As I was taking my shower this morning the old hymn ‘Nothing But the Blood’ was playing through my phone. (and No, I do not sing in the shower) The first verse is as follows, ‘What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” A thought came to mind, how little the word ‘sin’ is referenced anywhere or by anybody these days, and sadly even in some churches. How many people ever think of themselves as a sinner? My guess is, not many.
During the Christmas season the word ‘sin’ is heard more often publicly than any other time throughout the year. Of course, you need to be in a church service during the month or listen to Christmas songs or carols that focus on the birth of Christ rather than ‘Please come home for Christmas, if not for Christmas by New Year’s night.’ Lyrics to familiar Christmas carols are known and sung by many people during Christmas never giving thought to the meaning other than its part to ‘the most wonderful time of the year.’ But the real meaning of ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins.
If we are not sinners, only doing a few bad things occasionally like telling a ‘white lie,’ why would Jesus need to come and save us. The truth is all of us have been born with a sin nature and we do what comes naturally, we sin. Whether we think we are not, justifying our sin because everybody does it, we are all guilty before God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Ro.3:23 kjv) That is why Jesus came, to save us from our sins by shedding His blood on the cross at Calvary for, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’” Matthew 22:37-40 NLT
How good are you at receiving and following orders? Well, you may say that depends on who is giving them. If you are or ever have been in the military, your answer would most likely be ‘very good.’ Your commanding officer gives you daily strategical orders to be carried out. Failure to carry them will result in strict discipline. Commands given by authority figures in the Armed Services to build character, integrity, bonding, and to save lives. Jesus gives every Christian two commands to be obeyed for the same reasons.
When Jesus was asked by a lawyer (an expert in religious law) what was the most commandment in the Law. “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’” (Mt.22:37 nlt) Jesus said, ‘you must’ or ‘you shall’ as in some translations. This is a command, not an option. To some this may sound arrogant to be commanded to love someone. But as in the military, commands are given for our own good and for others around us. Jesus further commanded, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt.22:39b nlt) For our own good and for those around us.
Jesus combined all the commandments of God into two. Jesus is saying if we obey these two wholeheartedly, we will be sure to obey the rest. It will come naturally without thinking about it. The importance of ‘you must’ is clearly seen. “The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Mt.22:40 nlt) “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. (and) Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt.22:37, 39b nlt) For our own good and for those around us you must.
“I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:17-18a NLT
It is easy to be swayed one way or another on any subject with so many opinions floating around social media. You may take a firm stance on an issue, but slowly if you are not careful your stance will begin to develop some cracks of doubt. That could very well be a plus in your direction if your stance is found to be false or misrepresented. But it is disastrous if you succumb to pressure to soften your stance to please others when it is the truth. Jesus prayed on behalf of His disciples to His Father, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” (Jn.17:17 nlt) Jesus confirms the truth of God’s Word. Our stance based on the Word of God must be firm for it is true.
Peter, in writing his second letter to Christians in Asia Minor, warned them to be aware of false teachers who were infiltrating the Christian church. Peter begins and ends his letter with the same words of encouragement, “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.” (2Pt.1:2 nlt) The importance of growing in the knowledge of God was vital to their Christian Walk to recognize falsehood and stand against. Christians today face the same errors and outright distortion of Scripture being claimed as truth for our times.
Peter was aware was the social pressure put on Christians even in his day. “I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.” (2Pt.3:17 nlt) A sure way of growing in the grace and knowledge of God is to read and study His Word daily. Know for sure what God says in Scripture so you can stand securely on the truth. God’s truth is the Bible.
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-49 ESV
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Our second song of hope for this Advent season is most likely the most recognized one of the five. Mary’s song, known as ‘The Magnificat,’ has been read and sung in churches around the world for centuries. It is a song Mary spoke through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Did she sing it or speak it? Scripture says, “And Mary said,” but there was certainly singing in her heart. It was heart-felt praise and adoration for her Lord from the depths of her soul. It is called the ‘Magnificat’ because in the Latin Vulgate translation the opening word is ‘Magnificat’ meaning ‘glorifies.’ Mary’s song displays her vast knowledge of the Scriptures. As John MacArthur points out, “These verses also contain numerous allusions to the law, the psalms, and the prophets. The entire passage is a point-by-point reciting of the covenant promises of God.” (1) There are 15 quotations from the Old Testament in her song. It is noteworthy there is deep concern for the poor and despised, and rejection of the rich and proud. Mary finds herself as one of the poor and despised people of the world. She is astonished and humbled the Lord has found favor with her. R.C. Sproul sees it as a true Cinderella story, not a fairy tale, but reality and truth.
Mary starts by exalting or magnifying the Lord, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Lk.1:46-47 esv) Praising the almighty God, Mary also realized her need of a savior. The child she would bear would indeed be her son but would also be her savior. Despite the historical church teaching to our friends in the Catholic church, Mary was not sinless and needed a savior. Mary says, ‘my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’ Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Christian theologian and philosopher who served under several Popes and was canonized St. Thomas Aquinas in 1323, believed Mary could not have been sinless because of her confession of needing of a savior.
