Silent Creepers

Inward displeasure against others sometimes begins only as a slight irritation. But if ill feelings are left unattended, they quickly turn into resentment and bitterness that can lead to anger, then wrath. Those pent-up, unpleasant emotions often find release through offensive speech and actions unbefitting a Christian. No matter how noble our efforts are to champion the rights of others or ourselves, we are as guilty as the offenders if bitterness is present. God’s Word is the standard by which we should conduct ourselves, and God judges those who fall short of it. Our duty as Christians is to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God forgave us our sins for Christ’s sake (v. 32). Others are affected by our attitudes and actions.

God tells us to abandon the former way of thinking and living and put on the new nature of Christ as His child. We must rid ourselves of bitterness and all corrupt evidence of our old life, the one before we met Jesus. Purge yourself daily of the “old man’s” dispositions (vs. 28–31): “Let all bitterness . . . be put away from you. . .” (Ephesians 4:31)—but be careful where you dispose of them. 

Dust Jacket

A roadside sign read: Don’t judge someone just because their sin is different from yours—the message applies to outward appearances as well: “Judge not that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).

It’s so easy to make quick judgments about people or situations by appearances. Unless we know them and all they are going through or understand all facts about the issues, we make rash decisions based on ourselves. Jesus said how we judge others will come back on us (v. 2). A book’s appealing cover doesn’t tell its story. The saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” is appropriate for people too. 

Collision of Faith and Fear

Fear screamed, “You will die.” Ten of the twelve men sent to spy out the land of Canaan, and all the adults they influenced to believe the lie, could not enter the Promised Land because they let fear’s voice override God’s promise. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, embraced God’s blessings of the land of plenty. Why? When they saw the giants and strength of the people, they chose to trust God’s promise for victory (Numbers 13–14):  “. . . Dread not, neither be afraid of them. The Lord your God which goeth before you, He shall fight for you . . .” (Deuteronomy 1:29–30a).

Fear screamed over and over, “He’s going to die.” But God whispered only once, “Timothy is going to be better than before.” We chose to believe in God for a miracle. The grim diagnosis of Timothy being a “vegetable,” if he survived the surgery, was wrong—The Great Physician was in charge. Fear tried to rob us of our trust in God’s ability, but our faith in Him, who is always faithful, overrode the shouter of the lie. Though God didn’t cause Timothy’s tragic accident, He used it and the events that followed to test and strengthen our faith-walk with Him. We learned to wait on God and praise Him amid the storm of those trying weeks and the years of recovery that followed. That was twenty-eight years ago today. God didn’t disappoint. Timothy is a young man now, and though he faces physical challenges daily, he loves and serves God and His people and is a blessing to all who know him. When fear and faith collide, choose to trust in our God, who goes before us and fights for us. Great is His faithfulness—our grandson is living proof. Thank You, Lord. 

Build Up or Tear Down

We don’t always know the facts behind what we see or hear and form wrong conclusions. Snap judgments are sometimes easily made. Thoughtless comments and worthless language unbecoming to a believer can cause others to falter. Retaliating words want to slip from our lips. Paul wrote: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). The word corrupt means “contaminating, bad, offensive.” Comments, attitudes, and actions are influential. Do you “minister grace” to others? Is your conversation acceptable—drawing them to Jesus or drive them away?

Today's Forecast: Sunshine and Rain

Just as a honing stone sharpens a knife’s blade, so God hones us during life’s challenging circumstances, intense as they may be.

God proved to Satan that His servant, Job, would be steadfast and stay faithful while enduring insurmountable pain and loss. Paul and his co-workers “despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8), and God didn’t take away his life’s “thorn” (2 Corinthians 12:7–10), yet they trusted God. Paul was confident that God completes the good work He starts in us (Philippians 1:6).

