Proverbs 13:22-25 – “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. 23 Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice. 24 He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. 25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need.”  NASU

            Clearly this passage speaks, at least in part, about monetary wealth or possessions but it goes far beyond that and speaks to LIFE and LEGACY.  I have spent most of my adult life in full time preaching ministry and the monetary reaping was not so large that I had a continual overflow of finances. In fact, much of the time we made ends meet, had a little to give to the causes God placed before us, and little to set aside for retirement or a rainy day.  We did not lack but we did not have abundance and were content.  What we will leave behind for our children and grandchildren in terms of money and possessions may not change their lives dramatically but what we leave behind in other ways will, should, or could.

             The writer of this proverb states that leaving an inheritance to your grandchildren is not only commendable but an act of goodness or righteousness.  I suggest that while that is without doubt speaking of the monetary it speaks far more than that.  He also says that the wealth of the sinner or wicked is being held by them until God chooses to put it in the hands of the righteous.  We find many qualifiers regarding that in scripture and it is always linked to furthering the Kingdom of God and the Gospel.  He also says that the poor have the ability to achieve prosperity in saying, ‘abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor.’ He also identifies that they are abused by injustice, the system, and men. God sees it and as we are told in the Psalms that to ‘give to the poor is to lend to the Lord’. 

             He then shifts gears a bit but stays in the life and legacy mode in saying that if we ‘withhold the rod we hate the child, but if we love we discipline’.  That is teaching them LIFE principles and leaving them a LEGACY that they can pass on to their children and in so doing we are leaving an inheritance of godliness and morality to our grandchildren.  He also tells us that the righteous have enough but the wicked person’s eyes and desire are never satisfied.  Why?  The righteous have God and He fully satisfies and gives us calm confidence as we face today, tomorrow, and eternity.  The wicked are full of self and in that comes the traits of greed, envy, and lust for position and power and that is never satisfied.

            So the writer is speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit of God and gives us some critical keys for LIVING LIFE and LEAVING A LEGACY.  It is never too late to begin to LIVE and never too late to begin working on the LEGACY you are leave to those who come after you.

            May God be with you as you go through your day!

Matthew 21:23 – “Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”  NKJV

            When you stand for right and good you will be challenged as to the source of the authority from which you speak and act.  Those who do not believe the Bible is the Inspired Word of God or even believe that God exists will not accept your position that it is biblically based and from God.  The Bible is sufficient for you as well it should be but you will need to articulate and demonstrate beyond just the words of the Bible.  If you are standing on God’s authorization then your words, actions and life must be backed up by God’s power, person, and provision.  He must be manifest in your life or they will continue in their disbelief and may anyway but if your life manifests Him they may become as Saul on the Damascus road when he was transformed and became Paul the apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            I recall the account of David and Goliath and one of the keys of David’s heart and victory was revealed in his declaration to the giant standing before him.  In 1 Sam 17:45-47 we read, “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”  NKJV

           David recognized the situation and knew the source of his authority and strength.  He fearlessly stood in the face of death and made his declaration with confidence for He knew whom he had believed and was persuaded that God would do what God promised.  Sadly, too often we go with swords and spears rather than the Name of the Lord.  We retreat to the weapons of man or man’s wisdom rather than the Word, Spirit, and Power of the Lord.  God has given us the armor and weapons.  If we know that we are going in God’s authority then we must go with faith, boldness, and confidence.

             I have tasted the victory that comes in facing a seemingly overpowering obstacle.  My victory did not come through the weapons of man but as I was protected by the armor of God and utilized the weapons He provides for warfare I saw giants fall, walls crumble, and obstacles turned into smooth paths.  I have also failed and relied on the arm of flesh. We have two courses set before us and we can choose the path we travel.  I stand with Joshua as he declared to the people before entering Canaan, “Chose this day who you will serve.”  He then declared, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”  I choose God who chose me and I am fully confident that He will do what He promised to do!

             What authority?  Any authority, power, or ability I have is directly connected to God, His Word, and His Spirit.  It is Christ in me the hope of glory.  Jesus said in in Matthew 28 – “All Authority is given to me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore…..”  We go in His authority and power!

            May God bless you as you go through your day!

