Virtues over Vices - Hopsitality

 

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. (Hebrews 13:1–3 ESV).

 

It’s a bit strange to me that over the centuries “hospitality” has become an industry. In fact, the annual market value in the United States has surpassed $250 billion just in the lodging category. This was virtually unknown at the time when our reading today was written. People were expected to show generous hospitality to travelers who might have nowhere else to stay as they went from town to town.

 

The context of this advice urges believers in God to show love and care for one another as well for others who may be in need, such as strangers, travelers, and people in prison. This advice echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 25, where he teaches that caring for the needs of others is like doing the same for him.

 

This passage in Hebrews also invites us to consider that a stranger or visitor we encounter might be an angel—that is, a messenger from God (cf. Genesis 18). The point is that we should treat anyone we meet as being so valuable and worthy of our time that they might be sent from God, and that showing love and care to them would be like doing the same for the Lord himself.

 

This can be hard to imagine, especially if hospitality is not common in our culture and we need to be wary of danger. But here the Spirit of God is challenging us simply to treat others well, showing love and kindness to everyone, no matter who they are. In other words, we are called to love and care for others just as the Lord has done for us.

 

Virtues over Vices - Self-Control

 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11–14 ESV).

 

In our reading today we see the virtue of self-control highlighted. It literally means “having a sound mind, or being reasonable.” It is basically the opposite of living in confusion, ignorance, or indifference about making choices that support healthy living. God’s grace saves us from ungodliness (literally, “an unworshipful life”) and from being a slave to the world’s ideas of what we need or want. We are not born with the ability to just say “no”—at least not on a regular basis and not without something else to say “yes” to. If we are without God in our life, all our “yes’s” are basically guesswork. Our guesses sometimes make things worse, and sometimes a little better—but without God we cannot find the path to full life.

 

In his grace, however, God has already said “yes” to something else for us. Through the work of the Savior, Jesus, God has said “yes” to our redemption, giving us a whole new way of life. And because of this, God can now train us to say “yes” to better choices in our everyday living. That’s self-control.

 

Self-control is the God-trained ability to understand and choose which options bring us closer to being our best selves. One of the practices that accompanies self-control is delayed gratification. Because our culture has become more “now-centered” this concept is often difficult to practice. We have come to accept as reasonable and “fair” this idea that it is always okay to want what we want and want it NOW. Often that creates a recipe producing disaster. This is especially true when we are making choices between good, better, and best. God desire the best for us. Often that requires waiting with patient endurance. Commit to the best in your life!

 

Virtures over Vices - Joy

 

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law. And they found it written in the Law that the LORD had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, and that they should proclaim it and publish it in all their towns and in Jerusalem, “Go out to the hills and bring branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written.” So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing. And day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. They kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the rule. (Nehemiah 8:9–18 ESV).

 

Our reading today describes the Feast of Booths for the people of Israel. The Feast of Booths, also known as Sukkot, is a week-long Jewish harvest festival that commemorates the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. It is one of the three biblically mandated pilgrimage festivals, along with Passover and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). It was to be a time of celebration and joy.

 

The context of the reading today is the time when the people heard the law of God, they wept as they recognized how far they had strayed from God's commands. Their tears showed their remorse and conviction. Governor Nehemiah, the priest Ezra, and the Levites told the people to stop mourning. They declared that the day was holy to the Lord and meant for rejoicing. "The joy of the Lord is your strength". Nehemiah commanded the people to celebrate by eating rich food, drinking sweet drinks, and sharing with those who had nothing prepared. He assured them that the "joy of the Lord is your strength," a powerful reminder that their endurance would come from God's joy, not their own sorrow.

 

That brings us to our focal virtue today. How do we balance the joy of forgiveness with the grief of sin? If we move on too fast, does that show we aren’t really sorry? Are we doing some injustice to God or to others we have sinned against? Or, if we hold on to being sorry too long, does that mean we do not trust enough in God’s power to forgive? Guilt can be hard to get over. The feelings can last a long time. But since all sins are against God, even when a sin is also against others, God’s situation is totally opposite to ours. He could demand that we wallow in our sorrow. But that’s not who God is. God loves us and is overjoyed when we want to be in a good relationship with him again. In fact, God has so much joy when we repent of our sin that his joy provides the strength we need to forgive ourselves.