Mary then acknowledges her lowly state and how graciously the Lord God looked upon her. From that point on all generations will realize how blessed Mary was. “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” (Lk.1:48 esv) The word ‘servant’ is also translated ‘maidservant’ was the term for a female slave in that day. Mary, therefore, expressed a deep sense of humility.
Three attributes are rendered in the words of Mary in her song, God’s mighty power, His holiness, and His mercy. (Lk.1:49-50) Mary says the mighty God has done great things for her, a lowly servant. She then notes the holiness of God and says those who fear God and acknowledges Him receives mercy. God’s mighty hand is further seen in Mary’s words as she describes the acts of God. “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” (Lk.1:51-53 esv) Mary gives us a history lesson of God’s justice by God scattering the proud and bringing the mighty down from their thrones, while raising up those of low estate which Mary was one. If anyone knew God’s mercy towards the poor and the low estate in society, Mary knew. It speaks to her overwhelming humble attitude and praise to God in seeing her lowly handmaid status being raised up by the God of mercy.
Mary ends her song with the assurance that God keeps His promises. Again, Mary, being well versed in Scripture, knew God has helped Israel in the past and will continue to do so. She also knew God is a covenant keeping God, and what was promised and prophesied in Old Testament would come to past. Mary knew the promise of the coming Messiah. She knew He would be born of a virgin; she knew she was in that category. She knew He would be called the Son of God, and He would save His people from their sins. Mary praised and glorified God who chose her in a lowly estate to bring into the world, the savior of the world. So, Mary sang, The Magnificat – “My soul magnifies the Lord.”
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
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As 2024 is rapidly coming to a close, the hope for peace and prosperity is wished for all people and nations in the New Year. As the world looks forward to the horizon of 2025, it can’t help but to be reminded of the sunset we are seeing in the present year. So many conflicts among nations continue to rise. Social issues are still demanding their presence on the world stage, and the attack on the nuclear family is ever increasing. World Peace may seem to be hard to come by in 2025. It is not only hard to come by but will not happen despite the best efforts of world leaders. But there is peace available to every man, woman, and child in the New Year, and it is a gift we only need to receive.
This gift of peace was first given to us as a promise from God the Father bridging the gap between us and God created by Adam and Eve. A gift of peace, a savior, would come into the world. (Gen.3:15) The gift of peace was born to us over 2,000 years ago in a stable in the town of Bethlehem. “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Lk.2:11, 14 nlt) This gift of peace, Jesus Christ, came into an unpeaceful, sinful world and has provided peace for all who believe in His name, accepting Him as savior.
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gave His disciples a deeper meaning to the salutation ‘Shalom’ meaning peace. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (Jn.14:27 nlt) This peace reflects our reconciliation with God the Father through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. This is true peace and nothing the world can provide. The world can only crave lasting peace which they cannot provide. Jesus’ peace is real and is the answer for all the fears in the world.
Living in the 21st century there is no shortage of things to do. If looking to be entertained, there are thousands of choices to choose from, such as movies, concerts, sporting events, shopping, going for a drive, or staying home and accessing your hundreds of choices on your Smart TV. Getting away for the weekend has an abundance of venues to choose from and places to stay. Spending quality time with friends and family is always a good choice and fulfilling.
Despite the many things we do in life, entertaining ourselves, enjoying family time, achieving success in our jobs and careers, why do some people still have that empty feeling inside? How many people do you know, or perhaps yourself, that do all they can to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, and confess they still have this empty feeling. There is no fulfillment, something is missing. They need to find that missing piece to life’s puzzle. It happens more than you know and to more people than you may think. If you are not surprised by this, you may be one in need of fulfillment.
You’ve heard the cliché, ‘looking for love in all the wrong places.’ Well, it fits here. It is not that the above examples are ‘wrong places,’ they are not. But you will not find complete fulfillment in any of them until the major piece that completes the puzzle is put in place. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt.5:6 nlt) Jesus equates being filled with desiring righteousness. True fulfillment of one’s life occurs when Christ’s righteousness is applied to our lives as we accept Him as Lord and savior. That empty feeling disappears. What we thought would bring us fulfillment suddenly doesn’t seem so important anymore when put in proper perspective.
If you’re struggling with that empty feeling why not look for fulfillment in the right place by looking to Christ and desiring His righteousness. It’s the missing piece you need in your search for fulfillment.
“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 NLT
The Old fashion hymn sing has been resurrected over the last decade as the classic church hymns have vanished in many of today’s churches. However, there are still churches that include an occasional hymn as part of the worship service. Some churches will schedule a special hymn night throughout the year for the lovers of the old fashion hymns. Nationally, Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Hymn Sing makes its rounds throughout the United States keeping the old gospel hymns alive by reintroducing them to the current and next generations. There is a hunger not only for the music, but for the deeply inspired lyrics from these songwriters of yesteryear.
