“Then the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: ‘Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?’” Haggai 1:3-4 NLT
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Christians have a whole different set of priorities than non-Christians, or do we? Afterall the Lord has richly blessed us, and we are more than willing to support the church financially, or are we? The Lord God has bestowed upon us natural gives of ability and certain spiritual gifts which, of course, we use in service for Him, well maybe not. Jesus Christ opened the door of salvation for us by dying on the cross and we are eager to open that door to others, I wish that were true. Now, all this may seem harsh, and I am not calling out anyone. It is for all of us who proclaimed the name of Christ to self-examine if we have misplaced priorities, me included.
After seventy years in captivity the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem. They restored worship and preceded to lay the foundation to rebuild the temple that was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. The work started with joy and praise to God for their return to the homeland, but soon the work was stopped due to opposition. It was during this time of hostility against them the Jews backed off rebuilding the temple. The focus became restoring their lives first even using the building material designated for the house of Lord for their own homes. The Lord sent the prophet Haggai to confront them and encouraged them to get their priorities in order and finish building the temple.
Christians today have as much opposition against them as the Jews of ancient days. It is just as easy for us to back off the Lord’s work. But we are reminded the Holy Spirit is with us and we need not be afraid or intimidated. The effects of misplaced priorities can have devastating results as the prophet Haggai explained to the Jews in Jerusalem. Concentrating only on themselves they were always lacking, coming up short. The Lord God did not bless their efforts. Haggai tells the people, “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!” (Hag.1:7 nlt) When we find ourselves in similar circumstances it just may be the Lord getting our attention to recognize our misplaced priorities.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 NIV
No pain, no gain is accurately applied to the struggling person in a rigorous exercise program either to lose weight or achieve an athletic goal. The pain involved is overwhelming at times, but as time goes on you notice a change in your overall appearance, strength, and athletic ability. The pain became gain, and you are better for it. The same process works in your spiritual life. No pain, no gain. The difference is that it is not you that is initiating the pain but God through His hand and His pruning shears. And the results are the same, you will be better for it.
In Jesus’ Farewell Discourse to His disciples the night before His crucifixion He covered many topics of which one was ‘bearing fruit’. Using an agricultural example Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (Jn.15:1 niv) The very essence of being able to bear fruit for Christ or do anything in life is to remain in Him. Jesus also said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn.15:5b niv) Your success in life and your ability to grow spiritually is to remain in Christ.
Just as a gardener prunes a vine to remove dead branches, bubs, and leaves that are unproductive cutting it back for future growth, the Lord God removes from us what is unproductive and hindering our growth in Christ. He uses His pruning shears to cut away anything that is not pleasing to Him pruning us in a way that alters our behavior to be more like Christ through circumstances He allows us to go through. Notice the gardener will cut off every branch that doesn’t produce any fruit. These non-producing branches are those who professed Christianity but show no visible signs of it. Take note Jesus also says those branches that are bearing fruit, true believers in Christ, are still subject to pruning. The goal is spiritual growth in Christ, so don’t resist God’s pruning shears, remember no pain, no gain.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Life is complicated for most people. Even for those who live in rural communities where not too much is going on, there’s always something going on, yes life is complicated. We all need a little guidance to help us along. Guidance is needed not only to be successful in life, but to have continued joy and contentment. Given over to ourselves, we are not always successful in life and our efforts for joy and contentment are but moments soon to drift away. We need someone who is bigger than ourselves, God, but can we trust Him?
The wisest man who ever lived on this earth, King Solomon, said God can be trusted. Solomon wrote, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart……and he will make your paths straight.” (Pr.3:5-6 niv) The idea of making our paths straight is to remove any obstacles that are in the way. Who would better know how to remove those obstacles than one with the ability to know what we will encounter before it happens and has the power to remove them. We are often confused lacking understanding in the way God is leading us, but we must rest assured His plan for us is good and will not fail. When we fully submit to God trusting His leading as we reject our own temptation to do it ourselves, God will surely lead us to complete joy and contentment. Yes, you can trust Him!
