Flawed Perfection

Two home renovation show hosts often use unique handmade tiles on the homeowners’ floors and walls. The results are stunning despite their unevenness and variations of color.

God formed us perfectly with excellent care, uniquely creating our DNA, fingerprints, personalities, and talents; no one else is exactly like you. He made you and me on purpose, using our uniqueness for His purposes. He did everything right, and we came along and messed up His creation. But praise God for His faithfulness. He is ready to forgive when we repent and ask for forgiveness. We are living proof.

Although our temperaments may be "uneven" and our actions "colorful" at times, God uses our one-of-a-kind qualities for His glory. The examples of fallen and restored Bible characters give hope that God chooses to accomplish His purposes through flawed people who confess their sins, turn from them, and humbly surrender to Him. He will finish the work of grace He began in you and me when Jesus calls us to Himself: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Ingest and Digest

Scrubbing the bottom of the pot reminded me of why I bought the stainless cookware: the former non-stick pampered ones were twenty years old and did not work well with a glass-top stove. After unboxing the new set, I only glanced over the maintenance care—I knew how to care for pots. But weeks later, I noticed a discoloration on the copper-clad bottoms. Reading through the maintenance information again, I found nothing helpful. Then I saw amid useless “mumbo-jumbo” information—like an afterthought—that wiping lemon juice on the copper bands before using the cookware would prevent them from discoloring. That tidbit should have been a priority with the washing instructions.

God’s Word is not obscure but clear; He inspired men to pen and rightly place every word for all who read it to grasp His truths. Settling for skimming over the instructions, simply glancing here and there, now and then, for guidance will leave you lacking. You may miss a golden nugget or refreshing word by skipping through familiar verses, avoiding chapters with genealogies of names you can’t pronounce, or the hundreds of laws laid out in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Some information is better than none, but for the Word to equip and train you in righteousness, you must thoroughly read what God has to say and live it.

You may look forward to and benefit from Bible verses people post and glean helpful information from some of their insights into God’s Word. But you should never settle for that being your only source of learning God’s truths. Practice searching the Bible yourself, even if it is to explore further some of those same verses posted. As we continue learning, growing, and living rightly, we please and obey our Savior, who commissioned us to teach others to keep God’s commands and that Jesus saves and meets every need.

 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Age-Old Saying

After jokingly commenting to someone: “Practice makes perfect,” my thought wheels began spinning. Some adages are worth investigating, particularly when Scripture supports the sayings.

Practicing involves performing or repeatedly working at something to learn or improve. God told Moses to tell His people to keep all His decrees by putting them into practice (Leviticus 20:8a), and the Book of Wisdom teaches our plans will succeed when we commit our actions to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3).

Keeping God’s laws and committing to the Lord all that we do places us in the position of perfection—the perfect person is complete, flawless, and lacking nothing essential. Jesus taught, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). He wasn’t suggesting but telling us to practice perfection. God uses His Word to prepare and equip His children for every good work, encouraging us, like Timothy, to stay faithful to His truths we learn as He perfects us for His service (2 Timothy 3:14–17).

What is perfection? It is the highest degree of excellency. How do we attain God’s excellence? Under the Holy Spirit’s leadership, Paul writes that we are to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. But above all these, we are to put on love, the bond of perfectness, and let Christ’s peace rule our hearts, always being thankful (Colossians 3:12–15). What a challenge for us as Christ’s ambassadors to do and say everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, but we can with God’s help. And as the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” 😇

Shallow or Deep

I was hesitant about buying a raised garden planter, but I thought it was worth trying because all I wanted was two tomato plants and a few herbs. The tomato plants had flowers within two weeks, and we patiently waited for a harvest. The plants steadily grew and looked healthy, but all the pampering, watering, and pruning did not alter the fact that the one-foot-deep planter lacked depth for its roots. The lack and quality of fruit were the proof.

The same is true of our spiritual growth. We will produce little or no fruit if our roots don’t reach deep. What keeps them from spreading? A lack of feeding on God’s Word: “As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby” (2 Peter 2:2). Christians begin learning with God’s basic principles, but like babies who must transition from milk to solid food for healthy growth, we must get deeper into God’s Word, grow, mature, learning greater truths (Hebrews 5:13–14).

