We Wish to See Jesus

Category: Christian Living

Biblical teaching about discipleship, character, holiness, wisdom, relationships, and daily faithfulness.

  • Till the Storm Passes By

    There is currently a major hurricane brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, and it is headed straight toward Florida. Moreover, there are people throughout the world right now who are going through difficult, frightening times – circumstances testing their faith.  

    Lord, may You be with Your people in the path of this storm (Mark 4:37; Acts 27:14). May they be faithful to You, and may You see them through. For those dealing with difficult circumstances right now, grant them the strength to carry on in the hollow of Your hand (Psalm 71:3; Matthew 14:27). No matter what comes, may everyone seek strength from You through the challenging times ahead (Luke 8:22-25).

    In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place. ‘Mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry; Keep me safe till the storm passes by. 

    Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to cry, For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by.” But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise Where the storm never darkens the skies. 

    When the long night has ended and the storms come no more, Let me stand in Thy presence on that bright, peaceful shore. In that land where the tempest never comes, Lord, may I Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by. 

    Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, Till the clouds roll forever from the sky, Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

    ~ Lyrics & Musical Arrangement by Mosie Lister

  • Heed The Warning

    The hurricane season is in full swing, and everyone’s attention is focused on the approaching storms from the sea. There is much anticipation every time one of these storms comes our way. When a large storm threatens, people are told to evacuate as the hurricanes approach. Warnings sound forth through various media outlets, and sometimes the police must warn people to evacuate from the streets. Unfortunately, despite having plenty of time to get out, people often die because they did not listen and heed the warnings.

    This sad reality is very much like the end that many souls will face one day. God’s judgment awaits each of us. Heed the warnings, “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” (Ezekiel 18:20) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) The warnings have been sounded. God is mercifully pleading with every one of us through His Word. Those who take heed and are born of God will be saved, but those who ignore God’s warnings will be lost eternally.

    Consider the words of the Apostle Paul to the men of Athens while giving the speech on Mars Hill, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31) Paul clearly states that being unaware or lacking in knowledge was once overlooked, but God now demands that everyone repent and turn away from sin. The reason is that God will judge all men by the one He has chosen, Jesus Christ. He showed that Christ is His choice to be Judge by raising Him from the dead.

    We have been told! On the Day of Judgment, no one will be able to say, “God didn’t tell me. I didn’t know what He expected of me!” Why refuse His invitation? The Lord desires for you to do what is right in His sight. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) The Day of the Lord will come. If you hear some scoffer questioning the coming of the Lord, do not forget that God does not look at time, or experience time, as we do. The Lord is not negligent. No, He is waiting to come in judgment to give everyone a chance to be saved. He is not willing that any should perish; He wants everyone to repent.

    Remember the illustration we began with – of how it is during hurricane season? How many times have we thought it foolish that so many people will not evacuate when a massive storm approaches from the sea? With all the warnings, no one has any excuse for staying in their homes while not preparing for the storm. So many people foolishly refuse to take heed of the warnings given.

    The clock is ticking. Will you be one that God says would not listen? Prepare your soul for eternity. Read, study, and obey God’s Word.

  • I Am Resolved

    I am making the decision to no longer be charmed by the empty promises of this world. Instead, I am determined to resist being entangled in things that lead to destruction. God is calling me to a higher level of thinking, one that embodies nobility and goodness (Colossians 3:1-4). I am committed to following Jesus and accepting Him as my Savior. This requires me to leave behind my sinful habits and troubles (Romans 6:1-23). I know that Jesus will support and challenge me, and I am resolved to embrace His teachings, as they are the source of true life. I will find joy in following Jesus. 

    I am making a commitment to follow Jesus not just today, but every day in the future, knowing that there will be challenges ahead. I will pay careful attention to His teachings and strive to align my actions with His will, as I believe that His path leads to eternal life (John 6:60-68). Jesus, I acknowledge Your authority over heaven and earth! 

    I am leaving the path of sin to enter Your kingdom. I accept You as my King and Master, and I am determined to seek Your righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34). Even if my closest companions oppose the changes I am making, and others try to impede my progress, I am resolved to give my best in everything and come to You.

    I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight. 

    I am resolved to go to the Savior, leaving my sin and strife; He is the true One, He is the just One, He hath the words of life. 

    I am resolved to follow the Savior, Faithful and true each day, Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth, He is the living way.

    I am resolved to enter the kingdom, leaving the paths of sin; Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, still will I enter in. 

    I will hasten to Him, Hasten so glad and free, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee. 

    ~ Words in italics are from the hymn, I Am Resolved, with Lyrics and musical arrangement by Palmer Hartsough and J. H. Fillmore

  • Where No Oxen, the Trough is Clean

    Some people talk a lot, saying the right things, but then fail to act. Unfortunately, this can apply to the things that God wants us to say and do.

    We must take the information God gives us and put it to use (Matthew 13:8, 23)! Following the will of the Lord requires effort, sacrifice, and perhaps even getting our hands dirty (figuratively and literally). Think of diet and exercise: we must consume proper nutrition and then use that as fuel to exercise and strengthen our bodies. We should similarly feed on God’s word, using it as fuel to practice godliness (1 Timothy 4:8). This involves hard work, more than just knowing and saying the right things.