The sun will shine, and rain will fall; both are necessary for God’s creation. We enjoy the sunshine until it’s too hot and the rainfall until it’s too much. But God, who sets the weather patterns, controls the conditions we face daily. A fruitful garden needs sunshine and rain for growth and stability—we do too. God wants His children to live productively, producing fruit. With life’s rainy and sunny days, God makes our lives complete, setting us firmly, giving us strength to bear what we must, forming a firm foundation that this world’s fears, heat, floods, or winds cannot shake or move: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever” (1 Peter 5:10–11).

Alterations

Resizing clothes without correct measurements or neglecting assembly instruction guides can cause undesirable outcomes, but altering God’s Word, our guidebook for right living, brings disastrous ones—our world’s condition is proof. There were no printed guidelines for the first couple in God’s new creation, for He walked and talked with them. But the moment they yielded to the wiles of the serpent who twisted God’s truth, humanity and Earth began dying. Our nation suffers when lawmakers and courts sometimes bend, violate, neglect God’s Word causing the innocent to suffer, even perish while the lawbreakers and evil prosper.

The Word of God written thousands of years ago hasn’t changed. To disregard the Word’s truth is to reject God, who authored it and judges us: “He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not my words, hath One that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).  Even when humanity chooses to defy God’s instructions, His Word stays unaltered. He is the same God of yesterday, today, and the same God who will always be.

Never Alone

Differing factors contribute to dreams happening (Ecclesiastes 5:3); mine was a disturbing dream. I was afraid and tried calling out for help, but my voice was so faint, I thought no one could hear. Then I felt my husband’s hand on my arm, asking if I was okay. My cry in the night woke him; I wasn’t alone. My husband’s comforting words and nearness reminded me to be sensitive to people’s silent cries for help. Though we may not hear words or see tears, they need to know someone cares. God wants to minister to us and through us, telling or reminding others and us that He sees, hears, and loves.

David learned whether well-rested or weary, anxious, steady or overwhelmed, to trust God: “Trust in Him at all times ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). God never needs waking—He doesn’t sleep and wants us to lean on Him and entrust Him with every care and burden. He hears us in day’s light and night’s darkness. Praise Him; God is nearby, the trustworthy haven. 

Pay Attention

The disciples privately asked Jesus about signs of the end times (Matthew 24:3). He warned them about deceivers claiming to be Christ, deceiving many and that wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famines, pestilences (i.e., Covid-19), and earthquakes—all these only the beginning of sorrows—would precede His second coming (vs. 4–8). Do these events sound familiar?

Jesus had already told the twelve of His death. In this conversation, He told them of His return, and only the Father knew the day: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42). Jesus said to be watchful, ready at all times. How do we ready ourselves to see Jesus before He comes back to earth? Receive God's gift of Jesus—believe God raised Him from the dead and confess Him as Savior and Lord, assures you of an eternal heavenly home (Romans 10:9).

Migratory birds have a God-given gauge to know when and how to prepare for their journey to warmer climates. God’s Word tells us when and how to prepare for our journey into eternity. The signs of the end times and Jesus’ imminent return are clear. Don’t delay. If you haven't invited Jesus into your life, do now what you know you must do to live forever with God, your Creator. 

Extraordinary Demand

God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to bring offerings—freewill offerings as loyal subjects to their King—Him, the God they vowed to follow and serve: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, ‘Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering’” (Exodus 25:1–2). Whether to bring an offering was a personal choice, but the gift itself was not. God was specific in what He wanted, offerings for a moveable tabernacle, its contents, and the priests’ attire—He wanted a place where His presence might dwell among them (vs. 3–8). Where would people who lived as slaves for four hundred years come by these costly gifts? From the spoils of the Egyptians as they left Egypt (12:31–36). Every morning, God’s people brought their offerings to Moses until the artisans informed him that they had more than needed to complete the work. Moses had to tell the people to stop bringing offerings!

God doesn’t need our tithes and offerings; He owns everything, including our finances. But our giving honors Him, blesses others, and helps us as well (2 Corinthians 9:6b; Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:10). If we supported our local places of worship and other organizations that help people, there would never be a lack when needs arise. But sadly, not all God’s people contribute to the work of the Lord’s service. Does God require too much: one dollar for every ten? What if God calculated your monthly income based on your “ten percent” given?