As we were leaving the Bible study, a classmate commented that she appreciated learning more of God’s Word in her adult years as she was not a churchgoer as a child. She found comfort in knowing that I had been in the Word since childhood and still had much to learn. Growing in the Lord is an ongoing process that doesn’t end until we reach our heavenly home. We study the Bible, hear from God, and listen to godly teachers/preachers (who still must look into God’s Word and learn). Our roots will go deeper with the instruction we are willing to receive and put into practice. The fruit produced is the proof of a life surrendered to Christ and striving to fulfill our purpose. 

Travel Guide

You entered your destination into the Global Positioning System. The GPS indicates where you are and how to get to the location of your choice. When you take a shortcut, make a wrong turn, or choose to disregard the instructions, the system shows and may even tell you it is recalculating your next move. Sometimes shortcuts save time; other times, they don’t. Sometimes the GPS information is inaccurate. You must decide to abide by the directions or choose an alternate route. We think we know a better way, but our decision to override the system often causes grief and an extended trip.

God mapped out our lives before time began. He has calculated the best route for each of us—every road we should travel, and the right turns we should take for our good and His glory. But sometimes, we impatiently want to go our way, a shorter route, and in our time. Distrusting and disregarding the Holy Spirit’s guidance and trusting self often lead down an unsavory path we regret later.

God’s mapping coordinates for our life’s path are error-free. We can trust His guidance with every turn and move forward confidently as we journey this side of heaven. He never misguides: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32:8). 

Triple Gripped

We sing an old familiar hymn, Hold on to God’s Unchanging Hand. But I am forever grateful that His holding ability does not depend on mine. While fear, doubts, rebellion, or stumbling in life may loosen my grip on His, His hold on my hand is always firm; it stays the same. He may hold me with one hand and “whoop” me with the other when I need discipline, but praise His name—He has me.

The Triune God’s family members can rest in the security that He (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) holds and assists His children: “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:13). He leads us, picks us up when we fall, calms our fears, erases doubts, encourages us along the way, and protects us. Hold on to God’s unchanging hand. But if you lose your grip, fear not; He has you.

Whether We Understand, We Can Believe

You may have heard the question (or a similar version): How can a black cow that eats green grass supply white milk, yellow butter, and red meat? When you think about it, it doesn’t make sense. Our music minister, Roger Longoria, presented that thought before we sang the familiar hymn: I Know Whom I Have Believed.

Why would God extend His grace to us and send His Son to die for our sins? Why would He redeem us as His own and work peace in our hearts? His Holy Spirit exposes sin-blackened lives, convicting us of sin, revealing Jesus to us through the Word; His spotless, crimson blood washes us white as snow, creating faith in Him. We may not understand how God could or would love us so much, and we don’t know when our Lord will come. But we can say like Paul, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12b).

God keeps our surrendered hearts we entrusted to Him for the day we meet Jesus face-to-face in our eternal home. What a day that will be when I see the One who saved me by His grace.   

Familiar Lamentations

Surrounding nations envied Jerusalem and longed, waited for, and rejoiced in her destruction. The weeping prophet knew Zion deserved her plight; God had forewarned His chosen people about disobedience from the days of their ancestors. Yet, they repeatedly and blatantly sinned against the Lord God. They now lived in the consequences of their decisions and God’s anger.

We could insert America and the USA for Jerusalem and Zion in the five chapters of Jeremiah’s lamentations. Our country is the envy of surrounding nations; our enemies are longing and waiting for our ruin. But our destruction will come from our perversities and blatant sin against the Lord God, not our enemies. Our course will not change until we admit—lament—like Jeremiah saying, “Woe unto us that we have sinned” (5: 16). We cry out to God. He will hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and heal our land IF we humbly pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14).  

Jeremiah hoped in God’s truth, truths we can cling to and claim today: “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” (Lamentations 3:21–23). God is faithful, forgiving, and cleanses when we ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). But sin’s consequences remain. Sadly, it isn’t only us but our descendants, our precious children, who often bear the brunt of our rebellious choices.

