Faithful on Fridays Blog

Take a Moment

I have a question for you today. Do you have someone in your life that you regularly touch base with? You enjoy their friendship, their company, and most importantly, you trust them. You probably know where I’m going with this. Jesus, by His Spirit, wants to be that Someone. His presence in your life is constant and even in the midst of turmoil: He is there. When you are confused about the direction of your life: He is there. When you wake up in the morning: He is there. On your way to work or performing mundane household duties: He is there. When you take a break from your day to eat lunch: He is there. In the evening when your busy schedule draws to a close: He is there. As you lie in bed reviewing the day in your mind or contemplating tomorrow: His presence is still there, it is constant.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1 ESV)

Why not make it a priority, as you prepare your life for His return, to stay in close fellowship with Christ. He will help you turn away from areas in your life that don’t build you up and even hurt you. He will give you wisdom in those areas of confusion and will bring clarity to your mind. He wants to be part of your life every day. Take a moment today, you won’t be sorry. Your devotion to God will give you the peace that you desire because He is the only One who can give true peace. Your devotion to Jesus Christ will help you turn from a bad decision to a good one. You won’t be sorry you took a moment to listen to Him.

In Jerusalem there is one remaining original wall of the Temple Mount. It’s a hot spot today for Jews and Muslims due to disagreement concerning ownership. It’s important to Jewish people because it is a reminder of God’s presence. God spoke to Solomon concerning His Presence; listen to His words.

Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. (2 Chronicles 7:15, 16 ESV)

Luke 18:8 tells us that when Jesus comes back He wants to find faith on the earth. Faith doesn’t come by osmosis, family heritage, or even an original wall; it comes by constant relationship-building moments with Him. He’ll give you the faith you need if you really want it. He’ll never force Himself on you; you seek Him. His desire is that you will touch base with Him regularly and enjoy your friendship. He wants you to trust Him with your life and the life of your family. Take a moment with Him every day.

Many of you know the song The Twelve Days of Christmas but do you know it’s history? I was reminded this year of its origin and realized it interestingly fit with the last two beatitudes from Matt. 5. They both speak of one reason for people calling you blessed: persecution. What does that have to do with the song? Let me explain. In the 16th century Roman Catholics were persecuted in England for their faith. Surprisingly, the persecution wasn’t from non-Christians, it was from other Christians. Yes, in our bleak past, believers have always suffered but not always from the outside. Shamefully, we have tormented one another. This song was written as an memory device for learning Christian doctrine for young Catholics. Here how it goes:

• My true love is Jesus Christ, our returning King.
• A partridge in a pear tree is the Savior, symbolized as a mother who serves as a
decoy to predators to protect her young
• Two turtle doves- Old and New Testaments
• Three French hens- faith, hope, and love
• Four calling birds- four gospels
• Five golden rings- Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament
• Six geese-a-laying- six days of creation
• Seven swans-a-swimming- seven gifts of the Spirit
• Eight maids-a-milking- eight beatitudes
• Nine ladies dancing- nine fruits of the Spirit
• Ten lords-a-leaping- ten commandments
• Eleven pipers piping- eleven faithful disciples
• Twelve drummers drumming- twelve articles of the Apostles Creed

Jesus taught us that there will always be persecution for believers. In fact, He said that if you live a godly life you can expect persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). What could possibly have sustained the believers through the ages to take their stand under threat of torture, imprisonment, loss of income and family? Could it be that their belief in the gospel was reality to them? It wasn’t some cosmic belief system but faith that was experienced and intimate. The Encyclopedia of Christian Martyrs tells the stories of over 200,000 Christians from over 50 nations who gladly gave their lives for Jesus. This beatitude tells us they have great reward waiting for them.