Are you doing your part? It’s unlikely we’ll ever hear to stop giving because our contributions have surpassed the Lord’s work needs. If you plant a few seeds, you reap a small crop, but when you plant generously, you reap bountifully. The Creator of everything isn’t impressed with what we give but with the motive behind it. God loves a cheerful giver, one who gives from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:6–7).

Too Much Luggage

The Israelites didn’t want another prophet leading them but demanded a king like other nations. By this decision, they rejected God, who was their king speaking through Samuel. God was displeased but gave them what they wanted, a man with their idea of kingly qualities: tall, nice looking, courageous, and known for his generosity. But outward appearances can be deceiving; his “inward man” would not lean on and trust God with his strengths or weaknesses that would make him usable for God’s purposes. When it was time for Samuel to present Israel’s first king, Saul hid: “And the Lord answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff” (1 Samuel 10:22). The word “stuff” in this verse means baggage. Saul hid in the baggage, but the baggage couldn’t hide him.

Though our outward appearance can fool others, the inward person cannot deceive God. With all your stuff and my stuff stored in strategic places, how often do we hide in our “baggage” to escape facing realities that need addressing? Reasons for hiding differ, but we must confront them, surrender to God, allow Him access to expose hiding places, and set us free. Saul could have been a great king had he only allowed God to be King and Ruler of his heart.

God has a plan for your life and mine. He desires sincere hearts bent and surrendered to Him. He knows about your stuff and wants to free you from life’s baggage that weighs you down. Instead of hiding in that stuff of yours, find shelter in God as the psalmist did: “Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). Crawl out from under the baggage and surrender all to God.

What a Pest

People, like pesky insects, can be annoying, some unknowingly, others intentionally. Our Creator didn’t design us this way; our fleshly nature did that. If God allows the same bothersome people to cross your path, there’s a purpose. They may be in desperate need of someone who cares. Pray for them, be patient, listen, and show kindness. Those irritating people may even help you realize you, too, have been an annoyance at times. That type of behavior doesn’t draw others to God’s love and Jesus’ saving grace.

We are accountable to God for our conduct—avoiding frustrating people or taking part in conversations with intentions to annoy, hurt, or falsely accuse is unacceptable. One day, unless forgiven by God, we will answer to our Maker for every meaningless, hurtful, and harmful word spoken, regardless of our reasons. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).

Authentic and Priceless

The extraordinary woman described in Proverbs 31 is strong in character, wisdom, skills, and compassion. Her rare character and worth are invaluable: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). Her husband trusts her. She leads a busy and productive life, doesn’t waste time or resources, is an excellent wife and mother, energetic, hard worker, who serves her husband well. She honors her husband and family, diligent in home and business matters. This exemplary woman speaks with wisdom and kindness, ensuring her family fulfills their duty toward God and one another. Above all this, her children and husband call her blessed and praise her. Her fear of the Lord completes and crowns her character; He leads and governs all she does. She seeks no applause.

The writer of this proverb doesn’t mention the outward appearance of this unique woman—attractiveness fades over time; people can pretend to be something they are not. But this one’s loveliness comes entirely from genuine character stemming from her reverence for God. True beauty is the "hidden person" of the heart with a gentle and quiet spirit—precious in God's sight (1 Peter 3:3-4). How can we women attain this great worth laid out in Proverbs 31? Whether single or married, the challenge is attainable by the grace of God and a willing and submissive heart.

The Final Edit

Our life story unfolds as we sojourn this place we call home, not yet with our Father: “Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6).  But God created our spirit for eternity in glory, not this place. In the presence of our Lord, heaven is the true home for born-again believers. That’s why Paul wrote he was willing to be absent from his earthly body to be present with the Lord (v. 8).