1 John 3:13 – “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.” NKJV

            Most of us like to be liked and want people to love, respect, and appreciate us.  Some will go to extraordinary lengths attempting to achieve that goal even to the point of setting aside biblical knowledge and core values becoming politically correct and trying desperately to be tolerant and inclusive.  Usually that results in rejection and disrespect rather than causing one to be loved, respected and appreciated.

            I was working on a secular job a few years ago and when the new General Manager was introduced I sensed something in him that caused me to know that the spirit residing in him was in immediate conflict with the spirit living in me.  Nothing was said and there was no reason for him to think anything about me one way or the other but I knew it.  I came home and told my wife that this man would be doing everything he could to discredit me and to get rid of me.  In just a few days he began his incessant work to label me in a negative manner, question every action and resulted in me transferring to another department where I excelled.  To his shagrin each position within the company I labored I proved to be a valuable employee producing at a high level.  He began doing things that were unethical and although the bottom line numbers were increasing, the owner came to me and pointedly asked about various things knowing I would tell him the truth.  With God continually giving me favor and enabling me to perform at a high level in every area I worked my opinion became valuable and my character respected.  This man was eventually terminated and there was even question as to whether criminal prosecution might transpire.

            The only real reason he turned on me was the fact that I was a Christian and he was of the world and that spirit in him hated the presence of God in me.  My presence made him uncomfortable and that spirit in him knew that the Spirit of God in me would recognize what was happening and would become a hindrance to his methodology.  I often wonder why Christians are so disturbed when the world demonstrates hatred toward them.  The Bible clearly told us it would happen and truthfully Jesus identified that as the norm.  I am not suggesting that you should not want people to like you but if you live your faith the devil will hate you.  I certainly am not saying carry your big bible and beat people over the head with it.  I am saying allow Jesus to be manifest in your life.  Many times you have to say very little for it is reflected in your attitude, work ethic, and character.  Then when you speak words saturated with love and genuine compassion they have a powerful impact.

             So rather than focusing on trying to get everyone to like you focus on living your faith pleasingly before God.  If you manifest true biblical Christian character your witness will be strong and the devil will work overtime to attack you.  Be encouraged the Lord knows what is happening and as He did with me, I’m convinced He will give you favor and allow you to move around as you need to protecting you from the fiery darts of the enemy. 

            So as you go through this day go in the knowledge that the world will hate you because of Christ in you but Christ in you is the Hope of Glory!  Be encouraged!   Blessings upon you as you go through your day!

Philippians 3:12-16 – “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same  standard to which we have attained.” NASU

            I am convinced that a major principle in spiritual maturity is realizing that you have not arrived!  The apostle Paul, a man stretched beyond that of most, tested beyond most, and yet is able to make this amazing declaration.  He said, “I have not attained.”  He confessed that he had not achieved the ultimate in spiritual growth but he refused to look back and focus on the past but was ‘pressing in’, ‘reaching for’ the attainable in Christ.

            I love the translation of the word ‘teleios’ in the Greek which means COMPLETE with regard to labor, growth, mental, and moral character.  It means a mature person.  So Paul is saying that those who are ‘spiritually mature’ have the attitude that they have not arrived but are pressing in to attain the attainable in Christ.  They are to refuse to let the past sidetrack them and have their eyes on the ultimate goal in God consistently.

            I watched a situation once where a person lived several miles from the church yet no matter how difficult it was he found a way to attend services and other activities.  Then he moved near the church and was frequently absent.  He confessed to me that when it was difficult he stayed focused but when it became easy he was easily distracted and sidetracked.  That is so true in many lives and one of the reasons that there is growth in persecution.  In those times when we know that we have not made it and have to stay focused to have that relationship and fellowship with God we grow.  In times of ease we sometimes take things for granted and allow little things to distract or sidetrack us.  I am not saying we should pray for persecution or difficulty but rather we should become so complete in our commitment and focus that in times of ease we take advantage of the open door rather than allow distraction.

            I want to be a vessel in the Master’s hands that is usable, a tree in His orchard that produces fruit in abundance.  I want to be a light in His lighthouse.  I want the gifts He has deposited in me to be fully used and beneficial to the church and kingdom.  I want to attain the attainable spiritually.  I want Christ in me to be manifest to the world in such a powerful manner that when they see me they do not see me but Him who lives in me.  I want my life to be a demonstration of His Love and Life!

