The Groaning of the World

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For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. --Romans 8:22-23 Here’s an understatement—we live in a world in pain because of sin. There is plenty of evidence that as Romans 8:22 says “creation has been groaning.” Stress, violence, hatred, wars, disease, shootings, and tragedies are all over the news. In this morning's new cycle we get further news of a madman in a far away land successfully developing rockets whose sole purpose is our annihilation. So, is there any hope for a world like this? Even Christians groan according to our Scripture verse today! Why? You and I are still members of a fallen race, living in a fallen place! But today, maybe you’re not thinking about the hopelessness of the world. Maybe you’re wondering, “Is there any hope for me?” If you are suffering and hurting, God has a prescription for your pain. He has a medicine of hope! You and I may not have any hope in our world today. But we can find hope in the world to come. We have hope because of the promise that Jesus has given us. You and I have the hope of the redemption of our body and of living in God’s presence forever in joy and peace. You may not have any hope in our world today, but you can find hope in the world to come.

What Are You Worth?

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
John 19:1–19

The Romans refined their systems of punishment and execution with an eye toward inflicting maximum pain on the victims. The pinnacle of their work was death by crucifixion, which the historian Josephus called “the most wretched of deaths.” It was not uncommon for healthy prisoners to live for two or even three days on the cross in agonizing pain. The word excruciating that we use to describe awful pain literally means “from the cross.”
Many people struggle with feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. But when we properly understand the meaning and purpose of the cross, we understand that we have incredible value. Jesus paid an amazing price for our redemption. The cost of the cross becomes even more astonishing when we reflect that it was part of God’s plan before He ever created the world. Revelation 13:8 refers to Jesus as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
Others may hold us in contempt and think us of no value. (They did with Jesus.) We ourselves may struggle to believe that God loves us. But as long as the cross stands in history and memory, we have a vivid reminder of how God views us. God views us as worthy of making a supreme sacrifice. There is no limit to His love, and in the light of that love, we find a value that can never be taken away from us.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

The cross is a powerful reminder of the depth and meaning of God’s love for us.

Research on Early Childhood Education

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More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 One of the most common questions I hear from believers and skeptics alike is “If God is good, then why do bad things happen to good people?” And it’s true that people who are genuinely good-hearted will experience suffering in their life. Furthermore, the Bible is clear that God doesn’t just allow suffering; God is often the active agent in the trials of His faithful people. It was God who first told Satan about Job (Job 1:8), who would eventually have everything taken away from him, but would be proven faithful. God also gave Paul the opportunity to show his faithfulness through suffering so that he would be humbled and realize that God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Many times when I hear testimonies from Christians, they follow this pattern: I was bad… God saved me… and now things are just terrific. But if you really get into the life of any faithful Christian, you’ll see some level of suffering. So when hard times come and God gives you a season of suffering, how will you suffer? Will you walk around bitter and angry because you never did anything to deserve this? Or, will you hear that same voice of God that spoke to Paul saying, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Listen to the voice of God in the midst of your suffering and allow Him to lead you to a deeper relationship with Him. WHEN HARD TIMES HIT, SUFFER WELL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.

Unseen Value

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
Isaiah 53:1–3

In 2014, security guards at an art exhibit in southern Italy were stunned when they arrived in the morning and found a modern art display valued at $15,000 gone. Contrary to what one would first assume, however, the loss was not the work of clever thieves. The exhibit, which consisted of newspapers, cardboard, and cookies, had been thrown away by the cleaning crew who thought it was trash left behind by workers setting up exhibits in the gallery.
Most people do not think of artwork when they see pieces of trash. But it is not just in the realm of art appreciation that the tendency to devalue what does not appear to match our conception occurs. The same thing happened when Jesus came.
Though Jesus’ life and ministry showed Him to be the Messiah, most people did not believe in Him. Some doubted because of where He grew up. “And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see” (John 1:46). Others viewed His lack of interest in overthrowing the Romans and restoring Jewish independence as grounds for not following Jesus. And so despite His presence among them, and all the good works He did, Jesus was despised and rejected.
Even today, people do not value Jesus for who He is—God who came in the flesh to make a sacrifice for our sin. But we who know Him as our Saviour treasure our relationship with Him.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

We who know Christ have the opportunity to tell others who He really is and how He can change their lives.

