Enticed!

"But I have a few complaints against you.

You tolerate some among you 

whose teaching is like that of Balaam,

who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel.

He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols

and by committing sexual sin.

In a similar way,

you have some Nicolaitans among you

who follow the same teaching.

Repent of your sin,

or I will come to you suddenly

and fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

Revelation 2:14-16

The throne was deceptively alluring, and he who sat upon it appeared as powerful and majestic.  Yet there was something off; something not quite right about this king.  When he opened his mouth, lies sprang forth.  At the gesture of his hand, evil flourished.  A simple nod of his head and troops dispersed, carrying out his wicked plans.  Satan ruled in that dark place.

I live in a place not so different from where the church at Pergamum existed.  Jesus described the place these believers lived as, "a city where Satan has his throne." (v 13)  As such, it was filled with many temptations, lures and deceptive teachings.  While those believers stayed loyal to Christ in many ways, they fell into the Evil One's deceptive traps in others.  

I, too, must heed the warning given in this passage and stand firm against the enticing power of Satan in this dark world.

Sex

It's used to sell children's clothing, describe anything deemed as attractive and devalued to be a recreational activity experienced between friends.  It is also used as an accepted tool of influence for females and a favorite theme of thought and speech for males.   Even more disturbing, it is a common topic of conversation among youth as they negotiate the tricky terrain of intimate relations between same-gender partners.   There is no doubt that sex is a god in today's western culture.

As one who was bought at a price, my body is not my own.  Jesus paid for it in blood when He died on the cross, taking my punishment as my Savior. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)  As a result, the kind of sexual corruption witnessed throughout this age defiles the temple of God, which is my body.  When I adopt the same base attitudes toward sex accepted by this world, I tarnish His holy image.

Therefore, it is important that the only god I worship is the One True God.  I can honor Him by refusing to watch television shows depicting sexual sin, standing against the infusion of sensual clothing into my home, and esteeming purity for myself and my family.

Satan uses sex to entice me into his realm where God's temple is defiled, but I can stay loyal to Christ by keeping Him on the throne of my life.

Tolerance

One of the most irritating aspects of summer are those pesky mosquitoes who seem to enjoy making humans miserable.  Recently I discovered that, after multiple stings, it is possible to develop a tolerance to the effects of this insect's saliva: The immune system simply stops perceiving this foreign substance as harmful and instead accepts it as safe.

While I don't want to be stung enough times to test out this theory, I do know it is possible to build up a tolerance to sin and false teachings.  I live in a world where open-mindedness is revered and absolute truth is mocked.  It is all too easy to give in in order to get along.

Sometimes I find myself listening to a persuasive talk show host describe her new-age views and wonder if maybe it's not so dissimilar to what the Bible teachings.  Other times, it is the sins that appeal to my desire to be comfortable that suck me in.  From time to time I even find myself caving into popular teachings of self-sufficiency or working my way to heaven.

Satan deceives me into thinking tolerance of all beliefs and practices is vital to getting along, but I can stay loyal to the teachings of Christ by extending grace and love instead.

Concession

She thought she could have the best of both worlds by hanging out in the bars where her friends congregated while still abstaining from the alcohol that threatens to rule her life.  Instead of finding bliss, however, she only crashed and burned.

Just as an alcoholic cannot expect to surround himself with drinks and not succumb to it's lure, I cannot expect to stand firm in my faith when I place myself in a similar kind of jeopardy.  In the same way a Diabetic stays away from sweets to avoid the potentially deadly temptation, I must physically keep myself away from that which lures me from loyalty to Christ.

I can't expect to enjoy the sins I know from which I must repent and worship God at the same time.  Honoring God with my life means I hold His values as dear to my heart, valuing His opinion of my intentions as more important than my own pleasure.

Satan deceives me into thinking I can give into temptation and still worship God, but I can stay loyal to God's call for me to be pure by standing firm against Satan's lies. (James 4:7)

I live in Satan's realm, but that doesn't mean I must give into his teachings.  Instead, I can stay true to what I know of God's kingdom by refusing to place sex on an altar, holding an intolerant attitude toward worldly ways, and refusing to concede when it comes to sin.  In these ways, I will not be so easily enticed into the Evil One's schemes.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stand firm against the lure of adopting a culture of sex in my home.