    Moreover, if we expect to help others, we must be willing to work, make sacrifices, and get our hands dirty. Helping others isn’t always convenient, and those in need may bring with them a messy past and difficult problems. We must be willing to act, rather than just talking! Helping them to grow may require that we serve them in physical ways and sacrifice some of our resources. This does not mean neglecting our own responsibilities (Philippians 2:4) but let us prayerfully do more than just talk (James 2:15-17).

    Today, let’s put in the effort to seek the right information from God’s word and do the necessary work to grow personally, and do the same in our efforts to help others in any way possible.

    Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;

    But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

    ~ Proverbs 14:4

  • Traumatic Experiences

    Can you imagine seeing some of the most violent assaults inflicted upon other human beings? 

    Can you imagine witnessing grown adults wail in the most excruciating pangs of anguish? 

    Can you imagine watching someone die in front of you, due to blunt force trauma?

    Can you imagine bearing the brunt of false accusations concerning your background, abilities, motives, and character?

    What type of memories will such trauma instill? What mental images are burned into your mind when thinking back on such things? How would you not only work through such things inwardly but respond to such challenges moving forward? 

    Perhaps YOU CAN imagine, because YOU HAVE witnessed violence in the extreme. Perhaps YOU HAVE experienced deep anguish, yourself? Maybe you’ve encountered some very gruesome scenes. Perhaps you have had difficulties of your own, compounded by the hurts inflicted by those who profess to be Christlike. If so, you are not alone! Rather, you are in good company. 

    Many others have also encountered traumatic situations and have found ways to overcome them. The Apostle Paul not only witnessed such horrible ordeals, but he was the cause of much suffering for others before his conversion (Acts 8:1-3; 26:9-11). Even after converting to Christ, he endured many afflictions for the sake of the gospel (Acts 9:16; 2 Corinthians 10:7-11; 11:22-33). But by the grace of God, he faithfully endured as a servant to others, becoming an example for others to follow! While some boast of their former conduct before becoming a Christian, others may suppress their memories of a lifestyle they escaped through the grace of God. It seems, however, that Paul used his memories and experiences of hardship as FUEL to serve the Lord with even more vigor (1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 3:12-16). If you have gone through traumatic experiences, you can use the grace given to you to serve others with even more passion and dedication.

    12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 

    13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 

    14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 

    15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 

    16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

    17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

    ~ 1 Timothy 1:12-17

  • In Season and Out of Season

    It does seem that Christianity waxes and wanes in popularity. Though the world at large will always reject the truth of the gospel (John 15:18-21), there are times when many people obey the gospel in clusters. Or perhaps, it SEEMS as though (outwardly) more people are being responsive to the proclamations of the gospel, as opposed to other times, when there aren’t as many outward, favorable responses to teaching and preaching. We can and should be encouraged when more people seem to be responsive (Luke 15:7, 10, 32), but we must also strive to be consistent in our daily efforts, regardless of the number of daily conversions.  

    1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 

    2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 

    3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

    4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 

    5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

    ~ 2 Timothy 4:1-5

    Holy God and Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your name. I am thankful for the positive responses of conversions, restorations, and faithful people who identify with Your local churches. It is very encouraging, and I pray that Your kingdom continues to grow. May more and more people respond positively to Your message of mercy, grace, and hope through Jesus, Your Son. Moreover, may we sow, plant, and water with confidence, expecting an increase by Your hand (1 Corinthians 3:5-8). Please continue to bless Your saints with encouragement as You see fit, and regardless of the season of harvest, may we be diligent in working in Your vineyard. I ask for all of this so that You may be glorified and that our fellow men and women may come to know You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • Delivered to Conquer

    When God rescued the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, He performed mighty wonders such as the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. However, His intention was not for them to return to Egypt after their deliverance. Throughout their journey, God provided for the Israelites by leading them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, giving them water and miraculous manna from heaven, and His presence was continually known among the people. 

    During the Exodus period, the Israelites faced hardships to teach them the importance of relying on God. While some learned these valuable lessons, others longed to return to Egypt and even complained against God for their suffering. Despite the freedom granted to them by God, they needed to understand that walking in victory required faith, effort, and discipline.

    God’s plan for Israel went beyond saving them from Egyptian bondage. When they reached the Promised Land, they had to FIGHT to take possession of Canaan. They only possessed what they FOUGHT for, not for what they simply wished and hoped to obtain. 

    This truth applies to us today as well. God delivers us from the bondage of sin, but expects us to CONQUER the spiritual enemies that threaten our prosperity. Enjoying the fruit of the Promised Land requires taking dominion, and through Christ, we can overcome all spiritual threats just as the faithful Israelites learned to do.

