Thoughts

Make A List

As I was reading chapter 145, I began to think of the blessings in my life.

Have you ever sat down and made a list of all the blessings in your life? All the good things from your past and from the present, and even your future? It's a great exercise.

You might feel as if there isn't much to put on your list. Maybe life has been difficult for you.

I have some very close friends who have had severe health problems for decades. Recurring cancer, multiple sclerosis, cognitive decline, diabetes, heart attacks. And yet, they praise God for their blessings.

They have family that loves and supports them. They live in an area that has always been their dream, though in a humble home. Their faith is strong.

The God that David praised in this Psalm is their God, and He is as faithful to them as He was to David. The same God who was with Daniel in the lion's den is with them. And the same God who forgave the thief who was on the cross next to Him forgives my friends.

And he forgives me, and he forgives you if you have asked Him to forgive you and to be your Savior.

Beloved, oh my goodness! We have so much to be thankful for, and to praise God for. I really like the way David closed this Psalm:

I will praise the Lord. Let everyone praise his holy name forever.Psalm 145:21 NCV

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 143-145 NCV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.

Thoughts

At the end of it all, Nehemiah's conscience is clear, but he is disappointed that the people could not fulfill their vows to serve faithfully.

And once again, we see that there is nothing new under the sun. We are not better than they were at living a sin-free life. Despite our best intensions, we fail. Truer words were never said: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

How thankful we are, and how blessed we are to have a Savior whose sacrifice on the cross paid the price for our weakness. If we could live a sinless life, His sacrifice would not have been necessary. But since we cannot, His sacrifice was necessary…and it saved the souls of all who would believe.

Thank you, Jesus. Hallelujah.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 10 NCV, Ch. 11-12 ERV, Ch. 13 NET

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.

Thoughts

At the end of it all, Nehemiah's conscience is clear, but he is disappointed that the people could not fulfill their vows to serve faithfully.

And once again, we see that there is nothing new under the sun. We are not better than they were at living a sin-free life. Despite our best intensions, we fail. Truer words were never said: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

How thankful we are, and how blessed we are to have a Savior whose sacrifice on the cross paid the price for our weakness. If we could live a sinless life, His sacrifice would not have been necessary. But since we cannot, His sacrifice was necessary…and it saved the souls of all who would believe.

Thank you, Jesus. Hallelujah.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 10 NCV, Ch. 11-12 ERV, Ch. 13 NET

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.

Thoughts

On the Threshold

The children of Israel are about to enter into the Promised Land, but God has a message for them through Moses. Over and over again in these chapters we read the word "obey", or a variation on that command. And in chapter 27, they are instructed that the first thing they are to do when they cross the Jordan river into the Promised Land is set up a monument of stones on which they are to write the entire body of the law on it, and build an altar upon which they are to also write the law and make burnt offerings.

God knew how forgetful the people were. The monument was placed there as a reminder of their crossing over the Jordan River into the land promised to them. The Law was written as a reminder. The altar was a reminder. Every time they looked at the monument or the alter, they would remember this day, and how God delivered them, how he fulfilled His promise, and what was required of them to continue to receive His blessings.

God knows how forgetful people are. Over and over and over again He reminds His people of the importance of obedience. He reminds of the promises of blessings when we obey, and the curses promised if we do not.

God Was Not Surprised

Of course, God knew before the foundation of the world that men and women would never be able to obey the Law. He was not surprised when Adam and Eve sinned. He was not surprised when no one was able to obey the Law. 

So why did God even give the Law if no one would be able to uphold it? As Paul said in Romans 7:7, "...I would not have known sin except through the law...". The Law was given so that we would know what sin is.

God Had A Plan

And before God even began the creation of the Universe, He had a plan to save us. Jesus was always in the plan. As we read in John chapter one, "1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Jesus is the Word. He was in the beginning. He is the one way that my transgressions, my sins (and yours) can be forgiven. The Law was given to show our need. Jesus came to fulfill the need. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

We Are No Different

Beloved, we are no different than the people who crossed over the Jordan River. We are forgetful. That's why He gave us the Bible. That's why it's important to be faithful and purposeful about attending church. That's why we are encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. 