 

Nehemiah urged the people to experience that joy. He called for a feast so that the people could enjoy fine foods and drinks and share with others. This wasn’t about just going through motions; it was about recognizing that God’s law calls for a relationship with us. And as far as God is concerned, if we are ready to stop moving away from him and start moving toward him, that brings the most joy. Perhaps you need to “build a booth,” even if it might be just a tent in your backyard. Celebrate that your sins are forgiven!

 

Virtues over Vices - Endurance

 

[Jesus said] “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:7–13 ESV).

 

Teresa of Ávila said, “Out of suffering comes the serious mind; out of salvation, the grateful heart; out of endurance, fortitude; out of deliverance faith. Patient endurance attends to all things.” Patient endurance is the ability to withstand hardship and difficult situations without giving up, maintaining hope and a positive attitude while waiting for things to improve. It is an active and productive virtue, distinct from passive resignation, that strengthens character and leads to achieving one's goals. It involves steadfastness, perseverance, and courage in the face of trials, whether they are self-inflicted, due to the world's brokenness, or other circumstances.  Jesus suffered terribly because of how sinful our world is. After suffering, Jesus even died because of our sins. He endured suffering and died so that our sins would be atoned for and our deaths could be overcome. Then, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead in triumph—yet we must not lose sight of his suffering.

 

The believers who made up the church in ancient Philadelphia (in Greece) held tightly to the story of Jesus’ suffering. It inspired them enough to face their own suffering and persecution. And Jesus said they would be rewarded for their steadfast endurance. In our reading today, what is called “patience” is more like extreme patience. It’s the kind of patience that is required to endure doing the right thing and living the right way even when you can’t see any benefit in doing so. It is the virtue of holding on even when the reward might not come in this life.

 

The reward is eternal life, though we see the good of patient endurance in little ways today as well. I’ve often come to a task that is not particularly “fun,” bit simply had to be done. These are usually the mundane tasks of the day, laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, and the like. While these things cannot compare in severity or difficulty to other circumstances we will be challenged by, I have learned that if I start the task and simply measure my success in smaller parts of the whole, finishing them seems easier and quicker. Sounds silly, but it works to be more fractionally focused.

 

I am starting to write another book. The last one was a little over 300 pages in length measuring about 180,000 words in total. It took nearly a year to write, edit, and publish. To give you a bit of perspective, book is much today’s devotional is about 700 words and has taken me about an hour to write. A book is a much bigger task! However, if I think in terms of finishing one step in the process, it goes much easier and faster! Whatever you’re facing, trust God to give you the strength to take each step necessary to finish and step into it with confidence and faith!

 

Virtues over Vices - Humility

 

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:1–4 ESV).

 

As we continue our look into “Virtues over Vices,” we come to the words of Solomon in Proverbs 22. The rewards promised in our reading today are expanded for us clearly. It is important to note that avoiding pride is not enough. We need to lean away from it and become humble. Ezra Taft Benson wrote, “Pride is concerned with who is right; humility is concerned with what is right. Humility does not mean weakness. It does not mean timidity. It does not mean fear. A man can be humble and fearless. A man can be humble and courageous."

 

I have also read this anonymous quote that states: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less". Humility is selfless not selfish. In fact, I believe that humility is being authentic without any pretense or arrogance. It is really about being true to yourself and knowing your limitations, from the inside out.

God makes both the rich and the poor (v. 2). In this context, “rich” does not refer to having an extravagant life. Having riches, or wealth, means that when we are doing God’s work—that is, living God’s way—we can count on receiving everything we truly need to keep going.

 

And wealth isn’t the most important reward. Honor, a good name, is more desirable than great riches (v. 1). By humbly following God, we gain the respect of other good people, and we probably gain some respect from some not-so-great people also. The most reliable reward of humbly following God is life itself. When we are humble enough to rely on God’s direction, it is amazing how many pitfalls we avoid. We avoid the problems that pride falsely teaches that we can handle ourselves.

 

When we are humble, we are amazed how often God helps us avoid trouble that we didn’t even see coming. When we are humble and we see or hear of someone’s folly leading to ruin, we learn to say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” Strive to develop your humility that it may overtake and replace the natural tendency of our sin nature to be prideful and arrogant. That is the way to a “good name”!