How do I tolerate false teachings in order to get along with others?

When am I compromising my convictions in order to please my sinful nature?          

A Searching God

"But I have this complaint against you.

You are permitting that woman--

that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet--

to lead my servants astray . . .

I will strike her children dead.

Then all the churches will know that I am the one

who searches out the thoughts 

and intentions of every person.

And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve."

Revelation 2:20,23 NLT

From the outside it looked good.  The siding was in nice condition, the shingles intact and the windows lined the front of the house invitingly.  Once I stepped through the front door, though, my senses were accosted with all sorts of disgusting sights and smells.  The stench of mold and mildew stung my nostrils and I took in the scene of chaos: towers of paper created a meandering path through the entryway, cracks and scratches appeared on what could be seen of the wood floor and water marks marred the walls.  I didn't need to go any further to realize this home appeared nice from the outside but was a disaster inside.

It's easy to judge a house by it's exterior, but like the human condition, the inside it was really counts.  God does not look at my outward appearance like I am tempted to do.  Instead, He judges my heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)  Even though people may think I'm pretty good based on what they can see of me, God knows what makes me tick.

Bluffing

"God is good!  He is in control.  I'm blessed and highly favored!"  The words roll off her lips, comfortable and well-used.  The question is, however, was there any meaning behind them or were they just something to say?  

It's easy to create the appearance of godliness while there is nothing of substance to back it up; no relationship built after years of spending time with the Lord, no faith developed during times of trial, no discernment granted by the favor of God.  (2 Timothy 3:5)

I can't fake a relationship with the Lord but sometimes He is the only One who knows if my faith is real.

Fooling

"You know better than that!"  I've heard many-an-exasperated mother utter those words in frustration as they scold their defiant child.  Parents teach their sons and daughters how to live, but there is nothing so disheartening than to see them act like they don't know the right way to act.

As my heavenly Father, God has taught me how He wants me to live.  When I pretend I don't know any better, I'm only fooling myself.  Most of the time I simply don't want to give up my sinful nature so I keep doing what I know is wrong.  Instead, my desire to let go of my old ways and allow my new creation to rule will please God.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God knows when I'm feigning ignorance as an excuse to stay in sin.

Blaming

"It's not my fault!"  I always laugh when Han Solo repeats that line in the 1977 movie Star Wars, but it's not so funny when I pass the buck in my walk with the Lord.  There are times when I'm tempted to blame my behavior on others, sickness, or my state of mind. 

God, however, knows the real story.  He understands my weaknesses better than I do so when it comes to giving in to sin, it is better if I own up to my responsibility.  I will never grow in my relationship with the Lord if I'm not transparant before Him.  After all, He knows everything about me; my quirky ways, my stray thoughts and even what I'm going to say before a word forms on my tongue.  (Psalm 139:1-6)  I can't get away with casting blame when He knows the real deal!

God knows the truth about me so it's better if I don't play the blame game with Him.

Jesus was angry at the church of Thyatira for tolerating those who led the flock astray.  While many may be fooled by the actions of those bent on destruction, the Lord knows their heart.  Since He is a God who searches out the thoughts and intentions of all, it is better if I don't bluff my way through life, fooling myself and others with my feigned ignorance, or blaming when I should be owning up to my own sin.  In these ways my relationship with the Lord will grow as He looks at my heart with pleasure.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep in mind the searching nature of God.

When do I pretend I don't know any better?

How am I putting up a front of holiness when really my heart is dark?  

He Knows

"'I know the distress you are suffering

and your poverty (but you are rich).

I also know the slander against you

by those who call themselves Jews

and really are not,

but are a synagogue of Satan.

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer.

The devil is about to have some of you thrown into prison

so you may be tested,

and you will experience suffering for ten days.

Remain faithful even to the point of death,

and I will give you the crown that is life itself.

