Week Seventeen - What in the World Can We Do?

Sometimes, we feel like giving up when we listen to the news. We may feel powerless to guide our communities or positively influence what is happening around us. We witness things changing before our eyes that we never imagined would be accepted by society. 

We may think that the world is becoming worse than it has ever been, but if we read our Bible, we will find that the world has always been as evil as it is now. The flood is an example of that, and so is Israel's history, as well as the rise and fall of different cultures documented in our history books. The availability of today's media means that we are more aware of the global problem of evil. 

So, what did the faithful do when faced with blatant evil in the Old Testament, the Roman Empire, the Reformation, and other eras? They remained faithful and did five things continuously, which we can still do in our era.

1) They continually sought the Lord. 1 Chronicles 16:11 reads, "Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually."It is important to remain faithful to God and stay connected with His church. Always keep yourself engaged with the Bible and make sure that you are surrounded by God's love (Jude 21). The more we seek Him, the more we will be able to see Him. Therefore, it is essential to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and not let fear take over.

2) They continued to praise God. Psalm 34:1 says, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 40:10 reads, "Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified."

There is such a supernatural power in praise. According to Isaiah 6:13, we should put on the garment of praise to combat the spirit of heaviness. Praise lifts us to hope. As we seek the Lord, praise brings us thankfulness and comfort. It allows us to look beyond today's problems to the future, a future securely in God's hands. He has already won the battle over evil, so praise Him for this truth.

3) They continued to pray. Scripture teaches us to pray in faith, to come boldly before the throne, and without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). When you examine the prayers of the Bible, you find many recorded during times of great evil, as the faithful knelt before the Lord, pleading for protection and deliverance, and God heard and answered their prayers. The book of Revelation tells us that the prayers of God's people are a sweet incense rising to heaven. These prayers act as a catalyst for final justice, and that's why our prayers are so powerful.

4) They continued to wait. And here is the clincher. We might seek the Lord, find praise in our hearts, and keep ourselves before Him in prayer, but do we understand the instruction to wait? Hosea 12:6 says, "Turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually." We don't know the future, but we do know our God. His promise is, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faith (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting indicates trust and the blessings of waiting are apparent. Waiting indicates we believe God will answer. It gives us time to pray and allows the Spirit to do His work in our hearts. It shows our reliance upon God and demonstrates spiritual wisdom that keeps us from undue trouble or running ahead of god. Waiting reveals our faith in God and shows we look to Him and no one else.

5) They continued to hope. Psalm 71:14 reads, "I will hope continually and will yet praise thee more and more." We serve a God of the impossible. He knows everything and has everything under His control. We can never go wrong placing our hope in Him, for with Him, all things are possible. Instead of trying to figure things out ourselves, we will find greater joy and more praise by placing our hope solely in His wisdom and everlasting love.

This old world is tumbling to its end. We know that to be true. So, what in the world can we do? We can remain faithful, keep ourselves before the Lord with praise and prayer, and wait upon Him to do all things according to the purpose of His will (Ephesians 1:11). We needn't feel desperate or forsaken, for we are not! We have hope. When you read the end of the story, you see that the prayers of the saints are answered. God will make all things right. 

Week Sixteen - Forever Gracious

As we navigate life's storms, I want to share some beautiful truths about God's eternal ways. These truths, which have comforted me in my own journey, remind us that we are not alone. They are like a compass, guiding us toward His wisdom and graciousness.

Spurgeon writes with such eloquence that I may quote directly at times. He is commenting on Habakkuk 3:6, which reads, "His ways are everlasting." 

God is the same yesterday as He is today. He never changes. While we vary and shift, God is eternal, everlasting, and always true. His steadfastness brings us great comfort. When we face scary times, we can rest ourselves in these truths. They are anchors in the storms of life. 

When I faced cancer a few years ago, God placed 2 Timothy 4:17 on my heart, and it sustained me. "Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." Keeping my eyes on His perfection, eternal love, and graciousness enabled me to walk that path in greater comfort and deep assurance. If you are in a storm today or looking for hope, take time to consider today's thoughts.

We can rest ourselves in the gracious consistency of God:

1. Because the Lord's ways are the result of wise deliberation. I love Ephesians 1:11. It has become a stalworth for me. He, God, "worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." Nothing takes Him by surprise or happens that He has not foreseen. He factors our every moment into His ways. Just meditate on that and see if that doesn't amaze you. All things, everything, nothing is outside His awareness, but it is used within His will to accomplish His plan.

2. His ways are the outgrowth of an immutable character. God's attributes are fixed and settled. He is the Eternal One, gracious, faithful, and wise. He acts according to His nature. He knows no shadow of turning. So when you read His Word, you can believe His promises are true. He will not change. He does not lie. He is faithful and consistent to the nth degree. He always loves you. He is always faithful to you. He is always watching over you. These things do not change because God does not change.