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 Jean-Paul Sartre, the French existentialist, said, “There is no exit from the human dilemma.” And really, that quote aptly summarizes the utter pessimism and hopelessness that’s so prevalent today. Not long ago, some college students were asked to define life. And they described life as “a joke that isn’t even funny,” and “a prison sentence for the crime of being born.” There’s such great despair because people are hopeless today. In fact, the second leading cause of death among teenagers after automobile accidents is suicide. Young people in the prime of life feel so utterly helpless and hopeless that they’re taking their own lives. When you look at statistics like that, your first question has to be, “Why?” Well, I’ll tell you why. It’s because the world today is telling our young people over and over again that there is no God, and then they’re shocked when they start acting like it! But for the faithful, there is hope. You and I have hope that Jesus Christ will one day return and make everything right that is now wrong. But until that day, make it your life’s mission to share that hope with others! AS BLEAK AS THE WORLD MAY SEEM AT TIMES, REMEMBER YOUR ETERNAL HOPE IN JESUS CHRIST AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!

An Unfailing Support

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Hebrews 13:5–6

Challenged by the pioneer missionary Robert Moffat, David Livingstone dedicated his life to taking the gospel to Africa. He labored for years, enduring great physical hardship. On a rare trip back to his homeland, Livingstone was asked to speak about his work. Standing with his left arm hanging useless after it had been crushed by a lion, with his gaunt body wracked with malaria, Livingstone said, “Would you like me to tell you what supported me through all the years of exile among a people whose language I could not understand, and whose attitude toward me was always uncertain and often hostile? It was this, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ On these words I staked everything, and they never failed.”
Through the centuries, the people of God have relied on the promises of God, and none of those promises have ever failed. The presence of God in our lives is certain and unchanging. He does not go away or abandon us or even rest. “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). The world is filled with obstacles, challenges, and difficulty. But as Christians we never face any of them alone. Though we can ignore the resources and help God offers and insist on going our own way, we always have the option of fleeing to the throne of grace to seek God’s grace and help. There is no reason for us to fear what we may face, because God’s presence extends beyond this life. At the moment we die, we will be in Heaven with Him forever.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

The Holy Spirit lives within every believer, and He is God’s promise that we will never be forsaken.

Quote of the day =)

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Faithful unto Death

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.”
John 16:1–4

According to one recent report, more than ten Christians on average are killed every single day because of their faith. In country after country around the world, those who express faith in Jesus Christ put a target on themselves and their families because opposition to Christianity there is not limited to verbal objections. While we are thankful that in America we’ve been able to worship and witness without fear of being killed, that is rare and not guaranteed to continue in the future.
Throughout the history of the church, men and women have faced a choice between being true to God and the risk of death. Though some have failed that challenge and renounced their faith, there is a glorious tradition of those who were faithful even unto death. While we certainly hope to never be placed in that position, we are not promised ease and safety as followers of the Lord who perished on a cross.
The only way that we can pass the most critical tests of faith is for our faith to be strengthened before those moments come. Daniel did not decide whether to pray when the law forbidding it was passed. He had already made his decision and was praying long before. The choices that we make today determine the choice we would make if we faced a life and death struggle of faith.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Our faith must be developed in times of calm in order to stand in the times of storm.

The Cry of a Mother - Lorelei Go

Romans 8:31-39New Living Translation (NLT)

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

³¹ What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? ³² Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? ³³ Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. ³⁴ Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

³⁵ Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ³⁶ (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”^[a]) ³⁷ No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

³⁸ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. ³⁹ No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Titus 3:5

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Patterns to Follow, Patterns to Break

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did. And he walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them: And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD.”
2 Kings 21:19–22

Some people learn early of God’s love and accept His salvation at a young age. They develop the habits of church attendance, Bible reading, prayer, and giving early in life. Others do not have that advantage. Being saved later, there are negative habits from their younger years that they must overcome. Dostoyevsky wrote, “The second half of a man’s life is made up of the habits he acquired during the first half.”
But all of us, whether we had a head start with a godly family or not, have tendencies and habits of which we must be aware if we want to do what is right and pleasing in God’s eyes. It is easy for us to overlook things that we are used to doing. For example, a person who grew up giving quick vent to anger may not recognize the issues their outbursts can cause for themselves and for others. It seems “normal” because it is part of a pattern of living.
We need to be alert and aware as we make our way through life to negative tendencies and patterns that we may have acquired, and be vigilant not to accept them. In the same way, we need to be aware of our good habits and behaviors, and do what we can to reinforce them so that they continue.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

If we do not pay careful attention to our habits and tendencies, we will tolerate sin that should be cast out of our lives.