 

Virtues over Vices - Contentment

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:8–13 ESV).

 

Contentment is a state of quiet happiness and satisfaction with one's current circumstances. It is an inner peace that comes from being at ease with what you have, rather than constantly striving for more. Some of the key characteristics are satisfaction with the present; peace of mind; not complacent; and independent of external events. Contentment was a powerful word to the Greek-speaking people of the Apostle Paul’s day. In fact, many teachers in that day believed that contentment was the greatest virtue.

 

Unfortunately their version of contentment was based on self-accomplishment. To become content, they taught, a person had to be able to provide completely for himself or herself. That is also true in our day. We see people valued more highly than others based on their position, power, or possessions.

 

The Apostle Paul knew that it was a myth to think that a human being could be completely self-sustaining. And yet here he looks within himself and finds that everything he needs is there within him. He comes to the absolute understanding that God put it there. God’s own Spirit had begun living inside of Paul.

 

This contentment provided by the Spirit of God gave Paul tremendous freedom. He goes on to say that sometimes his physical needs have been met, and sometimes they have not been met. But even when he has not had enough food, clothing, money, or other basic needs, he has still found that God’s peace and strength have been present within him. That is real contentment; that is real peace of mind. That should be the central focus of our mind!

  

Learning to Talk with God - Pt. 5

 

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:1-12 ESV).

 

Through the years I have had many conversations with people about the “right” posture of prayer. Should you be standing, kneeling, bowing, face-down or face up? Do you close your eyes, or keep them open? Do you fold your hands, or hold them with palms open? I’m afraid I’ve become less tolerant with such frivolous inquiries inwardly than when I was a bit younger. My inclination is to simply, quietly answer, “Doesn’t really matter how your physical position is if your inward position is not correct. Get your heart right and everything else will be right!

 

The Bible teaches that God rejects the proud and the arrogant. But God listens to the prayers of believers who approach him with a humble and contrite heart. Approaching God with a humble and repentant heart, though, does not imply groveling. Coming before God with meekness, we confess that we have sinned and have fallen short of his glory. Our humility is an appeal for forgiveness. It’s an acknowledgment of our utter need and total dependence. Ultimately, it’s a plea that we need Jesus.

 

Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we receive God’s grace. So, with humility and a contrite spirit, we can boldly enter into God’s very presence with our prayers. God does not despise our humble repentance. So whether you pray standing up, on your knees, seated, with your hands folded, or however you happen to approach God, do so with a humble and contrite heart!

 

Learning to Talk with God - Pt. 4

 

[Jesus said] “While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:12–26 ESV).

 

Today’s reading is also known as “the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus.” We sometimes confuse Jesus’ “Model Prayer” (cf. Matthew 7) with a prayer that Jesus actually prayed. He certainly could have prayed that prayer; however, we know that the prayer of John 17 is one that came from Him on the night of His betrayal and arrest. Jesus prayed this prayer to his Father, interceding for his disciples and all believers. This prayer is filled with compassion, revealing Christ’s mission for himself and his followers. It is a prayer that wells up from Jesus’ passion.

 

Jesus never petitioned His Father that we would never face hardships. He asks that we may persevere. It’s a prayer for unity among believers so that others will believe. It’s a prayer of deep love, asking that all people may grow to believe in him. Reflecting on this prayer of Jesus, we can see that as believers we have a mission—and we will accomplish it only by remaining in him who is the vine (cf. John 15:5). The Bible’s message is designed to draw us into relationship with our Creator, who has revealed himself in his Son, Jesus Christ, and by his Holy Spirit. It is appropriate that we look at another great ancient prayer, the closing prayer of the Canons of Dort:

 

“May God’s Son Jesus Christ, who sits at the right hand of God and gives gifts to humanity, sanctify us in the truth, lead to the truth those who err, silence the mouths of those who lay false accusations against sound teaching, and equip faithful ministers of God’s Word with a spirit of wisdom and discretion, that all they say may be to the glory of God and the building up of their hearers. Amen.”

 

Following Jesus’ example, let’s be passionate in prayer. May we love as God loves—and share his good news everywhere!

 

Learning to Talk with God - Pt. 3

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54–60 ESV).