Read Hebrews 11 this week; it’s humbling what others have gone through before us as they stood in the power of the Spirit under extreme treatment. Google some other martyrs and read their stories: Ignatius of Antioch or Polykarp from the first century, the Waldenses, the Inquisitons, Bishops Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer later on. Down through history men and women alike have endured suffering for the sake of the gospel. For us in America it’s a part of faith that we haven’t yet experienced but that’s all the more reason to read their stories and stay current with what’s happening to Christians around the world today. The Voice of the Martyrs is a free publication and website you can read to stay informed in order to pray for these brothers and sisters. What a great New Years resolution this could be, definitely more value than losing 10 lbs. Smile

In 1960, presidential candidate Sen. John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to volunteer 2 yrs. of their life to helping others. In 1961, then President Kennedy, signed an Executive Order to establish the Peace Corps. It’s goal was and remains to be an instrument of world peace and friendship to other countries.

As we approach the next beatitude from Matt. 5 let’s first be reminded that peace, shalom, with God is the initial step in becoming a ‘peacemaker’. As much as I admire and respect the work of the Peace Corps., there is no peace without Jesus first.

Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. (Colossians 1:22 NLT)

I think Jesus’ point was that when you experience spiritual wholeness from God your desire becomes bringing wholeness to others. This desire we have to be a peacemaker creates passion for reconciliation between people in our lives. We, in essence, are enlisted in God’s Peace Corps.

What is reconciliation? You may remember from English Class that the prefix ‘re’ means to do it again. Do what again? Look at the root word conciliate. Even though we don’t hear that word often it’s crucial to understanding re-conciliation. It’s meaning is to overcome hostility by making friendly overtures. Get it? If you are in God’s Peace Corps. then you are His instrument of reconciliation. You are His co-worker and agent. Sound important? It is. It’s so important that He calls peacemakers His children: sons of God.

The holidays are prime-time for reconciliation. Families that are torn apart through unresolved hurt or disagreements are in dire need of a peacemaker. What can you do? Pray and ask God for an opening. Express to Him that you want to bring harmony back into your family but don’t know how. He’ll give you the wisdom and understanding to see both perspectives and speak to them. As a believer in Jesus Christ you have a ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18) in your family, in your neighborhood, in your church, or even at work. Is your desire to reestablish relationships, restore friendships, or reunite people? Pray, express your desire, and listen to that quiet voice of His as He directs you. Your example of seeing different perspectives will make a difference. It may not happen this year but God is a God of action and He will start the ball rolling toward true peace between people through your prayer. Initiate a conversation, send a card, extend an invitation; be an initiator of peace.

St. Francis of Assisi wrote this:

“Preach the gospel, if necessary, use words.”

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18 NLT)

Welcome to God’s Peace Corps! May you plant many seeds this year.

Clear Thinking

Getting ready for the Return of Christ will take clear thinking. As I summarized previously in this series, the scriptures that relate to that magnificent event are vital. Jesus Himself and the Apostle Paul both encourage us to watch our thoughts because they lead to actions. Jesus said that your mouth gives you away. Your heart contains your thoughts and attitudes, good and bad, and you speak from it. That should give you reason to pause for a moment and reflect on what you say. Now I know that many of us can filter our words and look pretty good when things are going smoothly, however, what are your words like when you get angry, frustrated, or disappointed? That is what is in your heart.

Jesus encourages us to do several things to keep our thinking clear and our heart pure: repent quickly and forgive quickly. God knows that we miss the mark of holiness every day, sometimes every hour, but He is also waiting to forgive you when you look at yourself honestly, desire to change, and confess your shortcoming. That is music to His ears and that brings lasting change. In the same way, when someone offends you, it’s vital for you to forgive them. Forgiveness brings peace to your heart and no place for the devil to plant seeds that will grow into bitter roots. Your success in these two actions, repentance and forgiveness, will show you what’s in your heart and help you to walk blameless before Him but it takes self-control and desire.

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. (1 Peter 1:13 NLT)

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. (1 John 2:28 NLT)

Let’s continue to prepare ourselves and our families for the Return of Christ, no matter when it happens, so that we have assurance that we will stand strong. Our marriages need this, our children and grandchildren need this, and our churches need this. Repent and forgive quickly: make this your goal in life.

