We Wish to See Jesus

Category: Christian Living

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

  • He Is Able to Aid Those Who Are Tempted

    Jesus chose to become a human, and He humbled Himself even lower than the angels. He did this so that He could die for our sins and then be exalted. Through the experience of suffering, He became complete. By doing so, He also became our brother! Through His death, He made the devil powerless!! His humanity also served another purpose: to fully understand our struggles and be our compassionate and trustworthy high priest. He suffered temptation, which allowed Him to relate to our struggles and provide help when we are tempted… In this way, He accomplished God’s plan for the ages!!! 

    14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 

    15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

    16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

    17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

    18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

    ~ Hebrews 2:14-18

    Holy God and Father, it is truly a deep matter for me to meditate upon concerning the deity of Christ. For Him to lower Himself, and be obedient to the point of death, all because of His willingness to provide atonement for my sins – is truly humbling. Because of His death, I now have hope to live again, even after I die! Moreover, I see His example of suffering, and it makes me aware of the need for some overcoming I must accomplish in this body. I thank You for Your plan of salvation and ask for strength to overcome every trial and temptation, this very day!! Please grant me spiritual strength through Your Son!!! Amen. 

  • Stir Up the Gift of God 

    Paul laid his hands on Timothy to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit, but we don’t know the specifics. Timothy would need the Spirit’s guidance as he confronted the challenges that lay ahead. Paul is reminding Timothy of the invaluable blessing he possesses. It’s easy to overlook our most significant blessings when we need them the most!

    1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

    2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

    3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 

    4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 

    5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 

    6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 

    7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

    ~ 2 Timothy 1:1-7

    Holy God and Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. I am extremely blessed to have obtained my faith in Jesus, and the cleansing power of His blood. I therefore seek to use the knowledge gained from Your word for the greater good, honoring You in all things. Life can be challenging, but with strong faith and guidance from You, I know that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way. May all of Your people remain steadfast in our devotion to You, no matter what challenges we may face! Amen.

  • A Plea for Purity

    Though some grasp for the sensational things in religion, Paul often encouraged others to simply CONTINUE following the instructions they had already received on how to walk and please God (in other words, preaching isn’t all about telling people something they’ve never heard before as much as it entails exhorting folks to continue in the things that they already know to be true).

    Moreover, some are content to stay within their comfort zones and not strive for personal growth, while others look outside themselves for motivation to get to “the next level.” However, according to God, Christians should continually INCREASE their EFFORTS and STRIVE for spiritual growth (while looking to Christ).  

    In addition, it is common for people to justify their sinning by saying that “no one is perfect,” but God calls us to LIVE A SPECIAL LIFE by avoiding sexual immorality and refraining from taking advantage of or cheating our brothers and sisters. THE LORD WILL JUDGE all wrongs, and we should strive to live holy lives!

    And while it is good to SHOW LOVE towards our brethren, we should aim to do it EVEN MORE! 

    We may live in an age where celebrity worship, gossip, slander, and government handouts are prevalent… But God calls us to LEAD peaceful lives and FOCUS on our own affairs, WORKING honestly with our hands, so that we may walk PROPERLY before those who are not yet in Christ.

    The summary & applications above are meant to provide some modern applications, but by way of principles for meditation, GOD SAYS IT MUCH BETTER: 

    1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 

    2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

    3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 

    4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

    5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 

    6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 

    7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 

    8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

    9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 

    10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 

    11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 

    12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

    ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

  • Following Good Examples 

    In the following passage, Paul highlights the importance of imitation. He explains that the Thessalonians had faced affliction during their conversion, just as he had, as well as other saints who had converted elsewhere, and even the Lord Himself had faced affliction. Therefore, they were imitators of those who had chosen to serve God despite severe opposition. This was a way of letting them know that they were not alone in their suffering!