John 10:14,27

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Remember the Meaning

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
2 Peter 1:8–10

I read a rather humorous story of a man who was quite surprised to see his neighbor leave the house in full football gear—pads and helmet. He called out, “Jim, I didn’t know you played football.” Jim replied, “I don’t. I’m going to the mall to do my Christmas shopping!” There are a lot of people who get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas that they lose out on the joy and meaning that makes the celebration of Christ’s birth so meaningful. And while it is true that most of those who miss the purpose of Christmas do so because they have not received the gift the Saviour came to offer, it is very possible for Christians to miss any spiritual value in the holiday.
We are not immune from the peril of forgetting what God has done for us just because we are saved. In fact the longer we have been saved, the more danger we face of taking God’s great grace and mercy shown to us so clearly that first Christmas for granted. The stunning story of angels and shepherds, a baby in a manager, and wise men traveling to bring gifts to the newborn king are so familiar to us that we no longer stop to rejoice in what God has done. If our focus is where it should be, the stories we’ve heard hundreds of times before will still be fresh and new to us.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

If we keep our focus on what truly matters, we will not have a hectic and harried holiday season.

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An Altar to Give Thanks

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”
Genesis 8:20–22

Noah had the unique experience of his family being the only survivors spared from the Flood that God sent, to judge the wickedness of man. He and his family did not live through that global catastrophe because of his cleverness or foresight, but because of the grace of God. When Noah was warned of the coming judgment, he responded in faith and built the ark according to God’s design and specifications. The ark did exactly what God promised, and after more than a year had passed, Noah and his family emerged safely onto dry ground.
The first thing Noah did was build an altar to make an offering to God. Truly he had much for which to be thankful—as do we. Most of us, however, would have to acknowledge that we fall short when it comes to giving God the praise and thanks He deserves. Though there are many reasons for that, one of the great causes of ingratitude is our desire to think that we make it through on our own strength and effort. When we give thanks to God, we admit that He deserves all the praise and glory rather than us. William Jennings Bryan said, “On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge our dependence.” Let us lay aside our pride and in humility come before the Lord, giving thanks.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

No offering that we present to God can adequately express our thanks and gratitude for His salvation.

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Dear Lord: On this Thanksgiving Day, we remember that we are to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. We are thankful that since our nation’s founding, you have blessed us with a land filled with bounty and beauty. We are thankful that since our nation’s founding, you have blessed us with liberty and freedom. But today, we ask for your forgiveness because we have taken your bounty and blessings and corrupted them. We have abused them. You have blessed us with every blessing. And we have turned from You. We pray that you would heal our land and heal our hearts. We pray that you would heal our families and fill your churches. We pray this day that you would send a revival to our nation. And we pray that you would use our trials and tribulations as a nation for your greater glory. Amen.

How God can use you to change eternity

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For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.            1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Don’t you hate that feeling you get when you realize you’ve been completely wrong in your estimation of people? It can be so easy to make snap judgments on character, ability, attitude, or personality, only to realize later you were totally wrong in you first impression of someone! Now, this tendency can go two ways. You can underestimate someone by thinking they’re unqualified or incompetent when they’re actually quite intelligent. Or you can overestimate someone by immediately seeing them as skilled and able when, in fact, they’re completely unable to do anything right! The same is true when it comes to looking for gifts among Christians. Often, people like to pick the attractive, seemingly-gifted individuals to work with them, but end up disappointed when they realize their lack of spiritual depth and commitment. All the while, the person they never would have picked is on fire for Jesus Christ and faithfully serving Him! When God chooses to build a servant, He uses different timber. God delights to use the nobodies! So if you feel like you’re not the smartest or most gifted, remember that God wants to use the faithful who seemingly have nothing to make an eternal impact! YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SMART OR GIFTED IN THE WORLD’S EYES FOR GOD TO USE YOU. SO SERVE FAITHFULLY IN EVERYHTING YOU DO AND GOD WILL USE YOU TO MAKE AN ETERNAL IMPACT!