Midnight Testimony

Have you ever had a day when one thing after another went wrong, and your expectations for the day laughed at you? In most situations, our complaints would pale compared to Paul and Silas’ treatment by the authorities of Phillipi. After introducing Lydia and her household to Jesus and freeing a damsel with the spirit of divination, false accusations led to the duo’s beating and bound-in-stock prison stay. Did the men complain about the unfair treatment? Did they question God why He allowed this? They did not.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25). What an unusual setting to host a prayer and praise service. The jailor and other prisoners heard them; they experienced God’s shaking of the prison, the loosening of bands, and the opening of the cell doors. That night Paul and Silas proclaimed the Good News of Jesus. That night the jailor and his household believed and received Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

What if God has you in your current circumstance, no matter how aggravating or dire, to deliver His message of hope and salvation to those in your path? What if you are their only hope of hearing the Good News message? Will they hear God’s Word proclaimed or your whine? They will listen to one or the other. Does your example draw the lost and the discouraged or lonely Christians to Christ or turn them away? Lord, help us to remember we are Your ambassadors to the world.

There's No Place Like Home

You looked forward to the visit with family, the weekend getaway, or the vacation. The travel and time spent were enjoyable and refreshing, even if there were bumps and mishaps. But no matter how sweet those moments were, it was so good to be home. Being at home involves a mix of joyful and not-so-happy times, busy schedules, stressful trials, and sometimes declining health, but they are only momentary this side of heaven.

Jesus comforts believers that He prepared a place for us when we leave our temporary dwellings, and we will spend eternity with Him (John 14:2–3). Paul writes: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For this, we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (2 Corinthians 5:1–2). 

When these earthly bodies draw their last breath, we are present with the Lord (v. 8) in our eternal home, clothed in a new and incorruptible body. Finally, home with our heavenly Father, pain and sin-free. 

Empty Promises

“Whosoever boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.” Proverbs 25:14

All the plant life thirsted for refreshment. Over and over, the clouds gathered, darkened, and the winds blew; thunder rumbled, but no rain. Such are people who brag about their abilities and promise to do something for their family, friends, or country but don’t follow through. They pretend to be someone they are not; their clouds gather, and their winds blow, but they don’t deliver the promised rain.

Praise our faithful God, who has proven Himself over and over—trustworthy today, tomorrow, and forever. He is I AM and does what He says He will do.

Sermon From a Field

“I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding.  And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction.” Proverbs 24:30–32

The traveler wasn’t casting judgment on the vineyard, but the field caused him to stop and ponder what he saw. Thorns and briars covered the land; the stone wall (or fence) was down from a lack of attention. The field’s condition was due to the landowner’s laziness.

Sometimes weeds overtake plant life and lawns because the owner’s health conditions or circumstances prevent the needed care. Other times, the intrusions happen from laziness and neglect, as in the case of the neglectful vineyard owner. Solomon wrote that such laxity slowly leads to poverty (vs. 33–34). The passerby saw the field’s condition, thought about it, looked again, and learned a valuable lesson: Weeds and their seeds and runners slowly and steadily root and ready themselves for invasion and, like an armed man, will take everything you have.

Laziness in our spiritual walk leads to poverty in our souls. “Thorns and thistles” find unguarded spots to root themselves in neglected hearts’ soil, and passersby, friends, and family members will notice the results. Poorly kept life gardens adversely affect some people, while others see, look again, and learn what not to do. We gain wisdom from excellent and poor examples when we are willing to listen to and receive God’s instructions.

Taking the Scenic Route

“And it came to pass when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.” Exodus 13:17

The Egyptians enslaved God’s people for over four hundred years. During that time, they were familiar with hard work but had no training in self-defense or tactical maneuvers—unequipped for battle. No wonder God led them away from the fierce and powerful Philistines’ nearby land. Instead, they traveled the wilderness of the Red Sea, an eleven-day journey to Canaan (Deut 1:2). So why did their trip take forty years?

Israel’s murmurings against Moses began three days after leaving Egypt. Weeks later, they said it would have been better to die in bondage where they had abundant food and water (16:3).

Ten of the twelve men Moses sent to spy out Canaan returned, spreading fear and doubt among the people; only Joshua and Caleb said they could overcome the land’s giants (Num 13:25–33). The people’s unending complaints weren’t against Moses or Aaron; they were against God (16:8).