We don't do these things to earn salvation, but to remember to stay close to God. We cannot earn salvation. Salvation is a gift given to us when we invite Jesus into our lives as our Savior and our Lord. He gives this gift because of grace...undeserved favor. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 26 NCV, Ch. 27 NIV, Ch. 28

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

Thoughts

On the Threshold

The children of Israel are about to enter into the Promised Land, but God has a message for them through Moses. Over and over again in these chapters we read the word "obey", or a variation on that command. And in chapter 27, they are instructed that the first thing they are to do when they cross the Jordan river into the Promised Land is set up a monument of stones on which they are to write the entire body of the law on it, and build an altar upon which they are to also write the law and make burnt offerings.

God knew how forgetful the people were. The monument was placed there as a reminder of their crossing over the Jordan River into the land promised to them. The Law was written as a reminder. The altar was a reminder. Every time they looked at the monument or the alter, they would remember this day, and how God delivered them, how he fulfilled His promise, and what was required of them to continue to receive His blessings.

God knows how forgetful people are. Over and over and over again He reminds His people of the importance of obedience. He reminds of the promises of blessings when we obey, and the curses promised if we do not.

God Was Not Surprised

Of course, God knew before the foundation of the world that men and women would never be able to obey the Law. He was not surprised when Adam and Eve sinned. He was not surprised when no one was able to obey the Law. 

So why did God even give the Law if no one would be able to uphold it? As Paul said in Romans 7:7, "...I would not have known sin except through the law...". The Law was given so that we would know what sin is.

God Had A Plan

And before God even began the creation of the Universe, He had a plan to save us. Jesus was always in the plan. As we read in John chapter one, "1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Jesus is the Word. He was in the beginning. He is the one way that my transgressions, my sins (and yours) can be forgiven. The Law was given to show our need. Jesus came to fulfill the need. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

We Are No Different

Beloved, we are no different than the people who crossed over the Jordan River. We are forgetful. That's why He gave us the Bible. That's why it's important to be faithful and purposeful about attending church. That's why we are encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. 

We don't do these things to earn salvation, but to remember to stay close to God. We cannot earn salvation. Salvation is a gift given to us when we invite Jesus into our lives as our Savior and our Lord. He gives this gift because of grace...undeserved favor. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 26 NCV, Ch. 27 NIV, Ch. 28

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

Thoughts

A Woman or a Church?

2 John is addressed to a very special woman and her children. Some commentators believe that this "woman" is actually a specific church, and her "children" are the members of the church. In my opinion, whether it is a specific woman or a specific church is not important. The message that John wrote is applicable to either, or both.

She is loved by John and many other believers. And John asks her to continue in loving. He is aware of her children and the fact that they are living according to God’s laws, which include loving one another.

Jesus Is Fully Human and Fully God

When this book was written there were false teachers going around teaching such falsehoods that Jesus, being God was not actually human. "They refuse to declare that Jesus Christ came in flesh and blood." That Jesus is fully human is a fundamental truth of the Gospel. We can never abandon that truth. One reason that this is such an important truth is that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. If Jesus was not fully human, there would have been no shedding of blood.

A Warning

In light of the fact that these false teachers were going about teaching this false Jesus, John warns the woman to be careful, and not let them destroy all that they have worked for, and to not even invite them into her home or even greet them, because doing so would be to share in the evil that they are doing.

What Do I Do?

And on this point I would like to say that this is how I deal with Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons who come to my door. I don’t invite them in and I don’t even engage them in a conversation. I take the teaching of 2 John verses 10 and 11 seriously. I simply tell them that I’m not interested and say goodbye. I don’t even say, “Have a nice day.”

“But Steve,” you say, “Don’t you tell them why? Don’t you try to show them the truth?” And my answer to you is, “No.” You see, these folks are generally very well trained and prepared, whereas I’m just doing my normal Saturday activities. I’m not in the mind set to debate, and the truth is, these folks aren’t interested in having an honest conversation. They have a set agenda, and a ten minute talk on my front porch is not going to change that agenda.

What Else I Do

Am I saying that I never share the truth with Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons? Not at all. The difference is that the door knockers are actively spreading their deceptions. They are evangelists. But there are Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons who are, shall we say, civilians who just believe what their religion teaches. They aren't teaching it.

Remember, in almost every case, you have to have a relationship with someone before you can really have a meaningful discussion about faith. And I have had these conversations with friends who were Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon. It’s not that I am against engaging them in conversation, but when they come to my front door, I take 2 John very seriously.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1 GWT

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Thoughts

A Woman or a Church?

2 John is addressed to a very special woman and her children. Some commentators believe that this "woman" is actually a specific church, and her "children" are the members of the church. In my opinion, whether it is a specific woman or a specific church is not important. The message that John wrote is applicable to either, or both.

