India at twenty-four years of age, he prayed, “Lord, let me burn out for You.” Seven years later, he was seized with a fever and died. But he left behind the New Testament translated into three Eastern languages.

The only true success and ultimate fulfillment in life is found in pleasing God rather than pleasing ourselves. This is true whatever our vocation is. Every Christian is to live for the eternal, rather than for the temporal.

God is not negotiating with us for control of our lives. He is the King, high and lifted up; and we either obey Him or disobey—there is no middle ground. He alone has the right to place demands on our lives which cannot be ignored if we wish to follow Him. The meaning of life is not found in anything that we can accumulate or achieve on the earthly level. And none of those things will ever truly satisfy the longing in our hearts that can only be met by God Himself. Live for Him, and you will be eternally thankful you did.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21–22

Clara Barton, who helped save the lives of many soldiers and bring relief to those suffering from disaster and tragedy as the founder of the American Red Cross, suffered a number of attacks. When someone reminded her of one of them, she acted as though it had never happened. “Don’t you remember that?” the friend asked. “No,” Barton replied, “I distinctly remember forgetting it.”

It is not possible for us to fully forget what has happened, but we do not have to allow it to dominate our thoughts and actions. The key to forgiveness begins when we stop keeping track of wrongs done to us. Peter seemed to think he was going above and beyond the call of duty by forgiving someone who sinned against him seven times. Jesus went far beyond what Peter expected by setting the standard at 490 times. Of course the point of that is not that we count until we get close to 500, but that we keep on forgiving.

God freely forgives us. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” God forgave us because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us—and based on His forgiveness He expects us to extend forgiveness to others. We do not forgive others because they deserve it. Instead, we forgive them because it is right. If you are holding tightly to wrongs done against you in the past, you will never experience the freedom and joy that comes with letting go. Each time you are reminded of what happened, remind yourself that you have already forgiven that and let it go.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Matthew 5:14–16

God does not have in mind His children blending in with their surroundings. We are meant to stand out as a witness to the world. Too many of God’s children have, like a chameleon, adapted to their surroundings in such a way that they are no longer visible. This defense mechanism is effective for animals but damaging to believers and to God’s work. The desire to fit in and be accepted, the fear of criticism or persecution, and the temptation to avoid conflict, often lead those who should be the brightest testimonies of grace and the Gospel to instead hide their lights from view.

D. L. Moody said, “A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine.” If the way in which we live reflects the glory and grace of God, we will not need to make loud pronouncements of our faith—it will be evident. The best witness is that which comes when our lives and words match and we are glorifying our heavenly Father.

If we are faithful to follow God’s Word, do what is right and good, and share His plan of salvation, we will have an impact on our world. When the darkness is greatest, even small lights shine brightly. We do not have to be the largest or brightest lights that shine—merely faithful. Take your light out of hiding and make sure everyone who sees your life knows from your actions that you are God’s child.

"And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 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. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."

Luke 14:25–27

We live in a culture that is obsessed with making people feel good about themselves. We give trophies to every child on the team so no one feels left out, and we’ve stopped keeping score in children’s games so no one feels bad about losing. We promote children to the next grade so that they don’t feel embarrassed, even though they have not learned the material they need to know. This unhealthy focus on self and self-esteem is one of the worst influences in creating a culture of entitlement and indifference to the needs of others.

In a study on the scope and impact of narcissism in our society, Dr. Keith Campbell, co-author of the study, voiced concerns about the results of this continual focus on self. He said the study shows narcissists “are more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, be at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and to exhibit game-playing, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors.”

God’s focus is different from ours. Rather than teaching us to love ourselves and feel good about ourselves, He teaches us to love Him and give up our own rights and privileges for the sake of others. God deserves first place in our hearts and lives. Nothing, particularly not our own love for self, can be allowed to take His place if we want to truly follow Him. Our love for any person, desire, or thing should pale in comparison to our love for God.

"But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Matthew 20:26–28

A missionary was preaching in Philadelphia. At the close of the service a man came and said, “I don’t like the way you spoke about the cross. I think that instead of emphasizing the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example.” The missionary replied, “If I presented Christ in that way, would you be willing to follow Him?” “I certainly would,” said the man without hesitation.

“All right then,” said the missionary, “let’s take the first step. He did no sin. Can you claim that for yourself?” The man looked confused and somewhat surprised. “Why, no,” he said. “I acknowledge that I do sin.” The missionary replied, “Then your greatest need is to have a Saviour, not an example!”

Jesus was perfect, and He is a wonderful example—but it is an example that we are incapable of following apart from the power of the Spirit of God. Setting an example was not the primary purpose for His coming. Instead, He came to provide salvation for all who believe. This willingness to meet our greatest need is a striking testimony to the deep love God has for us.