God was displeased with His people. Because the grumblers repeatedly failed to trust Him, they would never see the land of milk and honey. Instead, they would wander forty years—one year for each day the spies checked out Canaan—and then die in the wilderness. Only their children twenty years and older would enter God’s land of Promise along with Joshua and Caleb, who trusted their Deliverer. Even Moses would only get a glimpse of Canaan because he acted rashly, setting a poor example.

When we take a wrong turn while traveling, I laugh and jokingly say we’re taking the scenic route. God’s way for His people was in the right direction, but their disobedience made it a long, challenging course. It was a route without picturesque sites, and the Israelites were not laughing; the situation wasn’t humorous but dire.

We have much to be thankful for, yet often complain. Doing so, we’re saying to God, like the murmurers, He isn’t trustworthy, and His care for us isn’t sufficient. As believers, our life journey leads us to our heavenly home. We may have some wilderness moments along the way, but if you’re stuck there, stop and ask yourself why. Don’t let fear of the unknown, doubt, and disobedience rob you of years of joyous overcoming life and service to the Lord before you meet your Deliverer face-to-face.

Undeniably, Incredibly Trustworthy

"Ah, Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee.” Jeremiah 32:17

Whether we agree with God’s prophet, nothing is too challenging for the Maker of everything to accomplish. He makes a way where there seems to be no way possible. Great is our Lord; praise His name! The Lord God favors us who obediently fear and worship Him and trust His lovingkindness (Psalm 147:11).

Go-To

Our dog alerted us that something was up when he suddenly picked up his head and faced the glass doors. Moments later, we heard low rumblings of thunder in the distance. But it wasn’t until midnight that the lightning flashes, rolling claps of thunder, and beating rain began. Three things frighten Scout: severe weather, the sight of weapons, and the sound of gunfire. His go-to place for safety (if not on my lap) is under our bed when he is scared.

What is it that scares you or causes uneasiness? What do you do; where or who is your go-to when life’s uncertainties and fears threaten you? The Bible references God as our protector, rescuer, and hiding place throughout the Psalms: 18:10, 32:7, 62:7, 91:4, 94:22, 119:114, and many other verses affirm the truth of His care.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2).

“Be merciful unto me, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings, will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Psalm 57:1).

Whether life’s storms and uncertainties give early signs of brewing or come full force without warning, God’s children find safety, comfort, and peace in the shadow of the Almighty’s outstretched wings. Run to Him when you are afraid, uneasy, or need rest for your weary soul. 

Leftovers

 “Are we having that again?” a dissatisfied person may ask at mealtime. The cook’s probable response? “Yes, and eat it or leave hungry.”

Our family doesn’t mind leftovers; we see them as God’s given blessings. Even our little dog gets excited when he hears us scrapping the plates after dinner. But not everyone shares our sentiments about leftovers. God doesn’t.

Everything we own or have achieved in this life comes from the One who created everything that exists. How we must offend Him when we make our plans, check off every chore on our to-do lists, and then “scrape our plates,” telling God, “This is for You.” God was specific in what He expected from His people thousands of years ago—His commands have not changed. He does not accept leftovers, seconds, or half-hearted service. We honor the Highest when we give back to Him the first fruits of what He put on our plates: our family, successes, time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. God commands that we love Him above all else; He is pleased when we are devoted to serving Him and others before helping ourselves with a portion of His blessings.

Give your best to the Master who loves you beyond measure and supplies for every need: “Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the firstfruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9– 10).

Confidence vs. Fear

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me”. (Psalm 56:3–4).

Fear is an instinctive emotion when we recognize or sense danger. Some people trust themselves to deal with fear, while others run to God. David’s confidence was in God, His promises, and His divine providence, knowing nothing would come his way unless God allowed it to happen. Do we share David’s confidence? Or when life’s fears override our trust in God, like Peter, do we focus on the threatening waves and start sinking? When that happens, we can call out to Jesus as he did: “Lord, save me” (Matt 14:30). He is nearby and ready to rescue us. We can trust God, knowing nothing happens in this life unless He grants permission. As David, we can praise God that He is faithful to His word—He is the ultimate Promise Keeper. 

For Every Action, a Reaction Follows

“And God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.’ And God saw everything that He had made and behold; it was very good” (Genesis 1:28, 31).