The one who has an ear had better hear what

the Spirit says to the churches.

The one who conquers will in no way be harmed by the second death.'"

Revelation 2:9-11 NET

Her mocking words hurt me as they pierced my heart through my retreating back.  "Go ahead and cry, Cindy!  Give me a break!  You are so pathetic."  This so-called friend and neighbor was attacking me for not being who she wanted me to be.  She wanted a bosom buddy, a close friend whom she could share her life with, but I was not the one she envisioned in her fantasy.  As a result, when I did not live up to her expectations, she attacked.

Thankfully, Jesus is not like this woman who tried to make me into something I'm not.  Instead, He knows my heart.  He knows when I worship authentically and when I'm faking it.  He knows when I have poorness of spirit and when my weakness is only physical.  He also knows when I'm living as He created me to live and when I'm not being true to His plan.  Because of His Sovereign understanding of my heart, I can trust Him.

He's Got My Back

My husband served 24 years in the U.S. Army.  One thing a soldier knows how to do is protect his buddy's back.  When he was in harm's way, he had to depend upon his fellow soldiers to watch out for him.  In this way, his unit formed a tight bond as they learned to trust each other implicitly.

In a much more powerful and all-encompassing way, God has my back.  He can see before me to prepare me for the future and behind me to protect me from ambush;  He has me hemmed in!  (Psalm 139:5)  When I step out in faith out of obedience to His calling on my life, I can go in confidence, knowing that He's already gone before me preparing the way, and He's guarding me from unforeseen assaults.   

Since He's my perfect, powerful battle buddy, I can be sure He will equip me with everything I need to accomplish the mission into which He is leading me.  I can also walk in confidence in the midst of an attack, knowing that He will handle revenge.  (Romans 12:19)  In addition, I can keep my mind on the work at hand, knowing that He will take care of all the details.

Only God knows what I need so I can trust Him to protect me in the place He's called me to serve.

Suffering Brings Reward

The woman seemed evil.  She attacked her neighbor in any way possible, vowing to drive her and her family from the community.  There were police reports for trivial things, a constant barrage of hateful words as her children played outside, and threats of lawsuits.  In short, this woman harassed her neighbor.  Between these aggressive attacks, she simply stood on her back patio glaring into her target's kitchen.

This besieged woman called me one day in desperation   "Why has this woman targeted us?"  As I comforted her, the words of Jesus came to me when He said, "The world can't hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil." (John 7:7)  This follower of Christ is attacked because of the Light that is within her:  It is really Jesus who is being targeted, not her.

The good news is that there is great reward for standing firm in my faith when attacks like this come.  Jesus reminded His disciples that there is great blessing from God for those who are mocked, persecuted and lied about because of Him.  (Matthew 5:11-12)  My call is to live such a good life in the face of harassment that no reason can be found to accuse me of wrongdoing.  In this way, God will get glory out of it. (1 Peter 2:12)

Only God knows the reward that awaits those who stand for Him in the midst of suffering.

Hope of Eternity

Every week the onslaught continues.  No matter how much I work, the enemy continues to try to overpower my efforts.  I sometimes feel I will never win, so why keep trying?  Yes, my battle against the weeds, vines and other invaders in my yard seems hopeless.  Will my work ever be done?

Even though it seems my crusade to control unwanted growth in my backyard is impossible, I have seen some headway.  Sometimes, my battle against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil seems equally as hopeless.  (Ephesians 6:12)  Satan never rests and many times it looks like he's winning. 

The truth, however, tells a different story.  Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble.  Take heart!  I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)  I can rest in the fact that Jesus has already conquered the evil forces of this world.  All I must do is use the armor of God to stand firm until the end when His victory will be revealed.  Then, I will receive the award of eternity that awaits me.

Only God knows the outcome of this battle I'm fighting so I must trust Him implicitly.

Jesus knows my heart.  He knows my intentions and my efforts.  Even though this world is a cold, harsh place, I can trust my Battle Buddy to protect me, to issue me a reward for standing firm, and to give me the hope of eternity that comes with trusting Him.  Since He knows, I can go on in confidence.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stand firm with the confidence that God will protect me against the Enemy.