    2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

    3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 

    4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 

    5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

    6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 

    7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 

    8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 

    9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 

    10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

    ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

    Holy God in heaven, You alone, are wise and all powerful. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and peace through Christ Jesus. Lord, I desire to be strong in my faith, just like the Apostle Paul was. He, the new converts of Thessalonica, and even Jesus faced opposition for standing firm in Your truth. Sometimes I forget this during my own trials and have fallen into a victim’s mentality, wondering why I have had to face certain hardships. I repent, resolving to look unto You for strength in doing the right thing within every circumstance! Help me to note such faithful examples around me today, imitate them, and enable me to be a better example of service to You for others to follow. It is in Christ’s holy name that I pray, amen. 

  • Can I Be Religious AND Tolerant?

    Many people in our society are quick to point out how Bible-believing Christians are “intolerant.” If you dare present how God plainly condemns homosexuality – then you are “intolerant.” If you speak God’s truth regarding abortion, you again are labeled as “intolerant.” So, the question begs, “Can I be religious – and be tolerant?” That will depend on what definition of the word “tolerant” you use. You see, many people will argue that the “tolerance” they speak of is merely patience and understanding… but is that really their motive? 

    During the Captivity, we read of the young man Daniel who was hand-picked for government service. Daniel was one “in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.” (Daniel 1:4-5) Although Daniel was offered the best to eat and drink, he did not partake because he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8) Daniel was both patient and respectful in his demeanor but would not violate his conscience by going against the laws of God.

    In the Early Church, Peter and John were arrested by the Sadducees for preaching about Jesus’ resurrection. The Sadducees were unable to refute their teaching because they could see the miraculous healing of a man who stood by their side. However, the Sadducees commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John refused to obey, saying that they could not help but share what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:2-20). Later, when they faced opposition for speaking the truth, Peter and the other apostles declared that they would obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

    You might be wondering how these examples exhibit tolerance. These are examples that indeed show patience, understanding, and respect. Daniel and Peter weren’t disrespectful in their demeanor… but they were understanding and patient… while standing firm in their convictions. You see, there is a big difference in the tolerance that some demand… and acceptance! People today aren’t asking you to be merely patient, understanding, and respectful in your demeanor. No – they want your approval for their sinful behavior. Asking me to be patient with a homosexual or respectful toward a pro-choice individual is one thing – but demanding acceptance and approval is quite another. About how we speak upon these matters, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

  • Strength Made Perfect in Weakness

    Paul was a man who had remarkable visions. But, to keep him humble, he was afflicted with a thorn in his flesh. Despite requesting the Lord three times to remove it, his requests were denied. Eventually, Paul understood that he would rather be weak because he realized that his own strength was limited. When he solely relied on himself, he had nothing. However, when he acknowledged his weaknesses, he reached out to the strength beyond himself (the Lord Jesus Christ), which made him truly strong. Based on this realization, he was willing to accept his weakness and afflictions, and even gloried in them.

    7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 

    8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 

    9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

    10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

    ~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

    Holy God and Father in Heaven, great is Your faithfulness! I do not wish to underestimate the abilities that You have granted me, nor do I wish to overestimate them. Whether I am facing challenging circumstances, difficult personalities, adversarial people, or physical afflictions and ailments, I am convinced that all trials, tribulations, and temptations provide an opportunity for me to rely on Your strength! Even when my circumstances seem favorable, I must still rely on You. This passage reminds me not to grow despondent but to glory in the difficult times of life. Please help me to see this more clearly and to embrace every one of my life’s circumstances as an opportunity to rely upon and glorify You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

  • Does the Deck Feel Stacked Against You?

    Photo by energepic.com on Pexels.com

    Time and again, we find ourselves worrying about the circumstances that are out of our control. During the ‘Sermon on the Mount’, Jesus addressed the problem of worry and asked, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27) Worrying about your circumstances will not resolve anything, so what are we to do? 