“I cannot always understand, The Way God leadeth me, The why, and when and wherefore Is oft a mystery. But I can trust His wisdom, I know His way is best, His heart knows no unkindness And on His love I rest.” (1)
(1) Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Streams in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1966. p.138
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.’” Ruth 1:16 NLT
‘“Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.’” Luke 18:29-30 NLT
Our current society has helped drive families apart with a self-interest attitude towards others, it’s a ‘me first’ society. Over time some families are restored but there needs to be forgiveness and a complete ‘same mind’ agreement for reconciliation. Many families struggle with problems in the home, forcing some to abandon their family, leaving them all behind. Societal ills make up most family break-ups today, but believe it or not, a deep faith in God and trusting in His Son Jesus for salvation made up the rest.
The book of Ruth gives us one of the earliest pictures of someone leaving their family to serve the Lord God of heaven. Ruth, a Moabite woman, became a widow at a young age. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, was returning to her homeland in Judah from where she, her husband and their two sons left due to a severe famine. Ruth wanted to return with Naomi back to Israel. She had a great love for her mother-in-law, but also a great love for God. Perhaps Ruth saw something in Naomi even through the bitterness of her sorrow of losing her husband and two sons that caused Ruth to say, “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth1:16b nlt) Ruth left her family behind to serve and worship God.
Jesus confirms there is a cost in following Him. In speaking to His disciples Jesus acknowledged there will be those who leave their families for the sake of the gospel, but they will be richly rewarded. Some will leave in pursuit of ministry work for Christ, but some others will be forced to leave their families who have rejected them for following Christ. If you are in this latter group know that Jesus understands, for He was also rejected by His family. Continue to follow Jesus, pray for your family, and don’t look back.
The sporting world is filled with stories of athletes showing generosity in a variety of unfortunate situations due to illness, disease, financial hardship, and natural disasters. They range from the establishment of foundations for needed causes, providing financial assistance, personal visits, and even a signed autograph which may not seem like much, but means the world to the recipient. Sport fans of all ages appreciate the effort of those on the highest stage of their profession to give to those in such need. Their generosity serves as an example for others to follow no matter their means of support.
In Matthew chapter eleven Jesus instructed the twelve Apostles before He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God. At the end of those instructions He concluded by saying, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Mt.10:12 nlt) What is the point Jesus is making? The cost of following Jesus is extremely high. There will be persecution for those who preach the gospel and for those who receive it. Supporting those who are in service for the Lord and showing hospitality to them will be rewarded. Not that we should be looking for a reward, but God is faithful in recognizing even a cup of cold water given in His name. We live in a period where persecution of believers in Jesus is at an all-time high. Most of those suffering for the cause of Christ are outside the comfort zone of America, but for how long?
As Christians we need a balanced charitable donation list. Our list should contain all that God cares about; the poor, the hungry, the sick, the widow, the orphan, the lost, the persecuted, and those who preach the good news of the gospel. Our economic status should have no bearing on our ability to give. We can all give a cup of cold water.
Misinformation is a term that has received much recognition in recent years. Media outlets are quick to point out certain news stories are false or misleading to the public. News organizations are pitted against each other with the backing of their fact checkers to debunk a news story. There is plenty of misinformation in the news outlets of our day. But the most tragic source of misinformation are certain religious organizations, even some Christian churches, who insists your good works will get you into heaven and there is no hell to fear.
Matthew’s gospel is all about presenting Jesus as King to the Jewish people of his day. It is also relevant to all people in our day for Jesus is Lord and King. Jesus’ disciples questioned Him when the kingdom would come about. They were expecting it would be in their lifetime. Jesus’ answer to their question about His coming kingdom concludes the Olivet Discourse.