How do I back down in the face of attack because I forget the Power that goes before me and behind me?

When am I most vulnerable to giving in instead of standing firm?

Nicolaitans

"Yet this you do have,

that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans,

which I also hate.

He who has an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

To him who overcomes,

I will grant to eat of the tree of life

which is in the Paradise of God."

Revelation 2:6-7 NASB

Many a summer day was spent walking along our three rail fence.  I would have competitions with my friends, my sister; anyone who was game.  We would vie for our own version of the Guinness World record, wanting to determine who could walk the furthest along the top 2-inch rail without falling.  My friend, Diane Brown, was able to make it past the challenges of the most wobbly board and the overhanging bushes, thus setting a neighborhood record; quite a legendary feat!

While a fence might provide amusement for a child, it is not a good place on which to sit as a believer.  The Nicolaitans were just such a group who convinced themselves and their followers that God was not at all concerned with their own holiness and they could indulge in sinful pleasures if they were so inclined.  As a result, they accepted God's gift of salvation but did not live for Him, straddling the line between God's kingdom and the world.  

There are many similarities between this heretical group and the thinking of modern day believers.  Therefore, I must be careful to guard against this dangerous mindset.

Don't Compromise

"God only cares about your well-being.  As long as you are happy, He is pleased."

"Do you think God wants you to live in poverty?  No!  He wants the best for you!"

"As long as you can dream it, God can make it happen!"

"Keep a positive attitude and work hard.  God helps those who help themselves."

"We are sinners and God doesn't expect us to turn away from that which comes naturally to us."

These are examples of beliefs that are being promoted by those professing a faith in Christ Jesus.  Unfortunately, they are sadly opposed to the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Instead of glorifying God, they place me in the highest place, making my wants, needs and desires as most important.  While God clearly teaches in His Word that I am made for Him, these heresies promote the idea that God is here for my benefit. (Colossians 1:16-17, Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Another common thread in these false teachings that seem to thrive in this culture is that I have the power within myself to accomplish the dreams I've been given.  This humanistic, culturally prevalent line of reasoning undermines one of the most important teachings of God's Word:  I am inherently sinful and thus nothing good can come from me apart from God.  (John 15:5-8, Romans 7:15-19)

Perhaps the most damaging mindset today is the lackadaisical attitude toward sin.  It is almost as if I am encouraged to become friends with sin because I am saved by grace.  Unfortunately, this type of cheap grace has been around for awhile because Paul addressed that in his letter to the Romans.  (Romans 5:20-6:4)  Anyone who lives in sin is not living as a child of God.  (1 John 3:7-10)  I am known by my fruit and all who observe my life know who I follow by the fruit I produce.  (Galatians 5:19-23)

In order to keep from unintentionally offending Jesus I must stand strong against false teachings that thrive in the ignorance of the Truth.

Take Hold of Holiness

We only brought them out on special occasions.  Every Thanksgiving, my mother and grandmother would polish the silver, getting it ready for the feast that was to come.  All of the other days of the year, we used the stainless steel, everyday utensils.  Holidays, however, were different.  Cloth napkins made an appearance from the linen closet, replacing ordinary paper ones.  Fine china took the place of our regular dishes, and delicate, fancy glasses were used instead of the common cups.

In order to keep this tableware nice, my mother stored the flatware in a special case and the rest of the items were kept away in the top of a cupboard.  Washing was done with care in order to avoid chips or scratches.  There was no doubt that these special dishes were treated with care.

In the same way, I am set aside for God's special business.  I am not created to be used for common, everyday work.  Instead, God has a unique and one-of-a-kind plan that He wants for me to carry out.  As a holy, chosen vessel, then, I must treat myself with great care.  This is not to say I should pamper myself and elevate my status, but take caution to protect myself from contamination from worldly values, sinful mindsets and unnecessary temptation.  

