“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’” 2 Timothy 2:19 ESV
The word ‘seal’ in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is defined in both verb and noun form. One noun definition is: “a) something that confirms, ratifies, or makes secure; guarantee, assurance. b) a device with a cut or raised emblem, symbol, or word used especially to certify a signature or authenticate a document.” The most recognized seal in the United States is the Presidential Seal which authenticates any correspondence from the President. The Presidential seal is properly displayed on every podium from which the President speaks. The President has the right to use the seal as the authorized owner of the office for a four year term by the electoral process. The Presidential seal of ownership carries with it security and protection for those under their authority.
The apostle Paul speaks of an ownership in 2 Timothy. In Paul’s final letter to Timothy and the church before his martyrdom, he addresses the seal put upon the church and everyone who names the name of the Lord believing in Him. Paul writes in chapter 2 verse 19, “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal.” God has placed His seal on His firm foundation, which is the church, and every believer in Christ. Paul then encourages the believers by stating, “The Lord knows those who are his.” God knows each one of us intimately providing security and protection as we bear His seal. We are then to depart from sin and pursue holiness.
The tragic events of our broken world have an effect on each one us, even the most spiritual Christians. Whatever situation we may find ourselves in today or the days ahead, we can rest assured the Lord has placed a seal upon His church. Jesus told Peter, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mt. 16:18 ESV) The Lord has set upon us His seal of ownership, security, and protection.
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NLT
Today as I write this devotional my television monitor is displaying the March for Israel Rally in Washington, D. C… Anti-Semitism has been on the rise not only in the United States but across the world. Recent escalation has been due to the terrorist attack by Hamas on the nation of Israel on October 7, 2023. But it is clear that hatred toward the Jewish people has been on-going since the early Bible days, and will continue until the Lord Jesus returns to reign in Jerusalem during the millennial kingdom.
The Bible is crystal clear as to the Jewish people. They are God’s chosen people separated as holy unto Him. Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (NLT) God has not forgotten or deserted His people today. And most of all there is a great future for the nation of Israel as prophesized in Scripture.
The apostle Peter makes the connection of Christians also being a chosen people, or the elect of God. Those who have accepted Christ as Savior are royal priests and part of a holy nation. ‘Holy’ meaning set apart for God. We are a nation set apart to tell the world about Jesus Christ. The world has been a dark place since the sin of Adam and Eve and growing darker. The nations of the world are at war with each other. Many see this as a sign of the end times. Jesus told His disciples, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” (Mk. 13:7 NLT)
How close we are to the Lord’s return we don’t know. But as the only holy nation on earth, Christians are the only true source of light in the world today. We are to live in such a way to not cover our shine drawing others towards it. We have seen the signs. The Lord’s return is sure whether in our time or in generations to come. A holy nation will act accordingly. We are a holy nation!
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.” Psalm 95:6-7 NKJV
Have you ever had a God moment? How would you describe it? Each one of us is different in our own way and I’m sure our God moments would differ, of course seeing that you had one. GotQuestions.org describes it his way, “Many Christians define a God moment as an intimate, unique, or uncommon experience that helps them see that something or someone bigger than themselves (i.e., God) is at work in their lives. It might be an answered prayer, a sudden revelation, or a chance encounter.” (1) The simplest things could be a God moment for me. What some would consider a coincidence, I see as God presenting Himself making His presence known, a God moment.