    26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

    27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

    ~ 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

    12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

    ~ 1 Timothy 6:12

    Holy God and Father in heaven. I thank You for saving me from my sins through the blood of Jesus. There are times in my life that seem mundane or even difficult, and f I am not thinking correctly, I may let my guard down. Even worse, there have been times when I slipped back into my old ways of thinking. Though You are a gracious and forgiving Father, I know You do not want me to look back on my old ways with fondness, nor do You want me to be stagnant in my service to You in this life. Instead, You want me to fight for what is worth fighting for! Grant me a stronger faith! May I give You my best efforts today, and may I grow in self-discipline! Where I am falling short, guide and guard my steps to grow, O Lord!! It is in Christ’s name I pray, amen. 

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty (Part 3)

    Though the language is symbolic, God foretold the humiliation of Babylon with vivid imagery (Isa. 47:1-3). Within this context, God is using very vivid imagery to speak about how He will bring Babylon to an open shame. 

    1 “Come down and sit in the dust,

    O virgin daughter of Babylon;

    Sit on the ground without a throne,

    O daughter of the Chaldeans!

    For you shall no more be called

    Tender and delicate.

    2 Take the millstones and grind meal.

    Remove your veil,

    Take off the skirt,

    Uncover the thigh,

    Pass through the rivers.

    3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered,

    Yes, your shame will be seen;

    I will take vengeance,

    And I will not arbitrate with a man.”

    ~ Isaiah 47:1-3

    Let us not negate the value of looking to such passages in our thinking (because the language is symbolic) upon the matter of nakedness, clothing, and modesty. The fact remains, that God is making emphatic points concerning the shame of Babylon’s sins, and how they will, indeed, be exposed. 

    And about symbolism, can the tenderhearted truly remain unconvinced that certain imagery is meant to correlate with standards of propriety (See Ezek. 23:1-49; Prov. 7:10?)?

    While such sins were trying to be covered, God says that when His judgment comes, they will be exposed. And they will be exposed in such a way that will bring shame to those people. After reading such passages, I certainly would not want to inch my way closer to revealing such things in a way that can bring about shame (Cf. Jer. 6:15). 

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty (Part 2)

    Let us look to the Bible, considering passages that deal with nakedness, clothing, & modesty. Is there a verifiable biblical pattern of public modesty requirements for both men & women alike, regardless of custom or setting?  

    When Noah got drunk, he became uncovered in his tent, and Ham saw the nakedness of his father (Gen. 9:20-27). We may question what more Ham “had done” to Noah (that he looked upon Noah’s nakedness and told his brothers; was he scoffing, etc., ?), but Ham observing Noah naked (even in Noah’s tent), did not bring about a good result! Contrast that with how the other two brothers (Shem & Japheth) were very careful not to look upon their own father’s nakedness. Are there any applications we can make from here? What of bathing in front of children, at home? What about swimming with scant clothing in front of family and friends (e.g., revealing/formfitting bathing suits/swim trunks)? 

    When the Law of Moses was granted to the Israelites, priestly garments are said to have covered their nakedness (See Exod. 28:40-43; Cf. 20:25-26). Notice that their undergarments were to be from the waist to the thighs. First, we want to acknowledge that this was a specific requirement for priests… But we also want to acknowledge – the reason – was to have their nakedness (bare flesh) covered. Certainly, God can see anyone’s nakedness, anytime (Heb. 4:13). But the matter of approaching Him in spiritual service of worship was regulated by God in the OT, and He is the one who defines what was considered “nakedness.” I wonder if the Israelites ever dealt with controversy determining what God meant when He said, “And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.” (28:42). This passage is often referenced to make the case for shorts/skirts reaching to the knee to be a suitable covering. 

    Perhaps that is a good practice, as well as the matter of being mindful of what my clothing may reveal in certain positions (I.e., sitting, bending over, etc.). It is not too difficult of a thing to think through if our number one priority is to honor God – even in the way I choose to dress. 

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty

    We will be looking to the Bible (this week), considering passages that deal with nakedness, clothing, & modesty. Is there a verifiable biblical pattern of public modesty requirements, for both men & women alike, regardless of custom or setting?   

    When God created Adam & Eve, they were naked and not ashamed (Gen. 2:25). But something concerning their shame changed drastically immediately after their first sin (See Gen. 3:7). Therefore, Adam & Eve made themselves coverings (3:7). But those coverings were not enough to cover them to the extent that they felt comfortable in the sight of God; as when the LORD God called for them in the garden, both Adam and Eve hid (3:8). And, when Adam told God that they were hiding because they were naked, notice that God did not disagree with Adam. Instead, God addressed their sin against Him (first), then, “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin and clothed them.” (Gen. 3:21). Whatever Adam and Eve thought was covering them, God seems to have clothed them further. Think of that when you consider the culture we’ve grown up with. Our culture deems it acceptable for men to have their bare chests & thighs uncovered. Our culture deems it acceptable for women to have much of their breasts, buttocks, and thighs uncovered, also. Where this used to be acceptable only in certain areas (like at the beach, etc.), it is now becoming more commonplace to see such everywhere in public.  

    To my God and Father in Heaven: Some coverings men and women make are insufficient to cover their nakedness. May I honor You (and my friends and neighbors) by the way I choose to dress.