Having received His salvation, we have the responsibility to share that Good News with others. Many churches have fallen into thinking that if they provide food or medicine or clothing for the poor, they are doing all Christ called them to do. It is certainly important to meet physical needs, but these are not the greatest needs of those we serve. They need the salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

2 Corinthians 5:20–21

Many years ago, the famed pastor R. G. Lee visited the Holy Land. When he reached the place where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, he wanted to go to the top of the hill. His guide discouraged him from climbing up, but the elderly pastor insisted. When they reached the top the guide asked, “Have you ever been here before?” “Yes,” Dr. Lee replied, “I was here some two thousand years ago.”

Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world, but He also died specifically for my sins and for your sins. All that I have done that I should not have done, and all that I have not done that I should have done was placed upon Him while He hung on the cross. Jesus—the perfect and sinless Son of God—became sin because of me so that I could be righteous in the sight of God. What a treasure! What an enormous price!

Though I have been saved since an early age, I never want to lose sight of the fact that my salvation is an unmerited gift of God’s grace that transformed my life and my eternal destiny. I never want to forget that Jesus went to the cross because of my sin. I never want to get so accustomed to my salvation that I lose the wonder and gratitude that God loves me so much. The Christian who has forgotten that he stood at Calvary has lost one of his main sources of joy and one of his main motivations for service.

"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

1 Corinthians 15:9–10

I’ve often heard people describe grace as “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.” A. W. Tozer put it this way: “Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines Him to bestow benefits upon the undeserving. Its use to us sinful men is to save us and make us sit together in heavenly places to demonstrate to the ages the exceeding riches of God’s kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

We should not need to be reminded that everything good that we have or do is a direct result of the grace of God. Yet our pride constantly tempts us to take the credit that rightly belongs to God. We would probably never say out loud what Nebuchadnezzar did: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30). But too often we look at our accomplishments and achievements as if they were solely the result of our effort and intelligence.

The thing that makes God’s grace so amazing is that it is both completely undeserved and completely free. His grace is given to us because of His great love for us. Rather than focusing our attention on ourselves, the grace we receive should cause us to glorify and praise Him. The realization that it is only because of grace that he was anything at all made it possible for Paul to recognize that the great things he accomplished for God were not because of his efforts in his own strength but because of God’s grace.

"Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew. Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places."

Deuteronomy 33:28–29

Today we stop to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in the military to protect and defend the freedoms that we enjoy. It was on November 11, 1918, that the First World War—the “war to end all wars”—reached its conclusion. This day was set aside to honor those who fought in what was then the greatest conflict the world had ever seen. As further conflicts have followed, proving that war has not ended, honor for veterans of other wars has been added to the observance of this day.

The failure of the treaties drawn by men to bring about lasting peace and the continued drumbeat of conflict and war highlight the truth for us that God is the only source of peace, and the only true defense for any nation. Though we may have impressive military might, apart from God’s hand it can quickly be brought to nothing.

To those who, as our national anthem put it, placed their lives “between their loved homes and the war’s desolation,” we owe a debt of gratitude. To God who is our hope of peace, we should not only give thanks, but also pray. Though many in our land have turned away from Him and snub His Word and His law, we should thank Him for the thousands of righteous people who love and honor God. We should pray today for His protection and peace.

"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. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."

James 1:19–21

Some of our problems come from the fact that we are slow to do things we should and fast to do things we should not. One of the areas in which this displays itself for many is in our hearing and speaking. Lehman Strauss asked, “Could it be that we are not more ‘swift to hear’ because we are not ‘slow to speak’? God gave us two ears and only one mouth. Should we not be twice as swift to listen and learn?”

Many times conflicts arise in churches, marriages, friendships and work relationships because someone jumps to a conclusion without knowing all of the facts and begins telling everyone they know what they think happened. These people may be quite sincere in what they are doing, but they can be destructive nonetheless. It is impossible to recall words once they have been spoken. Mark Twain said, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.”

Do not be in a hurry to repeat things that are told to you, and be sure to evaluate the facts before you reach a conclusion. Solomon reminds us, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Proverbs 18:13). While there is a time to speak up for what is right, we should never respond in haste or anger. Rather, we should be quick to listen and make sure that we fully understand the situation before we begin to speak.

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

2 Timothy 3:14–15

God’s primary plan for the spiritual education of young people is the family. Our church works hard to provide sound teaching to children, but nothing can fully take the place of godly parents teaching and living the truths of Scripture for their children. It is in the home where we first learn about God and His Word.

Charles Spurgeon wrote this about the way Puritan parents reared their children. “Not being obliged to worry over some of the recent theories of education, they were accustomed to ‘bring up the babies on the body of truth,’ so that a child of twelve in a Puritan home could talk with intelligent skill on central New Testament doctrines. These Puritans reared their children in the atmosphere of their own fiery convictions.”