Because God created all humanity to spend eternity with Him, He wants all people to repent (2 Peter 3:9). The choice to say Yes to God’s offer of salvation through the blood sacrifice of Jesus is ours to make, but we must decide before we draw the last breath in this perishable body. When God pens the final word, and the book of your earthly story ends, you open your eyes in heaven with God, His angels, and other believers who accepted His Son as Savior and Lord, or hell with Satan and his followers. The opportunity to edit your life expires with your final breath. Paul was confident a heavenly home awaited him and was ready when God called him. When death comes, where will your glorified, eternal story continue?

Oh, God!

Sometimes when we pray, all we can say is, “God,” and we didn’t hear Him reply, “I know.”

Can you visualize tossing hands full of magnetized letters onto a magnetic board? The haphazard landing form no words, no message. When a heart is so burdened, broken, and confused, prayers to God may seem vague, scattered, and scrambled—if you can voice them at all. But you humbled yourself before God and poured out your heart because that’s what He wants you to do, trust Him: “Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). Amid the anguish, tears, and wordless prayer, how will He understand your request? Because He is God, your refuge—your place of safety; He knew your heart’s needs before you were aware of them.

Whether your pleadings before God make sense to you, rest in Him. The Holy Spirit takes every scattered letter and scrambled word—every word uttered—every unvoiced cry of your heart into God’s presence. Trust Him, child of God; your Father understands and is working on your behalf. 

No Turning Back

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him.” (John 6:66)

Following Christ and loving God doesn’t assure you a place in God’s family. Cornelius was devoted to and feared God, prayed, and gave offerings, yet was lost, unaware he faced eternity separated from the God he loved until Peter shared the good news of salvation Jesus offered. Cornelius and his family trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord, and God welcomed them into His family (Acts 10:1–48).

The many disciples who turned back from following Jesus were merely listeners following a teacher out of curiosity. But when The Teacher revealed their selfish motives, they were unwilling to accept He was the Messiah and chose to no longer walk with Him. Are you following Jesus as only a curious listener, or have you surrendered to the lordship of Christ? A personal relationship with God’s Son is the only way to join God’s family.

You Can't See the Forest for the Trees

God’s prophet, Micah, was saddened by the surmounting wickedness of humanity. Not only was there a disregard for God, but friends and families dishonored one another. So he looked to and sought comfort and salvation in the Lord whom he trusted. He had unswerving confidence God would hear and help him.

God is moved with compassion seeing His children struggle through life, fixating on overwhelming details that impair vision and decisions because of being too involved with a situation. When you can’t see or think clearly, follow Micah’s example: “Therefore, I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).

God is the Light above, in and through your darkest hours. If you trust Him, He will carry you through life’s challenges into His glorious light. Surrender to the One who saves daily. He is Almighty God who hears and saves when you look unto Him. He is always nearby. 

So the Story Goes

Writers use backstories to introduce characters, telling why they act and think the way they do. The backstory is sometimes held for later in the narrative for effectiveness. Paul understood God’s sovereignty over his life’s backstory; even his unfair arrest would help further spread the gospel message that Jesus saves. “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). 

God uses your backstory, painful or unjust as it may be, to help others. Someone needs to learn how you overcame life’s setbacks by God’s power, grace, and love and that the same help is available for them. You may be their “ray of hope” through a difficult time. And some people think they aren’t worthy of asking God for anything, that He could never forgive or love them. They need to know the good news that Jesus saves everyone who calls on and receives Him as Savior and Lord. You are living proof that God heals broken hearts and can break sin’s bondage. God knows when your backstory will be most effective; obediently follow His leading and share your story with others (2 Corinthians 1:3–6). 

Tech Savy

Modern technology is frustrating for people like me when technical issues arise. Other than making sure all plugs are secure, I have no clue what to look for or how to fix it if I find it. But I try.

Dealing with day-to-day issues can loosen “life-wires,” leaving our relationship with God and others disrupted. Unsure of what to look for frustrates the search, but we’re doing our best. Then, we face how to fix it. God doesn’t want us struggling in our walk with Him. The Bible tells us to give our concerns and life issues to God: “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). It makes no difference the situation’s size—humble yourself before God. Ask Him to search your heart for any unconfessed sin, repent and receive forgiveness. Our Father wants to hear from you and correct the disconnection because He loves you. He wants your relationship with Him secured, living in the fullness of His power made available to His children.