She is loved by John and many other believers. And John asks her to continue in loving. He is aware of her children and the fact that they are living according to God’s laws, which include loving one another.

Jesus Is Fully Human and Fully God

When this book was written there were false teachers going around teaching such falsehoods that Jesus, being God was not actually human. "They refuse to declare that Jesus Christ came in flesh and blood." That Jesus is fully human is a fundamental truth of the Gospel. We can never abandon that truth. One reason that this is such an important truth is that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. If Jesus was not fully human, there would have been no shedding of blood.

A Warning

In light of the fact that these false teachers were going about teaching this false Jesus, John warns the woman to be careful, and not let them destroy all that they have worked for, and to not even invite them into her home or even greet them, because doing so would be to share in the evil that they are doing.

What Do I Do?

And on this point I would like to say that this is how I deal with Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons who come to my door. I don’t invite them in and I don’t even engage them in a conversation. I take the teaching of 2 John verses 10 and 11 seriously. I simply tell them that I’m not interested and say goodbye. I don’t even say, “Have a nice day.”

“But Steve,” you say, “Don’t you tell them why? Don’t you try to show them the truth?” And my answer to you is, “No.” You see, these folks are generally very well trained and prepared, whereas I’m just doing my normal Saturday activities. I’m not in the mind set to debate, and the truth is, these folks aren’t interested in having an honest conversation. They have a set agenda, and a ten minute talk on my front porch is not going to change that agenda.

What Else I Do

Am I saying that I never share the truth with Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons? Not at all. The difference is that the door knockers are actively spreading their deceptions. They are evangelists. But there are Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons who are, shall we say, civilians who just believe what their religion teaches. They aren't teaching it.

Remember, in almost every case, you have to have a relationship with someone before you can really have a meaningful discussion about faith. And I have had these conversations with friends who were Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon. It’s not that I am against engaging them in conversation, but when they come to my front door, I take 2 John very seriously.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1 GWT

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Thoughts

Let’s talk for a bit about Paul’s going to Jerusalem, even though the Holy Spirit gave messages to Paul and others that imprisonment awaited him there.

Some people believe that these were warnings from God that Paul should not go to Jerusalem, and that he was in rebellion when he went.

What do you think? Would you go if you were in Paul’s sandals?

Let’s look a little deeper.

We read in Acts 19:21, “…Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia…” Other translations say that Paul “resolved in the Spirit”, another says “…Paul felt compelled by the Spirit…” So the Holy Spirit told him to go to Jerusalem. And in chapter 20:22, Paul said, “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem.”

So if Paul was given the task to go, he should go, right?

Now, it does say in 20:23 that, “…the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.” And in chapter 21:10-11 Agabus prophesied, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.”

Is the Holy Spirit sending mixed signals? Why would he tell Paul to go, and then tell him that he’s in for a really rough time when he gets there?

Maybe to prepare him? To give him a heads up? Sure. That’s what I think.

The people who heard about the upcoming difficulties for Paul were trying to protect him. They didn’t want to see him hurt and thrown in prison. Their motivations were right, but they went against the instructions that the Holy Spirit gave Paul.

Paul said in 20:24, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” And in 21:13, ““Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

And then verse 14 says, “We could not convince him, so we gave up and said, “May the Lord's will be done.””

So let me get this straight. They couldn’t convince him to do what they thought he should do, so they said, “May the Lord’s will be done.” That strikes me as funny. Except that’s what we so often do, isn’t it. We decide what we want, and then when it doesn’t work out, we say, “Ok God. Whatever you want. Your will be done.”

Paul had it right, didn’t he? Once he was given his marching orders, once he knew God’s will, nothing was going to keep him from doing it. 

Before starting a new endeavor, it’s always a good thing to ask the Lord for His will. That does not mean saying, “Lord, I’m going to do this thing. Please bless me as I go.” What it means is saying, “Lord, do you want me to do this thing?” And then wait for his reply. Wait for confirmation. Don’t get ahead of Him. And don’t rush Him. If He wants you to do something, He will let you know, as He did with Paul. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 21-22 GNT

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Thoughts

Let’s talk for a bit about Paul’s going to Jerusalem, even though the Holy Spirit gave messages to Paul and others that imprisonment awaited him there.

Some people believe that these were warnings from God that Paul should not go to Jerusalem, and that he was in rebellion when he went.

What do you think? Would you go if you were in Paul’s sandals?

