Courage of Your Faith

 Joshua 1:9

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

The enemy is camped all around us. Satan is using people given to their lust and selfish desires to fight against those who have the courage to stand up for truth and the gospel of Jesus Christ. For too long, those who mock God and deny that Jesus is the truth and the way have controlled the culture of this world. Evil is called good and good is called evil. They have rejected the word of God, and have refused to acknowledge that He is Lord. They have become reprobates and haters of God, being deluded by their corruption that they believe their own lie. In the face of this type of opposition, God says to be of good courage and don’t back down from their accusation. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Charlie Kirk was a man who demonstrated courage for his faith and for the word of God. That is what he desired to be known for, his courage to defend and persuade others to give their lives over to Christ. To believe that Jesus could bring them out of their sins. Much has been said since his assassination on September 10th and his courage has been passed on to thousands of believers. Don’t be afraid of what the enemy can do to you. Like Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Today is the time to let our voices be heard, the cry of the Lion of Judah, and roar it across our land. Jesus is Lord and is the answer to our world’s sinful condition. Be courageous and fearless in this present world. God has promised to be with us.

Persecution of Christian

 Romans 12:14
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Persecution has always been what caused the Word of God to spread across the world. It is not new to our generation and certainly not in other parts of the world where preaching Jesus is certain death. But in the USA, for years, persecution has been the ridicule of believers who stand against the evil of this day. In our current culture, evil is called good and good is called evil. The events of this last week have awakened the church of Christ across the world. Being murdered for standing for the truth of God’s word has not happened in the public arena. The murder and assassination of Charlie Kirk has caused a shock wave across America and the world. Charlie was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and preaching against the wicked culture of our day. He proclaimed Jesus on the campus and universities across America with open debate and discussion. His motto was “Prove me Wrong.” He was a master apologist defending truth from God’s word. His murder was an attempt to silence the voice of truth and reason. His words were used by the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sin. Across the liberal media, he is being persecuted for speaking against the woke lifestyle of this age. He is accused of hate speech because he dared to call sin for what it is.  He gave hope to those that were trapped in their sin, he lifted Jesus Christ as the answer to sin and evil. Because he spoke and preached a gospel of deliverance, he was martyred for his faith, and the liberal media is celebrating his death, while the rest of the world is grieving the loss of a man of God who did not fear what man could do to him. Throughout history, those who dare to proclaim that Jesus was the way to God, that He had the power to forgive sin were scorned, ridiculed and even put to death. We curse not those who persecute us, we pray that they will come to see Jesus and know the truth that he died so that we may live. May the life of Charlie put a fire under each one of us to share the grace of God, and not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ..

True Fellowship with God

 1 John 1:6

 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

I call myself a Christian because I asked Jesus to forgive me for my sins and come into my heart. Believers were first called Christians in Antioch. They were given the name because they were followers of Jesus Christ. A man who claimed to be God, a man who gave His life on the cross, shed His blood that the world may be saved. Through Christ, I now have fellowship with God. Christ bridged the gap, and I now can enter into the presence of a holy God through Christ who reconciled me back to my Creator. John says that if you have this kind of fellowship with God, then the way we live our life matters. Living a life of sin, and knowingly doing things that are contrary to what is right, is to walk in darkness. The Bible says that we once lived in darkness, but we are now the light of Jesus, and we need to walk in His light. Continuing to say that we have fellowship with God, and know Christ to be our savior, but refusing to walk in light is to deceive ourselves, and we are living a lie. The word religion has become the catchphrase for anyone who chooses to rest their salvation by keeping rules and rituals. It is true that a religion without a relationship or fellowship with Christ is empty. Yet, if one professes to have a relationship with God, then he or she will be a religious person, and, by God’s help and grace, walk in the light of God’s word. The devil has set spiritual traps along this path we walk. That is why we must walk in the light of God’s word and seek to do what is good and right. Love mercy, do justly, and stay humble before God and others. This is done when we walk a path that is full of light.

Lamp to Light the Path

 Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The book of Hebrews describes God’s word as a two-edged sword. Piercing the heart, revealing the thoughts and intents of the heart. But David in this Psalm likens God’s word to a lamp. A lamp is light that will pierce the darkness. No doubt, God’s word will reveal the sinfulness of the heart as it sheds its light showing us our sin and need for salvation. It is also a light for believers as we walk the path and journey through life. The path is not always clear, and there are times that Satan will attempt to deceive us into taking a path that leads to destruction. When the path is uncertain, we go to the Word, examine its truths and follow its precepts. God’s word will illuminate what is true and what is false. A decision that is contrary to the teaching of God’s word is to ignore the light that is shed on our path, and to walk away from the path that God desires for us. We need not stumble through life not knowing how to live and what to believe is the truth. His word is given to us to show us the way, direct us in times of confusion, and to keep us on the path to heaven. 