Who You Are

Do you know who you are? How would you define yourself? Those who belong to God are His children loved with everlasting love and have eternal promises. Chapters one and two of Ephesians tell us that we are blessed, chosen, holy, accepted, redeemed, forgiven, sealed by the Holy Spirit, saved, God’s workmanship, fellow citizens with the saints of God, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16–17).

Before time began, God knew who would surrender to the lordship of His Son, Jesus. He loves you and draws you to Himself: “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying, Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). Knowing who you are is essential, but more importantly—“whose” are you? God loves you with an eternal love; are you His child?

The Reminder to Remember

Tragic deaths, heroic actions, and families forever changed mark 9/11 as an unforgettable day in history. We honor the memory of those who perished that day, remembering the many who sacrificed their safety helping others. September 11, 2001, united our country as one; people turned to God out of fear. But sadly, our nation’s unification and people looking to God were not permanent changes.

We should never underestimate the power of our enemies, and like King Jehoshaphat, turn to God in our times of need: “. . . 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 20:12). We recall 9/11 to honor those affected by that day’s events; it’s a reminder that keeps our nation on high alert, even twenty years later. And we must also remember— never forget—that Almighty God is more powerful than any enemy we will ever face. Look to Him, stand in awe of Him, call on Him.

Observe and Learn

Jesus singled out three of His disciples to walk farther into the garden with Him while He went a little further to pray. Why these men? Peter had earlier boasted he would suffer alongside Jesus to death. James and John wanted to sit in places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom. Their objectives needed adjusting. As Jesus prayed, He wanted them to grasp the agony He faced—not fearing death, but the cruel cross that awaited and the world’s sins that would separate Him from His Father for the first time in His human existence: “And He saith unto them, ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here and watch” (Mark 14:34). But instead of watching, Jesus found them sleeping. Had they watched and prayed, they would have been better prepared to suffer with Him. Yet, Jesus didn’t leave them wallowing in their failures. After His resurrection, Jesus lovingly affirmed their forgiveness so they could go forward boldly in the work the Father called them to achieve.

We have much to learn from our Savior’s life and great sacrifice. Jesus didn’t need companions to pray effectively but asked three disciples to watch and pray with Him. Though God is always with us, and we lean and depend on Him, sometimes we invite others to join us in prayer. If some “sleep” instead of “watch,” God may have them (and us) in training, chipping away “self” and misguided ideas like the three disciples to experience His mighty works and forgiveness, honing us to carry out His purposes.

When the Lights Go Out

Atmospheric storms often leave communities without electricity and modern-day conveniences for days, weeks, even months. As professionals work relentlessly on downed lines to restore power, electrical surges sometimes cause havoc with those conveniences we enjoy. Cleanup and restoration take time and coordinated efforts; then, life is back to normal.

You’ve weathered many storms. But this one left you off balance, feeling helpless, shaken to the foundation of your faith. Your situation may seem hopeless, but if you belong to God, you are never alone or powerless, no matter the magnitude of the storm—unless you neglected to tap into His supply. God reminds you to turn to Him. The infilling power of His presence the moment you invited Jesus into your life is the same power available—without surge interruptions—during and after any life disturbance. Humble yourself before God, pour your heart out to Him. He cares and wants you restored, walking in wholeness and victory.

“We got power”—beautiful words to hear from people who weather any storm and its repercussions. By leaning and depending on our faithful God who gave all power to His Son, we can stand spiritually strong. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and earth’” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus is, has, and holds all power. His power is our power. Praise Him!