If anyone has doubts that Jesus is King, Jesus Himself makes clear His royalty and authority by saying, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence.” (Mt.25:31-32a nlt) Jesus always referred to Himself as the Son of Man, and this Son of Man will sit upon His throne and all the nations will be called before Him, therefore Jesus is indeed the King. And there will be a great separation of those who believed in Jesus and those who have not. “He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’ Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.’” (Mt.25:33-34, 41 nlt)
Jesus’ reference to the sheep and goats in His answer to the disciples compares those who have treated His brothers and sisters with kindness and those who have not as if they were doing it to Him. This passage of Jesus’ words is often mistaken as the acceptance of good works for entrance into heaven. Jesus stated earlier, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.” (Mt.25:34 nlt) Salvation is a gift of God, not something to be earned through merited deeds. It is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Eph.2:8-9) Those who know the Savior will indeed do good works as verification of a changed life in Christ. “I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” (Ja.2:18b nlt)
We all struggle understanding Scripture and some passages are hard sayings, but it is all God’s Word to us. Some passages we would rather ignore for what it contains, but it is all truth. For us, are we among the sheep or the goats, are we people of faith or people of works?
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” Luke 10:33 NLT
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Continuing our study of Jesus’ parables in Biblical Insights, this week we look at the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We have said a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meeting, and we are going to stick to that. However, it is interesting to note the Wycliffe Bible Commentary suggests this parable may have been a report of an actual occurrence. Nevertheless, Jesus told the story so we can be sure it has a heavenly meaning whichever the case. It is another one of Jesus’ teachings for us to pay particular attention to.
The backstory to this parable is what preceded the question ‘Who is my neighbor?’ The question was asked by a Religious Jewish Law expert who wanted to trap Jesus in a question. He asked Him, “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk.10:25b nlt) Jesus asked him ‘how do you interpret the Law’ since he was an expert. The man answered correctly, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.” And “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk.10:27 nlt) But after Jesus confirmed his answer, the expert revealed his self-righteous character by asking ‘who is my neighbor.’ Strict religious Jews would never consider any non-Jew as a neighbor. He needed further explanation which Jesus was more than willing to provide.
Jesus tells the story of an unfortunate Jewish traveler on the road from Jerusalem down to Jericho. It was a 17-mile journey descending over 3,000 feet into Jericho on an isolated, rocky, and winding road known for its many assaults from robbers hiding among the rocks. The man was attacked by the waiting criminals, “They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.” (Lk.10:30b nlt) What happened to this traveler is also a common occurrence in our day. People are victims of assault among other crimes within our society. How we, as Christians, respond to these victims will indicate how well we understand who our neighbors are.
Three individuals had shown their true understanding of being a neighbor. Sadly, two religious ministers, a priest and a Levite temple worker failed miserably. They both passed by on the other side without giving it a thought to help. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.” (Lk.10:31-32 nlt) One could speculate the reason or reasons these two failed to help the wounded traveler. Whatever it was outweighed the importance of caring for one in tremendous need. Perhaps it was religious pride or their religious legalism not to be defiled if they had touched him and he was dead surfaced in their mind. Either way they both left him unattended.
In life it is often those we expect to help that do not, and those we wouldn’t expect to help do so and even go the extra mile. The same was true in Jesus’ day. In our story it says, “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” (Lk.10:33 nlt) The Jews and the Samaritans did not get along. The Samaritans were looked down upon by the Jews, yet this Samaritan had compassion on this Jewish man when his own fellow Jews passed him by. This good Samaritan cleaned and bandaged the man’s wounds, put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and nursed him overnight. Then this despised Samaritan went the extra mile, “The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” (Lk.10:35 nlt) The good Samaritan accurately displayed his understanding of who is his neighbor. Anyone with a need, anyone who needs help, whether rich or poor, regardless of skin color or ethnic background, male or female were all the good Samaritan’s neighbors and should be ours.
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After telling the story, Jesus asked the Jewish Law expert, ‘“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?’ The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.’” (Lk.10:36-37 nlt) The lesson for the Law expert and us is that every person has the responsibility to be a neighbor to all who cross their path, especially those in need. There are no exceptions.
“I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!” Proverbs 8:30-31 NLT
“Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’” Psalm 14:1a NLT
This world has been in trouble for ages. It has been in a downward spiral and continues to pick speed heading into destruction. Evil and corruption has made its way onto every branch of our world. We live in a fallen world due to sin and human beings’ sin nature. But God created this world in a perfect state by His wisdom and even though we are in a fallen state, the world can be less chaotic if we acknowledge Him and follow His Word and His Wisdom.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs is one the wisdom books in the Bible. Included in chapter 8 is the origin of wisdom. “Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” (Pr.8:23 esv) Wisdom is personified as it is God’s Wisdom, it is eternal, it assisted in creation as the architect, and rejoiced in the world God created. The eternal God who with His wisdom created the earth and maintains it, who created mankind and provided us with a book in how to do life is still there with wisdom to help us govern our affairs.