“Neither Were Thankful”

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”
Romans 1:20–22

The increasingly godless culture that surrounds us is filled with evil, but this is hardly the first time God’s people have lived in a sea of wickedness. The same was true in the first century when the early church was setting out to take the gospel to the world. The Roman Empire was filled with violence and immorality, and was very hostile to the new religion spreading from Jerusalem across their territory. Yet when the Apostle Paul described the society in which evil reigned, he began by accusing them of one particular sin—ingratitude.
Every person on Earth, the saved and the lost, benefit from the amazing grace that God freely provides. No man is able to make the sun shine, cause the winds to blow, or do any of the other essential things that make life possible. Were it not for the benefits provided by God, we would have nothing. Matthew 5:45 tells us that our Father which is in Heaven, “Maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
As children of God who receive not just His natural benefits, but also eternal salvation, we have a special responsibility to be thankful. There is no excuse for us not to praise and glorify God, not just once a year, but every single day. Charles Spurgeon said, “When joy and prayer are married, their firstborn child is gratitude.”
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Take time today to give thanks and praise God for His goodness to you.

Anticipating your heavenly reward

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“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him…” 1 Corinthians 2:9 I’ve heard that psychologists and scientists say we only use a portion of our brainpower. Some use a little more and some a little less, but no one reaches their full potential when it comes to utilizing the power of the brain. Well, if that’s true concerning our rational side, I wonder how much you and I really see of God with our spiritual eyes. There’s so much more to see than we could ever even fathom. And once you become an eyewitness, once you’ve seen just a glimpse of Jesus, you can never be the same. When Moses was meeting with God up on Mount Sinai before he received the ten commandments, God allowed him to see just a glimpse of His glory. And it was enough to make his face glow with God’s light! One day, you’ll see Jesus in all His glory. And just as magnificent as His glory will be your eternal reward if you are in Christ. So as you experience the ups and downs of life, remember that those who are in Christ will one day receive a reward greater that what you could ever imagine! IN THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE, REMEMBER THAT IF YOU’RE IN CHRIST, GOD WILL ONE DAY GIVE YOU A GREATER REWARD THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE!

The Power of Gratitude

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.”
2 Chronicles 20:21–22

When Jehoshaphat faced the threat of an attack by a vast host of his enemies who had joined forces together against him, he recognized that he had no hope of victory humanly speaking. So he wisely sought help from the Lord. God sent word to the besieged king that not only would he be delivered, but that his army would not have to fight at all. In faith and gratitude, Jehoshaphat selected singers to go out ahead of his troops, praising the Lord all the way to the field of battle. When they arrived, they found that the coalition against them had been broken, and that the enemy armies had destroyed each other. There is so much value in praising God and giving thanks for what He has done for us. It is good for our own hearts and lives, and it has a positive impact on those around us.
In his Thanksgiving Day Proclamation in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge wrote, “In acknowledging the receipt of divine favor, in contemplating the blessings which have been bestowed upon us, we shall reveal the spiritual strength of the nation. We shall do well to accept all these favors and bounties with a becoming humility, and dedicate them to the service of the righteous cause of the Giver of all good and perfect gifts. As the nation has prospered let all the people show that they are worthy to prosper by rededicating America to the service of God and man.”
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Every child of God has ample reason to rejoice and give thanks, no matter the circumstances.

Joseph Warren of Adam's Road Live Testimony

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Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust can be difficult, can’t it? There have been times in my life when I put my trust in someone and was completely let down. And every time that happens, it makes it that much harder to trust them again. But while people will fail you, God will never let you down. God has a master plan for every Christian… a blueprint for every believer… a wonderful will for your life as well as mine. And whether you are a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker, God has a purpose for your life. We can know for certain that God is in control, that we’re not just aimlessly wandering and meandering through life, because the Scripture affirms that over and over again. The Lord only asks that you trust in him to know what’s best for you… to not lean on your own understanding of how things should be. It’s like that bumper sticker I see all the time that says, “If God is your copilot, then you better trade places!” When you begin trust in God for everything, He will do amazing things in your life for his glory! TRUST IN GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE AND ALLOW HIM TO MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT.