As these old fashion hymns are sung, especially in church, they are an example of unity and harmony. There are those who sing the main melody and those who sing the harmony parts, my mother was always one of them. Those singing the main parts and those singing the harmony parts combine with those playing the instruments in worshiping and praising through God through music. It is an example of what harmony in the church looks like. We all have a different part to play and sing, and not only in the music. If we all do are part, a beautiful rendition of Christ’s church will be seen and heard.
Unfortunately, there is not always harmony among believers in the church and the music falls flat. Paul’s desire for the church was for it to “live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” (Ro.15:5b nlt) The outside world is watching the disharmony among us as many believers are exiting the church. Perhaps an old fashion hymn sing is just what we need to get back in tune with God and the truth of His Word, harmonizing with each other for the sake of the gospel to all generations.
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 NLT
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount address many topics such as, one’s attitude towards a brother, adultery and divorce, retaliation, love, prayer and fasting, judging others, and the golden rule. Jesus was also concerned with what we do with our money, and He expressed that in teaching us about the treasures we accumulate. Our treasures come to us mostly through our use of money. What are we investing in and accumulating on this side of heaven. Can we name them? Are they obvious and evident for all to see where our heart is? Let’s take a closer look at this.
First, our treasures need not only be material things bought with money. Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Mt.6:21 nlt) Here’s one example, your treasure may be the accolades you received over the years for your accomplishments in your field of expertise. Dwelling on these will lead to pride failing to give God the glory. This would be what Jesus refers to as ‘storing up treasures here on earth’ and not storing them in heaven. You could have been an influence on others as they witnessed your work for the glory of God. Their lives may have been changed by your actions, storing treasures in heaven. You see, it is not always money, but it is a large part of it.
So, what are your treasures today and where are your storing them? On the financial side, are you making investments in the kingdom of God, or is in this world in the here and now. Are you investing in people and using your successes to help those in need, for it is Jesus who said, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Mt.25:40 nlt) May we examine ourselves truthfully and know what our treasures are (what is important to us) and begin storing them in heaven. We may surprise ourselves in a good way or perhaps not, either way it’s a good exercise.
Do you need a miracle in your life, something that contradicts all known scientific laws? Where do you go to look for this miracle? There is only one place to go, but the world has its own recommendations to consider keeping you from going to the true source. For instance, the god of this world, Satan, would have you believe that coincidence or random occurrences in your favor are only by chance, denying any divine supernatural power. Some may look for that divine power, but they look in all the wrong places. Many are caught in false religions of the world promising hope and miracles only to find themselves less wealthy and being accused of not having enough faith. Others put their faith in gods of astrology, and various gods presented and worshiped as divine throughout the centuries. None of these possess divine supernatural power to perform miracles. They are not the God of heaven, who alone does mighty miracles.
The question many people ask is this; does God still perform miracles today? The answer is, yes, absolutely! The greatest miracle is a soul set free, and God through the Holy Spirit performs this miracle daily. Scores of people are being radically changed forever from a wayward life every day by accepting God’s only Son Jesus Christ as their savior. People even the world thought were beyond hope, change, and redemption are living a clean life for the Lord and serving others.
Yes, miracles are still happening today. A radically changed person does defy all known scientific laws without divine help. It is the spiritually dead coming to life, everlasting life in Christ. It’s happening every day. Have you received your saving miracle yet, if not do so today!
“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT
A phenomenon occurs for some athletes running a marathon known as a second wind. The runner beyond the point of exhaustion, out of breath and unable to keep the pace, suddenly finds the strength to continue. This can happen at various stages of the race depending on the individual. There are no sure explanations as to why this occurs. Several opinions have been introduced medically, scientifically, and psychologically to help bring some clarity, but it remains a mystery.
The Bible refers to the Christian life as running a race. (Heb.12:1) It is also fair to say that our life is a marathon. Running in a consistent manner day after day throughout our lives is not without a couple of stumbles along the way. We are all subject to times of weakness, stumbling, and running out of gas. The trials in life will sap our energy and knock us down. But we are to be encouraged due to a second wind which is available to every Christian. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way, “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” (Heb. 12:12-13)
How do Christians get a more secure grip on tired hands and have their knees not buckle under? Is this second wind also a mystery? Well, sort of. All who have accepted Christ as Savior have in their possession the Holy Spirit. To most Christians that is a mystery. But it is true. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us through this marathon called life. He strengthens us in weak moments, provides much needed energy to keep going, and assures us that He will be with us right up to the finish line.
Getting a second wind in running a marathon is having those knees and legs strengthen as to keep moving, not stumble, and finish the race. Even a race in which you have trained for and are giving your best effort sometimes needs a little extra push from a mysterious source. Getting a second wind in the marathon of life simulates the marathon runner in every way except the Christian running in life’s marathon can be sure of the second wind, the Holy Spirit, and it is not a mystery.
Word for the Soul 