Proverbs10:8-12 – “The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall.  9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. 10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.”  NKJV

The foolishness of the heart is often revealed in the incessant blabber of the lips whereas the wise person desires to gain knowledge and instruction.  Walking in one’s integrity is a walk that exudes from a sense of peace and security, whereas the wicked seek shortcuts and pervert justice and wisdom.  The words from the mouth of the righteous bring peace, and hope and point to life whereas the mouth of the wicked propels toward destruction and often is accompanied by violence.

Sadly, I know some in Christendom who have taken what I call the ‘Three Money Approach’to sin.  They refuse to see it, refuse to hear it, and refuse to denounce or speak against it!  They pretend to see nothing, hear nothing, and offer no rejection of wickedness in our present world.  That approach, in my view, expresses Hate, not Love.  I know, I have made a very bold statement and desire to explain what I mean if you will afford me the opportunity.

If you recall the words of Solomon in Proverbs 13:24 we are told that the parent who refuses to discipline (the rod) hates the child.  We also read in Proverbs 10:12 that hatred stirs up strife, but Love covers offenses.  That is not a directive to ‘wink at sin’ but for forgiveness. 

In Proverbs 8:13 we are told that the fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.  I would ask, “If you saw a relative or friend destroying their life would it be a demonstration of love to remain silent and allow them to continue when you could give a warning?”  Be careful that you do not come across as judgmental but use wisdom, compassion, caring, and love when you give the warning. Let the Holy Spirit make your words and attitude one of compassion, not judgment. I would suggest it could be argued that it is the opposite of love for if I see you in mortal danger and remain silent how can I argue that I am doing so out of Love?

I know many quote the passage in Proverbs 13:24 as “spare the rod and spoil the child” but it is stronger than that as you can read.  It is spare the rod (refusing proper discipline) is evidence of hate, not love, and spoiling the child is a minor thing compared to the destruction that awaits.  In Proverbs 23:13 we are told that in administering discipline to the child we prevent that child from death (spiritual and possibly natural).  This can be expanded to all relationships. 

As a Christian and a minister, I do not want to come across as all Hell Fire and Brimstone to the exclusion of Love and Grace.  But there are times when I must sound the alarm, identify sin as sin, and warn of its destruction.  If I ‘wink at sin’ and pretend it is not a big deal I open an unwanted door.  That sin, whatever it might be or however small, can then grow uninhibited into a deadly cancer in the soul and my ‘Three Monkey Approach’ only brings death and destruction. 

The Bible says that ‘faithful are the wounds of a friend’ (Proverbs 27:6). You may not like what I have to say, or I may not like being called out when wrong but if the objective is life and restoration then wound me, please!

The Three Monkey Approach creates a condition where the supposed pursuit of tolerance and acceptance becomes a death sentence.  It reduces the church to a social club rather than a spiritual hospital and rehab center.  If we genuinely Love one another, we will not be abusive, but we will not ‘wink at sin’ for the love that lives in us will overpower the desire to be accepted by all. 

If you are my friend, please NEVER ‘wink at my sin’ but let your love for me compel you to speak truth to my life.  I may not like it but if you love me, you will help me see the fallacy of my ways and lead me to the place where sins are covered.  If you allow me to continue without objection you only bring me and possibly you trouble. 

Oh God, please break our hearts over sin again!   May the Lord be with you as you go through your day!

Proverbs 11:24-25 – “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.  25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”  NKJV

It is always fun to read the Old Testament and find a passage that has been defined in the New either by our Lord Himself or one of the apostles.  There are two prominent New Testament Principles that can find their beginnings in this passage.  The Law of Sowing and Reaping or Reciprocity and Giving.  These are explicitly addressed in the New Testament.

Here the writer describes two kinds of people – Generous and Stingy.  I have known people who were generous to a fault and some who pinched every penny so tightly it squealed when released.  The latter would sometimes give but grudgingly and with much compulsion and convincing.  The writer declares that one leads to an increase and the other to a lack.  He reveals that the generous will prosper and the wonderful truth that the one that cares for others will be cared for by others.

Paul taught that God loves a cheerful giver, and some have attempted to expand this truth to make it an investment plan to provide riches for themselves.  They omitted any consideration for the motive behind the giving or the purpose for the increase.  That is why some who have attempted this principle became disillusioned and gave it up as a false doctrine.  The Purpose is as important as the gift.  What is the motivation behind the gift and the desire for any return?  God is not interested in satisfying our personal greed or carnal appetites.  He does what He does with purpose, and it is always focused on the redemptive.