Let’s look a little deeper.

We read in Acts 19:21, “…Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia…” Other translations say that Paul “resolved in the Spirit”, another says “…Paul felt compelled by the Spirit…” So the Holy Spirit told him to go to Jerusalem. And in chapter 20:22, Paul said, “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem.”

So if Paul was given the task to go, he should go, right?

Now, it does say in 20:23 that, “…the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.” And in chapter 21:10-11 Agabus prophesied, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.”

Is the Holy Spirit sending mixed signals? Why would he tell Paul to go, and then tell him that he’s in for a really rough time when he gets there?

Maybe to prepare him? To give him a heads up? Sure. That’s what I think.

The people who heard about the upcoming difficulties for Paul were trying to protect him. They didn’t want to see him hurt and thrown in prison. Their motivations were right, but they went against the instructions that the Holy Spirit gave Paul.

Paul said in 20:24, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” And in 21:13, ““Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

And then verse 14 says, “We could not convince him, so we gave up and said, “May the Lord's will be done.””

So let me get this straight. They couldn’t convince him to do what they thought he should do, so they said, “May the Lord’s will be done.” That strikes me as funny. Except that’s what we so often do, isn’t it. We decide what we want, and then when it doesn’t work out, we say, “Ok God. Whatever you want. Your will be done.”

Paul had it right, didn’t he? Once he was given his marching orders, once he knew God’s will, nothing was going to keep him from doing it. 

Before starting a new endeavor, it’s always a good thing to ask the Lord for His will. That does not mean saying, “Lord, I’m going to do this thing. Please bless me as I go.” What it means is saying, “Lord, do you want me to do this thing?” And then wait for his reply. Wait for confirmation. Don’t get ahead of Him. And don’t rush Him. If He wants you to do something, He will let you know, as He did with Paul. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 21-22 GNT

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Thoughts

Chapter 1

John is either shown a vision of Heaven, or he is taken there. We can’t really tell from his description.

And when he is there, a voice tells him to write down what he sees. When he turns to see who was speaking to him, he sees someone who looked like a son of man. He didn’t know who it was, and no wonder. John says, “He was dressed in a long robe with a gold strip of cloth around his chest. 14The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a blazing fire. 15His feet were like bronze metal glowing in a furnace. His voice sounded like rushing waters. 16He held seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth came a sharp sword that had two edges. His face was like the sun shining in all of its brightness.”

What would you do if you saw something like that? Probably what John did. He fainted. 

But this awe inspiring person puts his right hand on John and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Hell.”

It was Jesus! And he told John not to be afraid. Despite His appearance, despite the fact that He holds the keys to Death and Hell, He tells John not to be afraid.

If we are in Christ Jesus, if we are His, we have no cause for fear. We don’t need to fear what is in the past, we don’t need to fear what is in the present, we don’t need to fear what is in the future. We are His. We are in Him, and He is in us. And greater is He that is in us than he that is the world. 

Do not be afraid. 

Chapters 2 and 3

The Lord told John to write to the seven churches which were spoken of in the first chapter as the seven golden lampstands. What does a lampstand do? It brings light into darkness, and the church is meant to bring light into a dark world.

As we read here in Revelation, each of the seven churches is singled out by Jesus, and He has a message for each. Of the seven, only two receive commendations with no negative comments. Those two are the Philadelphian church and the church at Smyrna. 

Jesus says He knows that the church at Smyrna is suffering and is poor. “But,” he tells them, “you are rich!” 

How could they be rich if they are poor and suffering? Because they are faithful. 

This sort of puts the lie to those who say that God wants you to be materially rich, doesn’t it? It puts the lie to those that say that God will bring prosperity to your church if you are pleasing Him, doesn’t it?

The Philadelphian church is similar to the church at Smyrna, in that Jesus says, “I know that you don’t have much strength.” Then He says, “But you have obeyed my word. You have not said no to me.”

Several years ago I read a book by Henry Blackaby that changed my life. It’s actually a Bible study called Experiencing God. And the thing that changed my life was this. Blackaby said that one of the things that we can do to please God is to decide *in advance* to say “Yes” to whatever God asks of you. Don’t wait until He asks. Trust that He is loving and faithful and able to manage your life infinitely better than you can. Then decide that whatever He asks you to do will be for His glory and will be the right thing to do. 

The Philadelphian church might not have had much strength, but they never said no to God.

The remaining five churches all had serious problems, but each were given a “those who overcome” promise,