Oh, to be a Daniel!

Daniel 6:4
.. but they could find no occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Oh, to be a Daniel! A man standing strong in what he believed. Living a life without error according to the laws of God and His commandments. We can only admire the integrity and character of this man. The pressure was on for Daniel to let down his convictions and give in to the temptation of human preservation. I don’t believe that Daniel was super human, he no doubt made mistakes of human nature, but when it came to the principles of God’s word, he remained faithful. He knew whom he believed in, and was willing to keep that which he committed unto the end of his days. Oh, to be a Daniel! Determine to stand true, come face to face with pending death and trust God to carry him through. We live in a culture where the word of God has been put aside for perverted thinking and liberal progressive ideology. We are the only Bible that others may see. ”Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men” (2 Corinth 3:2) Oh to be a Daniel! A man living holy and blameless in this present world. Such a life is possible living in these vessels of clay. Submitting daily to God’s will is to daily take up the cross of Jesus and live a blameless life before others, that it may be said of us. “No occasion, nor fault is found, they are true and faithful to the God they serve.” Oh, to be a Daniel! Oh, to be like Jesus!

Foundational Truth

 Matthew 22:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

Foundational truth of scripture is critical to have the correct interpretation and application of God’s word. Apologetics, defending the doctrine of Christ, is built on the premises that God is alive and desires a relationship with His creations.  Jesus shined this truth to the Sadducees, they assumed that there was no life after death, and tried to argue their teaching with the God of the universe, the one who laid the foundations of the world, and Himself was the Resurrection of life. If they could only see the futility of their efforts and the err of their ways. The Bible is given to us to show us the way to salvation and guide us in our daily walk with Jesus. The purpose of scripture is to lead us to eternal life everlasting. Understanding scripture for this purpose is essential and must be the foundation on which all other interpretations of scripture are given. In essence, Jesus told the Sadducees, “your premise is built on faulty thinking, you should be focusing on God's power to work in the lives of people, and God’s power to give life everlasting.” It is important that we rightly discern God’s word, for all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Tim 3:16). Jesus is in the Word, and the Word is with us. He has also provided us with His written word that we know the path He desires for us. Let us not get caught up with logistics and philosophical rhetoric to persuade the minds of people, but our focus is on the transformation of lives and showing others the power of God to give new life.

Think on His Word

 Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
The scripture in the days of King David consists of the Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible in the Old Testament. It is regarded as the Law of the Lord. The writing of Moses, the inscriptions of the Ten Commandment, the statues that God required from His people. It is also filled with God’s promises to His people. If they would keep His law, He would be with them and would not forsake them. The man, woman, or child that made the Law of the Lord the focus and centrality of their lives was blessed by God. “Blessed is the man...” The Psalmist writes that this person will be like a tree planted by water, his life will be fruitful and prosperous. We now have the whole counsel of God given to us by holy men of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The message of full salvation, abounding love and grace. We delight in His word, we take the time not only to read His word, but apply the word to our hearts. Take time to think on the teachings of Jesus, muse yourself in His word, hide it in your heart to help you live right and godly in this present world.

Traditions of Men

 Mark 7:9
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Many traditions are grounded in scripture. It is our tradition to always pray for our food before we eat. This is a good practice, and I believe it honors God, but it is not a commandment. Yes, we find examples in scripture where prayer was made before eating. Jesus, gave thanks at the last supper, and we use such examples to do likewise in our daily habits. But there are many traditions that are born out of necessity and become relevant practice in our daily walk with God that are not “Thus saith the Lord.”. Many traditions become habits of life and build character. I believe that traditions are good and should have a place in our lives. But traditions should never keep us from fully following God’s word and being led by His Spirit by His word. His word was given to us over a span of a thousand plus years, holy men of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit.(2 Peter 1:21) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). Let us keep our tradition, especially if it aligns with God’s word, but may it never hinder us from fully obeying God.

Book of the Law

  2 Kings 22:11

 Now when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.