The other day during my quiet study time with the Lord, I was reading a devotional from a well-known Pastor and author, and was struggling to concentrate particularly on the key verse. Perhaps due to the early hour of the morning or my allowing my mind to wander, the verse wasn’t sinking in. Asking the Lord to sharpen my focus, He did just that. As I was reading the verse, the song on the radio was singing the exact words in exact time with my reading them. It got my attention. It was a God moment. The song produced and performed by ‘Maranatha Music.’ was “Oh come, let us worship and bow down.” In perfect timing they sang as I read, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.” (Ps. 95:6-7 NKJV)
The verse itself is a call to worship the Lord and recognize Him as our creator and God. He watches over us as His sheep and is with us at all times. There are many God moments in our lives that come and go without us even realizing them, not to mention the ones we take for granted. It is nice to be reminded with a God moment we are not expecting that He is continually pasturing His sheep. Have you been reminded lately with a God moment? Chances are, you were.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” John 14:6 NASB
Where I currently reside (Berks County, Pennsylvania) there is a stretch of highway fondly named “The Road to Nowhere” due to the slow construction process which resulted in its incompletion. Today it is complete. You may have heard some say that “All roads lead to God, to Heaven and to eternal life.” But if that is the case, we need to carefully consider why Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
If there are other roads to God and eternal life, how could Jesus make such a statement? He could make such a statement my friend because it is true. He was not mistaken, He was not lying to attract followers, nor was He out of His mind. He is God the Son who completed the road to Salvation by travelling the road to Calvary’s Cross, Dying and Rising again on the third day.
Jesus’s words on the cross were, “It is finished.” Any other road is “A Road to nowhere.”
“That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” Joshua 7:12 NLT
Moving into new life changing territory and conquering it can be somewhat of a daunting task as we have learned the last few weeks. These changes in our lives come through our creator the Lord God. Again, He is not going to place us somewhere outside of our comfort zone and leave us. He will miraculously pave the way for us by opening doors, clearing the path, and removing obstacles in our way as evidenced by God’s Hand in directing Israel into the Promised Land. The first six chapters of Joshua reveal God’s leading Israel from the eastern shore of the Jordan River, through the Jordan River, and in their victory at Jericho. Israel had been totally obedient to the Lord by following His commands having the faith and courage to conquer their new territory with the Lord God by their side. All is good, but now we come to chapter 7.
Joshua sends men to spy out the city of Ai, their next battle as chapter 7 begins. The report is highly favorable concluding that a smaller number of warriors were needed to conquer it and not the entire fighting force. Ai was small in number and would easily be overcome. Without hesitation Joshua sent about 3,000 men on the mission only to be defeated being driven back and losing thirty-six men in the process. Distraught over the results, Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothes bowing down before the Ark of the Lord until evening. “Then Joshua cried out, ‘Oh, Sovereign LORD, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side! Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies?’” (Jos. 7:7-8 NLT) It sounds like Joshua is having buyer’s remorse for having bought in to the Lord’s plan for them to enter the Promised Land. The Lord would reveal to Joshua what he didn’t know on why Israel was defeated. Israel had sinned against the Lord.
The first insight for us to learn is the consequences of our sin doesn’t affect us alone. The Lord tells Joshua “Israel has sinned and broken my covenant!” (Jos. 7:11a NLT) One man, Achan, had disobeyed God’s command in the battle of Jericho by coveting, stealing, hiding, and lying about the things that were to be set apart for the Lord. The sin led to his family to being complicit in helping cover up the disobedience to the Lord and breaking His covenant. Achan and his family were part of God’s chosen people Israel. Sin had been committed by having disregard for God’s commands and directly disobeying them. God is a holy God having instructed Joshua and the nation of Israel to have faith, courage, to be obedient, and to be devoted to His Word. Israel as a nation did not do so completely in the battle of Jericho. God had said, “Israel has sinned and broken my covenant!”
Our second insight; with God being holy, He cannot deal with sin in His presence. God will not deal with us as we go our way but will put the brakes on us as He did with Israel’s defeat at Ai. The Lord told Joshua, “I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” (Jos. 7:12b NLT) We must do the same. If we expect to see the Lord’s continued blessings in our new territory we need to be obedient to Him and destroy (get rid of) any sin that is causing a major hindrance to that end.
Finally, the Lord’s blessings were clearly seen by Achan and his family in the first big test of conquering their new territory. They witnessed the Lord fighting their battle and achieving victory, however they weren’t content and wanted more. The obedience and victory in chapter 6 was overshadowed quickly by sin in chapter 7. As you journal entering your new territory, may you be careful not to include a ‘chapter 7.’
