THE STING OF DEATH

Most find it unsettling to ponder one's own mortality. A serious illness, the loss of a loved one, or a narrow escape can force us to reflect on the subject. 

It’s not unusual to have a fear of dying. God created you with a mind that is naturally disquieted by the end of your earthly pilgrimage and uses that trepidation to draw you to Himself ... Death is the destiny of everyone. The living should take this to heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

The Bible reveals that one's soul does not cease to exist but instead enters another realm after physical death. It is there that God's impending judgment takes place. Sadly, a vast majority are not ready for that day because they refuse to receive Jesus as Savior, the One ... who destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10)

We who trust Christ need not fear death. We have been given full assurance when facing the end. Our heavenly Father's promise is ... If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

Followers of Christ can know with certainty that their earthly bodies will be transformed into incorruptible ones, glorified and perfectly suited for God’s eternal kingdom ... When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory'. (1 Corinthians 15:54)

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ dealt the final blow to death's reign ... Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death (that is, the devil) and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Christians have been instilled with a strong sense of incompletion ... We, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23)

How wonderful our 'home-going' ... He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

The apostle Paul chided death, as if it were a conscious entity ... Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:56) 

It is the door through which we exit this life and enter the next. Make sure that your destination is secured in Christ.

UNBELIEF IS ON THE RISE

According to Biblical prophecy, the 'age of grace' is quickly coming to an end. 

We are witnessing an unprecedented repudiation of our Christian faith. Secularism has made its way into the schools, the court system, the political landscape, and every form of entertainment. 

Its goal is to eliminate God from society's conscience altogether. Paul foresaw our time in history. His description is dead on ... 

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

Several factors have contributed to this reprobate condition:

• The denial of any power superior to that of 'humanism' ... seeking to establish their own righteousness, they do not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:3)

• Because the church has failed to preach the truths found in God's Word, it's become powerless ... But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9) 

• Mankind has rejected 'absolutes' concerning sin and its consequences, even though the warning is clear ... Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)

• Satan is ramping up his attack ... The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Despite this surge in 'unbelief' (and the growing tide of hostility toward Christianity) ... 
There is good news! 

A sudden increase in the number of people who are receiving the gift of salvation is also taking place. Untold numbers are accepting Christ as Savior. 

Jesus spoke of this day and age ... And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

The vacillating 'middle ground' that was common throughout history has all but disappeared. 

On which side of that gulf are you standing? 

GROWING FAITH

A true believer is never satisfied with a stagnant, ritualistic religious experience. He has been given a new nature that hungers for more spiritual discernment and maturation. 

Your faith is meant to grow, but it does not come from human effort. It is through the Holy Spirit's work of 'sanctification' ... What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own? (1 Corinthians 4:7) 

When left to our own devices, 'pride' raises its ugly head and insensitivity toward Christ's Lordship is revealed. Paul warned ... Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Consider yourself clay in the Father's hands. It is by His divine work that your faith increases. Stay moldable: 

• Study Scripture ... Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

• Nuture your relationship with Him ... Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. (John 17:3)

• Identify with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection ... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Spiritual infancy is not an acceptable place to anchor your soul ... Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God. (Hebrews 6:1)

When you walk by faith and not by sight, you'll not only grow spiritually but glorify your Lord in the process. 

GOD'S PERMISSIVE WILL

The Lord allows certain things to occur that are contrary to His holy nature ... 'sin' that indirectly accomplishes His will.

He is both 'omniscient' and 'sovereign' ... declaring the end from the beginning and revealing beforehand what has not yet occurred; ‘My plan will be realized, I will accomplish what I desire'. (Isaiah 46:10)

Because God created us with the freedom to make decisions, we experience His 'permissive will' every day (how we spend our time, who we communicate with, what we eat, etc). Some choices have lifelong consequences ... some don’t. 

It is important to understand that His 'permissive will' never conflicts with His 'sovereign will'. For instance, the Lord allowed the sins of Joseph’s brothers to bring about a greater good ... But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

The most important example of God's 'permissive will' took place at the end of Christ's earthly ministry. The time had come when evil would be granted a window of opportunity ... Jesus began to point out to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and to suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised up on the third day. (Matthew 16:21)

The night our Lord was arrested, He told His enemies ... Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour - when darkness reigns. (Luke 22:53)

His Father's 'permissive will' is what made the gift of salvation possible ... There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin. (Romans 8:1-3)

The Lord remains in complete control, even when the journey is difficult ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

God only permits that which is designed to bring you to Himself ... whatever it takes to justify, sanctify, and one day glorify your weary soul. 

Rest in that.  

THE DISQUIETED SOUL

When you are troubled by bouts of anxiety, remembering God's loving oversight can quell every trepidation. We are to prayerfully leave the cares of this world with Him ...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Blindly intervening in an attempt to bring relief displays a lack of faith. You are, in essence, saying ... 'Lord, I don’t believe you can take care of me, so I’m going to take matters into my own hands'. 

Then, when things end badly, shame and regret only compound the hurt. Choose instead to obey Peter's admonition ... 

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) 

There is absolutely no greater source of spiritual well-being than that which comes from the Son of God ... 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) 

If you've never surrendered your life to Christ's Lordship, frequent episodes of anxiety are inevitable. Your disquieted soul lives between two thieves ... the regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow. 

A MEASURE OF FAITH

We are not all called to the same purpose. Recognizing how the Lord has uniquely equipped you for service is important. Paul encourages us to examine our walk of faith with an objective eye ...

For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

In order to prevent self-righteousness, he presents two facts concerning your personal 'measure of faith' and the giftedness associated with it ... 

1. They are the standard by which we assess our role in the body of Christ.
2. They are appropriated by God and therefore, under His sovereign control.

There are divinely set limits. No one receives all the gifts, nor is the same gift given to every believer in the same measure ... All these things are brought about by one and the same Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

Understand that your role is not superior to anyone else's ... For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. (Romans 12:4-5)

Accept what the Lord has given you and be thankful. Allow your allotted 'measure of faith' to be used in His power ... for His glory. 

COME CLEAN

When a Christian refuses to repent after he commits a sin, fellowship with the Lord is broken ... Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. (Habakkuk 1:13) 

Satan (the 'accuser of the brethren') paints sin as an unbridgeable chasm you've dug between you and your Lord. The truth is ... sin is instead a dark curtain pulled over the window of your soul. The 'sun' is still there, but its warmth and light have been blocked by 'unconfessed sin'. 

Repentance pulls that drape back ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Children of God cannot lose their salvation. But if sin continues to go unconfessed, the heart can become calloused. The love, joy, and peace that come from an intimate relationship with Christ are replaced by the cares of this world and the pride of life.

When we walk in the light of God's Word, even the subtlest sin will be exposed. The same Spirit that brings conviction to your heart and mind also grants access to the Lord's forgiveness ... Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Spurgeon - We might well have trembled if we had been bidden to come to a throne of justice; we might have been afraid to come to a throne of power alone, but we need not hesitate to come to the throne of grace. 

Don't trample underfoot that which took place on Calvary's cross by harboring 'unconfessed sin'. 

Eschew pride and humbly surrender ... Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Come clean ...

I WILL REPAY

When we are offended or injured by someone, the natural response is to retaliate. Scripture warns us not to take matters into our own hands ...

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to God’s wrath, for it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,' says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

The Lord sees every unjust act committed. We are to trust His judgment. 

'I will repay' means:

• God is sovereign and will not allow the world to run amok with no accountability. Every sin will be addressed - if not in this life, then in the one to come ... God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you. (2 Thessalonians 1:6)

• Revenge is all about inflicting harm on a wrongdoer. We are instead to address the situation honestly and fairly as a testimony to our faith ... Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. (Romans 12:17-18)

• We must be patient. God operates on a different schedule than man does, and considers factors beyond our comprehension... Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. (Proverbs 20:22)

• God’s justice is more than 'evening the score'. We are recompensed ... Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse, but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you may receive a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)

Sanctification transforms us into the likeness of our Savior, who did not avenge Himself but set the ultimate example of Grace. From Calvary's cross, He prayed ... Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)  

Only when your life is hidden in Christ, can obedience to this command be done from a heart of compassion ... I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)

Lay aside the self-seeking attitude that justifies 'an eye for an eye' ... God has everything well in hand. 

EXERCISE YOUR FAITH

Scripture lists three commands that help Christians successfully navigate this lost and dying world. Emotional and spiritual well-being in the midst of chaos is the blessed result of heeding their counsel.

We are told to ... Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

1. JOYFUL IN HOPE - Man tends to dislike being told what to 'feel' (or that he needs an 'attitude adjustment'). That is not the intent of this admonition. It is knowing and declaring that you indeed have reason to rejoice, the promise of future glorification ... We groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:23-24)

2. PATIENT IN AFFLICTION - Abiding in Christ causes you to fix your eyes on future glory instead of today's hardship. Paul is not downplaying the real pain and struggle you experience in life, but reminds us that it is but for a moment compared to eternity ... For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18(

3. FAITHFUL IN PRAYER - You will be strengthened and upheld by God's mighty hand when you regularly come before the throne of grace ... Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) 

These are all tightly intertwined ...  

Jamieson - Each of these exercises helps the other. If our 'hope' of glory is so assured that it is a rejoicing hope, we shall find the spirit of 'endurance in tribulation' natural and easy; but since it is 'prayer' which strengthens the faith that begets hope and lifts it up into an assured and joyful expectancy, and since our patience in tribulation is fed by this, it will be seen that all depends on our 'perseverance in prayer'.

Exercise your faith and reap the benefits ... 'Just do it'. 

TO MOCK GOD

The word 'mockery' has to do with an attitude of disrespect, contempt, or in some cases ... open hostility. It is associated with ridicule, scoffing, and defiance. To mock God is a serious offense committed by those who have no fear of Him (or deny His existence altogether). 

According to Scripture, this insolent behavior comes from: 

• The 'fool' ... Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; Remember how the foolish man scoffs at You all day long. (Psalm 74:22)

• The 'wicked' ... Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. (Psalm 1:1)

• The 'enemy' ... O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? (Psalm 74:10)

• The 'unteachable' ... How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? (Proverbs 1:22)

• The 'proud' ... In his pride, the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God. (Psalm 10:4)

Jesus was mocked by: 

• The king and his soldiers ... Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. (Luke 23:11)

• The Roman guard ... And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him. (Mark 15:20)

• The thief on a cross ... One of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39)

• The Jewish leaders ... In the same way, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders mocked him. (Matthew 27:41)

Reading those verses may cause you to have pangs of indignation.  But truth be known, the most covert and dangerous form of mockery comes from those who warm the pews; 'pretenders to the faith' ... having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2 Timothy 3:5)

Charles G. Finney - To mock God is to pretend to love and serve Him when we do not; to act in a false manner, to be insincere and hypocritical in our professions, pretending to obey Him, love, serve, and worship Him, when we do not.

There are consequences ... Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt, nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. (Galatians 6:7 Amp)

Because of His grace and forgiveness, you may think you'll not suffer harm if you continue in sin. 

To believe such a thing is to mock God and make light of Jesus' sacrifice.

 

TRAIN UP A CHILD

The importance of teaching our children about God at an early age is put into perspective by this sobering statistic: Only six percent of those who are not followers of Christ by the age of eighteen become believers later in life. 

Even if regular church attendance is the norm for your family, a Sunday school teacher or youth pastor can do little to influence a child if Christianity isn't modeled at home. It should be your labor of love ... Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

We live in a time when those who know the Lord are considered intolerant and a blight on society. From the time your child begins grade school until he graduates from college, he is being indoctrinated by educators who embrace a corrupt liberal worldview. 

Any devotion to God is at risk if his spiritual foundation was never firmly set.

And sadly, it's not only that environment that wars against one's faith. The church itself has strayed from the truth of God's Word. Paul foretold of our day ... For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:3) 

Now, more than any other time in history, the onus is on parents to do what is right by their children. We must be steadfast in passing down sound Biblical doctrine to the next generation. 

Moses stressed the importance of sharing God's attributes and precepts ... Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 11:19) 

The forces of an ever-increasing secular world will bring violent storms against the lives of our youth. Make sure your spiritual house is constructed upon the truth of God's Word ... The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall as it had its foundation on the rock. (Matthew 7:25) 

Christian parents must establish a paradigm in which Godly behavior, a devoted prayer life, and daily Bible study are the template children witness. Above all, they need to hear and understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Teach it with passion and live it out before them.  

ARE ALL SINS EQUAL?

Righteous versus Unrighteous. 

Holy versus Unholy. 

Perfect versus Imperfect. 

Every thought, word, and deed will be judged according to those extreme, uncompromising parameters. There is no 'middle ground' when it comes to morality, and where you spend eternity hangs in the balance. 

Think of it this way ... 

It's as if Heaven is on the other side of a deep chasm, and so-called 'good' people see it as their well-deserved future home. When the day of accountability comes, they realize that humanistic attempts to cross over were in vain. 

They judged each other's lives in order to validate their own way to glory. One man ran as fast as he could and jumped, another grabbed a sturdy branch and pole vaulted, and a third frantically flapped his arms, trying to fly the distance. 

They all fell short, and it didn’t matter if it was by two inches, two yards, or two miles - the horrifying outcome was the same. Regardless of how you see yourself on the proverbial 'good versus evil scale', bridging that gap in your own strength is impossible ... For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

All sin is equal in God's eyes. 

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus mentioned - 'murder and adultery'. He then equated them with 'unjustified anger' and 'lustful thoughts'. We instinctively know that the consequences of the first two are much more severe from a worldly point of view ... but to the Lord, the second two are just as damning. 

Some argue that a soul goes to heaven based on some calculated 'goodness' quotient. What they see as a 'tolerant' and 'inclusive' theology is actually 'exclusive' by nature. They believe 'good people' find God, and 'bad people' don't. 

That runs contrary to the Gospel ... 

Those who know they aren't good can find God, and those who think they are good do not ... for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)

Because Jesus was morally perfect, He was worthy to bear man's sin. His cross is the only 'bridge' that spans the chasm ... For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

You cannot 'out-sin' the Lord's amazing grace. He paid it all ... Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. (Romans 5:20)

God made a way where there was no way. It seemed impossible for 'mercy' and 'justice' to work side by side. Yet ... the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ accomplished that very thing. 

Even if the only sin you ever committed was one little 'white lie' ... you still fall short. 

Take the Bridge. 

THE REMISSION OF SINS

The phrase 'remission of sins' is used several times in the King James Version of the Bible. It refers to that which takes place when salvation is received by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. 

The word 'remission' ... Release, as from a debt, penalty, or obligation (i.e., forgiveness; pardon)

Verses where the term is mentioned:

• The blood of Christ has the power to atone for an infinite number of sins committed by an infinite number of people throughout the ages. As Jesus passed the cup during the 'Last Supper', He proclaimed  ... This is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:28)

• John the Baptist's mission was to prepare the people for the Messiah’s arrival. To that end, he was born ... And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins. (Luke 1:76-77)

• John's baptism symbolized acknowledgement of sin and the need for a Savior ... He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (Luke 3:3)

• When Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection, He issued what is known as the 'great commission' ... that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)

• Peter told a Roman named Cornelius that faith in Christ fulfilled Old Testament prophecy ... To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43)

• Paul wrote about the impact of the Gospel message on the souls of men. It is in Christ alone ... Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. (Romans 3:25) 

This precious doctrine offers reconciliation with God and eternal security ... In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7)

The knowledge that your sins have been cast into the depths of the sea (never to be remembered) ... should encourage you to live every day in gratitude and obedience.

It also calls you to extend forgiveness to others.

LIBERTY

Jesus Christ started His earthly ministry by opening the scroll of Isaiah and reading aloud this passage ... 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19)

Paul confirms it ... Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Jesus promises it ... If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)

It is 'liberty' that lovingly beckons you to come to Christ. It represents a fresh start and rest for your weary soul. When you breathe it in, a 'peace that passes understanding' is yours ... For sin will no longer be a master over you, since you are not under Law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)

We must guard it ... Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

The ultimate 'liberty' is freedom from the consequences of a sin-laden life ... For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

When you receive the gift of salvation, the crushing weight of eternal judgment is lifted from your life. 

But understand that 'freedom in Christ' is not the right to do as you please ... but the power to please Him by doing what is right. 

AFFLICTION

As we navigate this fallen world, there is no escaping seasons of despair, injury, disappointment, rejection, and sickness. It is a reminder to Christians that this is not our home. Paul encouraged the early church ... 

Do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

A W Pink - Should our afflictions continue throughout a whole lifetime, and that life be equal in duration to Methuselah’s, yet it is momentary compared with the eternity before us. Oh, that God would enable us to examine our trials in their true perspective.

While we wait for the Lord's return, it behooves us to understand the source and purpose of hardship: 

• 'Affliction' is often a direct consequence of sin ... For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:8)

• 'Affliction' can be the judgment of God falling upon a reprobate generation ... I dealt with them in accordance with their uncleanness and their transgressions, and I hid My face from them. (Ezekiel 39:24)

• 'Affliction' may be what the Lord is using to purify us, developing the very perseverance we need to finish the race ... We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. (Romans 5:3-4) 

• 'Affliction' is actually promised to those who live by faith; the abuse inflicted on true believers by the enemies of God ... Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

• 'Affliction' could be an attack from Satan ... For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil. (Ephesians 6:12)

Know that our Lord and Savior sits at the right hand of God and has authority over everything we experience. Though the road is long and heartaches come, your life is hidden in Him. Let His words comfort you ... 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Heaven awaits the children of God. And though our finite minds can not comprehend the blessings that lie ahead, we are very familiar with what we're leaving behind. 

And that's more than enough to spur us on ...  

WHAT DOES GOD WANT

As Christians cycle through sessions of obedience and disobedience to God's commands, insecurities concerning salvation often rise to the surface. Those with troubled souls desperately look for a resting place, only to find that guilt and shame exist in every corner. 

No matter how disciplined and strong-willed a believer is, 'righteousness' slips through his fingers. It becomes painfully obvious that his efforts do not bring peace ... for the carnal mind is hostile toward God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:7-8)

Through tears of frustration comes the stripped-down plea that the Lord has been waiting for ... What is it You want from me? 

His answer is quite simple. The Lord wants YOU ... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1) 

A 'right-standing' with God comes through identifying with His Son's death, burial, and resurrection ... I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

• 'Internal transformation' brings you into fellowship with God ... We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)

• 'External religiosity' is a vanity-plagued, fruitless endeavor ... on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:28)

True service and holiness are the outworking of the Holy Spirit, an 'overflowing' that brings glory to God. As empty vessels used for that purpose, we can't claim credit ... He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3)

So ... What does God want from you?

David came to the right conclusion ... You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17)

When you come to the throne of grace that way, the weight of responsibility is lifted off your shoulders and onto Christ's. Allow Him to be Lord over your walk of faith.  

TIME WELL SPENT

The brevity of life is spoken of several times in the Bible, reminding us that our sojourn here is much shorter than we're inclined to think ... 

• You have made my days a mere handbreadth;  the span of my years is as nothing before you. (Psalm 39:5)

• You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. (James 4:14)

• The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. (Psalm 103:15-16)

• Man is like the breath; his days are like a passing shadow. (Psalm 144:4)

Our time on earth is but a moment when compared to eternity. We are called to invest it wisely with eyes fixed on heaven's shore. 

C. S. Lewis - If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were those who thought most of the next.

There is a sense of urgency to our marching orders ...

• Therefore, watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise ... redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

• Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside the faith, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5)

• Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. (Romans 13:11)

• The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever. (1 John 2:17)

We tend to juggle time as if it belongs to us. It doesn't. 

God has entrusted us with it. So when our jobs, our relationships, our health, and any number of life's distractions vie for our attention ... we're to look to Him for direction.

In order to be effective stewards of our allotted time, He instructs us to 'take a breather' once in a while ... It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:2)

The proverbial clock is ticking ... prophecy is being fulfilled ... the return of Christ is at hand. 

Make the remaining time 'well spent'.

WHEN YOUR ENEMY FALLS

The Word of God warns against reveling in the downfall of an adversary ... Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove. (Proverbs 24:17-18)

Any malicious satisfaction over another's demise (even when it is seen as 'due recompense' for evil) is contrary to God's divine nature. An arrogant, mocking attitude is an outward display of an inward problem ... 'pride'. 

Jesus taught ... Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. (Luke 6:27-28)

Both Christ and Stephen fulfilled that edict. Not only did they forgive their executioners, they petitioned God to do so ... 

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:33-34). 

And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” (Acts 7:59-60)

Peter instructed the followers of Christ ... Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (1 Peter 3:9,11)

Paul also made it clear to the early church ... Bless those who persecute you. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. (Romans 12:14-20)

The ultimate goal should be to see a nonbeliever become our brother in Christ. Just as God’s goodness led us to repentance, any kindness we show in the Lord's Name will have an impact. Stunned by these 'acts of grace', hardened hearts soften and become open to the Gospel message. 

Expect results ... Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15)

'When your enemy falls' ... an opportunity to bring light into a dark place.   

FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS

King David extoled God for His abundant mercies ... 

Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits! (Psalm 103:1-2)

The term 'benefits' speaks of all the good things the Lord provides to aid or promote the well-being of His children. 

The word 'forget', in the context of this passage, means 'ignore' or 'cease to care about' ... not merely 'fail to remember'.

Continual expressions of praise and thanksgiving should flow from the soul of every Christian believer. 

Call to mind ... 

His 'Mercy' - He does not give you what you deserve: 

• The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. (Psalm 103:8) 

• He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:10)

• It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (Lamentations 3:22)

His 'Grace' - He gives you what you don't deserve:

• For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

• For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

• His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)

When you fail to acknowledge His benevolence and praise Him for it ... a 'heart problem' exists. Apathy toward the Lord's lovingkindness and tender mercy is a sign that Jesus Christ is not your 'All in All'.  

But when you meditate on the Lord's compassion, forgiveness, and salvation ... a softened heart in a constant state of thanksgiving beats in your chest. You see your life through His eyes, not the world's. 

May David's declaration be yours also ... Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live. (Psalm 63:3-4)

Forget not, pilgrim.