God’s word is like a mirror, (James 1:23) it reveals our sinful condition. People are quick to hold on to the comforting truths that God’s word provides when going through tough times. His word is an inspiration and brings hope and purpose in life. But His word is like a two edged sword, (Hebrews 4:12) it also reveals the darkness of our heart, how all have sinned and come short of God’s will. When King Josiah heard the word of God read, he was struck with conviction, the word had revealed the sin in Judah, and he was responsible to do something about it. Like Josiah, we can open our hearts to God’s truth, walk in the light He reveals to us. Repent and cast away every sin that so easily besets us, and serve Him with a humble heart. For humility brings us the grace of God, that give us hope to live today and all our tomorrows.

Speaking God's Word

 1 Corinth 2:4

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.

Sharing Jesus to others elegantly in persuasive speech is not one of my talents. I’m not an oracle who is able to take the English language and adequately explain God’s word. Yes, I have become very knowledgeable in understanding the doctrine and teachings of Jesus, and the other Apostles, whose words are inspired by the Holy Spirit. Give me time to process, I can do a fairly good job in explaining God’s words to others in writing. But, my mind will often go blank when presented with the challenge of presenting these truth orally when opportunity comes to share His word. Times like this, I have to fall on the power of the Holy Spirit to help me to say what needs to be said. I, like Moses, have challenges speaking in public or to others the words that I have seen others do so adequately. It is through the demonstration of the Spirit that I must depend on being  faithful to speak truth, and provide the message of hope and instruction to live blameless in this present world. Plant the seed of God’s word, and let God do His work. His word will not return void.

Whom I Believe

2 Tim. 1:12 But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. (ESV)

In a world that is no friend to grace, it is tempting to fear what others may think or how they may treat you. To stand firm in a secular world view, one must know with conviction what they believe and to whom they believe in. We hold a trust, a treasure of faith within us. Jesus Christ, a treasure more precious than gold.  The Holy Spirit who dwells within us gives us the power to keep that which we have obtained through faith. The Christian world view is being attacked, and many of the truths that we stand for not politically correct. As the day grows closer to the return of Christ, it becomes more imperative that we don’t stray from God’s word. The Holy Spirit is our guide as He leads us into truth and to stay true to sound doctrine and what is right. 

The Soil of the Heart

Luke 8:15  But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart…

The good news, the gospel seed is God’s word to us. The words of truth, words of salvation, words of how to live to honor and glorify our Creator. Jesus tells us that not everyone receives truth the same. Cultivating the soil of our heart is our responsibility. Willingness to open our heart to truth and obey His word is the first step in preparing the soil of our heart. We need to be honest with who we are and let the Holy Spirit turn over the hard soil of our heart and allow Him to remove the stuff in our lives that hinder a deeper life in God. An honest and good heart does not find excuses and avoid what is good for the soil. It knows that it needs to be plowed and made ready for truth. When the seed is planted, the results are roots that go deep allowing for times of draught and stability to withstand the harsh conditions of life. The type of soil we are is not predestinated, we have a choice in determining what kind of soil we will be. The choice is wayside, rocky, thorny, or good ground. Let God’s seed of truth grow in your life to produce the fruit He desires of you.

The Spirit Leads

Acts. 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

One of the office works of the Holy Spirit is to led people to truth. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the God head plays a vital part in the life of a Christian.  He is the promise of God sent by the Father to guide and direct those who seek to follow the steps of Jesus. He was sent to believers to purify the heart of selfish motives, sent to give power to them to overcome the world, and provide direction in the way we should take. Philip, desiring to share the message about Jesus was led by the Spirit to witness to just one person. The Spirit works in the hearts of men individually. Sharing the good news of Jesus is not only done from the pulpit of the church, but it is made possible when we open our hearts to the Spirit’s leading, speaking God’s word one person at a time.

I Shall Not Be Moved

Psalm 16:8  I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Determination and stability in rooted in a strong faith that God is true and faithful. He will give the strength to stand firm in the face of trouble or persecution. Determination in our own strength and ability will fall short of the goal. Yes, we must be willing to do our part by believing and trusting God. But it is God who will go before us. Determine to stand and not be moved from what is right, not to be moved from the truth of God’s word. Moved away from serving God and living for Him. We live in a day where the fiber of our faith is being attacked and the standard of holy living is being questioned as too old fashion and irrelevant. Cultures may change, but God does not. In the spirit of love and service to our God, we must not be moved from what is right and holy. 

The Messenger

Mal 3:1a Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me….

