Tag Archives: faith

Leaving All to Follow Christ

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Driving across I-77 through Columbia, SC, I grew up looking out my window and seeing some swampy wetlands that could not be built upon. Once, I remarked to my dad how great it would be to live on such an open prairie, but he quickly informed me about the marshy area’s unsuitability for construction. Fast forward about 15 years, and news broke in the local community that a contractor had bought all that land to build a neighborhood hub. After years of litigation, he ultimately had to relinquish the land upon realizing he couldn’t develop a marshy wetland. Despite his initial aggressiveness in acquiring the land and gaining much notoriety, he was left embarrassed, unable to finish what he started. On the one hand, I can admire someone’s zeal and readiness to initiate such a significant project, investing resources I could only dream of. But on the other hand, it reminds me of the wisdom found in counting the cost, as Jesus advised:

25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 

26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.  

27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—  

29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,  

30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? (Luke 14:25-30, NKJV)

Jesus emphasized that following Him requires a life defined by complete and utter devotion. He taught that one’s love for Him should be so profound that it eclipses all other relationships, even those with parents, spouses, children, and siblings. This calls into question the concept of self-sacrifice in Christian belief and challenges individuals to consider whether they are genuinely willing to dedicate themselves to following Jesus.

If Jesus had left it right there, it would appear that people can accept or reject Him as Lord with no future challenges. However, Jesus did not conclude His message by advising individuals to weigh the cost of accepting Him as Christ, implying that one could walk away without consequences. He continued in this manner:

31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  

32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.  

33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:31-33)

Suppose a great army was approaching, and you realized you lacked the resources to stand against such a force! Wouldn’t it make sense to do everything in your power to seek conditions of peace from this impending threat? You would aim to make peace, likely accepting whatever terms the more potent force offers. The spiritual parallel here is significant; Jesus is returning to confront those who have opposed Him (Rev. 19:11-21). God has outlined His conditions for peace, Jesus is one day coming in vengeance with His mighty angels (2 Thess. 1:8-9), and I would like to know what those conditions are and how we can accept them (Rom. 3:21-26; 6:1-7, 23). It’s essential to read the Bible and pray to understand this better. The terms Jesus offers are non-negotiable, and rejecting His call to discipleship carries eternal consequences (John 5:25-30). Someday, everyone will recognize His authority (Phil. 2:9-11). Let us humbly accept His terms of peace and embrace the path of discipleship now.

Superficial Versus True Christianity – The Choice is Yours

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Maybe it’s just the algorithm in my social media, but many people (even high-profile ones) are taking a stand against many of the evils in our society. Additionally, many are even invoking the name of Christ in their speeches, which, on one hand, gets me very encouraged. On the other hand, I’m mindful that there can be a superficial calling upon the name of the Lord that has no substance, and doing that kind of thing can lull us into a false sense of security (Matt. 7:22-24).

I can remember when this country was brought to its knees, so to speak. On September 11th, 2001, thousands of American lives were lost because of horrible acts of evil, and as a result, there seemed to be a great awakening among our fellow citizens. Even among the politicians in Washington, it seemed people were putting away their differences to do what was right. On television, they held hands, sang gospel hymns, and attended church services. Furthermore, Americans were united with a greater sense of patriotism. But how long did all of that last?

We ought to learn from the history of God’s people. Jeroboam II ruled when the nation of Israel seemed to flourish (2 Kings 14:23-29). Israel’s military was powerful. They had expanded their territory to the furthest reaches since the days of King Solomon. Politically, they appeared to be strong on the world stage. Economically, business was booming! The problem was that the people (including their leaders) weren’t genuinely seeking after God, and as a result, the end came very quickly, and the Assyrians soon toppled them (2 Kings 17:1-41). All those blessings during Jeroboam’s time almost make it seem like God said, “If you would turn to me, things could be so much better. This is how it could be if you genuinely sought after Me and followed My ways.” Unfortunately, that was not the case for Israel, as their ascent was based on superficial means.

I perceive an opportunity for our great blessing here within our borders. Who doesn’t want our military to be strong? We want righteousness to prevail over wickedness socially. We want the economy to be robust. We want peace and brotherly love to reign. Many wish for Christianity to flourish. Still, if it’s just going to be some superficial Christianity that we embrace, if we’re going to be weak in our convictions, or if we’re going to be halfhearted — that’s not going to cut it. We need complete allegiance to Christ. Satan would love nothing more than for you to have a false sense of security in America’s military, our economy, and even brotherly love. But at the end of the day, all those fears that people have about how things may have been going for some time will ultimately come to fruition if we do not seek God wholeheartedly (Mark 12:30).

As an individual, I pray for an awakening among the borders of the land where we dwell. I pray for a worldwide GREAT awakening (2 Tim. 2:1-7). But God Almighty, please do not let me not fall prey to a false sense of security or even a false message of who You are and what You want from my life (Col. 2:8)! Reveal Your true character to me through Your word, Father. Moreover, reveal to me (through Your word) the one TRUE Jesus (2 Pet 1:4; Col. 1:27). I pray that all honest hearts will find You (Matt. 7:7-8), and may Your people capitalize on this time of great potential to manifest true godliness within our local sphere of influence (Matt. 5:11-16). Amen.