3. His ways are the embodiment of irresistible might. Spurgeon writes, "The earth is said, by the prophet, to be cleft with rivers, mountains tremble, the deep lifts up its hands, and sun and moon stand still, when Jehovah marches forth for the salvation of His people. Who can stop His hand, or say to Him, 'What are You doing?' " God has irresistible might. Beyond our comprehension. What does that mean for you? It means God is your defender. No weapon fashioned against us can stand. (Isaiah 54:17) And I love Proverbs 21:30 & 31, "There is no wisdom nor understanding or counsel against the Lord. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord." Our forever gracious Lord is strong in might and wisdom. He is our unconquerable deliverer; nothing can withstand Him. Proverbs 18:10 reads, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Oh, how safe we are in the mighty hand of God! 

4. His ways are the manifestation of the eternal principles of right. His Word will stand. His Word is truth, eternal truth. While "evil breeds decay and involves ruin, the true and the good have about them a vitality which ages cannot diminish." We are eternally secure because we have placed our faith in the eternal principles of God. He will never act outside these principles. We might not understand what He is doing, but that does not change the truth that God is always right and works by wise, unchanging, powerful, and eternal principles. His plan is for final justice. He will make all things right in the end.

These truths are of great comfort in a world spinning to its end. They bolster the souls of the saints in times of storm and uncertainty. Those who know Christ as Saviour can rest solidly in God's forever gracious ways.

So today, if you are facing a storm or deep in the midst of one, grab hold of the anchor of these truths and let Him be your eternal shield. He is forever gracious.

Week Fifteen - Leave a Well in the Valley

A dear friend, Dale Peterson, wrote a book called Leave a Well in the Valley. In it, he recounts God's path through ups and downs, lessons learned, and faith that carried him through. 

A few years ago, my friend Becki and I began reading books written in the 40s by a woman named Marjorie Wilkinson. She wrote in a simple and homespun way to encourage others to follow Christ. 

And in the 1600s, a man named Jeremiah Burroughs wrote two works that have blessed my heart: The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment and An Exposition of the Beatitudes. Comfort and instruction from others often prove serviceable to our spiritual growth. 

These writers, and many others, left a well in the valley for our encouragement. When we read of their journey, we know they have been there before us and dug a well for our supply. These road signs of pilgrims gone before help us see the footprints of faith. How thankful can we be for those who took the time to log their journey?

Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children." This verse isn't just about material wealth but the legacy of faith we leave behind. Money and lands may pass away, but a spiritual inheritance is eternal. We may not all write books, but we can all share our testimonies of the Lord's faithfulness with our children and grandchildren. This is how we leave a well in the valley for them, a source of spiritual nourishment that will never run dry. 

In Deuteronomy 6, we are not just encouraged but urged to speak of the Lord freely and frequently in our homes. Our conversations about God should flow as naturally as water from a well. I can still hear the words of my grandparents as they shared their salvation stories, the times when the Lord intervened in their lives, and the prayers they fervently offered and answered. These memories I now pass on to my children and grandchildren, creating a legacy of faith and leaving a well in the valley for them to draw from.

What are you leaving for others? A well full of faith and encouragement or a dry valley? 

Psalm 78:6 reads, "That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children." Do you see the idea? Each generation is responsible for leaving a well in the valley for the next.

Today is a good time to start digging!

Week Fourteen - Making Jesus Glad

I'm not necessarily a people-pleaser, but I love making people happy. Sometimes, in my desire to create happiness, I overdo it a bit and become annoying or interfering, even if my main motivation is to create happiness. 

I got to thinking about this a bit when I read Spurgeon's comments on a little phrase found in Psalm 45:8, which reads, "They have made thee glad." He challenged his readers to think about how to make Jesus glad and offered four beautiful suggestions.

We can gladden the heart of our Saviour by expressing our love. Just as we love to hear words of loving affirmation, Jesus, too, longs to hear our sweet whispers in His ear.  "I love thee, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you. Oh, my soul rejoice," as the songwriter wrote. 

I know our efforts to love Jesus will never outweigh God's love for us, but our expressions comfort us and delight our Lord. Have you told Him you love Him today?

Our praise gives Him joy. The melody of our heart flowing with deepest gratitude becomes a sweet-smelling savor.  It is called the fruit of our lips in Hebrews 13:15-16. "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."  Well pleased, meaning gratified entirely. When we recognize and praise the Lord for all He does and who He is, He finds joy and gladness.

Our gifts, used for His glory, bring Him joy. God loves to see us lay our time, talents, and substance upon the altar. The loving motivation that springs from such sacrifices gladdens His heart. Our lowly offerings and humble service, done from a heart desiring to please the Saviour, are of great reward.

And Spurgeon's final suggestion was that our holiness brings joy to Jesus' heart. It is like frankincense and myrrh to Him. Spurgeon writes, When you "forgive your enemy, you make Christ glad; distribute of your substance to the poor, and He rejoices; be the means of saving souls, and you give Him to see of the travail of His soul; proclaim His gospel, and you are a sweet savor to Him; go among the ignorant and lift up the cross, and you have given Him honor. " When our lives are lived in holiness, all heaven rejoices.

So today, dear friend, how will your life bring joy and gladness to your Saviour? How will you express your love? Will your tongue sing and speak praise? Is there a gift or service motivated by a heart desiring to please your Lord? And is your life living in holiness before Him so all can see the Light?