Because He is faithful He sends His messengers to give words of hope or warning. The messenger comes in various forms and God uses them to communicate to us what we need. The messenger most often will speak through the Word of God. The Bible is God’s message to us. Within the pages of its cover hold the word of eternal life and eternal damnation. Hope and warning is given to all who seek Him in His word. The Messenger is also the man of God, or women of God that proclaims His truth without fear or favor of men. The messenger can also be a friend of a foe who speaks the truth. The truth spoken by a foe may be intended to hurt, but God can use them to reveal or heal. Lastly, God uses circumstances in our lives and the Holy Spirit speaks to us that there is a message for us to learn and be drawn closer to Him. Let us open our hearts to the message that God has for us.

Living in the Word is a Lifestyle

Debt. 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up…  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Living in the word of God is a lifestyle. It consumes every part of our day. The things we do and the things we say are guided by the words that are given to us in the Bible. It is unnatural for a Christian to go through the day and not think on the precepts of God’s word. As a Christian, we are part of the Vine, and the words of Christ flows through our life essence. His word is more than a set of rules and instructions to live by, it is the source of life we draw from to inspire us to keep moving forward. It provides us the promises that God will not leave us or forsake us in our time of need. As we wake up in the morning, and start our busy daily responsibilities, may we keep His word in our hearts, and allow His word to guide our thoughts, words and deeds. Let us make God’s word more than just a good book to read, but may it become our lifestyle.

Teachable Heart

Psalm 119:33  Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

We never stop learning how to walk with the Lord. Growing in the grace of God happens when we spend time reading, thinking, and praying the Word of God. The statues of the Lord are given to us through the Bible. We meditate and learn what His Word says about living a life that will bring honor to His Name. It is not always how much you read, but how you read. Having a teachable heart is to be open to living our lives in a way that pleases Him. Many lessons we learn are done through life’s experiences. His Word give us direction how we said act and react to the things that happen in our lives. As we read His word and hide it in our hearts, He is then able to bring it to our minds in time of need. Learning is best done when we can apply what we have been taught. May we keep is Word in our hearts that we may not sin against Him

Rejoice in His Word

Psalm 119:14, 15.16 “  I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Thy precepts and attend unto Thy ways. I will delight myself in Thy statutes; I will not forget Thy word.”

Sometimes reading and mediating on God’s Word is like a sword. It pierces the heart with convictions and reveals what lurks in the shadows when the light of His Word searches the soul. Rejoicing is not the first emotions that comes to my mind. His law, His commandments show us how sinful we are, and how bad we need a Savior. His Word does not leave us without hope. The testimony of the Lord is to show us that we don’t have to live in darkness and sin, that we can rejoice that He has provided a way to live and to live more abundantly. His Word becomes light that shine before us, leading us day by day to walk close to Him. We have a heart of gratitude, we give Him praise for giving us His Word that we can learn to walk in His precepts. His Word, that became flesh can now dwell in our hearts and fill us with joy beyond riches. 

God Hath Said

Get 3:1 And he said unto the woman, “Yea, hath God said, ‘Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

God speaks to us in many ways, and knowing the voice of God can sometimes be difficult to discern. His Word speaks clearly what He desires of man. His Word speaks of love and mercy, but it also speaks of obedience to His commandments. We are to abstain from the appearance of evil. His commandments tells us to flee youthful lust and sin not. God has said, “Thou shalt… and thou shalt not…” Satan is a master of deceit, and will begin to have us question what God has already made clear. We live in a world where people are always questioning the validity of God’s Word. To appease their own sinful desires, they twist the Word to say what they want it to say. They call good, bad, and bad, good. Satan has perverted the meaning of love and have deceived many into doing things that are unholy. Let us not be fooled by Satan, but let us believe what God hath said. For it has been written, and He has spoken.

Passing the Torch

Psalm 78:6,7 “that the generation to come might know them, even the children who should be born, who should arise and declare them to their children, that they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.

Passing the torch of God’s word and the way of holy living. The desire of every parent who is serving the Lord is to see their children follow God. We raise our children to listen to the voice of God, and to follow His commandments. Worldly influences are always going to be there for every generation. We all see the world differently and work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Culture is always changing and how we simulate our faith within the culture must stand against God’s word. God’s word does not change, and His commandments are not suggestions based on how relative they are to the culture we live in. Sin is still sin. Passing the torch to our children in hopes that they see that God is holy, and Christ is the Savior who died to make us holy. Anything less than this means the torch has been dropped. Let us not forget the works of God. Keep the torch burning.