One of the reasons that our churches and culture are so saturated with false ideas is that the truth has not been well and fully taught to young people in Christian homes. The foundation that this provides protects them later in life from error. But this teaching does not end when our children start school or even when they leave home. We are to be teachers all the days of the lives of our families.

Young adults need godly examples of faith and commitment from older adults. Young children need grandparents who show them faith in practice, demonstrating that what they are hearing at home and at church is true in the “real world.” The time you take to teach and model the truths of the Word of God for your family is precious and incredibly valuable.

"But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus."

Acts 17:5–7
When the Apostle Paul came to town, it was never a quiet event. The powerful preaching of the Gospel not only saw many converts, but it also stirred up serious opposition. The world did not ignore Paul. Even his enemies declared that he “turned the world upside down.” Yet today, many churches and many Christians are having very little impact on their communities at all. In large measure, that is because we have lost the fire and commitment that drove the early church.

Noted historian Thomas C. Reeves, who for many years was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, wrote: “Christianity in modern America is, in large part, innocuous. It tends to be easy, upbeat, convenient, and compatible. It does not require self-sacrifice, discipline, humility, an otherworldly outlook, a zeal for souls, a fear as well as love of God.”

God did not save us solely so that we could go to Heaven. He calls and commands us to have an impact here on Earth as well. When we trade the shame of the cross of Christ for the plaudits and acceptance of men, we have forfeited the power to shake the world. Far better to be despised and even persecuted than to live a life without making a difference for God.

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."

John 8:31–34

We live in a world which places great value on individual liberty but which also is committed to pursuing paths that inevitably lead to bondage. The Devil knows our weaknesses well, so he presents the “fun” of sin in hopes that we will overlook the consequences that are certain to follow. The truth makes us free, but because it requires us to follow God and restricts us from fulfilling our own selfish desires, many look for an alternate and find it in sin.

The deception of the enemy keeps them from even realizing the chains have been placed upon their lives until it is too late. The Jewish people proudly boasted to Jesus that they had never been in bondage. That reveals an amazing disconnect from reality. Throughout Israel’s history they had been in bondage, first in Egypt, then to Assyria and Babylon, and even as they spoke Israel was under the rule of Rome.

But far more important and more damaging than political or physical bondage was the spiritual bondage they failed to recognize. They thought that because of their heritage they were guaranteed their freedom. That is not true in any realm—political, financial, religious or spiritual. The only pathway to freedom is found in personal commitment to walking in truth and rejecting sin. Every person serves something. Either we will find freedom in serving God, or we will find slavery in serving sin. There are no other choices.

"And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me."

Exodus 32:1–2

When we take matters into our own hands rather than waiting for God to work in His time, disaster follows. The children of Israel worshipped the golden calf that Aaron made because they were not willing to wait for Moses to return from Mt. Sinai where he was receiving the Law from God. Their impatience led to idolatry and immorality.

G. Campbell Morgan wrote, “Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.”

We live in an impatient culture that prizes haste and busyness. Certainly we should not use the excuse of waiting on God to avoid doing what we already know He wants us to do. But we must also be careful not to try to provide solutions and choose directions apart from His plan. Think of the tension that still exists in the world today four thousand years after Abraham and Sarah decided to involve Hagar in producing the son God had promised to them. The enmity between the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac would not exist had they been willing to wait for God to do what He said He would do.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

Matthew 5:3–6

In Lectures to My Students, 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.” Each of us has a choice to seek fullness in the things of God or in the things of the world. When we settle for satisfaction in less than God has for us, we are doomed to failure and to disappointment.

The things of the world never truly satisfy. Jesus said, “Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger” (Luke 6:25). Not only do things of the world not satisfy, but they also leave no room for us to be filled with the Spirit of God. His presence is in our lives from the moment we are saved, but that does not mean that we are walking in the fullness of His power. God’s plan is for His Holy Spirit to not just influence, but to control, our lives, our thoughts, and our actions.

There is no way to receive the blessings of God in the measure He wants to give them apart from being filled with the Spirit. And there is no way to be filled with Him unless we are hungering and thirsting to be filled. What we want most is revealed in what we choose, rather than in what we say. The things for which we truly hunger are those we think about, talk about, and focus on. The world is filled with distractions and temptations, but if our appetites are focused on the right things, we will find our lives filled with the Spirit of God.

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

Romans 5:6–9

First published in 1967, the self-help book I’m OK, You’re OK by Dr. Thomas A. Harris has sold more than fifteen million copies and has been translated into more than a dozen languages. It is not surprising that a message that tells us to feel good about ourselves would prove popular. However much that view may appeal to our vanity, it does not match what God says about our condition.