When I understand my purpose, I will take hold of holiness as an important pursuit.  While I cannot be perfect in my own right, I can see the importance in keeping myself pure from the sin that so easily entangles me and holds me back from being used as a willing vessel.  (Hebrews 12:1, 2 Corinthians 4:7)  In order to truly honor Him with my life, then, I must see the value in keeping myself pure for His sake.

In order to keep myself from unintentionally offending Jesus, I would do well to understand the significance of holiness.

Hate Sin

She is so comfortable to be around.  I understand her like no one else and I feel at ease whenever I'm with her.  In fact, there are times when I don't realize she's there until it's too late.  

While the old, sinful nature fits me like a well-worn pair of jeans, it is not who God has saved me to be.  Thanks to my faith in Jesus Christ, I am a new creation!  Even though the old me feels comfortable, I have been renewed.  What used to be important to me no longer holds it's power.  

Therefore, it is wise for me to take on the attitude of God when it comes to sin.  Sin is what separates me from Him and required the death of the perfect Lamb of God in order to cleanse me from it.  Sin is not my friend.  Unfortunately, I sometimes act like I'm so at ease with some sins like lust, doubt, fear and jealousy.  (Colossians 3:5-6, Galatians 5:19-21)  I practically welcome it into my life as a bosom buddy.  

Instead, if I were to treat sin as my enemy, praying for a spirit of repulsion when I sense a thought, deed or word that goes against God's best, I would find mercy as I lay it open before Him, allowing Him to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. (Proverbs 28:13, 1 John 1:9)

In order to keep from unintentionally offending Jesus, I must hate sin, not accepting it as part of my life but developing a willingness to turn from it as soon as God convicts me.

There are many false teachings that can keep me from drawing close in my relationship with God.  To guard against the tendency to take on these attitudes as my own, I must not compromise my faith but take hold of holiness, dropping my friendly attitude toward sin and replacing it with a hate.  In these ways I will avoid becoming like the Nicolaitans of old, who claimed to follow Jesus but lived as if their life were their own.  (1 Corinthians 6:20)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stand strong in my faith in Jesus Christ.

How do I compromise my beliefs to keep from making a scene or drawing attention to myself?

When am I most comfortable with sin?   

First Love

"Yet I hold this against you:

You have forsaken the love you had at first.

Consider how far you have fallen!

Repent and do the things you did at first.

If you do not repent,

I will come to you

and remove your lampstand from its place."

Revelation 2:4-5

He is fired up and so in love.  This new believer can't stop talking about the difference the love of God has made in his life.  He is eager to study God's Word and can't wait to tell others the Good News of Jesus Christ.  

As I listened to my new brother in Christ gush over the Lord, I thought about my own heart.  Am I as in love as this man is with His Lord and Savior?  Jesus sees all I do and He knows how hard I work for Him, how I stand for the Truth and against evil.  He even notices the way I keep going when times get hard.  In all my efforts, though, there is one thing that must drive it all:  Love.  This is what I see in the heart of this man, and this is what others should see in me as well.

Love for God

It drove Him to the cross, compelled her to reach out to those who tortured her and induced him to see his sickness as a conduit of God's grace.  Love for God motivates many to do radical things out of obedience to His calling.  In fact, Jesus Himself made the ultimate sacrifice that benefits you and me out of love for His Father and a desire to do His will.  (Philippians 2:8)  

Love is not merely a word I say to express an emotion I feel toward my Father.  Instead, love is an action manifested in my obedience to Him.  (1 John 2:5)  So then, my love for God is to be my true motivation for all that I do.  Many times, though, I find myself serving out of a sense of obligation, or a desire to feel helpful or needed, or because I feel guilty for how I've failed or fallen short.  

The work I do for God may look good on the outside and make myself feel useful, but to God it is only busywork.  (Isaiah 29:13)  Just as Jesus told Martha that what her sister, Mary, had chosen was more important, so I must constantly realign my heart to beat as one with my Lord's.  (Luke 10:38-42)  My connection to Him is what truly matters, and everything else will then flow from Him as a natural extension of His love.  (John 15, Philippians 2:12-13)

When I focus all my attention on cultivating a love for God I will desire to only do as He bids.