Our society today sees no need for God, in fact He gets in the way of our plans, so we are better off without Him. God is called upon in emergencies but is quickly forgotten once the crisis is past. Scripture says those who say there is no God are fools. They determine their own wisdom is enough and will suffice, but we have seen the results. “Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.” (Ro.1:22 nlt) The only chance for hope and peace in this world until Jesus Christ returns is for God’s Wisdom to be applied. Until then, the good news is the Lord Jesus Christ is going to return and reign on the earth with perfect wisdom which will not be rejected.
Everything is constantly changing, in fact the only thing that is constant in life is change. All changes have their own speed at which they develop. Some changes happen slowly over time in which you hardly notice and some very quickly that you need to hold on to get through it. Constant unpredictable changes that are difficult to handle at times not knowing where to turn is known as ‘shifting sands.’ We have all gone through them, perhaps you may be going through shifting sands this day, well there is good news. There is someone to turn to for help.
Managing change is not easy for some people. It takes us out of our comfort zone. We like things to stay the same as they are. Shifting sands tend to move quickly causing anxiety. The unexpected of what may occur next is in the forefront of our minds. How do I deal with this change before the next one comes along? Shifting sands are aways moving and are not limited to any one scope, but to every individual, all matters of business, society and culture, family structures, and even in the church. So OK, who do I turn to?
There is no one who knows more about change than one who does not change. This sounds like an oxymoron. Who would know more about the effects of change and how to deal with it than one who has experienced quite a bit of it. This may be true for us who are able to help our friends and loved ones handle changes they are going through, but not all of us experience changes in the same way. There is only one true source of help in our time of changing needs and that is the one who does not change, Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the one constant in life we can count on not to change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is also our strong anchor in the storms of life to hold on to. His love, mercy, and grace towards us are the same, and His will for us is the same. The shifting sands in our lives are all part of God’s design for us and He who does not change will see us through the constant unpredictable changes. You can count on it!
“…but I might have had more, I ought to have had more, I have never been straitened in thee, thou hast always placed before me an infinite fullness, and I have not taken it.” (1)
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV
The older one gets, the more they realize how many opportunities were lost along the way never to return. There are a lot of ‘should have been’; ‘I should have done this’ or ‘why did I quit school or turn down that job’ or ‘why didn’t I enlist in the military’ or ‘I should have reached out to that person while I had the chance’ and many more ‘should have been’ are now opportunities lost.
The most tragic opportunity lost, especially for Christians, is the time wasted away in activities of self-interest which took away precious moments with God. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with outside activities. They are healthy and help us live a well-balanced life, but how much time is spent is always an issue that needs to be addressed. Hobbies of all sources and recreational activities fulfill physical and mental needs, but your whole self will lack the fulfillment of joy if your relationship with your creator is ignored. As time goes by, each day is another opportunity lost if time spent with God is neglected, never to return.
The Lord has spread out before us a feast of blessings through His Word. I have heard many times at family and social gatherings ‘if you go away hungry it is your own fault there’s plenty of food here.’ A Puritan prayer includes the following, “thou hast always placed before me an infinite fullness, and I have not taken it.’ (1) The Lord blesses us and provides all we need and more. It starts with our relationship with Him and grows throughout the years of living in His presence. In your later years you don’t want to look back over your life and say, ‘I could have had more blessings from the Lord’ and ‘I was not as faithful as I could have been.’
Yes, past opportunities are gone never to appear again, but present opportunities are always there and will not be lost if taken advantage of. New and future opportunities with the Lord will continue forever as long as you have breath. Do not miss a single one. It’s not too late. Start today!
(1) Bennet, Arthur ed. The Valley of Vision A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions. East Peroria: Versa Press, 2023. P. 80
Word for the Soul 