             May God be with you as you go through your day!

Romans 4:1-4 – “What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?   2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”   4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.”  NKJV

            The human heart, as a result of the Fall in the Garden of Eden, is bent toward wanting to deserve our Salvation and God’s Mercy.  I am quite serious in that statement.  I cannot tell you how many times I have had people tell me that based on what they were doing, had done, and planned to do in comparison to others they felt that were okay with God.  Their ‘works’, in their minds had ‘earned’ them a spot in heaven.  In some of those cases no matter what I tried to do or say they could not or would not receive it and preferred to live in their self-justification mode, content with their list.

             As Paul reminds us if Abraham was justified by works then he would have something to boast about but that Abraham ‘believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’  His FAITH and TRUST was what brought to him God’s Grace not his efforts of the flesh.  Paul makes a powerful statement in the last sentence that if we ‘work’ and if spiritual things were on the basis of works then it would be a ‘debt’ that God owed us not GRACE.  We read in Ephesians 2 that it is ‘by grace’ that we are saved and not of ‘works’ lest we should boast that it is not the result of anything that we have done other than TRUST GOD that brought about our salvation and forgiveness.

            Remember the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Jesus referred to in Luke 18 where both went to the temple to pray and the Pharisee self-righteously puffed out his chest and proudly declared, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’   Then He turned the focus to the tax collector who repentantly stood and would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’  Jesus identified the one that received God’s justification was not the man of ‘works’.

             I am not suggesting that ‘works’ are unimportant only that they will not save you.  I am equally convinced that while you cannot work to earn your salvation if you have salvation you will work.  I believe that faith demands that works become a normal part of life.  It is not to earn something but because of the free gift that we have received that we have a heart for the work of the Kingdom.

             Remember as you go through this day that your salvation was not earned by anything that you have done or will do but by God’s infinite and awesome GRACE!   So may God be with you as you go through your day!

Psalm 14:1 – “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.”  NKJV

             You just read the text and my title and probably have a question so let me answer it without you having to ask.  Most of us would never utter the words, “there is no God” but too many times we live as though He either does not exist, is blind, or disinterested.  He is none of those.  He is not blind and is very interested in the details of our lives.  If you remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 10 that not one sparrow falls without God’s approval and the hairs of our heads are numbered.  Now does that sound like a God who is disinterested?

            David declared in Psalm 139 that there was no place to hide from the ALL SEEING EYE of God so I ask, ‘does that sound like someone who is blind?’  The Hebrews referred to God as THE LIVING GOD as distinguished from all other gods and religions in their world.  Remember when the disciples went to the empty tomb and the angel informed them that Jesus was not there but risen.  Then they encountered Him and went forth touching their world because HE LIVES.

            Yet, how often do we commit acts, entertain thoughts, harbor resentment and more as though God either was not living, blind, or disinterested.  It is not enough to just not say something if our actions or words express that we believe what we have not said.  The world watches us and as has been said truly we are the only Bible some people will ever read.  The gospel according to our lives is incredibly important for it could mean the difference between life or death spiritually for someone.

             I had a gospel singer once tell me that although he was not living as he should he was just singing the message not proclaiming it so it was okay.  Seriously?  Is that what takes place in a worship service we sing it and somehow do not think that is the same as saying it or that our lives should back up what we sing as well as what we say?  If God knows our hearts, and He does, would it not behoove us to have our lives match our words? 

            I am not trying to beat anyone up but felt compelled to remind each of us that it is not just what we do not say but what we do and think as well.  I am all for not sinning with our lips and while we may say all the right words the heart is the real issue and focus.  We would mostly concur that it would be the words of a fool to say, ‘there is no God’ but what is it when our lives say that very thing?

             May God be with you as you go through your day!