Love For Brothers

He was only 8 years old but his love for his new siblings was obvious.  He patiently helped them negotiate the strange new world of their adoptive family.  He comforted them when they became afraid and he made them laugh when their hearts grew heavy.  Matthew demonstrated a deep, abiding love for a brother and sister whom he had never met.

In the same way my little friend welcomed his new family members from China, so I can love my siblings in Christ even if I have never met them.  It is the love of God that flows through me, giving me the desire to stand with my faith family through thick and thin.  His love impels me to encourage those who are feeling downhearted, to give a helping hand to those who are overwhelmed with the responsibilities of life, and to come alongside a brother or sister who doesn't know which way to turn.

As my love for God grows stronger, I will find it flowing out to those with whom I connected to by faith.

Love for the Lost

"Father, Forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NET)  Jesus made this prayer as He hung in agony on the cross.  Looking upon the wretchedness of humankind as He died at their hands, instead of condemning them, he asked His Father for grace and mercy for their ignorance.

As I grow in my love for God, experiencing the flow that is released toward others, I will soon find a similar compassion for those who don't know Jesus.  Where once I would grind my teeth in frustration at the offensive behavior of my neighbors, my aggravation turns to consideration as my eyes are opened to their plight; my own sinful nature is equally as annoying as theirs.

While I used to think everyone has the same opportunity as I to accept Jesus as their Savior, now I understand the role God plays in the timing of a quickened heart.  Only those who are drawn to Jesus can see their need for Him. (John 6:44)  Until then, it is my job to show them the love of God.

It was common for me to want to look out for myself and protect my family by staying away from those who live a life of risk and jeopardy   Now, as the love of God grows in me I find myself drawn to those who are stuck in a prison of hopelessness, desiring to show them the way of life.

The love of God not only flows out to my faith family, but also ignites in me a compassion for those who are lost.

It is easy to get into a religious-type mindset when it comes to God.  I work, I stand up, I fight and I persevere.  The trouble comes, however, when I forget the one thing that will last:  LOVE.  (1 Corinthians 13:13)  God's love will draw me to Himself, flow out from me toward my brothers and sisters in Christ, and develop into a kindness and concern for those who don't yet know Jesus.  By cultivating this love relationship with God, I will stay true to my first love.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep love at the forefront of my mind.

How do I let my obligation to serve in the church overshadow the relationship I have with God?

When do I press on, doing what I've always done with nary a thought for the One who is waiting to lead me?

The Living One

"When I saw him,

I fell at his feet as though dead.

Then he placed his right hand on me and said:

'Do not be afraid.

I am the First and the Last.

I am the Living One;

I was dead,

and now look,

I am alive for ever and ever!

And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'"

Revelation 1:17-18

The smell of death was in the air.  Fear hung heavy as the family cried out in agony.  My son, my son. . . .the wail of mourning pierced the air as the reality of their loss hit.  He's gone, he's gone, my son is gone.  I willed my feet to continue walking, to propel me toward the place where my 7-year-old daughter lay in recovery after surgery to repair a broken elbow.  To get there, though, I had to breech a wall of deep privacy; a place where raw emotion lay exposed for all to see.  I had to pass by a family who had just lost their child in a sudden, tragic accident.

Death is a scary thing.  No one likes to think about the end and what that will mean to those who are left behind.  Jesus, however, changed the stigma of death forever when He died and rose again.  Now, I need not fear.

Victory Over Death

The red cardinal lay still on the ground beneath the bird feeder.  I rushed over to the limp body to see if there was anything that could be done.  As I reached down to touch his crimson feathers, his eyes fluttered open and before I knew what was happening, the little guy was gone, recovered from his temporary shock.   It was if he had come back to life!

This may be the closest thing I've experienced to seeing the dead come back to life.  Those who lived in Jesus' time, however, witnessed His complete death followed by His resurrection.  In this way He is the "firstborn over all creation." (Colossians 1:15)  

I follow in a similar pattern since I was dead in my sin until I was brought back to life through faith in Jesus Christ.  (Ephesians 2:3-5)  This life I've been given through faith is an eternal life; death no longer is a reality for me.  When this life ends on earth, by eternal life will begin.  This is one part of the victory I have in Christ over death.