The Law of Sowing and Reaping reveals a principle of farming that we reap WHAT we sow.  If we plant watermelons, we will not reap cucumbers.  If we plant peanuts, we will not reap carrots.  WHAT we sow regardless of what that is will come back whether that is money, compassion, labor, etc. 

We also reap LATER than we sow.  No farmer plants seed one day and expects to get up the next morning to bring in the harvest. Time is important in the process.  We also reap MORE than we sow.  We plant a grain of corn, and it produces a stalk that produces ears of corn that have multiple grains.  We plant a pea and reap a stalk that produces many pods with numerous peas in them.  So, we reap what we sow, later than we sow, and more than we sow.  The principles revealed here are the same.

Jesus addressed giving in numerous places and the Bible makes it clear that God is far more interested in the purpose and proportion than the amount.  In Luke 6:38 Jesus spoke of this principle saying, “Give, and IT (whatever you give) will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put in your bosom.  For with the same measure (proportion) you use, it will be measured back to you.”  

The Law of Giving as described by Jesus reveals that WHAT we give is WHAT we get in return.  The principle is advanced that the return will be WHAT we give and MORE than we give.  I suggest that this principle can be immediate or over time, but it will be WHAT and MOREand be directly connected to the proportion of our giving. 

If we give love, then love will come back to us.  If we give mercy, then mercy will come back to us.  If we give hate, then hate will come back to us.  If we give a helping hand, then a helping hand will come back to us.  As we cast our bread on the waters after many days it returns to us. 

When Jesus sat near the offering bucket and watched those who had much put in their gifts, He was largely unimpressed but when the widow came and gave her all He was.  He even declared that she had given more than all the others.  MORE? Not in the amount but in the proportion. 

I like to say, “If you didn’t notice it or feel it when it left you will likely not notice or feel it when it returns.”  If it had no impact on you departing it will have no impact when it returns.  If you give with a teaspoon, why expect a watering trough in return?  I know the return is MORE than the outlay, but the proportion will still hold true.

I pray that God will inspire a spirit and heart of generosity in each of us.  Blessings!

John 4:46-54 – “So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”

49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”

50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So, the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!”

52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.

54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.”  NKJV

I realize that the title of this devotional may cause questions after reading the text.  So, let me explain my thought and hopefully, it will be both a blessing and benefit in your daily walk.  I find it interesting to note that John is careful to remind his readers that this was a return to Cana of Galilee where Jesus had turned the water into wine.  Some have suggested that this nobleman had attended the wedding I do not know but that is not the point.  There are some things about this passage that should inspire our confidence in God’s Promises.

The man was not faithless otherwise he would not have come to Jesus to heal his child.  The response of Jesus to this man’s request to come and heal his son is intriguing.  Jesus responded to his plea for the healing of a child with, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”  

If, as some have suggested, this was an indication of the absence of faith on the nobleman’s part then the rest of the passage would be negated.  I believe that Jesus was challenging him and stretching him in that statement.  It was not the absence of faith but a human condition in conjunction with his faith that many of us have experienced. 

He had total confidence that “if” Jesus personally went to the child healing was guaranteed.  He likely had no knowledge or understanding of how healing could transpire otherwise.  He did not have a long history of miracles in his memory banks or experience to draw from.  He believed Jesus could and therefore made his impassioned plea not once but twice.

Jesus, after the second plea, said, “Go your way; your son lives.”  The next statement demonstrates the heart of the nobleman and should be our hearts.  It says, “So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.”  He did not continue to plea, pray, or attempt to persuade Jesus to do what he thought necessary HE BELIEVED!  He not only believed in his heart but demonstrated the accompanying sign of obedience and departed from the physical presence of the LORD. 

This is Faith not Faith in Faith!  He simply believed what Jesus said and demonstrated the corresponding action to accompany that belief.  That is faith in action! Had he simply had faith in faith he would not have been able to believe the word of Jesus and obey that word he would have continued to insist that Jesus come to his house and perform whatever ritual to bring about the healing.  He had faith that demonstrated the response of obedience.  As he went back home his servants met him and informed him the child was healed.  His inquiry into the timing only further solidified his confidence in the Words of Jesus.

The key for us in receiving the promises of God is:  BELIEVE the word of Jesus and ACT upon that word.  Once we have HEARD His Promise, we can GO in confidence that we have the petition we asked for.   I encourage you to read 1 John 5:14-15at this point.

God bless you as you go through your day and walk in faith!  Blessings abundant is my prayer and desire!

Luke 10:16 – “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

One of the gravest problems in life is making rejection personal, even though sometimes it is.  There are times when rejection is not you, but your beliefs.  The rejecter cannot separate the two.  They reject you along with your beliefs.  That happened to our LORD, and He forewarned us that it would happen to us as well.