Psalm 8:3-5 – “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?  5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.”  NKJV

            I love the outdoors and spend as much time there as I can.  I love being in the woods and just watching the handiwork of God in nature.  This world is truly the work of an incredibly talented artist and I have had some of the most wonderful and humbling experiences just sitting on a hillside or near a stream and watching one of God’s spectacular sunsets.  I have been at a campsite and looked heavenward and saw the endless array of stars and watched as a meteor shot across the sky as I listened to the creatures of God’s world break the stillness of that peaceful place.  I have stood in awe as I looked up at some of the most majestic peaks or looked down from a ledge on one of them across canyons brilliant with the colors of nature and time.  Each time I am warmed by the confidence that this design was the work of a designer and humbled at how insignificant I am in comparison to it all.  A mere speck!

             Yet, I know from the Bible and personal experience just how much God cares about his creation called man.  He loves man more than he loves all the rest of creation.  I can say that because God says it and He demonstrated it at the Cross.  He continues to demonstrate it with the wooing of the Holy Spirit drawing a rebellious sinful creation to Himself.  His love for us is boundless and although man has continually rejected Him He still reaches out to us offering SALVATION.  That is nothing short of amazing but such is God’s grace!

             The humbling reality that He has chosen us to spend eternity with Him as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus is amazing!  Man rejected God in the Garden and continues to reject Him in so many ways today and yet GOD still loves us and desires to bring us to Himself.  If you have difficulty believing the power of God just look at this world, the design, the beauty, the intricate detail.  If that does not convince you then consider the design of the human body with all the nerve paths, arteries and veins, organs, and the function of the body.  If you want me to believe that this all just happened you should have gotten to me before I saw the first sunset for after than I was hooked on God.  I did not immediately serve Him but I have never doubted His existence and will not doubt.

            Oh Lord, thank you for your creation that we are allowed to experience and utilize.  Thank you for your daily provisions and endless love.  Thank you for making a way that my sins could be washed away and my name entered in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Thank you for giving me help for today and hope for tomorrow!   If you are low make plans to watch a sunset and I believe something will stir inside your heart.

            May God bless you as you go through your day!

Genesis 3:1-5 – “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”  2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'”  4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  NKJV

             The serpent’s challenge to whether Adam & Eve would die is often viewed by detractors as proof that the Bible is false for they argue Adam & Eve ‘did not die’ after eating from the forbidden tree.  Was he right or was he wrong?  In some measures both but ultimately wrong!  Let me explain what I mean.

            I believe that in the Garden Adam & Eve would have lived forever in their natural state had they not ‘sinned’.  Sin brought death to the human race both physically and spiritually and although they did not die immediately physically the process began but spiritually death was immediate.  They lost their innocence, learned fear and shame, and their fellowship with God was immediately altered.  In a very real sense THEY DIED upon disobeying and in their actions they, by an act of rebellion, shifted the center of their universe from God to self and in so doing came under the domain of darkness or the ‘god of this world’.  It was a failed attempt of the devil to overthrow God and failed as miserably as his first attempt that got him thrown out of heaven.

            Obedience, confidence, and trust were the issues and they failed on all points.  The serpent appealed to their egos as he apparently managed to do with one-third of the angelic creation and once the lust for immortality and becoming a little god was birthed destruction was imminent.  There was nothing magical in the fruit of the tree, in my view and could have been an instruction not to cross a particular stream at a particular place.  Its purpose was for testing obedience and once they allowed self to move to the center then their eyes were opened to evil and that always tends to blind or block out good if nurtured.  It is not that evil is more powerful than good but it appeals to the flesh so powerfully that the mind seeks it out, justifies it, reconciles it, and adopts it calling it good.

             Thorough the years I have person after person tell me all the things the devil had been saying to them that were causing them problems and bringing temptation.  My question has always been the same, “Why are you listening to him?”  The Bible says he is a LIAR and the truth is not in him.  The Bible says that he is a DECEIVER and comes as an angel of light.  The Bible identifies him as opposite of everything good so why would you spend any time listening to him?  Why would you listen to his false promises?  WHY?   Instead go to the source of Life and read His words allowing them to feed your soul, build up your spiritual immune system, and equip you for dealing with the diabolical deeds of darkness.

            The devil always presents an element of truth wrapped in his lie so that he can trip you up.  Reject anything and everything he says, impresses upon you or brings into your path.  Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice and follow Me.”  Learn His voice!

             May God be with you as you go through your day!