Flies, bees, ants, wasps, snakes, and weeds are a few nuisances we contend with where we live, not to mention the occasional armadillos, June bugs, roaches, and spiders. At the beginning of creation, these creatures were not offensive. At the beginning of creation, there were no aches and pain, strenuous labor, separation from God, or death. Thank you, Adam and Eve.

In six days, the Creator, the Triune God, completed the creation of everything. He blessed the seventh day and set it apart because He rested from creating. All God made was perfect; He walked and talked with Adam and Eve until the man and woman He put in charge of Eden’s Garden yielded to the serpent’s carefully crafted lies. They had the privilege of choice and chose to disobey their Maker, eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God cursed the serpent for his actions and gave Eve disturbing news of her disobedience. And God cursed the ground because Adam listened to his wife and ate the forbidden fruit. Their wrong decisions caused God to expel them from the paradise they enjoyed. They severed perfect fellowship with God and had to contend with hard work, thistles, thorns, pain, and death (3:14–19). God’s creative works that He declared “very good” would now cause grief.

Let’s not judge too harshly. Like the first couple on earth, you and I broke perfect harmony with God that one moment we decided to say or do something we knew was wrong, no matter what age that was. But praise God, He sent Jesus to remedy our sin problem—God forgives, cleanses us, and restores our fellowship when we invite Him into our lives. But sin’s consequences still happen, and unfortunately, like Adam and Eve, our wrong choices will be costly to someone or something. For every action and decision we make, a reaction follows. Seeking God’s will and choosing obedience is always best.

Let It Go for It to Grow

Reading a devotional about planting life seeds stirred the memory of a unique birthday gift a friend gave me. As a young teen, I didn’t understand the profoundness of that one tiny seed enclosed in the clear marble pendant on a chain. That tiny mustard seed represented the power of just a little faith (Matt 17:20; Luke 17:5–6).

We show faith believing seeds will grow, but nothing happens unless we let go and plant them. We are good planters when we use the knowledge we gain by studying and applying God’s Word. God produces a bountiful harvest when we release and sow into others’ lives our wisdom gained, time, finances, and what He taught us through our struggles, griefs, expectations, disappointments, and victorious triumphs. Chains fall from people bound by sin, fear, and this world’s cares; mountains move, even though we may not see the results of our releasing and planting.

“Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness” (2 Corinthians 2:10).

People are hurting and searching; Jesus is the answer to their needs. God is the rescuer and place of safety. He gives seed to the sower, discernment to know when and where to plant, and decides the outcome of the harvest that will come. When we gladly invest our blessings (seed) from God into His work, He provides us with more resources to give.

Passing the Salt, Brightly Shining

Jesus taught life principles in His Sermon on the Mount. One teaching described disciples who put their faith in Him as salt and light: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt hath lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.” Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a 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 (Matthew 5:13–15).

Why would Jesus call His disciples the salt of the earth and the world's light? He designed us to affect the world positively.

Salt not only enhances the flavor of food but preserves it from spoilage and creates an environment where bacteria and other harmful organisms can’t survive. The staple also serves medicinal purposes. Salt aids traction on icy sidewalks and roads. People without Christ are sin-sick, “spinning their wheels” in a corrupt world, vying for their souls. Christians have the Spirit of Truth living within them; their influence and character should create an environment that draws those without Christ to the Truth, away from the world’s corruption. But when sin taints our salt, we falter in our God-given task; our salt is tasteless—ineffective—and Jesus said we are useless for God’s purposes.

Light dispels darkness, making objects and people visible. Do we cover the light? No, we want it to shine. Jesus said He is the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5; 1:4,9; 3:19; 12:35–36), and we are the world’s light as He shines through us. Although they may not realize it, our corrupt, spoiled, and putrid world needs us. Our testimony and influence should expose the world’s darkness and draw the unsaved out of it into God’s saving light. As light-bearers, we are to carry the Gospel message everywhere, showing and telling the lost their need for our Lord and Savior.

Christ-followers have the Spirit of the living God abiding within them, but they can quench the workings of the Holy Spirit. Their saltiness then becomes useless, and their brightness dims. We are of little value to God when we aren’t the salt and light He called us to be. If you aren’t salty enough or shining brightly, it’s no one’s fault but yours; get right with God. People may not only miss blessings but eternity with our heavenly Father without your influence. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven (v. 16).”