Betting on sporting events has been around as long as there has been competition between individuals touting their favorite team, or their choice of the victor in the neighborhood playground brawl. The method of sports betting up until a few years ago consisted mostly of money exchanging hands between friends, co-workers, and an organized pool of a greater extent. Gambling even at this small level is considered illegal in most states but has not been on law enforcement’s top list of crimes to enforce. For the causal sports fan betting on their favorite team, the Super Bowl, or filling out a NCAA March madness bracket (which I confess to doing and enjoy), seems to the average person as ‘no harm no foul.’ But that all began to change in the year 2018.
The Supreme Court, in 2018, stuck down the case Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. The courtruled a Federal ban that prohibited commercial sports betting in the United States was unconstitutional. Las Vegas, Nevada was the only legal avenue to wagering on sporting events. Now through 33 states and the District of Columbia, 146 million people have the opportunity to bet legally on sporting events. Lifting the Federal ban on sports betting has proven lucrative for the betting operators and Casinos across the country and for the coffers of state governments, but an ensuing problem of addiction, debt, and broken relationships have escalated.
“The Hill” addressed this growing concern in an article posted by on February 10, 2023 titled “Sports betting has risen tenfold in three years. Addition experts fear the next opioid crisis” Quoting Timothy Fong, a clinical professor of psychiatry, The Hill writes, “We have a movement toward expanding what was once considered a sin, what was once considered a vice, and embedding it at every level of American culture, down to kindergarten. ‘Sports gambling market.’ ten years ago, those words didn’t exist, what you have is this massive, exponential expansion of gambling into homes, faster than we can study or monitor it.” (1)
CNN noted the ‘Council of Compulsive Gambling of N.J.’ reported a 60% increase on their hotline since 2018. “Newsweek” reported the main target of sports betting companies are young men. In an interview with Pew Research last year, Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling said, “We believe that the risks for gambling addiction overall have grown 30 percent from 2018 to 2021, with the risk concentrated among young males 18 to 24 who are sports bettors,”(2)
The attractiveness of sports betting is enhanced by the many celebrity sports figures promoting it, along with the major networks televising the games noting the betting lines and the odds of winning before, during, and even near the end of the game. It’s non-stop betting. The networks do this in partnership with the top betting on-line sportsbooks and the blessings of the professional sports leagues and the colleges and universities.
More from “The Hill’ article; “Teams and league owners love sports betting because they ‘have found that engagement is off the charts among people who are placing bets on games,’ said Daniel Barbarisi, author of ‘Dueling with Kings: High Stakes, Killer Sharks, and the Get-Rich Promise of Daily Fantasy Sports.’ People who bet on games ‘are not just tuning out if it’s a blowout,’ Barbarisi said, because they bet on more than the final score. Fans can place wagers on the margin of victory, the combined point total from both teams and other metrics — such as whether Aaron Judge will hit a home run or Max Scherzer will ring up double-digit strikeouts.” (1)
In 2021 sportsbooks generated approximately $4.3 billion in revenue. That’s just a little too much for some top executives to pass up despite the additive nature of it, including Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney. In 2019, Disney was skittish of engaging in sports betting in fear of tarnishing their family friendly entertainment image. But that fear has now dissolved into the opportunity to make millions of dollars. “Livemint.com” posted on October 13 of this year, “In August, the company struck a 10-year deal with sports-betting company Penn Entertainment to bring gambling to Disney’s ESPN sports network. Sports fans will be able to wager on games on their phones through a new app called ESPN Bet that accepts bets through Penn’s sportsbook.” (3) Iger changed his mind on sports betting as he observed his two sons involved with it. “Livemint.com” reports, “Iger, who saw his two adult sons glued to gambling apps on their smartphones, the chance to engage a younger male audience, and the money, were eventually too good to pass up. Penn will pay Disney $1.5 billion in cash while ESPN will receive warrants worth about $500 million to purchase shares in the gambling company. Penn will operate the app and Disney will help market it.” (3)
It is not too difficult to see how and why sports betting with easy access is so alluring and can be addictive. The acceptance by the American people has also increased due to the constant exposure during games being televised and access through their smart phones. A recent poll conducted by the ‘The Washington Post’ and ‘The University of Maryland’ noted 55 % of Americans approved of legal sports betting in 2017 before the Supreme Court decision, today 66% approve. (4) The troubling fact is that most people engaging in sports betting and supporting it are blinded to the side effects on those who are subject to addition, even themselves if not controlled. In writing for the “Gospel Coalition” Joe Carter expressed his concern, “A frequent concern expressed about sports betting is that it encourages predatory gambling and leads to increases in problem gambling. Predatory gambling is the practice of using gambling to prey on human weakness for profit……….. the casino industry, a major source of predatory gambling within the US, attracts a disproportionate share of low-income workers, retirees, minorities, and people with disabilities. The poor are often the targets of predatory gambling in all forms—and the most susceptible to it.” (5)
Christians need to be aware and deeply concerned about this growing vice, and it is a vice. A little bet placed on your phone may seem harmless, especially with all the incentives and perks offered by the sportsbooks (how can I lose), but once started the lure of excitement and winning may be too much to handle. Soon we find ourselves in deep despair.
Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” (NLT) Looking for excitement and joy in your life, it is found in the Lord, a guaranteed winner.
We are to be good stewards of our money, such as caring for poor. “If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD—and he will repay you!” (Prov. 19:17 NLT) Sounds like another guaranteed winner.
And the apostle Paul gives us a stern warning about the love of money in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, “But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (NLT)
Sports betting has now become a legal accepted part of the sports culture. If you are an avid sports fan or a casual fan, take note it is now impossible not to avoid the enticing ads placed by the sportsbooks in every sporting event. I’m afraid they are here to stay. How should we as Christians respond? May we become the ‘All in the Praying Family’ being wise stewards of our money, along with helping, encouraging, and praying for those who have experienced addiction, debt, and a broken relationship as a result of legalized sports betting.
“In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ And immediately the fig tree withered up.” Matthew 21:18-19 NLT
An outward appearance can give a false impression. Examples can be found on realtor’s website listings, pre-owned automobile lots, even restaurant meus (it doesn’t look like the picture!) I am not being critical of those in the auto industry, food service or in real estate, but we all know there are times when the product does not meet up to the standards that were presented once examine. Jesus found this to be true on His way back into Jerusalem with His disciples.
Walking with His disciples on the road back to Jerusalem early in the morning, Jesus became hungry and noticed a fig tree up ahead. From a distance it looked green and full of leaves. It gave the appearance of being able to supply ample nourishment to one who is hungry. However when Jesus and His disciples got close enough for a closer look, they found nothing but leaves, no figs. The tree gave a false impression of what could be on it, but was not!
Jesus’s reaction to this false claim was immediate judgment, He cursed the tree, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ The result, the fig tree withered up immediately. Some theologians see this as an illustration of the nation Israel that was unfruitful despite being God’s chosen people. Our application for today is for those of us who claim to be Jesus followers, Christians in the true sense of the word with all the external trimmings, but showing no fruit. There are Christians who give a false impression of who they are until someone gets close enough to see otherwise.
Jesus became hungry on the road into Jerusalem and needed the fruit from the fig tree to sustain Him the rest of the way. Unfortunately there was no fruit to be seen. People today on life’s road need the fruit of Gospel, spiritual nourishment for this life and for eternity. When they see us up ahead, observe us, and move closer to us, will they find that we are true followers of Jesus and able to show them the way or will they only find a False Impression?
“The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.” Matthew 13:20-21 NLT
Deep strong roots are vital to a tree’s survival in storms with heavy winds. The deep seeded roots prevent the tree from falling over and at the same time are growing stronger by the wind during a storm by pulling and stretching. Throughout the life of a tree, the roots are working its way downward in search of water and nutrients. For a tree to flourish and survive its roots must continue to grow stronger by absorbing what is necessary; fertile soil with the proper nutrients and just enough wind to keep them stretching from the swaying of the tree.
In Jesus’ Parable of the Soils, He gives us four examples of different types of soil the farmer incurs as he is planting seed. Some seed fell by the wayside, or foot paths along the border of a field. Some seed fell on rocky places or shallow soil. Others fell among thorns and still others on fertile soil. The seed represents the Word of God (the gospel) that is planted in the hearts of people. There are many who hear the gospel in various forms. Some take to it enthusiastically as soon as they hear it representing the shallow soil. Then there are those who hear it but do not understand for the seed never penetrated into their hearts, and still others hear the word, but also hear the word of worries of this life and accumulating wealth crowding out the truth of the gospel. Then there are those who truly hear and understand the gospel representing the good soil.