    Often, our biggest worries come from a mere failure to accept the circumstances we are in currently… and deal with them appropriately.  The apostle Paul found that his circumstances weren’t always the best, yet he proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). His circumstances certainly were not ideal, yet his attitude remained stable. He was able to do this because of his faith and understanding that God gives us the tools to deal with even the most difficult and painful of circumstances. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

    Accepting and dealing with the cards we’ve been dealt might seem easier said than done. However, the fact remains that worry can be a stumbling block to contentment, joy, and even growth. So, the real question begs, “What will your current circumstance matter in the end?” Our focus must be on that which has eternal consequence! “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Let us seek to do the Lord’s will, and deal with difficult circumstances accordingly. 

  • If We Live in the Spirit…

    I am so blessed that God has made me truly loving (of Him, His ways, and my fellow man), joyful (in all things), peaceful (both inwardly and outwardly), patient (in all circumstances and all my dealings with others), kind (with all of my interactions), good (in God’s estimation), faithful (in all things), gentle (even when firm), and self-controlled (in every facet of my life; every fiber of my being). 

    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

    23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 

    24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

    25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

    ~ Galatians 5:22-25

    My God and Father, thank You for renewing me through the blood of Jesus and for the Holy Spirit’s continual working in and through my life! May I continue refining, and realizing these truths to be evident within me, always. Please, let it be so!!

  • Do Not Judge According to Appearance

    During a particular feast, some Jews went looking for Jesus and had many complaints about Him. Jesus explained that the teaching He shared had come from above and that whoever was willing to do God’s will would know whether the doctrine was from God, or if Jesus spoke on His own authority. With motive to kill him, they pretended to not be adversarial, but Jesus addressed their inconsistencies in applying the Law of Moses (John 7:10-23). Finally, he said, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). This passage is often cited to support the idea that we have a right to judge people and that we should do so using the principles of God’s word. However, this is not (at all) what is happening in this passage! These unbelieving Jews had inaccurately assessed Jesus’ motives and had been very inconsistent in their application of Moses’ Law, especially concerning Jesus’ work. Therefore, when Jesus says to “not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment,” He means that we must accurately assess situations and not unnecessarily impugn other people’s motives. Let us prayerfully concern ourselves with accurate assessments of our interactions with others, while also seeking to apply the proper principles from God’s word, in a consistent manner.

    20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?”

    21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. 

    22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 

    23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?

    24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

    ~ John 7:20-24

    Holy God, I understand that sometimes, with my limited wisdom, I may wrongly assess situations, even when I know the truth of Your word. Lord, I desire to fully comprehend the truth of Your word and make consistent and accurate applications of it! Please help me to reason Scripture properly and make reliable observations of other people’s actions and motives. Only you can see what lies within the hearts of individuals. I know that you want me to be perceptive, as you have cautioned me about identifying false teachers by the fruit they bear (Matthew 7:15-20). So, I ask you to open my eyes to gain accurate views of my surroundings and to grant me the wisdom and courage to make the right decisions that align with your will. Amen.

  • As the One Who Serves

    Among children, I find it easy to humble myself due to their innocence and purity. It is humbling to perceive these traits within them, as I know that these same traits within myself have been tainted through years of sinful conduct. Older people are also easy to humble myself before, as they have lived a long life and have a wealth of experience and wisdom to share. However, the real challenge when it comes to humility is being around our peers, those who are our contemporaries. We tend to compare our own experiences and ways of thinking and doing things with theirs, and this can be a dangerous thing. Our egos must be held in check because the Lord does not want us to compete with our peers to achieve a greater position over them.

    24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 

    25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 

    26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 

    27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.

    28 But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 

    29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 

    30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

    ~ Luke 22:24-20

    Holy God and Father in heaven. Thank You for the lessons gleaned from Your holy word concerning pride and humility. The Apostles argued about who among them was the greatest. You reminded them that the desire for greatness is common among worldly leaders, but that is not the behavior You expect from Your servants. I desire to emulate Your Son and serve others with a humble spirit. Please help me cultivate a servant’s heart! I am grateful for the progress I have made in my journey with You so far and ask for Your continued blessings. May I be content with what You provide in my life and remain closely connected to You through your Son, Jesus. May that connection be the driving force in how I conduct myself among others! Amen.