 

Our reading today tells the story of the first martyr. It also reveals what a disciples’ prayer should be. The story begins as Stephen finishes his defense against false accusations, he notes that many prophets in the past were persecuted and killed—and that his accusers did the same to Jesus. At this, the crowd becomes an angry mob that drags Stephen out of the city and begins to stone him. When Stephen says he sees heaven open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, that means Jesus is in the place of ultimate authority. And the leaders who wanted Jesus dead and gone cannot bear to hear this testimony, so they rush to silence Stephen by killing him.

 

In the midst of his suffering, Stephen prays. The link between Stephen and Jesus is clear and dynamic. His words are similar to some words Jesus said while he was suffering on the cross (cf. Luke 23:46). And because of the link between Jesus and Stephen, the testimony of Stephen continues. A martyr’s death continues the work of God.

 

Such a connection to Jesus is important to develop in our prayer life. Through such a relationship we can transcend the seeming distance that separates us from experiencing the strength and power necessary to face even the most difficult circumstances. It is very interesting that this brings Stephen to pray for those who are intent on his destruction and death. Notice how God uses this. On the sidelines in this story we see someone whose life will be forever changed by an encounter with Jesus. Saul, a young leader who approves of this stoning, will one day understand how Stephen’s prayer, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” was answered that day. Pray with that kind of power!

  

Learning How to Talk with God - Pt. 2

 

[Moses said] “At that time the LORD said to me, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and come up to me on the mountain and make an ark of wood. And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets that you broke, and you shall put them in the ark.’ So I made an ark of acacia wood, and cut two tablets of stone like the first, and went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hand. And he wrote on the tablets, in the same writing as before, the Ten Commandments that the LORD had spoken to you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly. And the LORD gave them to me. Then I turned and came down from the mountain and put the tablets in the ark that I had made. And there they are, as the LORD commanded me. I myself stayed on the mountain, as at the first time, forty days and forty nights, and the LORD listened to me that time also. The LORD was unwilling to destroy you. And the LORD said to me, ‘Arise, go on your journey at the head of the people, so that they may go in and possess the land, which I swore to their fathers to give them.’” (Deuteronomy 10:1-5; 10-11 ESV).

 

In our reading today, Moses explains that when he received the commands of God on tablets of stone, he prayed fervently for the people. This was the second time he had gone up on the mountain to receive God’s law, because the people had sinned while he was away the first time. The people had sinned so badly that God threatened to destroy them, but Moses interceded for them, and God heard Moses’ prayers and sent the people on their way. (cf. Deuteronomy 9:7-29). We should learn to pray with fervency.

 

Fervent prayer is passionate, intense, and heartfelt communication with God, characterized by sincerity, unwavering faith, and persistence. It involves pouring out one's heart and emotions to God with deep longing or supplication, rather than simply asking for things. To pray fervently, focus on praying purposefully with an undivided heart and a persistent, unwavering faith. Fervent prayer is intense and passionate; it is a passionate outpouring of one's heart to God, fueled by intense emotion and deep sincerity; and it is persistent. This is prayer that is done with unwavering faith, not giving up even when circumstances are difficult, as shown in the parable of the persistent widow. A key element in fervent pray is praying with an undivided heart and trusting in God's character and power, which is the source of its power, not human effort alone. It is important to pray purposefully and specifically, aligning one's will with God's.

 

When our hearts are troubled and seeking God’s grace on behalf of our churches, families, coworkers, partners, and other hurting or lost souls, we pray. It is powerful to pray and to be prayed for persistently. We pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is not unusual for people to intercede for others who are in need, such as homeless, sick, hungry, or displaced individuals. Even more, we can pray for people to repent and be forgiven. We count on God to move mightily in people’s lives and situations because we know God loves them.

 

James 5:16 assures us that it is this kind of prayer that is powerful and effective. God listens to us, and Jesus, the Savior, faithfully intercedes for us (cf. Romans 8:34). Pray like that and see the amazing work of God accomplished in your life!

 

Learning to Talk with God - Pt. 1

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4–9 ESV).