You're Not That Strong

A thought from one of Oswald Chambers’ lectures in the early 1900s still speaks volumes today: An unguarded strength is a double weakness.

People sometimes struggle with and focus so intently on overcoming their weak points that they neglect to safeguard their strong ones. Thinking you don’t need to concern yourself about this or that because those things don’t tempt you or threaten your spiritual well-being is a dangerous mindset. That strength becomes a vulnerable target of attack from the enemy of your soul—pride was his downfall.

“Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 

Looks Can Be Deceiving

An unusually thick stalk caught my attention as I pulled suckers off my tomato plants (good-looking shoots growing between the branch and the stem that suck nutrients from the plant). But looking more closely, I saw it was a giant green caterpillar happily munching on the leaves. The plants’ suckers that made my tomato plants look full and thriving were deceptive. The insect that looked like a bloated stem almost got away with its camouflage. Both would have stunted and destroyed the plants if left unattended.

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord, men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). 

The prophets of old foretold God would send Jesus as the atonement for the world’s sins. He did, and if you opened your heart to Him, His Son’s blood cleansed you from your sins. By His mercy and in truth to His Word, Jesus paid your sin debt; God forgave you.

Life’s pleasures, allurements, and corruptions sometimes disguise themselves as harmless when they are not, and we fall prey to them. The evils of this world can be deceptive, just like Satan can appear to be an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14). But God’s Spirit reveals the truth to His children who let Him work in their lives. Ask Him to search your heart and thoughts (Psalm 139:23–24); He will unmask threats that vie to hinder your walk with the Lord. Remove that which you must and surrender to Him for cleansing.

Plants can’t care for themselves. Good gardeners take care of their gardens—God cares for His “plantings” by pruning away what hinders their growth and fruitfulness. Because of who God is and what He has done for us—to honor Him—turn away from any form of evil lest you find yourself under the Lord’s discipline.

Unchanging

“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

God and His Holy Word have not, will not, and cannot change. We can trust His divine providence and judgments and depend on His promises because He is just, righteous, and unchanging.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

Run!

For the first time as homeowners, we have a mop sink. Since I use a bucket with a mop wringer attached, we used the sink for Scout’s bath time. Being the intelligent dog that he is, after his first experience, he would scramble to make a “beeline” for the outdoors at the sound of running water in the laundry room, knowing what it meant. He has since then outgrown the sink, but not his fear of the sound of running water—not for the washing machine or in the kitchen or bathrooms—but the mop sink. Isn’t it odd that he can distinguish the difference?

“The Lord knoweth them that are His. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19b). “Flee youthful lusts” (v. 22). Paul writes to Timothy, encouraging the young minister to be a “good soldier of Jesus Christ,” teach others to do so, and what pitfalls to watch for and avoid. We are to flee not only ungodly sensual desires but pride, ambition, lust for power, counsel, or anything that wars against our walk with the Lord.

Water running in the mop sink is a terrifying sound to Scout, and he still runs away every time. We know the difference between right and wrong and what God expects and demands from us. We who name the name of Christ, no matter our age, should run away from every sound, thought, or sight of anything or anyone that offends God and opposes our being worthy soldiers of Jesus Christ.

Why Is America Sick?

God reaffirmed the covenant He made with David when Solomon completed building the temple: He would be Israel’s God if they worshiped and followed only Him and kept His commandments (1 Kings 8–9). We are under the same promise, being God’s people, called by His name. God is faithful to His Word when He says if My people humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn from their wickedness, I will hear their prayers and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

God wants all humanity to repent and acknowledge His Son as Lord. But Don’t miss this! It isn’t the lost, the wicked, or those who blatantly rejected Jesus He's referring to before healing our land. He wants His people—us who yielded to His call and are under the lordship of Jesus Christ—to humble ourselves, pray, seek Him, confess our sins and turn back to Him. God warned Solomon that if he or his descendants turned from following Him and disregarded His commandments, He would cast them away, and people would say, “Why has the Lord done this thing?” The answer was: “They forsook the Lord their God.”

Brothers and sisters in Christ, our country is “the land of the free,” but we are a sick and broken nation with many government-given freedoms that oppose God, the Giver of freedom. Has our country turned from following the One True Living God to serving the “gods” of this world (including self)? Many Americans have, but if you are “God’s people,” humble yourself before Him, pray, seek His face, and repent of your sins and those of our country. THEN, He will hear our prayers and heal our land.