As Christians, we are to live our lives in a manner that will draw individuals to Jesus Christ. We are to take advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel message. Jesus’ Parable of the Soils informs us of the possible reactions of each one who hears the Word. Not all will respond in the same way, and some not at all. We are only called to be faithful in presenting the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work.
The seed falling on rocky and shallow soil can be taken a step further for Christians who have already accepted the salvation of the Lord. How deep are your roots? Believers today need strong deep roots to carry on God’s plan for them. Just as a tree planted in fertile soil needs water, nutrients, and winds to develop deep roots, Christians need to drink from the well of living water, feast on the nutrients of God’s Word, join in prayer with other believers, and receive with joy the winds of change in their lives which help develop Deep Roots.
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT
The subject of transparency is a well-recognized topic in 2023 particularly in the world of politics. The truth of the matter is, many who claim to be transparent usually turn out to be not so transparent. Transparency defines as, ‘the quality of being done in an open way without secrets’ is far from what the general public observes. Perhaps there are good intentions on the campaign trail to present oneself as transparent, but the thought of exposing compromising positions or a deficiency while in office is considered a matter to be kept close to the vest.
Politicians are not alone in abusing transparency. Every one of us have a problem with being transparent, totally transparent. Many of us have fine admirable qualities such as honesty, sympathy, a non-judgmental character, caring for others, selflessness, and a loving attitude. While those qualities may be seen most of the time, there are circumstances when one or two of our admirable qualities are overshadowed by something we try to cover up-and if exposed they would cause a great deal embarrassment. It is at these moments we become non-transparent, thinking we have covered up our deficiencies and maintained our integrity.
But as hard as we try to remain transparent while covering up a deficiency or sin in our lives, eventually it becomes known if not dealt with honestly. We may be able to cover up our sin for a time before others, but we can never cover up anything from God who knows and sees all. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (NLT)
God is aware of our innermost thoughts and desires, we cannot hide them from God. We are capable of covering up our sin before others and even to ourselves as we refer to them as hidden sins and no big deal. But the Word of God has a way of reminding us that it is a big deal “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Heb. 4:12 NLT) If we are serious about eradicating our hidden sins, we need to be immersed in the God’s Word allowing Him through His Word to expose our innermost thoughts and desires and be transparent before Him.
“But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.” Matthew 25:18 ESV
Where do your talents lie? In what areas do you excel? Do others notice your gifts and talents? Have you been encouraged to use your talents more effectively? If you are like me, you know there are certain things you are good at, some things you are really good at, and then there is one talent or gift that surpasses all expectations. And if you’re like me, my friends and family know that the gift and talent is from the Lord, it’s certainly not me. Believe me there are many more things I am not good at than what I am good at. But what I am good at, the Lord expects it to be used for His Glory and His Kingdom and that is the standard for all Christians.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the “Parable of the Talents” (Matt. 25:14-30) concerning the coming of the kingdom. In the parable, a man going on a journey entrusts to each of his three servants’ talents (money) to be used and invested until he returns. Each one is given according to his ability as to what he is capable of handling. One receives five talents, one receives two, and another received one. The Bible says the one who received five talents immediately went out and did business with them doubling the investment. Likewise the one who had two did the same. But the third one did nothing with his talent actually burying it in the ground for safe keeping, so he thought. Upon returning, the man was well pleased with the first two servants. They faithfully used the talents given to them by their master. Not so with the third, he was not pleased at all, in fact he called him wicked and lazy. The servant hid the talent his master gave him. There wasn’t anything to show for it.
Wherever your talents lie, are you using them for the Lord? Are you using them to advance the gospel? Are others in your community being helped by them? Is your workplace benefitting by your use of them? Have you had opportunity to use them in your social and recreation time with friends and family? Are you using your talents for the Lord or are you hiding them?
Word for the Soul 