 

The signs of Fall have begun to show themselves even in Texas! This is that time of the year when we begin to think about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both of these are times of great emphasis on our relationship with the Lord as His blessings seem to be magnified in our world. That should turn us to prayer. Prayer is a universally understood practice of communication with a sacred entity. We, who are believers in Christ, understand prayer as an act of communicating with God, our Heavenly Father. Prayer can be used to express a range of emotions from thanks and praise to supplication. It can be a private or public, formal or informal act, involving spoken words, silent thoughts, or rituals like chanting or offerings. 

 

Above all prayer is about growing closer to God by communicating with him, acknowledging our dependence on him, and listening to his voice. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he said they didn’t need any special words or invocation but could simply address their “heavenly Father” with humility, reverence, and confidence (Matthew 6:5-15). He urged his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Therefore, prayer is also about receiving God’s power through the Holy Spirit to activate discernment and resist sin. The Holy Spirit empowers our prayers so that they may bear good fruit. We can’t pray hard enough or long enough to compel God to do anything or to gain his favor, but God does bless us as we grow in our spiritual disciplines, including our commitment to prayer.

 

In the next seven devotionals we will look into the amazing blessing and privilege that prayer provides for us. I hope they will encourage you as you seek God in prayer. Today, simply notice the changes in the air and recognize it is our heavenly Father who is giving us reason to be thankful and rejoice in His presence!

What Does Purposefully Waiting Look Like?

 

[Jesus said] “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27 ESV).

 

What does waiting purposefully look like? In our reading Jesus explains it is like building a house. If we want a house that will last, it must have a solid foundation. And the only foundation for living is to listen to Jesus’ teaching and put it into practice.

 

When the apostle Paul talked about building up the church of Jesus, he used house-building language also. In 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 he warned, “No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation ­using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is.”

 

Paul used similar imagery in Ephesians 2:20-22 to describe God’s household—“built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

 

Describing Jesus as “the living Stone,” the apostle Peter adds, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” And why? Not just to have a solid, full life worth living, but “that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:4-5, 9). Jesus wants us to live by his Word and teaching so that we can share his message with others—and help them have a life built on Christ too! That’s the firm foundation of building on a solid foundation!

 

Waiting Purposefully

 

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:9-17 ESV).

 

One of the hardest spiritual disciplines is to wait purposefully for Jesus to return. Some believers complain that every day that passes makes the wait harder. Others happily claim that every passing day brings us one day closer to Jesus. It takes the double discipline of patience and trust to live and wait every day in anticipation of Jesus’ coming. I have often been called upon to “delay gratification.”

 

At various moments in my personal journey I have learned that just waiting is an agonizing exercise in futility. Since I am writing this devotional on Tuesday, October 14^th, I have not yet experienced the anticipated joy of what is scheduled for this weekend. By the time you read this, I believe that both Faith and Logan, our oldest grandchildren, will have received their Aggie Rings. It’s a big deal with those of us who are in the maroon and white “cult.” Faith got her ring in the spring last year, Logan is scheduled for this weekend. What a great joy that will be to see this culmination of such perseverance and hard work for him. (By the way, the picture I've atttached was taken when they were in Middle School!)

 

Now, of course, as wonderful as that is, it is nothing compared to the great joy that will be ours when Jesus comes. But there is a principle at work here I want you to note. In the earning of their right to wear an Aggie Ring, they both had to persevere. They both had to wait purposefully. This is the call we all have in the waiting for Jesus’ return. It is not idle sitting. This is no exercise in the mere passage of time. It is intentional preparation and purposeful action. It is a discipline of waiting. Wait like that and you will not be disappointed!

 

Is Jesus Coming Soon?

 

[Jesus said] “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:36-44 ESV).

 

It seems like more people are preoccupied with the Second Coming of Jesus than ever in my experiences. I must confess I have always been theological centered in the imminent return of Christ; however, I have never subscribed to any semblance of predicting the “times or the seasons.” I do encourage everyone to be expectant and ready however.