The Value of Struggle

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
James 1:1–4

In 1921, Franklin D. Roosevelt was a rising star in the political world. But when he contracted polio and was left unable to walk on his own, it seemed that his dreams had been shattered. Roosevelt embarked on a grueling physical rehabilitation program, and though he never regained the use of his legs, he was able to return to public life. He would be elected president in 1932, overcoming great obstacles to reach the peak of the political world. Roosevelt said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
Given the choice, most of us would not select great trials and hardship in our lives. Yet, God often uses difficulty to accomplish growth that cannot come any other way. Like a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble, God sometimes strikes us with what seem to be heavy blows to remove the things that are not part of His design. The process of growth and spiritual development is not painless, nor did God ever guarantee that it would be.
In our moments of pain and trial, it is vital that we not lose sight of God’s plan for our lives. Bad things are not necessarily a sign of His displeasure or punishment, though we should examine our lives to see if we are being chastened. But often they are simply God bringing us to a higher level of faith and trust in Him, as He uses struggles to shape and refine our character. There is a great comfort in knowing that nothing takes God by surprise, and that we can always trust Him to do what is best for us.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Rejoicing in trials only happens when we recognize God’s control and purpose for what is happening.

Hosea 10:12

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Putting Truth into Practice

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking? Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.”
Job 4:2–5

When God allowed Satan to take away everything Job had, three friends came to commiserate with Job. They proved to be poor comforters because they did not understand the real reason for what was going on. Instead, they accused Job of harboring secret sins and somehow bringing his misfortune upon himself. Interestingly, however, Job’s friend Eliphaz began his condemnation with words of praise. The description he provided of Job’s life is one that any of us would be pleased to have said of our lives. He described how Job had been a help and source of comfort to many who had suffered greatly.
Yet, Eliphaz followed these words by insisting that in the moment of crisis, Job was failing the test he had encouraged others to pass. Now we know from the Bible account what was actually happening, and that Job’s faith in God did not waver. He said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him” (Job 13:15). All of us face moments when the things we have believed and taught and shared with others are tested. It is in those moments that the reality of our belief is revealed.
Given a choice, we would not select great tragedy for our lives or for those we love. However, God is at work in every situation, whether we can see His hand or not. Our responsibility is to maintain our faith and put into practice in our lives the truths we have believed and shared with others.

 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

It is in the moments when our faith is tested most that we can truly assess its worth.

Matthew 7:21

 

Jeff Strite relates a true story about an English professor who was on her way to class one day. She was running late and was going over the speed limit. Then she saw the dreaded red and blue lights in her rear view mirror and heard the siren, and she pulled over.

As the policeman was making out her ticket, he asked her why she’d been going so fast. Being an English professor, she thought she’d be a little clever… and so she quoted Robert Frost: “I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.”

The police officer smiled, and having apparently read a fair amount of Robert Frost’s poems himself, replied: “Well Miss, Frost chose the road less traveled, and, unfortunately for you… this wasn’t it’.

In Jesus’ Mountain Message he speaks of there being only 2 roads in Matthew 7:13-14. The broad way with the wide gate that leads to destruction. And the narrow gate with the difficult way that guides us to eternal life. He illustrates this 2 kinds of trees that bear different kinds of fruit. And then concludes with the parable of the 2 builders–the wise man and the foolish man.

In that context Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matt 7:21-23)

Every spiritually minded person wants a relationship with Jesus. All desire to enter the Kingdom. And the goal of each one is to hear those words, Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Yet, the sad reality is that too many people who cry “Lord, Lord, will not enter in.” Some are unwilling to make a total commitment to Christ. To His Word. And to His will.

One writer compared the religious experience of some folks to dating. Dating is a 50-50 relationship. You begin guarded. You “put your best foot forward.” You are careful not to say those 3 little words prematurely. And honestly, you often are looking out for your best interests. Your feelings. Your needs.

Many people want to “date Jesus.” Enjoying some of the benefits and blessings without the commitment. Not ready to engage in the work hard of building a relationship, making commitments and willing to sacrifice.

Like marriage, true discipleship, is a 100-100 proposition. It requires our all. Selfless devotion. Unconditional love. And total commitment.

Can you imagine someone declaring their undying love for you, calling you sweet names and yet failing to engage in actions that validate your desires and refusing to demonstrate respect?

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). Real love, true love is demonstrated in meeting the expectations and desires of the object of one’s devotion. Calling Jesus by lofty sounding names. Attending all the services of the church. Engaging in ministry. Contributing large sums of money to religious organizations. None of these replace simple obedience to His Word.

C.S. Lewis correctly observes that to have Faith in Christ “means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him.”

Lewis then adds that your obedience is not because you are “hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman