INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS

Unwanted, persistent, and often disturbing ... 'intrusive thoughts' are involuntary, unwanted images, phrases, or impulses that enter a person's mind. Though they can represent a corrupt reaction to life in general, they are often embarrassing or shameful memories that cause one to shudder.   

 

These sudden 'cringe-worthy' recollections can bring confusion to a believer's heart and mind. Our salvation can seem tenuous when we don't see intrusive thoughts from God's perspective: 

Those things that crash against the shore of your mind are examined closely by God ... for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. (1 Chronicles 28:9)
 
He monitors every aspect of your earthly pilgrimage ... You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. (Psalm 139:2)

God understands the frailty of your human intellect ... The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath - vain, empty, and futile. (Psalm 94:11)

We're not left to our own devices when it comes to understanding and dealing with them:

The Bible reveals the motivation behind the incursions ... It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) 

Prayerful submission puts it under divine care  ... Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24) 

The Holy Spirit fights the war within ... casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Our minds are weak and easily influenced by the world around us. Exposing ourselves to blasphemy, violence, sexual deviancy, etc., must be avoided. The more we surround ourselves with worldly things, the more the world will invade our thought life.

Make room for that which is edifying ... Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about these things. (Philippians 4:8) 

'Intrusive thoughts' are like flaming arrows flung at your soul. Put on the armor of God, pilgrim. 

TEMPTATION'S SIREN CALL

The biblical definition of the word 'temptation' ... An enticement or invitation to sin, with the implied promise of greater good to be derived from following the way of disobedience.

It comes from two sources:

1. Satan ... Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

2. Our flesh ... Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)

The difference between 'right and wrong' is written on the heart of every human being. When temptation comes, the conscience is pricked with a sense that something is amiss. How a man responds to that warning dictates whether sin gains a foothold. 

For a believer in Christ, 'temptation' can bring feelings of guilt and shame as if he's already given in to it. That's Satan's attempt to derail your devotion to the Lord. 

He will be judged accordingly ... And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10)

Temptation paints sin as attractive, but it's filthy ... as pleasant, but it's malicious. It promises much, but delivers nothing. 

Scripture warns ... Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called 'today', lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:12-13)

The Word of God exposes 'temptation' for what it is, so that sin might be 'cut off at the pass' ... All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Study the Bible so you can both recognize and say no to ... 'temptation's siren call'. 

WHAT DOES IT TAKE ?

When you ask someone what a person must do to go to heaven, the common response is ... 'be a good person'.

Most world religions teach that your experience after death depends on how you live in the here and now. For example, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism all believe the afterlife is based on a man's ... 'worthiness'. 

Many splinter groups (Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists, etc) also fall into that ... 'works-based' theology.

Christianity stands alone. 

It says ... altruistic acts of kindness, a strong moral code, and/or living within the guidelines of religious doctrine will not save a man from the consequences of sin. Even one wayward thought, word, or deed automatically took heaven off the table.

Salvation is based on 'perfection', not 'goodness' ... so how then can eternal life be secured?

Enter the Gospel of Jesus Christ ... For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

It separates Christianity from every other religion ... He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

There's no A,B,C,D, or F grade attached to a term paper called 'life'. We are completely undone in God's eyes and must be rescued. 

The question is not, Am I a good person?, but ... Am I perfect? If answered honestly, the need for the Savior is obvious. 

THE AGE OF FOOLS

Man's immoral behavior has not only escalated in its depravity; it has gone from lurking in the shadows to being paraded before our very eyes.  

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like. (Galatians 5:19-21) 

The Biblical term 'fool' best describes those who defiantly run headlong into this 'end time' abyss: 

• Fools mock at sin. (Proverbs 14:9)

• Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool. (Proverbs 10:23)

• The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile. (Psalm 14:1)

Before sharing your faith with a fool, understand that:

• Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

• Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions. (Proverbs 18:2)

• A fool always loses his temper and displays his anger. (Proverbs 29:11)

Jesus laid out the terms of engagement. There is a difference between speaking to the willing versus wasting time on the hard-hearted ...

• And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. (Mark 6:11)

• Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. (Matthew 7:6)

• Refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle toward all, able to teach, patient, in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. (2 Timothy 2:23-25)

In every situation, allow the Holy Spirit to set the parameters. 

This is the 'age of fools'. Politely ignore them when they seek to argue politics, the environment, gender rights, etc.  Arguing those things gives them a sense that their opinion carries weight. You are on the wrong battlefield. 

If you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with fools, make sure you engage them on your terms. 

Cede no ground. 

LETHARGIC FAITH

Many say they believe in Jesus Christ as Savior ... yet there is little to no evidence of a transformed life. It often appears that the only difference between them and an unbeliever is their weekly routine of warming a church pew. 

They've become 'Christians' in name only. 

Scripture reveals who we are and to what we're called ... You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may declare the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

We're to be noticeably 'uncompliant' ... children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:15) 

'Lethargic faith' runs counter to His will for you. 

The signs are:

Spiritual laziness ... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

Resting on one's laurels ... Do not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and endurance inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:12)

The Bible gathers dust ... Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

If this describes your walk of faith ... consider this a 'wake-up call'. 

The Holy Spirit can move your soul from spiritual complacency to a vibrant, intentional, and purposeful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

Pray for that. 

OUR ADVOCATE

Christians are all too familiar with the ongoing 'struggle within' ... For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17)

If a believer relapses into the sinful habits that marked his old life, a decided battle has been lost, but thankfully, the war is not over. Fellowship with the Lord has been broken ... but not the relationship.  

To the true follower of Christ, it can feel like a death pall has swept over your soul ... and the grief associated with it causes you to desperately seek restoration.  

God provided a way for reconciliation ... Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. (Romans 5:20)

But this is not a 'get out of jail free' card. 

You cannot simply pick up where you left off as if your rebellion was of little consequence to God. 

Forgiveness and restoration come when you confess that you have willfully gone astray ... My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ the righteous one. (1 John 2:1)

Spurgeon - In this renewal, the same exercise of grace is required as at our conversion. We needed repentance then; we certainly need it now. We required faith that we might come to Christ at first; only the same grace can bring us to Jesus now. 

Abide in the shadow of His wings. It is where resisting temptation takes place and the joy of salvation is experienced. 

HE IS ALL YOU NEED

Your sufficiency as a believer depends entirely on Christ's sufficiency as Lord. If you've placed confidence in anything other than His finished work, your sins have not been forgiven ... period.

If Jesus does not represent 'everything' to you ... He is 'nothing' to you.  

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:9-10)

The egocentric 'doctrines of men' have corrupted today's church. 

False religions gain devoted followers by tapping into man's prideful nature. They teach that mankind plays a role in its own salvation through obedience to the spiritual laws of their belief system ... 

For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:3-4)

The Word of God sees them for what they are ... Blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14)

Jesus Christ fulfilled everything on your behalf. After you receive Him as Lord and Savior, you're secured as a child of God. You begin to walk by faith in His finished work and learn that obedience is in Him and through Him ... 

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)

False churches put the onus on you, but even strict obedience to their conditions can never satisfy the debt accrued by your past, present, and future sins.  

Jesus made a way for you to be adopted into the family of God, and He alone has the power to maintain that relationship ... He is able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)   

You are not alone in the struggle, pilgrim. Your ability to resist temptation and to walk by faith comes from Him ... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Cast aside anything that says He is not enough. 

'Jesus paid it all ... all to Him you owe'.

GIVE THANKS

The Holy Spirit transforms a believer into the likeness of Christ. The presence or absence of 'gratitude' is one of the best indicators of where you are in that process. 

It is evidence of spiritual growth ... rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:7)

'All-encompassing' ... In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Note that this it does not say 'for' everything give thanks ... but 'in' everything. (under every circumstance) 

Even when we can't understand why hardships come into our life, we're to remain thankful ... for we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Don't ruin your testimony by complaining ... Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (Philippians 2:14-15)

It is 'gratitude' that calms your soul ... 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)

Live with an 'attitude of gratitude' ... Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17)

Don't wait until you 'feel' grateful ...

At all times, in every situation, before, during, and after trials, in bright days, and dark nights ... give thanks. 

THE WRATH OF GOD

By definition, 'wrath' means ... an emotional response to a perceived wrong or injustice.

God's expression of it is always holy and justified, a righteous anger stemming from the indignation He has toward immorality.

Divine wrath is kindled toward iniquity that goes unchecked ... and it intensifies when the sinner rejects the sacrifice made on his behalf, a rebellious 'slap in the face' to that which cost God His Son. 

The blood that flowed down Calvary's cross has the power to cleanse those who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior ...

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:8-9)

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Thessalonians 5:9)  

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)

Spurning the Gospel message is a repudiation of the Lord's mercy and grace. We should not be surprised that it incurs His wrath. The consequences of falling into the hands of an angry God are beyond 'dire' ...

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourselves in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed. (Romans 2:5)

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (Romans 1:18-19)

Liberal theologians isolate the verse 'God is Love' in a vain attempt to dispel the guilt and shame associated with man's sinful nature. They purposefully disallow teachings concerning His wrath and the need for repentance.

Spurgeon - If there be a God, He must punish men for sinning against Him. How can virtue and vice lead to the same end? 

God's divine wrath can cause us to shudder at the thought, but it is the only way we can begin to comprehend the magnitude of His amazing grace. 

'NEVER'

The word 'never' is used to emphasize that something is absolute in its exclusion ... at no time, under any circumstance.

Therefore, a precious promise comforts those who know Christ as Lord ... for He hath said, I will NEVER leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)

In a world of constant change, Jesus is our 'immutable' Savior ... the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

The Son of God made sacred vows that cannot be broken ... 

He never loses sight of those who serve Him ... 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 things I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

He never abandons you once your life is surrendered ... I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life 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)

He can never be taken from you ... For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

He never leaves you to struggle on your own ... I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, that He may be with you forever: the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, for it does not see Him, neither does it know Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you, and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)

He will never cease preparing you for His kingdom ... He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) 

Focus on those promises, dear believer.

The assurance of your salvation can be found in the word ... 'never'.  

HANG IN THERE

Because we live in a world that runs contrary to the will of God, true followers of Christ are called to swim against sin's strong current. We see it carry unbelievers comfortably downstream ... to their demise.

The temptation to relax and 'go with the flow' is a constant threat. For those who refuse to compromise, an eternal reward awaits ... Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)

Scripture urges us to ... let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:4)

The word translated 'patience' in this verse does not mean 'passive tolerance' ... but 'active perseverance'. This admonition is reflected in other passages having to do with endurance ...

• Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)

• Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:3)

It is steadfast faith that propels you 'upstream'. As you endure life's unrelenting opposition, you gain spiritual maturity. You're able to live at peace, even as you feel the discord of this world flood against your soul. 

You flourish as a believer ... Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Hang in there, pilgrim ... 

Home is just around the next bend.  

WHEN 'UNBELIEF' IS GOOD

There is a knock at your door. 

You open it to find a few well-dressed, polite members of some religious group. Through forced smiles, they begin the process of creating a friendly rapport so that the purpose of their visit will seem less intrusive. They might ask a few questions to get you engaged ... and then turn to a well-rehearsed 'sales pitch' about their beliefs. 

Be careful. 

The Bible gives us this admonition ... Beloved, believe not every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

So 'unbelief' is just as important as 'belief'.  

We are called to be 'unbelievers'. It is as necessary to our walk of faith as 'exhaling' is to 'inhaling'. You cannot fully believe God's truth without understanding and rejecting that which opposes it. 

Any church that doesn't trust in the sufficiency of Christ for every aspect of salvation puts forth an egocentric theology steeped in pride. They teach that the only way to appease God is by conforming to their ill-conceived, false doctrines. 

These people often put forth a convincing argument by mishandling the Word of God ... and those who are not students of the Bible can fall prey to it. 

Paul's writings were said to be ... things that the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they also do to the rest of scripture. (2 Peter 3:16)

The spiritually immature can be caught in the undertow of a false gospel ... tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, (Ephesians 4:14)

We navigate a world full of lies, a hostile environment in which falsehoods are 'winked at' ... and widely accepted. Don't be pressured into believing a form of religion that adds to, takes from, or negates altogether the Gospel message.

The indwelling Holy Spirit will prompt you to exercise 'unbelief' in everything that seeks to replace truth with error. 

Heed Him.

WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE

There are but two choices in life. 

Man either ... 

1. Puts trust in human reasoning: All of this world's philosophical ideologies, scientific speculations, and vain theological doctrines stem from man's limited, vacillating intellect. 

2. Or he walks by faith: Surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ allows the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word to be the fountain of flawless, immutable wisdom.

Scripture has much to say about the importance of that decision. There are eternal consequences ...  

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” (1 Corinthians 3:19-20)

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

The ominous phrase 'you've been weighed in the balance and found wanting' comes from the Book of Daniel. It has to do with the judgment that came upon Belshazzar, the acting king of Babylon. He was a faithless reprobate, deficient and inadequate when it comes to God's standard for righteousness. 

Today ... those who choose intellectualism as their 'god' are being put on that same scale. 

If deemed anything less than perfect, eternal damnation awaits. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ made a way for 'moral worthiness' to be applied to your account. When you're saved by grace through faith, being weighed in the balance need not be feared ... you are cloaked in His righteousness. 

SOUND DOCTRINE

False religions 'teach for doctrines the commandments of men' (Matthew 15:9) ... dragging unsuspecting souls away from the simple, 'unambiguous' truths found in the Bible. 

Faith is to be built on a firm foundation ... All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Do not lose sight of the importance of Sound Doctrine:

• Saving faith is based on the Lord's specific memorandum, the Gospel of Jesus Christ ... 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) 

• That life-giving message was given as a sacred trust. It must not be compromised ... If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ, they are conceited and understand nothing. (1 Timothy 6:3-4)

• Sin flourishes where 'sound doctrine' is neglected or opposed. Men become ... raging waves of the sea, which are foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom the gloom of darkness has been kept forever. (Jude 1:13)

• It is the prism through which we discern truth from error. We can effectively ... cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Unlike the shallow, destructive teachings of false prophets ... 'sound doctrine' focuses on the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, not man's vain attempt to appease a holy God. 

IN CHRIST

When you are 'in Christ' ... you're not merely a professor of His name, a learner of His doctrine, or a follower of His example. 

Christianity is not some external theological discipline ... but an internal spiritual transformation.

1. Your very identity and relationship with God are completely redefined ... 

• Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

• For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. (Galatians 3:26)

2. Your salvation is confirmed and assured ...

• There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

• For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

3. Your ongoing sanctification takes place ... 

• For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

• But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Apart from Christ, your condition is hopeless.  

A Buddhist does not speak of himself as in Buddha, nor does a Muslim speak of himself as in Mohammed. A Christian Scientist is not in Mary Baker Eddy or a Mormon in Joseph Smith or Brigham Young. 

They may faithfully follow the teaching and example of those religious leaders, but they are not in them.

 

Only Christians can claim to be in their Lord, because they have been made spiritually one with Him. - MacArthur 

Only those who kneel at the foot of the cross, confess their need for a Savior, and by faith receive the gift of salvation know what it means to abide in Him ... but now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

Where does your soul reside? 

GOD ... OUR REFUGE

The Bible describes the Lord as a place of safety for those who abide in Him. Christians can declare with full assurance ... My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. (Psalm 62:7)

Jesus Christ said, 'I am the way and the truth and the life'. (John 14:6)

That threefold statement is confirmed in the following verse ... His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. (Psalm 18:30)

There is absolutely no situation outside of His sovereign control ... yet many try to find security in what this sin-laden world has to offer. They unwittingly make ... a lie their refuge and falsehood their hiding place. (Isaiah 28:15)

If you've grown weary of that 'fight or flight' existence, Jesus' invitation is there for you ... Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) 

Don't live in fear of that which threatens your well-being ... God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1)

Divine protection flows freely from His 'throne of grace' ... Trust in Him at all times; pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:8)

Allow Him to be your sanctuary, pilgrim.

ENDING WELL

When you read an obituary and see the entirety of a man's life condensed into a few short sentences, it can seem rather cold in its finality. If the person is someone you know, thoughts of your own mortality tend to rise to the surface. 

That 'here today, gone tomorrow' wake-up call is expressed in the following verse ...  For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (James 4:14)

When old people think about the brevity of life and the certainty of their demise ... some become bitter, while others accept it with stoic resignation. 

But elderly followers of Christ are in a separate category altogether. They anxiously look forward to a promised future ... beautifully expressed in their demeanor and countenance. 

They think of death as 'going home' ... While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. (2 Corinthians 5:4)

David sought insight ... Show me my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. (Psalm 39:4-5)

He didn't mean, 'Lord, let me know exactly how long I shall live, and the date of my death' (God nowhere promises his people such knowledge). Instead, David's plea was, 'Give me wisdom and grace to consider my end and how to best spend my days'. 

Death for a Christian is simply a door through which he steps. On the other side is an eternity of sinless perfection ... So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory'. (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

'Ending well' is seen in those who understand the saying ... to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)  

Find comfort there, pilgrim. 

  

THUMBING YOUR NOSE AT GOD

Ernest Hemingway was famous for doing just that. 

He openly scoffed at the idea of God, dismissing Him as an antiquated religious concept created to hinder man's pursuit of pleasure and self-fulfillment. In his shameful parody of the Lord’s Prayer, he wrote - Our nada who art in nada. (Spanish for 'nothing')

He did not heed Paul's warning ... Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7)

His life ended in despair and suicide. 

Sadly, many in today's generation have chosen to take Hemingway's derisive position, doubting that there are consequences ... In the last days, mockers will come, walking after their own lusts. (2 Peter 3:3)

But their denial of God's existence and His coming judgment does not make it go away. They will be held accountable for what He has revealed ... 

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. 

So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:19-21)

Like petulant children who demand their own way ... they defiantly 'thumb their nose' at God.  

COMMITMENT

The dictionary defines it as ... a pledge or obligation to follow a certain course of action. 

Scripture takes it a step further. Committing oneself to the Lord is one thing ... leaving everything else behind is another. 

Jesus explained the cost of following Him:

• It is an arduous journey of faith, not comfort ... Now it happened that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Luke 9:57-58)

• It requires undivided loyalty to Christ, even at the expense of familial obligations ... Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-60)

• It demands a deliberate response. Anything that can delay, divert, or derail it must be avoided ... And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:61-62)

Christ describes this 'commitment' in no uncertain terms ... If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

Many choose to cover themselves with a thin veneer of Christianity ... molded to fit comfortably over an unchanged life. True discipleship is not compatible with that egocentric theology. 

For it has no cost. 

SIN'S GRAVITATIONAL PULL

There is a strong force that constantly tugs at our flesh. The world draws us to itself, promising a life of contentment where none exists. It is what creates the ruinous rift between mankind and God.  

Solomon concluded that there is no respite for people who seek to live independently from their Creator ... I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity, a futile grasping and chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)  

This lost and dying world was never meant to be your home. Scripture warns against laying anchor here ... Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15) 

John Calvin - The mind of a Christian ought not to be filled with thoughts of earthly things, or find satisfaction in them, for we ought to be living as if we might have to leave this world at any moment.  

Temptation rules this realm ... For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father. (1 John 2:16) 

1. The 'lust of the flesh' is the desire to DO something apart from the will of God. 
2. The 'lust of the eyes' is the desire to HAVE something apart from the will of God.
3. The 'pride of life' is the desire to BE something apart from the will of God. 

The first appeals to your body, the second to your soul, and the third to your spirit.

Worldliness is the 'horizontal' existence of everyone who rejects the Lord. In contrast, the life of a believer is 'vertical' by nature ... this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. (1John 5:4)

If you treasure anything more than Jesus Christ, your soul needs this revelation ... the world can't help when your plans fall apart, your health fails, and death beckons. 

Hope is found in Him alone.