Complacency, laziness in our walk of faith, and wanting to “fit in” or “not make waves” cause believers to blend in with the rest of the world. How will a lost and dying world know about God’s salvation, love, and what He wants unless they see a difference in our lives from theirs? “And all the people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of [claimed by] the Lord, and they shall be afraid [stand in awe] of thee” (Deuteronomy 28:10). God WILL make Himself known in our nation and worldwide—whatever it takes: “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen; I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Even So, Come, Lord Jesus

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Proverbs 29:2

We are a land of the free. When God-led leaders faithfully lead us, God’s hand and blessings are with us, and we have much to celebrate. But when the ungodly are in authority, those who abuse our God-given freedoms for their twisted and deceitful agendas and selfish gain, we deeply grieve for our country. 

Going Up the Downstairs

I find attics intriguing. Access to that upper place may be a narrow, steep, or lovely staircase, drop-down stairs, or a ladder. Some movies and books depict such spaces as treasure-filled, where you can browse through generations of stored belongings. But the attic of the place where I lived as a child didn’t have furniture, decorations, or lockers of outdated clothing. It was a dusty, musky space where my daddy stored the sacks of pecans we picked from the trees. But one day, while snooping around up there, I found a dust-covered treasure that a previous owner left behind: an old mantle clock needing repair. I’ve carried it with me from place to place for almost seven decades, and today, it faithfully keeps time on the fireplace mantle.

Everything we have is from the Lord. He provides what we need, and by not clinging to and hoarding our God-given blessings but sharing with others, we store treasures in heaven: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. (Matthew 6:20). Luke added that Jesus also said, “Sell all that you have and give alms . . .” (Luke 12:34). What are our treasures? That which we value the most. How do we lay them up in heaven, and what are the offerings? Letting go and sharing our blessings with others, especially those in need.

The old timepiece that sits on the mantle is precious to me. One day it will belong to one of our daughters who asked for it when I leave this earth. But the clock is only an earthly valuable that will be gone one day. Not so with the treasures, we lay in heaven, where no one steals, and nothing deteriorates or needs repairs. We don’t need to climb stairs or a ladder to store them there; it’s a matter of surrendering our hearts, giving of ourselves, and trusting God with what He entrusted us. When we share our blessings and ourselves with others, we give to the Lord and store our “valuables” with Him.

The Norm

“Normalcy” is the word I heard that grabbed my attention. A newscaster used the term reporting about women sharing their abortion stories as an everyday, casual event. Telling such accounts would have been different had they discussed having ended a child’s life, repentance of that wrong, and God’s restoration. But that wasn’t the story. NORMALITY, the status quo—what many accept as routine—should never rest easy with believers in the One True Living God.

God created Adam and Eve and instituted marriage between a man and a woman. His plan has not changed. They had children together, and one brother killed the other. Whether someone takes a life after birth or before, it is still murder; God holds people accountable for lives made in His image.

God’s Word is plain; He wants everyone to recognize sin and how He expects—commands—humanity to live. God holds us who have yielded to the lordship of Christ to higher accountability. Those without the Holy Spirit guiding them will answer to God, but we who have Him leading us have no excuse. The YouVersion Bible passage on the day of that news story perfectly fits: “This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). What are the lusts of our flesh? Anything we desire that God doesn’t condone; Paul lists a few in vs. 19–21.

Adultery and fornication: You are an adulterer if you cheat on your spouse; Jesus said that even if you look at another with desirous or lustful thoughts, you have committed adultery in your heart (Matt 5:28). And it is sinful for the unmarried to live together, behaving as though they are. God doesn’t change His law to suit lusts and whims; He doesn’t overlook our “shortcomings” (bad habits, short tempers, desires, lies, slanders, etc.). God holds all accountable. Paul writes the stark truth that those who practice such things as the “norm” will not inherit the kingdom of God (v. 21b).

Christians must live above “the norm.” Walking in the Spirit, we obey God’s commands daily; His Word trumps man-made laws. Jesus said, “He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him and will manifest Myself to him (John 14:21). When we are disobedient children, what does that say about our love for our Lord?