The Answer

Paul urged Timothy (and us) to be diligent in the different aspects of prayer life: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Supplication is the earnest, humble plea for such things as protection, shelter, or help; prayer is communing with God, as when Jesus often prayed with His Father. Intercession is a privilege God grants as we come before Him to plead on behalf of others. Jesus, our Advocate, is the great Intercessor between God and man, interceding on our behalf. Giving thanks is expressing gratitude that God supplies people to carry out His purposes, and we cannot praise God enough for His love, mercy, goodness, and salvation.

Though it is essential to pray for all people, Paul specifically mentioned those in authoritative positions as their character, decisions, and plans significantly affect us. He said to do this that we might live quietly, peaceably, in godliness and honesty. When we faithfully fulfill our duties toward God and man, we please and honor our Father—“For this is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (v. 3). 

Every Life Matters

“And God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness . . .’” (Genesis 1:26a)

When God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit introduced the making of humanity in Their image and likeness—holiness, righteousness, knowledge (Eph 4:23; Col 3:10)—skin color, gender, or nationality weren’t factors. Red, blue, black, brown, yellow, and white are colors God never intended for identifying His prized creation. Every life is precious to God, from the unborn to the aged seniors living over one hundred years. And there are no “accidental” conceptions or births.

God loves all people with unconditional, eternal love, the kind our finite minds can’t understand. He wants all people to accept His Son, Jesus, sent to die and pay the price for our sins, as Lord and Savior of their lives (1 Timothy 2:4). Some people think they are beyond God’s love; their sins are unforgivable. But His invitation for salvation is for everyone—it matters not who, how ungodly, or righteous a person is, all humanity needs saving. God’s forgiveness is available for all who ask (1 John 1:9).

Respecting God’s creation can sometimes be challenging, but a challenge we must accept as God’s children. He commands us to love one another as He loves us. All lives matter to God and should matter to us. 

He Is

When we come before God in prayer or worship, it is impossible to please Him unless we are confident that He exists and is faithful to His promises. Hebrews 11:6 says, “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.” If we seek God with all our heart, we’ll find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). God is near, not afar or in hiding, and wants all people to find Him. He longs to save humanity from sin and an eternity in hell. He wants our love, trust, and fellowship.

As we consider all that God has done for us, how can we not stand in awe of Him who is worthy of the highest praise, reverence, and devotion? What happens when one believes that He is—has proven Himself to be—and seeks Him with all their heart? The writer of Hebrews says that God rewards that believer. Though we are not to seek God for compensation, when we confidently approach Him, our Father is the reward—loving and forgiving us, hearing and answering our prayers, supplying all our needs. Our Maker is ever-present and blesses those who diligently seek Him.

A Distorted View

Entering the House of Mirrors at a carnival, you expect to see unusual images. Mirrors can misrepresent your reflection—the available light and glass quality play a role in what you see. So, a mirror reflection is not always accurate, and it cannot reveal who you are. Just as a mirror can be deceptive, you can easily deceive yourself and others into believing you are someone you’re not. But looking into God’s Word will truthfully shed light on your imperfections and, and unless you receive and respond to what it reveals, you will walk in self-deceit and disobedience.

God is the true Light (John 1:1–9) and knows the real you. He wants you to see areas in your life where deception has led you to believe something that isn’t true; He wants you to take note of needed changes in your life and then live out the truth. Call out to our Father as the psalmist: “O send out Thy light and Thy truth; let them lead me” (Psalm 43:3a). As God’s Light shines on you, receive and act upon the truth He reveals. Only then can you walk victoriously and reflect Him to others. 

Unmasking Truth

In the early eighties, we learned about a procedure called back-masking: hidden messages within recorded music. If you gently made select vinyl records spinning on the turntable turn the opposite direction, you heard messages different from the song playing; disturbing messages. When you see or hear an advertisement for a product, does it sometimes entice you to eat something even though you aren’t hungry? Or make you want an item, thinking you need it when you don’t? Do you know someone who can carefully word their conversations, leading people to believe something is true when it isn’t? As believers, what we listen to, look at, and read is crucial to our spiritual health. 