We have all heard about and maybe heard the words, “It’s not you, it’s me…” as the rejection edict was issued.  There is probably an element of truth in that.  But I would venture that most of the time it is both or neither. 

Ideological beliefs and values held by each of us make associations and relationships with some people difficult, if not impossible.  The Bible plainly declares that “two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement.”  Some have taken that to mean Total Agreement on or in Everything.  I do not see that in the passage.  We may find it possible to build an alliance on particular issues based on agreement but on many other issues we are not in agreement.  If our disagreement rises to the level of embittered animosity, then a relationship, partnership, or association would be impossible or destructive.

In our world of social media, I find that almost daily I am either approached by someone wanting to be my friend or rejected by someone who no longer wants to be a friend.  I have learned, in life, and applied that to the world of social media that reaching out or rejection is usually not personal but ideological. 

Although I have argued that you cannot separate what you believe from who you are a person who does not know you cannot reject your person.  Therefore, they must reject your beliefs or words.  If I took every rejection personally, I would be a basket-case and probably plunge into deep depression.  We have a world today that is so performance-oriented and acceptance driven that rejection shatters their psyche and alterations in belief and public declarations ensue. 

I have watched politicians when accused of something immediately apologize when an apology was not appropriate but the desire to be viewed as likable, and agreeable, and to appease the accusers drives them to take that path.  Most of the time they are then viewed as weak, lacking personal conviction and courage to stand for their beliefs.  It is then that attacks become more intensified.  Sometimes that results in them becoming marginalized and ineffective. 

I have seen the same thing in preachers who water down their message, violate their core convictions, and compromise the message they are about as useful to the kingdom as screen doors in submarines.  They give the appearance of usefulness but have no practical value.  I know that is harsh, but I believe it to be reality.

Among the reasons that rejection hurts are that we genuinely care about people and their opinions.  However, another reason is we are ‘insecure’ about who we are.  Because we are insecure rejection is devastating.  Some derive their significance and sense of value and worth from acceptance and rejection dismantles their incredibly fragile psyche. 

Feelings of insecurity can come from many roots including lack of preparation or talent.  If we are convinced, we are unable or unprepared we lack confidence. That lack of confidence translates to insecurity, and then when our thoughts, words, or deeds are rejected we translate that to our inadequacy and personalize the rejection.  We are shattered and for some recovery becomes virtually impossible.

Let me give you two or three passages that I believe can diminish the sting of rejection and empower you to achieve the goals and dreams of your heart.

Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Notice Paul addresses need, learning and contentment and THEN as a result of his life experiences and spiritual development he declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Rejection, pain, suffering, plenty, applause, and accolades all come into my view of life, and whether I am accepted or rejected I stand having LEARNED and know that in CHRISTI Can! 

Philippians 4:19 he addresses the church being there for him and tells them that he is going to pray for them and out of his confidence in God, learned through his life experiences, he is going to pray for them and declares that “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

You may be rejected by man, but you have not been rejected by God because of your acceptance in Him. You cannot be rejected only your beliefs can.  You are secure in Him and therefore In Him, you live and move and have your being.  When rejection comes to you simply look to Him the author and finisher of your faith, bless those rejecting, and rejoice that the seed has been sown and now another will water, and ultimately God will give the increase.

I am dead in Christ and in that condition, rejection has no power over me.   God bless you as you go through this day!

2 Thessalonians 2:1-13 – “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  NKJV

While these verses are sufficient in themselves to identify the need to be concerned, aware and vigilant in our present world I want to advance a couple of simple thoughts.  Paul spoke of the “mystery of lawlessness” that was already at work in his day and how can anyone deny has taken giant steps in ours?  We focus on that verse and talk about the Holy Spirit, or the Church being removed so the devil will have no further restraint and then total chaos ensues on planet earth.

In this passage, the apostle warns of a time of incredible apostasy and warns that the Day of Christ would not come UNLESS there is a massive falling away and the man of sin is revealed.  He spoke of a time in which Great Deception would be prevalent in the world and even in the church or especially in the church.  He spoke of a time in which God would send or allow a strong delusion to permeate the religious world.  In his counsel and warning to Timothy Paul spoke of “perilous times” coming in which evil men would grow worse and worse.  Does that not remind you of this day?

Without getting into the debates about the Coming of the Lord, Pre, Mid, or Post Tribulation or Millennialism let me ask this question, “When God lifts the restraints in this world do you really want to be around to witness it?”  

We live in a world where there have been over about two billion abortions have transpired over the past 50 years.  We live in a world where Islamic jihadists are brutally slaughtering Christians and anyone who will not convert to Islam at an alarming rate.  We live in a world where “lives do not matter” or so it would seem to a growing number of people. 