 

Not long ago as I was visiting with someone in the office, they began to ask me questions about the Second Coming. AS I took them to various Scriptural references, they asked, “Wouldn’t that be awesome if Jesus came back today?” That comment took me by surprise, coming from a young adult. It reminded me of a conversation that I had with one of my physical therapists. Somehow we got on to the subject of death. He said something that intimated death was the worse thing that could happen. My response was a standard denial of that. I said, “No, that is the best outcome.” He then asked, “Well, if you were to die, what would you miss seeing your children and grandchildren do in their life?” I simply said, “Nothing.” I then quoted Hebrews 12:1. Then he surprised me by asking, “Well, what would they have missed with you being gone?” Now that’s a different question entirely. The thought is the undergirding of what I want us to explore in the next few days. We must concentrate on personally being ready and doing whatever we can to help others be ready for the final call of Jesus.

 

Two things are certain: either Jesus will call us home in death, or He will return and initiate the end of time as we know it. The greatest question is whether we are ready? Are you? Only faith in Jesus will suffice in that moment!

The Omnipresence of Jesus in Missions

 

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV).

 

I have been privileged to preach and minister in many parts of the world. Those have included many different places in the United States with numerous cultural and denominational groups. These places have also included different international locations such as Ukraine, Israel, Argentina, and Mexico. Perhaps the most unique of these was the Ukraine. The picture I’ve attached is in front of the first church I preached in with our group and two of the pastors we worked with. It was and incredible time of ministry.

 

However, the trip began with difficulty fueling my anxiety even more than usual. Our group missed the boarding of our flight by five minutes of the final boarding call. No reasoning could dissuade the airline representative to open the gates for us, even though it was still an hour before the scheduled take-off. After getting new flights booked through another airline and arranging the different connections, we found ourselves in a small airport for the last leg of the trip. Going through customs in a predominantly military controlled country was “interesting” to say the least. Finally arriving Odessa, we were met by a representative to take us to the seminary where our first nights’ stay was scheduled. After that I traveled across five different districts in six days, preaching and teaching in six different churches. Perhaps the most difficult part of this experience was the language barrier. Even though I had a wonderful translator, it was challenging.

 

That experience reminds me that there is always a measure of anxiety and uncertainty when we step across cultural and ethnic boundaries, whether it’s in our neighborhood or in a neighboring country or overseas. In every circumstance we discover that when we embrace Jesus’ Great Commission to us in Matthew 28, his words also become more real to us than we might imagine: “Surely I am with you always…” He never leaves us alone!  

 

The Intercultural Miinistry

 

And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city. (Acts 8:1–8 ESV).

 

With today’s devotional we come to the fourth and final description of the mission that we have been called to perform. The focus will be on the word “intercultural. To be intercultural followers of Jesus means that we engage with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to join in God’s mission to the whole world.

 

If we look closely at the early church in the book of Acts, we can see this principle in action. Jesus spent most of his teaching ministry among his own (Jewish) people, but he gave many hints that the good news of the kingdom is intended for all nations. The focus of missions started in Jerusalem. And when believers in Christ were scattered because of persecution, they “preached the word wherever they went.”

 

Jesus had promised that his followers would witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). And in our passage today we see an example of how the preaching of the gospel spread from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria.

 

As the good news of Jesus spread, it crossed ethnic boundaries. And within a few years missionaries like the apostle Paul and others spread the word of God’s salvation in Christ throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Today the fastest growing parts of the church are in places like Africa, Asia, and Central America. Jesus’ promise is still unfolding today! We should be committed to that kind of inclusivity wherever God has paced us.

 

The Ministry of Servanthood

 

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:35–45 ESV)

 

I am often surprised by some of the answers to the questions I pose to others as a means of initiating a conversation leading them to wholeness. I often ask people why did Jesus come to the earth? Most people give me the stock and trade of typical evangelical Christianity. In fact, some have even offered their answer with some bit of indignation as if I was treating them with condescension. These folks simply say, “He came to save us from our sins.” Of course, that is one of the things He did. It may even be the greatest thing He did. We would all remain in our sin and destined to eternal death had it not been for His sacrificial act on the cross. However, the Apostle John gives us another insight. He quotes Jesus saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV).

 

I remember another time when I asked a different question of a study group I happened to Bible?”  After several people had spoken, a young woman who happened to be a visitor to the class gave an answer that was unexpected. She said, “I think the story of the Bible centers on the story of God as a servant.” That certainly got my attention. She went on to explain, “The Bible opens with God creating the world and caring for Adam and Eve. The rest of the Bible is the story of how God put into place a plan to serve the world through his Son, Jesus.” And then she pointed out this beautiful detail: “The Bible ends with a picture of the new Jerusalem, which we are told will not need the sun or moon because God provides the light” (Revelation 21:23). From the beginning into eternity, God serves the world and all who are in it.