Overcoming Bitterness

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Though not everybody continually struggles with bitterness, there are plenty of warnings against the matter in Scripture. These warnings are not just for people of the world, but, for Christians (Eph. 4:31). Therefore, bitterness must be an issue that some struggle with. It’s also crucial to recognize that even if we don’t feel overwhelmed by bitterness, it can creep in slowly and subtly, impacting our relationships with others and even our relationship with God. It prompts us to ask ourselves: What signs of bitterness might be present in my life, and how can I address them with compassion? The effects can be profound, leading to unfair treatment of those around us and damaging the bonds we hold most dear. 

Bitterness often arises from unforgiveness, and when we allow bitterness to take root, it creates barriers that hinder our spiritual growth, preventing us from experiencing the love, joy, and peace that God desires for every one of us. Unresolved anger is also one of the key elements that can lead to bitterness (Eph. 4:26). This kind of anger often lingers when we don’t take the time to process or address it adequately. Many people, like us, may find themselves replaying past hurts and feelings of injustice, making forgiveness much more difficult. It is also common to feel envious or resentful when we perceive others as happier or more successful than we are (Matt. 6:22-23). This can lead to a cycle of self-criticism and negativity that affects us and those we interact with (James 2:13; 4:7-10).

Maybe you don’t feel like you possess a bitter spirit toward anyone, but I understand that even tiny seeds of resentment can hold us back from experiencing a more profound connection with God and others (Heb. 12:15). The Bible discusses the need to forgive others, emphasizing that our forgiveness of sins from God is closely tied to our willingness to forgive others (Matt. 6:12, 14-15). If someone has hurt us, we should approach them with a desire not just to highlight their wrongs but to seek restoration for both their and our peace (Prov. 28:23; Matt. 18:15-16). As the Apostle Paul instructs, we should strive to live at peace with everyone, recognizing that this is a path toward healing and growth for all involved (Rom. 12:18).

Oh my God, I realize that some matters weigh heavily on people more than others. Although I do not often feel overwhelmed by these struggles, I have noticed times when bitterness has crept into my own heart. Please help me focus on the blessings in my life from You and guide me in processing and dealing with my emotions more healthily. Help me move past the hurt I have experienced from others and grant me the strength not to envy those doing well. I want to continually cultivate a more hopeful attitude regarding my salvation, and also desire to possess a forgiving spirit. Grant me the wisdom, strength, and boldness to address any issues that arise with others openly and sincerely. God, I long for peace with You and harmony with Your people. Help me in ever-experiencing true contentment, oh God! Amen.

INTENSITY OF FOCUS

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With my faith, there are times that I feel very strong and other times that I feel weak. Perhaps some of that is because my emotions are up and down from one day to the next, and I shouldn’t give in to every whim on how I’m feeling today as a barometer to spiritual wellness. That said, I wish to GROW IN BEING MORE CONSISTENT WITH MY INTENSITY OF FOCUS! Perhaps this devotional will grant me some things to meditate on and pray about. 

Spiritually speaking, GOD DOES WILL for me to have A DIALED-IN APPROACH to my spirituality. And I do need to be EVER MINDFUL in the pathway that I’m currently on. Every one of my heart’s intents should be aligned with God’s and doing that will inevitably lead my actions to follow suit. The wise King Solomon put it this way: 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27)

Of the many things that I probably allow to hinder my growth, looking too much in the rearview mirror of my life has stymied my progress. Though I do want (and need) to learn from my mistakes, the last thing I want to do is live in the past. God, PLEASE ENABLE ME THE PROPER FOCUS, AND MAY I TAKE CONTROL OF MY OWN THINKING to the extent of imitating Paul in the matter of intensely focusing/capitalizing on the opportunities in front of me: 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

There is something to be said for the fact that this world will pose its challenges. Something I cannot control are the racing thoughts that enter my mind from time to time, because of those past failures, or new information that pollutes my thinking. I would even say that too often, I am given over to mindless consumption of entertainment. God, I resolve to actively pursue that which will ENGAGE MY INTENSITY OF FOCUS: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

Many things have an outward appearance of wisdom (things of this world, intellectualism, philosophy, etc.), but I pray that setting my mind on things above, and MORE INTENSELY FOCUSING ON BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES will enable me a fuller, richer, and more rewarding service to You, God! I will truly embrace the gift of being risen with Christ, seeking those things that are above, with the earnest expectation of nobler things! 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)

Till the Storm Passes By

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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

Traumatic Experiences

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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

The Philippian Jailer & Faith Only

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Those who promote the doctrine of salvation by faith only often point to the story of the Philippian Jailer as evidence that all sinners need to do to be saved is to believe. But does not the Bible also teach that sinners must repent (Lk. 13:1-5)? The doctrine of faith only would exclude repentance as a condition of forgiveness, since faith is not repentance. Does not the Bible also teach that sinners must confess their faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10)? The doctrine of salvation by faith alone would exclude confession as a condition of salvation since faith is not confession. One may believe in Christ yet be unwilling to confess Him (Jn. 12:42-43). The Bible also teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), but the doctrine of salvation by faith only excludes baptism as a condition of salvation. The doctrine of salvation by faith only would thus exclude repentance, confession, and baptism as conditions of salvation, which contradicts the teachings of the Bible. Therefore, salvation requires not only belief in Christ but also active faith, repentance, confession, and baptism into Christ for the remission of sins (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 2:36-39).

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 

28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 

30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 

32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 

33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 

34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

~ Acts 16:25-34

24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

~ James 2:24-26

Delivered to Conquer

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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

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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.  

He Is Able to Aid Those Who Are Tempted

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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.