The Bible’s picture of man’s condition is dire. We are not okay. Not only that, but we do not have the strength or the ability to save ourselves or make ourselves okay. Yet there is hope—because God loves us. The judgment that should rightfully come to us for our sins has been taken away and replaced with the reward for the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ which has been placed on our account.

God’s love was great enough to provide the ultimate sacrifice so we could be reconciled to Him. As we consider things for which we should be thankful, nothing comes before our salvation. This provision of God altered our eternal destiny, transformed us with a new nature, and changes the way we walk through this world. None of this happens because we deserve it or because we earn it. When Christ died for us, we were His enemies, yet His love overcame every obstacle so that we could trust Him for salvation and enjoy fellowship with Him.

"And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage."

Deuteronomy 6:10–12

In the post-World War II era, a church was launching a building campaign. After a service in which the pastor laid out the vision for the project, two families waited in line to meet with him. The first father said, “Pastor, as you know, our son was killed in the war. We would like to give $200 toward the building as a memorial gift.” The second father said, “Pastor, we were going to give $200, but our son came home from the war. We will give $5,000!”

It should be true that the good things we receive from God make us more grateful, but in reality often they make us complacent and self-satisfied. We can quickly forget that He is the source of all of our blessings and benefits. In truth, nothing good that we have is the result of our own strength and ingenuity. Though we should be diligent in our work, even the strength to labor comes from God.

Rather than looking at our possessions as tokens of our effort, intellect, and superiority, we should look at them as tokens of God’s love and grace. He gives us so much more than we deserve, and giving thanks helps us remain on guard so that we do not forget Him.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."

Lamentations 3:21–25

I read of a missionary who was visiting a church in India where they were taking a special offering during harvest time. One elderly widow came with a very large offering of rice, far more than would have been normal for someone in her situation to give. The missionary asked if she was making the gift as thanks for something special that had happened in her life. “Yes,” replied the woman. “My son was sick, and I promised a large gift to God if he got well.” “And your son has recovered?” asked the preacher. The widow paused. “No,” she said. “He died last week. But I know that he is in God’s care; for that I am especially thankful.”

There are times when God does not answer our prayers as we expect, but there is never a time when He does not do what is best for His children. His faithfulness, love, mercy, and compassion are unchanging. Rather than complain that we do not get exactly what we want, we should be grateful that He is constantly guarding and enriching our lives. Every good thing that we have is from God.

Because He has perfect knowledge, perfect power, and perfect love, we can count on Him to know what is best, to be able to do what is best, and to give us what we most need. Our thanksgiving and gratitude should be as consistent as the compassion of our loving Heavenly Father.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 136:1–3

Ravensbruck was known as one of the worst German concentration camps during World War II. When Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie found themselves imprisoned there, they were disgusted to discover that their barracks were infested with fleas.

When Corrie began to complain, Betsie insisted that they instead give thanks, quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” With some persuasion, Corrie finally joined her sister in thanking God for the fleas.

Several months later, the two sisters expressed their surprise that the camp guards had never come back to their barracks to disrupt or prevent the evening Bible studies they held for their fellow prisoners. It was then that Corrie realized that the very fleas which she had so despised had actually been a God-sent protection from the cruel guards.

When we think we deserve good things, we find it hard to be thankful, and we often miss the blessings God sends “in disguise.” Greed, materialism, and selfishness destroy a grateful heart. God, our society, and our parents don’t owe us anything, no matter what others may say or think.

Rather than complaining about what we don’t have or don’t get, it is important that we are grateful for what we do have. Every one of us will suffer setbacks and experience loss. But there are always things for which we can be grateful—things we can never lose. As believers, our eternal destiny is settled and can never be changed. We always have the promises of God on which we can fully rely.

"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. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Hebrews 13:14–16

What could you give to God that would express your gratitude and convey honor to Him? Hebrews 13 suggests the “sacrifice of praise.” All throughout Scripture we see people offer this sacrifice to God. Job worshipped God when he had nothing (Job 1:20–21). The book of Psalms chronicles David’s praise in both the good times and the bad. Mary expressed praise when she learned she was to be the mother of Christ (Luke 1:46–55). And one man from the group of ten lepers Jesus healed offered thanks and praise (Luke 17:15–16). From these testimonies, we see that our sacrifice of praise should be continual—not contingent on our mood or current circumstances.

A. W. Tozer said, “Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” Even in times when we do not have as much as others in the way of material blessings, we still have so much for which to be thankful. And when we purposefully give thanks to God, that sacrifice of our heart is pleasing to Him.

The giving of thanks is a habit which we can develop and cultivate. By focusing on the good things we have and realizing that every one of them came from God, we find that even in times of lack we can be thankful. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Thanksgiving requires that we set aside our pride and our desire to take credit for what we have and that we acknowledge the goodness of God in providing for us.