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23 NLT)

When I was teaching a science unit on weather to fifth graders we discussed the mystery of wind. I explained that even though you can’t see the wind you know it’s real. You can observe its effects in creation: a flag blowing, your face burning with an icy-cold or burning-hot gust, a sound or odor that travels near you. It isn’t tangible, you can’t touch it but you know it’s there. Jesus used wind in his illustration of our spiritual rebirth.

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 ESV)

Our sixth beatitude is pureness of heart. The heart is that hidden part of you (1 Peter 3:4) that only God can know. It’s the place where our desires come from as well as our behavior to fulfill those desires. It all begins in the heart. It alerts us to whether we are living to please ourselves or to please God. That sets the bar pretty high for a believer in Jesus Christ. Our sinful nature drives us to patterns of behavior that make us feel good. God, the Holy Spirit drives us to holy thinking and therefore holy living. Phil. 4:8 gives us a list of things to think on, things that are pure made that list. What we think about we usually act on. True? True.

Sometimes we think that since we go to church almost every Sunday, occasionally read our Bible, throw a check into the offering plate, and maybe even volunteer our time and energy to a worthy cause, we have this pure heart. But Jesus said that unless our righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees we will never enter into kingdom living. The scribes and Pharisees were all about having the right behavior without the right heart. They looked good on the outside but God knew. Our standard is higher, it’s love for God and love for others. Paul tells us:

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. (1 Timothy 1:5 NLT)

What does this have to do with the wind? Watch Jesus’ connection. When you have a pure heart, the right motives and attitudes that drive your behavior, you will see God. You will observe His work in your life, like the wind, and watch your circumstances change. Do you want to see God? Ps. 24:3-6 tells you how. Constantly check your heart, analyze why you do things. God wants you to see that flag blowing, to feel His presence, to hear His voice, and to give you the peace that only He can give. You are blessed when you desire to please God more than yourself: that’s a pure heart.

Watch For Signs

Christmas is the time of year when we tend to get together with people more often. I’ve been with my family in AZ this month and it was great! However, there is planning and preparing that goes along with holiday get-togethers. Shopping, cleaning, decorating, cooking, etc. We want everything just right. I think that’s what God is hoping to see in the Body of Christ: preparing for His arrival, our divine get-together.

Although it doesn’t take any shopping, cleaning, or decorating, it does require some planning. The first planning strategy that I found in scripture is from the mouth of Jesus found in Matthew 24. I don’t have the space to include the whole chapter here but I can give you a summary of four of His main points.

He encourages us be aware of current events around the world and consider them signs. That doesn’t sound very exciting but stay with me. Jesus answered His disciples in these verses regarding the question of His Return and the end of the world. His answer was to watch for signs. Check out these signs:

• wars, famines, earthquakes
• persecution
• false prophets
• rampant sin

Now, I know what you’re thinking… there have always been wars, famines, and earthquakes. Yes, there has. However, Jesus gives us a qualifying statement with all of these signs; they will come like birth pains, increasing in frequency and intensity. In our lifetime we have seen some catastrophic world events: the Indonesian tsunami, the earthquake in Japan, the hurricanes in Haiti and the Philippines. Jesus said these birth pains around the world would be coming slowly at first, then increasing in strength and frequency. Documentation proves this fact.

As far as persecution is reported, Church researchers say there has been more persecution of believers worldwide in this century than in all the centuries before us… combined! That’s a sure sign that His return is near.

False prophets, another sign, are always making predictions. We watch dates come and go and events never occur. Signs.

Lastly, the issue of rampant sin. God is clear on what He determines as good and right. Our rationalizing will never change that. To complete the picture we also need to watch Israel. The prophets of old have given us clear messages from God: Israel will become a nation again, other nations will form a coalition against her, and God will come to her rescue. For the specific passages on Israel check the teaching The Return of Christ from my website www.thecourseoflife.com. Apparently God is serious regarding His chosen people and His chosen, gifted land.

So let’s encourage one another in this: Jesus Christ is returning to this Earth and He doesn’t want us surprised. He wants us prepared and ready.