The other piece, though, is the life I have been given while here in the world. I once was a slave to sin and lived to please my natural self.  I did what I wanted to do, walking on the wide road that led to destruction.  (Matthew 7:13-14)   I am now dead to sin so it is possible for me to live for God in Christ.  (Romans 6:8-12)

In the same way that Christ was dead but now He is forever alive, so I was dead but have the hope of sharing in eternal life with Him.

Eternally Alive

Every Fall I witness death all over my garden.  The tomato plants wither and shrivel up, the vines dry out while the elephant ears bow low to the ground until they add to the richness of the soil.  The once vibrant hydrangea turns to bare branches and the fiery red maple tree becomes a skeleton.  I am used to seeing death in this world for nothing here lasts forever.

In contrast, Jesus experienced death that did not persist.  On the third day, He rose again just like God transformed those dry-bones into living flesh in Ezekiel's time. (Ezekiel 37:1-14)  The difference, however, is that Christ's resurrection was a permanent one.  He is alive today and will be forever and ever.

In the same way that I have been given new life while here, I can expect the same eternal, permanent life as Jesus possesses.  Knowing that this temporary life is not all there is gives me hope.  Realizing that my eternal life will be one perfectly prepared for me and rich in purpose and understanding gives me incentive to carry on when I feel despair.  (John 14:2)  

In the same way that Jesus is alive forever, so I follow suit as I claim the inheritance of eternal life as God's child through faith in Christ. 

Authority Over Hell

The fire was white-hot as the artisan held his tool into the furnace.  As the glass heated, it become molten and pliable, giving the glass-blower the opportunity to mold the material into a work of art.  As it cooled, the piece became hard, transformed from an ugly lump into a beautiful figure.

Looking at the heat inside the oven, I couldn't help but think of the torturous atmosphere of Hell.  God in His righteous, just nature stands as Judge over all of mankind.  He judges justly and cannot let someone escape the punishment of Hell simply because of His grace.  His sense of justice won't allow it.  Instead, it is the death of His own Son that atoned for my sin and yours, making it possible for God to extend mercy while His judgement falls on Jesus.

In this way I am justified by the blood of Jesus.  Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of my sins. (Hebrews 9:22)  God cannot, in His nature, let my transgressions go without the payment of a penalty of death. (Romans 6:23)  Jesus met that requirement for those who accept God's free gift of salvation. (Colossians 2:13-14, Isaiah 53:5)

Jesus has authority over Hell.  Because of Him, I am free from the eternal condemnation my sins deserve. (Romans 8:1)

Death is a part of life.  Because of who Jesus is and what He suffered, however, it holds no power over me as His co-heir.  (Romans 8:17)  Since He is my Salvation, I, too can experience victory over death, expect life eternal and live with freedom from the reality of Hell.  Jesus Christ is the Living One and Giver of life to all who believe.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can embrace the inheritance of Life that is mine in Christ.

How do I fear death even though I have victory over it with Christ?

When do I feel condemned because of my sin, even though I've been freed from it's shackles?     

Shared Heritage

"I, John, your brother

and the one who shares with you

in the persecution,

kingdom,

and endurance that are in Jesus,

was on the island called Patmos

because of the word of God

and the testimony about Jesus."

Revelation 1:9

Sometimes it's good to know I'm not alone.  When I struggle with pain, I can think of my sister who patiently suffers through chronic pain and experience some comfort.  If I get drawn into this world, my mind can dwell on those who have gone on to glory and are enjoying their reward.  For the times that I am mistreated, I think of those who are under the sword for the cause of Christ yet stand firm.  We are not in this alone.

As believers, we are part of a greater family.  We are kin through faith in Christ and have much in common.  Not only do we share in our hope, but there are certain experiences and qualities which are familiar to all followers of Christ.  This is our inheritance.