We may not always understand its truths when reading the Bible, but there are no tricky hidden messages: “For the word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in truth” (Psalm 33:4). God doesn’t entice us with anything harmful to our Christian walk but invites us to open His Word and “taste and see”—partake of His goodness and experience His faithfulness (Psalm 34:8). No trickery, no subliminal messages or “smooth talk,” just truth.

Flawed Examples

 When you hear the word hero, what comes to mind? Someone who selflessly and bravely puts their life in harm’s way for another or a favorite sports figure’s photo in a hall of fame? Chapter eleven of Hebrews is God’s “Hall of Fame,” listing heroes of faith, beginning with Abel, followed by Enoch, the Patriarchs, Moses, Joshua, Rahab, and many others. Some distinguished by name (v. 32), many are not, but all marking Bible history with their lives. Though they experienced failures, God recognized men and women for how they lived out their faith, listing them as examples: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition . . .” (1 Corinthians 10:11). Paul reminds us in this verse of the Israelites wandering forty years in the wilderness because of their disobedience and lack of faith. We are to learn from their mistakes and ours.

Jesus often taught using parables, easy to relate to stories. You and I have life stories to tell, some flawed and faithless, but they happened for a reason. God carried you through difficulties, temptations, failures, weaknesses, life storms, fears, joys, and triumphs and wants you to share those experiences with others who need to hear of God’s faithfulness. When the Holy Spirit prompts you to speak, trust God as you obediently help and comfort others with the same help and comfort He showed you (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Will you be viewed in God’s Hall of Fame as a hero of faith?

Hide or Go Seek

Pretending you didn’t hear God’s instructions won’t change His directives. Are you disappointed with God? Upset, even angry because He hasn’t answered your prayer? You may wonder if He even cares, so you avoid Him. But Psalm 139:5–10 says we can't hide from God. He is everywhere. He is nearby and wants you to find Him, wants you to experience His love and care: “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

God is often the “go-to,” but only after most avenues of help are exhausted. People without God feel empty inside and often look to fill the void with worldly things instead of letting God fill them with Himself. Those who don’t seek and find God while He is findable face an eternity apart from Him. Once people draw their last breath, it’s too late to look for Him. 

Jesus commanded believers to teach others the importance of keeping God’s commandments and salvation through His Son—to obey everything He taught (Matthew 28:19–20). If we fail in His Great Commission, many people will never find God and the saving grace of Jesus. They will suffer forever, separated from God in a place created for Satan and his followers. Believers must come out of hiding, seek God’s face for boldness, and go out in His power to tell others the Good News that Jesus saves. 

Channels of Blessing

Ministry sometimes has its challenges. Like Paul, we can be doing what God called us to and suddenly find ourselves on another route. An unexpected storm left his ship battered to pieces, forcing the occupants to swim to a nearby island, one inhabited by people who had never heard of God’s love and saving power. Bitten by a poisonous snake, they waited for Paul to die, but they thought him a god when he didn't, opening the door to introduce them to the only Living God. By his and his coworkers’ testimony, God healed the islanders physically and spiritually. After arriving in Rome, though released from his imprisonment, the authorities arrested Paul a second time for spreading the same message, lending the opportunity to share God’s Gospel with the guards.

A group of teenagers on a mission trip grew spiritually and closer together as they called on God, believing He would intervene in the life of a youngster bitten by a poisonous insect. He did, and the teenagers learned the significance of interceding on behalf of someone’s need. God reminded them and the chaperones of Christ’s grace and sufficiency and that our God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Where, how, and when God chooses to work and carry out His purposes is His prerogative. He sees your circumstances; they may have taken you by surprise but not Him. You, too, can experience the grace and sufficiency of our miracle-working God. Each person must decide whether to receive the message that Jesus saves us daily from life’s problems and our souls eternally; the first step is to acknowledge your need, then invite Him to work in your life (Romans 10:9–10, 13). Like Paul’s message of Jesus’ love and saving power, some people believe, others don’t: “And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not” (Acts 28:24). We tell the Good News. What people do with it is up to them.