 

What an incredible thought. I was struck with the depth of humility in that thought. If Jesus came not to be served but to serve, how does that affect the way we live each day? How should it affect the way we live? God’s great mission is for us to serve others as He has served us! That will take us into a life that is truly abundant!

 

The Holistic Ministry of God

And he [Jesus] went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. (Matthew 4:23–25 ESV).

 

The next word for us to reflect upon is a word we might not hear very often: holistic. If you have heard it used, I doubt it was in the context of God’s call to ministry. Holistic ministry is a comprehensive approach to helping people that addresses their spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs in an integrated way. It recognizes that a person is a whole being and that their well-being is interconnected, aiming for transformation in all aspects of life, not just spiritual guidance. Examples include providing not only spiritual counsel but also support for basic needs like food and shelter, as well as emotional support, education, and community development.

 

It’s one thing to think about a definition. It’s a whole other thing to see it in action. That’s what we read about as Matthew describes the ministry of Jesus in our reading today. Imagine what it would have been like to experience Jesus’ work for yourself. No wonder the good news of Jesus spread everywhere!

 

Everything I have mentioned in the last few days as a mission concept befitting the greatness of God’s work shows up in this passage: gospel (good news), witness, and holistic. Jesus proclaims the good news of the kingdom of God. People who experience Jesus see first-hand his goodness and bring others to meet him. And we see the holistic ministry of Jesus “healing every disease and sickness.” People are set free in every part of their lives.

 

The Psalmist provides a succinct focus: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3). This is what holistic mission is all about. We live in a world that desperately needs to experience the loving and healing touch of Jesus in every area of their life! We can bring the news of that love and healing to them. Will you?

  

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. (Psalm 19:1-6 ESV).

 

I am always partial to pictures of the Smokies in the fall of the year. The one I’ve attached today was taken some years ago when Mary and I traveled along the road from Gatlinburg, TN., to Cherokee, N.C. It crosses the mountains as it winds its way through Newfound Gap. The views are spectacular. However, the mistake that we often succumb to is in not hearing the voice of God in what we see of His handiwork.

 

As we have been reflecting on what it means to be a witness to God’s saving work, I’ve had a few who have responded that they can’t hear God like I do. Well, let me assure you that I have no special ability to hear the voice of God. However, I often remind myself that everything I see in this world is a product of God’s work of creation. Every sunrise and sunset is a testament to the greatness of God. Everything is that voice of God telling us of His love and grace. That is the basis of our witness. To be a witness is to simply tell about what you have seen and heard. As Christians, we believe that God is always at work around us, so our role is to bear witness to his presence and goodness.

 

There is no need to prove God. All of creation does that quite effectively. Our task is to simply call others to look with eyes that see a bit more deeply at what He has already done. The Holy Spirit is quite capable of taking it the rest of the way!

 

Jesus - the Light of the World

 

In 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 was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. (John 1:1–8 ESV).

 

I love how the gospel of John describes the work of John the Baptist. It is a reassuring description of what it means to be an evangelist (a witness) for Jesus. We are told that John came as a witness, to testify concerning the light of Christ. We get this important clarification: “He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.” (v. 8). I think this is an important distinction to understand from most contemporary concepts of “evangelism.” Today we hear others talk about sharing our faith, and we are pause, becoming anxious about having the right words to say. What if I say something wrong? What if someone asks me a question I don’t know how to answer? What kind of witness would that be?

 

Wherever you may be right now, take a look at the closest light near you. Doing so might not be very comfortable for your eyes, though. In general, lights are not designed to be looked at. The purpose of a light is to reveal the things around it. For example, you can read a book and see other things around you because some kind of light is helping you to see those things.

 

The role of John the Baptist, “who came as a witness to testify” about Jesus, was to help people understand about the light. John was not the light. But he helped people to understand that the One who is the light makes it possible to see what life is all about. In the same way, our witness about Jesus is not about ourselves—it points people to the One who is the light of the world. To be an effective “witness” is simply to point others to look at Jesus! We need that in our world today desperately!