Crooked and Perverse World

 Phil 2:15
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

There is no doubt that we live in a crooked and perverse world. A world that is messed up and lost. Evil is called good and good is called evil. The United States of America was founded on that which was good. It, by all means, was not perfect. No doubt, a lot happened in those beginning days that would not be classified as good, but as a rule, God’s word was the foundation on which this great nation was built. The Ten Commandments were the cornerstone of our laws, and there was respect for that which was holy. Today, the moral laws have been totally removed or perverted to defend the evil and wickedness of our day. As Christians, we are called to follow a holy life, a life that reflects the image of Christ. We are ambassadors to be an example of the sons of God. Our life is to be blameless from sin, above reproach, seeking always to put others before ourselves. We are called to be a light in this crooked and perverse nation. To be defenders of the truth without harm to others. We are called to speak Jesus to a world that needs God. We are witnessing in our day a rising of Christians who are stepping out of the shadows and letting their light shine. Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, many have found their voice and declared their faith in Christ, and are standing for what is right and good. Unfortunately, there are those who are proclaiming righteousness, but are not living blameless and harmless. We must face evil with good, show the love of Christ without compromising God's word. It is my prayer that I can live each day in this crooked and perverse world, letting the light of Jesus shine through me. Help me God, to lift up Christ in this messed-up world without rebuke. 

The Good Fight

 1 Tim 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

In school, we would get in trouble for fighting. It did not matter who really started it, fighting was not the way that problems were resolved at school. But fighting back is not always a bad thing. We fight to protect our family and loved ones, we fight to keep our freedoms as a nation, we fight for what is right, and we fight to hold on to our faith. The good fight, the kind of fight where we put on the whole armor of God. It is not a fight of revenge or malice, it is a fight that we may lay hold on eternal life. The good fight is to believe in God, and trust Him that He will fight for us. For it is by His grace, that we are able to stay in the fight. We cannot do it on our own. Laying hold on eternal life happens when we stay true to our faith. Our faith is demonstrated when we fight to do what is right, when we fight to stay true to God’s word. To hold on to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, is what it means to lay hold on eternal life. Fighting the good fight is to surrender our lives to the one who fights for us. If you are wanting to engage in a fight, make it a good fight of faith. Fight off the temptations of Satan, any bitterness that attacks your heart, fight the temptation to speak evil of others when evil is spoken of you. We fight (wrestle) against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12). Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, and trust Him to fight the good fight for us! 

Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3,4
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Perfect peace is knowing in your heart that God has everything under control. Perfect peace comes with the realization that the circumstances in your life that trouble you are working together for good and to achieve God’s purpose. Our minds are complex, and they control our emotions in many ways. Letting your mind linger on your problems only creates more stress and anxiety. There is no peace when you allow your mind to be captivated by negative thinking. Jesus said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Mat 6:34) Perfect peace is achieved when you bring your mind into captivity to the will of Christ. Paul writes,“Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinth 10:5) Satan will do all he can to keep your mind on your problems and things you have no control over. It is his work to keep you from trusting God and leaving your care with Him. Peter writes, “Casting all your care upon him; for He cares for you.” The cares of life have a way of stealing your peace. The death of a loved one, the illness of a family member, financial struggles, and strained relationships are all things that keep you from having perfect peace. A lot is being said today about our mental health and how to maintain a sound mind, but much of our troubles with our mental health are because we fail to put our trust in the One who created us and best knows our mind. He desires to renew our mind and give us the strength to overcome the things in our lives that disturb our peace. Let us practice trusting God for not only the big things in life, but also the little things that can keep us from having perfect peace. 

Learn to Live Godly

 Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

Jesus came not only to die for our sins and give us salvation, but He also came to change the lives of people. Changing our lifestyle, denying worldly lust and all sin does not make us righteous in the eyes of God. All our works and righteous living are but filthy rags in God’s sight. But His salvation in our heart does cause us to live differently. If such salvation does not cause one to turn away from their sinful ways, then one would have to ask if that person really repented of their sins and truly accepted Jesus into their heart. Or one may wonder if they have fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ, and continue to live in their sinful ways. Salvation through Christ will radically change the way we live. The transformation of the heart is done instantly, but learning to live godly is a process and taught as we follow the teaching of the Bible. Only God truly knows the heart and can rightly judge a person's relationship with Jesus. But the Bible speaks of those who were pretending to be followers of Christ, and the Holy Spirit bore witness that they were not of God. Paul warns us to be aware of those who are cunning and deceitful. Speaking of false teachings of Christ. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive”.(Eph 4:14) Jesus says they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Mat 7:15). Though we do not judge one’s heart, we can discern one’s spirit by the fruit they bear. Do they live soberly, righteously, and godly in the world we live in today? There is a state in our relationship with God that we can be perfect in heart toward the things of God. We fall short in our humanity, but a true follower of Christ will seek to live in obedience to Christ and desire to live godly in this present world.

Nailed to the Cross

 Col 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

The handwriting of ordinance was the law that spelled out what was right and wrong. It was first written in stone by the hand of God. His commandments and statues were revealed to Moses how He wanted the people of Israel to live. The sacrifices, the rituals given to God’s people all pointed to the supreme sacrifice that was provided by God when He sent His Son to earth to be nailed to a cross. His death on the cross paid the debt for our sins. Our sins were nailed to the cross. The provision was made for all, for all are born into this world with a sin nature. The fall of man (Adam and Eve) in the garden of Eden set in motion the destruction of humanity, and the curse of the human race. But God, in His love, grace and mercy made a way to escape the punishment and judgment of eternal damnation. Jesus, the Son of God, was nailed to the cross by those He loved. Sin blinded the eyes of man, and they knew not what they were doing. They nailed His hands and feet, they pierced His side, and His blood was spilled for you and me. It was our sins that put Him on the cross. We were dead in our transgression and lost without hope. He gave His life so that we could be born again and made new. This provision is made possible when we by faith, believe that He is the Son of God and accept this gift of salvation. When we believe the nails that were driven into his hands and feet were for our sins. There is forgiveness through Christ who allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross for you and me.