Week Thirteen - Be On the Lookout!

Jesus entered Jerusalem to the people's praise and then went to Bethany for the night. He returned to the city the next morning, ready to teach the people more about God and prepare the disciples for the upcoming events. 

You can read this account in Matthew, chapters 21-25. It contains familiar verses and phrases like "all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive." "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away," but there is one phrase Jesus repeated. In Matthew 24:42 and 25:13, we read, "Watch, therefore."  

Be on the lookout! And what for? For His return. 

Over 2,000 years have now passed, and Christians are still looking. Does that mean He isn't coming? Does that mean His word is false or has failed? Hardly. It simply means His return is closer today than it was when He first promised. 

Throughout the centuries, the instruction has remained, "Watch." And not just idly but actively. Jesus' instruction through the parables, woes, and other topics throughout Matthew 21-25 gives us insight into the activity of watching. 

In Matthew 25:1-12 Jesus gives the parable of the Ten Virgins. Five were ready and watching; five were not. In Luke 12:40, Jesus puts it this way, "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

The wise, faithful servant stays prepared, active, and on the lookout. His stance is not one of slumbering or laziness but effective care, service, and due diligence to be ready for the Master's return. Matthew 24:37-41 tells us that life will go on as normal, but one day, there will be a snatching away - the rapture of the believers. 

This week, as we prepare to celebrate our Lord's resurrection, is a good time to be on the lookout and on the look-in! Are we ready? Are we prepared? Are we watching? In a moment when you think not, as He said, He will return. 

Week Twelve - But I Have Prayed For You

Jesus tells Simon Peter, "But I have prayed for thee." Just think about that statement! Jesus, the Redeemer, God incarnate, prayed for Peter. And not only that, He pleads for us. He is our advocate before the throne of God.

What prompted this comment by Jesus was the threat upon Peter's life from Satan himself.  "Simon, Simon," Jesus says, "behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." Jesus didn't say, "Go and pray for yourself." That might be good advice, but that's not what Jesus said. He doesn't say, "I will keep you watchful so you can fight him off." Instead, Jesus assures Peter of His personal intervention through intercessory prayer. The full comment reads, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Spurgeon says, "Little do we know of what we owe to our Saviour's prayers." I find it totally precious and personal that Jesus prayed for Peter, and I find it humbling and amazing to think He would be praying for me. How wonderful to think that Jesus' prayers held back any mischief Satan could have done in our lives.

Spurgeon again writes, "How we shall thank Him because He never held His peace, but day and night pointed to the wounds upon His hands, and carried our names upon His breastplate!"

Notice this. Even before Satan began to tempt Peter, Jesus had already entered a plea in heaven. "Mercy outruns malice." Jesus checked Satan even in his very desire and nipped it in the bud. He entered a counterplea to the heavenly court even before an accusation was made.

"O Jesus, what a comfort it is that You have pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; countermined their mines, and unmasked their ambushes." (Spurgeon)

That brings me to the idea of intercessory prayer. We aren't omniscient like Jesus, but we can pray ahead of time, too. Satan comes to steal and destroy, but the prayers of God's people thwart his plans. Are you praying for your grandchildren? Not just for them as they are today, but for their future spouse and career? Are you pleading with the Lord for their salvation and sanctification? Are you praying for safety over those loved ones who are traveling or commuting? Are you praying for a hedge of protection around your pastor and your church? Satan desires to sift us all, but through intercessory prayer, we call God into future situations.

"I have prayed for you." Can you say that? Are you an intercessor for others?

Week Eleven - The Comparison Trap

Don't you find conversations annoying that are marked by trying to outdo the other person? Where the next story grows grander than the previous, and emphasis is placed on who is better or bigger. It's like playing King of the Mountain with words. 

Here's the thing about comparison: No one ever truly wins. Why? Comparison is a trap of pride; it hinders God's work in your life.

Let's consider a few thoughts.

1) Comparison creates obstacles in relationships. When we participate in comparison, people begin to avoid us. No one wants to be constantly judged and weighed by the words of a prideful person.

2) Comparison hinders our growth. We cripple our development when we play the comparison game because the lack of wisdom heard in our words and seen in our actions overshadows our potential, good qualities, and abilities.

3) Comparison fosters fear and misunderstanding. Verbal bullying and intimidation of others cause them to avoid us and make people fearful that association with us might damage their reputation. We are viewed as power-hungry and insensitive. 

4) It limits our faith and spiritual growth when we are constantly trying to make ourselves look better than someone else. It also blocks fellowship and taints ministry. That must be why God says, "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12

So what should we do? Let's remember that God is not a respector of persons. He views us all equally with love and accountability. We must examine our hearts and see if we are guilty of this comparison trap. 

Do we brag? Do we try to make others look smaller and ourselves look grander? Do we feel the urge to compete or feel we must be seen? If so, these are signs of immature and prideful thoughts.

It would be best to entrust ourselves to God and refrain from bragging and showboating. When we stand before Him, there will be no place for comparison. We will stand alone and answer solely for ourselves. How much sweeter and wiser would it be not to be found guilty of comparison?