Truth
is not always popular. Depending on the environment, statements that reflect
absolute truth can be downright offensive to many. That is one reason the Bible
instructs us to make sure our hearts are centered on pleasing God even before
we open our mouths. We need to keep in mind the ultimate goal of our
conversation so we don’t get entangled in personal arguments or some defensive
tirade. Peter exhorts us to “set Christ apart as Lord” in our hearts before
considering our contribution to a dialog that requires God’s truth (1Pt.3:15).
That verse also clarifies that we cannot always improvise in these kinds of
encounters. Knowing the volatile nature of competing world views, we should
“always be prepared to give an answer.” Before we find ourselves in these
situations we would be wise to pray frequently and even mentally dialog with
the prevailing philosophies of our day. Lastly, when we are in the middle of
that conversation and we know we have to stand up for what is true, Peter adds
that we must govern our emotions so that we can speak with a decorum of
“gentleness and respect.” Truth may not always be popular, but when we speak it
in love, God may just use our words to accomplish his transforming purpose in
others.
--Pastor Mike
For more devotionals sermons and resources go to http://www.focalpointministries.org/
If
only we were as concerned with our spiritual beauty, as people in our culture are
with their external attractiveness. Unfortunately, like the world, we often fail
to value what God finds attractive. The kudos received for losing a few pounds
or getting a hair cut are seemingly more gratifying than the benefits of a
heart strengthened by grace or a character fortified with patience. But you can
be sure that when the Scripture highlights the comparison between spiritual and
physical attractiveness, our “inner beauty” is asserted to be of “great worth
in God’s sight” (1Pt.3:4). While we may not be complimented by our coworkers
for a beautiful heart, we can know that God treasures the attractive spirit. He
is quick to defend, support and draw near to those who, through thoughtful
preparation, take the time to draw near to him by starting each day with the
question “How does my spirit look today?”
--Pastor Mike
For more devotionals sermons and resources go to http://www.focalpointministries.org/
Rejection
hurts. And unfortunately our Christianity increases the likelihood that we will
encounter it more often. Part of the cost of “taking up our cross” and
“following Jesus” is the harsh reality of “bearing the disgrace he bore”
(Heb.13:13). As Jesus himself said: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that
it hated me first” (Jn.15:18). It is a vain hope to expect the favor of Christ
and the accolades of everyone else at the same time. “Woe to you when all men
speak well of you,” Jesus warned (Lk.6:26). Amid the pain of rejection, our
challenge is to learn to value and cherish the approval of Christ more than the
acceptance of those around us. But that, of course, is easier said than done –
especially when the rejection comes from those we love. In the lyrics of his
inspired song, David is resolute as he sings: “Though my father and mother
forsake me, Yahweh will receive me” (Ps.27:10). While we can expect the pain,
we can also anticipate the incomparable treasure of being embraced by the King
of kings and Lord of lords!
For more devotionals sermons and resources go to http://www.focalpointministries.org/
Some
chide us for “checking our brains in at the door” when we come to a place of
trusting in Christ for forgiveness and new life. But that is not how
Christianity is presented to us in Scripture. The New Testament evangelists
never asked anyone to stop thinking, stop inquiring or stop analyzing the
claims of Christ and the Apostles. No one was asked to just “pray about it” and
“accept this message regardless of the facts.” Paul didn’t wink and ask the
Roman King Agrippa and the Judean Procurator Festus to accept the amazing
claims of Christ’s message and resurrection “by faith” – that is, without
investigation. Instead, he challenged them with a cogent and logical
presentation of the claims and closed with these words: “What I am saying is
true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak
freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because
it was not done in a corner” (Ac.26:25-26). Because the claims of Christ are
true, they hold up to scrutiny and careful examination. So don’t check your
brains in at the door when it comes to biblical Christianity, you’ll need them
to keep researching the themes of redemption, forgiveness and new life in
Christ which are rooted in the historic facts of the biblical record.
The
Bible often reminds us to not forget. It tells us to hang on to what we’ve
learned and to build on the gains that we’ve made in the Christian life. The
goal is not to be nostalgic, but to be sure to “live up to what we have already
attained” (Phil.3:16) “remembering what we’ve received and heard” so that we
can “obey it” (Rev.3:3). This requires purposeful times of reflection and
self-examination, disciplines that are often pushed to the bottom of our busy
schedules. Take some time this week to think of your progress as a follower of
Christ. Think of where you were and where you are now. Thank God for the growth
and memorialize the gains. Credit God with the maturity you are seeing in your
life and resolve that with Spirit’s help you will not forfeit any
advancements. Remember it is only a
matter of time until we see him face to face. So for now, “continue in him, so
that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his
coming” (1Jn.2:28).
Most
of us at, one point or another, have said in frustration “I hate money!” While
that may sound better than the alternative which is prohibited in Scripture
(1Tim.6:10), it is obviously not how God would have us live. God knows we will
have to function in a world run with money. He also knows we will encounter all
the problems and temptations that come with it. But God would have us master
this potentially unruly aspect of life and not be mastered by it. “Master it,”
not by achieving some kind of “independently wealthy” status, but by working
with God’s Spirit to keep all its related temptations and frustrations from
taking hold of our hearts. Because, as many can testify, a bigger income
doesn’t neutralize money’s problem – it usually magnifies it! The biblical
goal is contentment! True contentment may be an illusive aspect of
godliness, but, as Paul wrote, it holds the promise of real “gain” (1Tim.6:6).
Contentment is antithetical to worry, anxiety, greed and covetousness. That
alone should provide us with ample motivation. So today, let’s take stock of
the gifts God has given. Let us, with God’s help, untangle our hearts from the
discouragement and pain that comes from a heightened focus on our financial
challenges. Let us live self-controlled and contented lives that trust in God
and not the things he provides.
Unfortunately,
this side of heaven we will all experience a lot of injustice – much of it
personal. In this fallen world we can count on being falsely accused,
mistreated, misquoted and maligned. Fortunately, none of it escapes the
watchful and loving attention of our God. While our hearts may cry out for
immediate vindication, God’s plan often includes that we learn to wait for our
heavenly Father to straighten things out. Sure, there are times when it is
appropriate to plead our case, provide a clarification or attempt a personal
defense. But often that’s not possible or not appropriate. Instead, God calls
us to a virtuous and faith-filled response. Peter enlists the ultimate example
for our instruction when he writes of Christ’s response to the injustice of his
opposition: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate;
when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who
judges justly” (1Pt.2:23). It may be difficult, but it is Christlike. It
may not provide immediate satisfaction but it is the attitude God will one day
reward.