James 1:2-8 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  NKJV

             I have preached from this text many times and each time I read the first words of the sentence number one I have the same reaction.   Are you kidding me?  I am supposed to not just count it JOY but ALL JOY when I have trials, tests, and troubles!  Seriously?   YES!!!!   There is a parallel study in the Book of James that reveals the characteristics of the twelve sons of Jacob and it is powerful but that for another time.  Here I focus on the question, “Has James lost his mind or is this truth that really works?”  Well, I have proven this in my life so I can testify that it worked for me and works for me.

             James identified an important factor that too often we, as believers, want to avoid, TESTING or the testing of our faith.  Faith is not really faith unless and until it has passed testing.  It is more theory than faith because ‘biblical faith’ is rock solid, unmovable and sure.  It is convinced with conviction!  James gives us some important aspects and results when we follow the prescription and learn the JOY of REJOICING!

            Tests of faith produces PATIENCE and who among us could not use more patience?  But it is not just patience as in tolerance but patience as in willingness to WAIT ON GOD.  It is learning this biblical patience that we reach a place that our faith is as granite and our confidence in God absolute that we WAIT and in waiting we lack nothing.  James then seems to shift gears but it is all connected for he said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…”  Do you need wisdom in any area?  Ask.  However many of us need wisdom in waiting because we are normally an impatient people living in a microwave world of instant everything. 

            James also tells us that our waiting and asking is to be done without wavering.  We cannot be double-minded or vacillate back and forth for in that condition faith cannot live and will wither into nothingness or blind hope not assured confidence.  It is learning to find reasons to rejoice no matter the situation and knowing that this temporary problem, setback or obstacle is just that TEMPORARY.  It is as we learn to WAIT that we walk with a new boldness in our Christian life and demonstrate to the world that not only do we trust God but that our God lives!

            So as you encounter setbacks, problems, obstacles, and delays COUNT IT ALL JOY!  Then rest in your confidence and as the Holy Spirit teaches you the art of waiting watch your faith soar, your confidence climb, and your life changes!

             Blessings as you go through your day!

Hebrews 13:5-6 – “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”   6 So we may boldly say:

 “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”   NKJV

            Frequently in reading Scripture I find something that speaks to me a different way that it had in the past and this passage is one of those.  I have read this many times and each time I focused on the absence of fear when walking with God.  As I read this again there were words that flooded my heart and mind – ‘Contentment’ and ‘Courage’.

            The apostle, as was his pattern, charged those listening to live without ‘covetousness’ and to live in ‘contentment’.  I believe that he understood something that we have missed too often that COVETOUSNESS is one of, if not the biggest problems in believers lives.  I believe that virtually all the other commandments have their beginning in that little self-centered, green-eyed monster and as we give way to it in our lives we find ourselves succumbing to numerous other failures in life and character.

            His encouragement and qualifier for living a life of CONTENTMENT was God’s Promise, “I will NEVER leave your nor forsake you.”  If I truly believe God’s Promise then I can be absolutely ‘content’ in whatever state I find myself because I know as David declared, “I was young and now I am old and I have not seen the righteous forsake nor his seed begging for bread.”   We can take the many promises of provision including, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory.”  The question is not God’s ability but our confidence in His Word.  So, if I believe God then CONTENTMENT is a natural by-product of that trust and I do not have to look with envy or covetousness toward anyone or anything after all My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He owns the hills.  There is NOTHING impossible with Him and I am His therefore I trust, relax and rest in confident contentment.

            The apostle did not stop there but identified that out of our contentment we can make a bold declaration that since God is my provider, my helper, my teacher, my guide, and my protector – I WILL NOT FEAR.  My life then will be lived without fear of man or anything because what can mortal man do to me?  He may take away my possessions but God can and will provide.  He may take away my physical freedom but I’m free in spirit and can never be enslaved even if I am imprisoned.  He may take away my life but my life is not dependent on how long I draw breath on planet earth for I am an eternal creation and should they snuff out my physical life I simply transition to ETERNAL LIFE.   What can man do to me?   Much but nothing in comparison to what God can do for me. 

            So as you go through this day ask the Holy Spirit to help you TRUST the Promises of God so you can truly live in CONTENTMENT and COURAGE.   God bless you as you go through your day!