Suffering

The pain was too great for one to bear alone.  In agony, she cried out, taking the risk of rejection because the need was so serious.  What hope did she have?  Mercifully, a sister heeded the call and came alongside, encouraging, exhorting and reminding her of the truth.  The burden lightened and her faith returned as she could see beyond herself.

We've all been at the end of our rope at one time or another.  When the time of suffering, difficulty or trial comes, God did not create us to carry the load alone.  Even though our faith in His ability to strengthen and sustain is vital, He designed us to live in tandem with others.  It is God's desire that we come alongside of each other during periods of hardship as well as during joyous times.  (Romans 12:15)

The apostle Paul endured many difficult times during his years of ministry.  Though he gave all the credit to the Lord and knew it was the strength of Christ that kept him going, he encouraged members of the family of God to share in his troubles.  (Philippians 4:14)  Likewise, I should never expect to go it alone.

All members of God's family through faith in Christ share in the suffering of one another.

Kingdom

The thought of it swept him away.  He labored day and night to reach his goal, desiring nothing more than to attain the position of power and glory he had so long craved.  He went to church each Sunday, praising God with his lips but his heart was not in it.  (Isaiah 19:13)  The Word of God fell on deaf ears and the thought of leaving this world grieved him.  This man valued the world more than he did God's kingdom.  (Matthew 6:21,33)

There is something greater than can be found in this world for every believer.  If I settle for following my fleshly desires, sinking back into my old pattern of living, the world will seem to hold infinite value.  If, however, I let go of my old ways and desires, plunging myself into the cleansing living waters that are offered by faith in Christ, I will enter into a new way where I desire nothing more than to please God.  (Philippians 2:12-13)

Jim Elliot, missionary killed by native people in Ecuador for the cause of Christ, wrote in his journal some 7 years before his death that, "One of the great blessings of heaven is the appreciation of heaven on earth."  He then went on to write the well known phrase, "He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."   

Jim Elliot understood that the value of the kingdom of Jesus Christ is so much greater than anything found here on earth; even his very life.  In the same way, all believers can share this same upside-down-from-the-world way of looking at things.  To those outside the kingdom, an unexpected, unborn child is disposable, to a kingdom-dweller it is an intentional, chosen life.  

To those in the world, the janitor who faithfully cleans the floors is to be looked down upon, but to those who uphold kingdom values he is a prince.  

For worldly types, a hospital stay is a great inconvenience and period of fear, but to anyone who is in the kingdom it is an appointed time of spiritual growth and faith building.

All members of God's family through faith in Christ share a common, kingdom-perspective.

Patient Endurance

Runners share a kind of strange obsession.  There is an addiction that occurs for those who run on a regular basis and it is nearly impossible to deny.  That feeling of euphoria that comes to those who hit the pavement is what keeps them going, mile after mile.  Studies show the release of endorphin that gives runners that "high," can be just as addictive as drugs.

While this phenomena may explain why exercise fanatics keep such a regular, consistent regimen, it will not help when it comes to enduring the difficulties of life.  Time keeps ticking on and the trials and tragedies keep coming my way.  There is no release of pain-relieving endorphins like what occurs in long-distance running, so how can I keep trudging along?

As a follower of Christ, I share in His sufferings, of that I am familiar.  The good news is that I also will share in His glory!  ( 1 Peter 4:13, Romans 8:17)  Knowing I have such a privilege to look forward to can give me the strength and will to carry on.

When I feel like giving up, then, I can remember my shared inheritance with Christ.  Nothing here can compare to the goodness I will experience in eternity.  Therefore, I can take heart when facing the darkness and agony of this world:  my anguish is not in vain!

All members of God's family through faith in Jesus Christ share the hope of glory to come.

Even though I may sometimes feel alone, as a member of the family of God I am not by myself.  I can take heart with the understanding of the truth that I share suffering, the value of this kingdom and the ability to patiently endure with all other followers of Christ.  This is our common heritage!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember my place in God's kingdom.

When do I behave like a lone ranger?

How am I at risk of giving up hope?