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. (Matthew 24:42, 44 NLT)

I read about a photographer who once had a woman comment on her photo. “Oh, that picture doesn’t do me justice!” The photographer responded, “Lady, you don’t need justice, you need mercy.” Zing! However true that may be, as believers we have received not the justice required for our sin but His mercy. Today we move into the beatitude that reminds us of the spiritual law of sowing and reaping.

When we come face to face with our sin, the Father of Mercies clears our record and forgives. We are expected, Jesus tells us, to extend that same measure of mercy and forgiveness to others.

With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless; with the purified you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous. (Psalm 18:25, 26 ESV)

What exactly is mercy? Simply put, it’s keeping from someone what they deserve. Someone wrongs you and you didn’t deserve it. Granted. Mercy says, don’t give them what they deserve, release them. We call that a paradox and Jesus loved to use them. A paradox is a seemingly contradictory, even absurd statement that nonetheless states truth. It doesn’t seem reasonable to love your enemies. If they are an enemy, then they hate you. Paradox. Jesus says to turn the other cheek and take it again. Honor your parents, even when their behavior doesn’t warrant it. Submit to your husband, even when he seems wrong. Are you kidding? No, Jesus taught in this Sermon on the Mount how to experience kingdom living. It may be a paradox, it seems absurd, but its true.

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (James 2:13 NLT)

Not only did Jesus teach using paradox but loved telling parables. This is a story with a spiritual lesson interweaved. We don’t analyze every detail but the theme of the whole story. Matt. 18:23-35 is a very serious parable teaching mercy. A king forgives the debt of a servant who owed him much. That same man refused to show mercy and forgive a fellow servant his debt. The king was furious; listen to his response:

Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” (Matthew 18:33-35 NLT)

In this law of sowing and reaping we are taught that if you plant seeds of mercy you can be confident that you will receive mercy. Whatever spiritual seeds you plant, just like natural gardening, you will grow. You don’t plant orange seeds and expect to grow apples, do you? Therefore, pay attention to your heart and attitudes and grow a vibrant garden.

Are you Ready?

I wrote a series last year on the steps to take in your life that will prepare you for the return of Christ. Since it is the season of Advent, waiting for His arrival, it seems appropriate to repost now. During this time of Christmas we reflect on His first coming but Advent includes both appearances. Let’s concentrate for the next few Midweek Messages on His Second Coming.

Prophecy is being fulfilled in the Middle East in unprecedented ways, famines and earthquakes are increasing in frequency and intensity just as Jesus told us (Matt. 24), and nations are forming alliances with each other in preparation to come against Israel. Pretty sobering facts on the international scene but let’s turn to the personal areas of preparation. The nations of the world are preparing … are you?

Scripture gives us ways to ready ourselves however they are scattered throughout the New Testament so I have summarized them into eight strategies. For the next eight weeks the Midweek Message will hopefully encourage you, enlighten you, and even excite you that He is truly coming back. That Day will be like no other. There will be an appearance that rocks our planet with trumpets blaring, angels spinning, and believers rising from the dead. Our bodies will be joined with our spirits in the sky as the Creator of the World rides in on a white horse with the armies of heaven riding with Him. He is not coming as a little baby, born in a stable (really a cave); He is coming as the King of all Kings and Judge of the Universe. Every eye will see Him and every knee will eventually bow to Him. It will be a unique day, scripture calls it the Day of the Lord or That Day and it will be unmistakable. There will be no doubt in anyone’s mind; this is the Lamb of God, the Son of God, and the King of all kings.

This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed. (Habakkuk 2:3 NLT)

This Old Testament prophet encourages us to wait patiently for the Last Day or the Return of Jesus Christ and not allow doubt of it’s fulfillment enter into your thinking. That is my goal for these messages. It will be a glorious day in which our Savior inaugurates a new Kingdom for us. We will not be floating around in heaven playing harps; we will be ruling and reigning with Him over this planet. Hey, doesn’t that sound like Genesis 1:26-28? Good point; it is a fulfillment of that original plan before sin entered our world. Buckle your seatbelt, my prayer is that these messages will stir up passion in you. Forward them to friends and family: all believers need to be ready.