We are seeing the ever-increasing boldness of evil and watching as society has begun calling evil good and good evil.  We live in a world where some in Church leadership have adopted a coexistence policy to the point, that they no longer declare the ONLY PATHWAY to salvation as Jesus Christ.  It is becoming an extremely dangerous world and in many parts of this planet, if you are a professing Christian, it is doubly dangerous.

What would it be like if there were no spiritual or moral restraints in this world?  What would the world be like if people followed the evilness in their hearts and did or took whatever they wanted whenever they wanted? 

There is coming a time exactly like that and although I refuse to adopt a mentality of Escapism.  I am praying that God spares us from that horrific world.  Knowing that the world of terror is coming is another reason to address the condition of our hearts.  The restraints will be, and we may be witnessing the lifting of them now, so I urge you to rekindle the flame of your first love with God.

God bless you as you go through this day!

Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  NKJV

I remember a cousin giving me advice before I departed for boot camp and he said, “I was fearful of not making it.  The more I thought about it the more I realized that if so, many others had successfully gotten through that ordeal I could too.”  That helped me more times than I can count in boot camp, Vietnam, and life in general.  The very fact that a host of others have successfully traveled the path inspires me that I can too.

The writer of Hebrews used the truth powerfully.  He sought to inspire hearts with the reality that others have walked the path and because they have, we should be careful to divest ourselves of all hindrances, develop patience and confidence in God’s promises and be determined to endure or finish the course.  We run, not without purpose but with our focus on the LORD Jesus who is that friend who will never leave or forsake us.  He is the one that has gone before us to prepare a place for us.  He has promised to return for us and allow us to join Him in that heavenly abode forever.

The confidence inspired by others successfully achieving an objective is a powerful inspiration and reminder.  There are things we must do to enhance our journey and propel us toward victory.  Most of us have loved ones who have proceeded us having crossed over and their faith, lives, and commitment is an inspiration as is the desire to see them again.  In life’s difficulties, we can and should be reminded of the myriad of others who have faced similar circumstances and successfully defeated the enemy.  As my cousin said, “If they can I can too!” 

I would be remiss if I failed to note that it is not in our strength, we run this race but in His.  It is a biblical truth that we can DO ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us.  We are MORE THAN conquerors through Him.  If God is for us who can be against us?   Therefore, knowing that He has led multitudes through the twists and turns of life and successfully led them to victory we can rest in confidence that He will lead us as well.

May the Lord be with you as you go through this day!

1 Corinthians 15:12-20 – “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up — if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  NKJV

Gloria Gaither wrote an incredibly powerful song at the birth of their son called, “Because He Lives.” Truly, because Jesus lives, we can!  We can face the future without fear and in perfect peace because He has risen from the dead, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and now makes intercession for us.  Because He lives I can…

FACE LIFE…

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Therefore, the three days we need to concern ourselves with are “yesterday, today, and tomorrow”. 

Yesterday – – is history so fretting over it is futile.  It is history and what is written is written. Worrying about what might have been will not change what is or will be. 

Tomorrow – – has not yet come and might not come therefore concerning ourselves, with it is without redeeming value.  Our Lord confirmed that by telling His followers to “take no thought of the ‘morrow…”  He was not counseling them to fail to do any planning or preparation but to not be overwhelmed with what might be. 

Today – – The only day we should focus on is TODAY for as the Bible declares in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”   Today is the moment in life that we should devote our attention to.  Today is the day of salvation.  Today determines tomorrow in our lives.  Because He lives, we can face today and life.

REJECT WORRY…

Jesus instructed His followers in Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”  NKJV

We can live in peace and confidence that God is at work on our behalf and in our best interest at all times.  Remember in Romans 8:28 we are told – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” NKJV Because He lives, we can live worry free!

FACE DEATH…

Death to the unbeliever is finality and painfully troubling.  Although few truly yearn for death the believer is so completely confident in the promise of eternity death holds no terror.  The difference in how we face death is Jesus Christ.  If we have received Him as our personal savior death has no sting.  If we have not, then death brings fear to our hearts as a terrorist’s threat of destruction.  Because He lives, I can face death without fear.

FACE ETERNITY…

The Bible makes it clear that judgment is real.  Heaven is real.  Hell is real.  All will stand before God and give account.  The covering of the Blood of Jesus is essential and His presence at the Judgment Bar defending us before the Father is vital and affords incredible comfort as we face eternity.  Because He lives, we can long for our eternal destiny rather than live in fear.

May the Lord be with you and may your heart leap for joy as you consider the power of the truth that He Lives!   Blessings!