Bill Popejoy was not strong enough to stand. He sat on a chair in front of the assembly of eager listeners. His physical frailty didn’t equal the aliveness in his voice. Hearing of the nine surgeries, including a prosthetic jaw, made me wonder why he had traveled from Missouri to Minnesota to speak to us. Yet, his life-giving message energized him as it compelled us to listen.
It was 1976, at a minister’s seminar. My husband and I responded to the key-note speaker, Bill Popejoy, who promised our lives would change forever. He guaranteed it! His message was unmistakable—the consistent, daily reading of God’s Word transforms the Bible reader.
With tears of gratitude, he recounted the life changes in the congregation – crumbled marriages mended, crippling addictions broken, rival conflicts resolved, lives filled with God’s presence and peace. The new-life-experience with his congregation so moved our speaker that his message poured out like a fast-flowing river spilling into our lives.
We weren’t new to the Bible. We read it, knew the stories, and had memorized passages. Yet, as underfed children, we hadn’t discovered the incredible spiritual strength available in reading through both the Old and New Testaments from Genesis through Revelation, the whole counsel of God.
Pastor Popejoy’s congregation was organized into two Bible-reading groups. One group read through IN ONE YEAR (three pages per day, about ten minutes). The other group read through TWICE IN ONE YEAR (about ten pages per day, twenty to twenty-five minutes).
As the church grew in knowledge of the Word, the pastor’s counseling dropped off as people found needed answers as they read the Scripture. Over time their love and value for His Word emerged into authentic, godly relationships with God and one another.
We left the seminar determined to read through the Bible twice in one year!
The first time reading from cover to cover, the congruency between the Old and New Testaments yelled out a new awareness of God’s perfection, His outlandish love, generous grace, and perfect justice. Growing into a renewed mind because of the Word, my attitudes changed. I trusted God more. I made better choices and learned obedience in pleasing God.
Now, after forty-five years of reading through the Bible, I couldn’t live without hearing from God daily! Yes, treasures buried still need to be mined, burdens need lifting, and repentance over sin needs to be confessed when brought to light by the Word. But, in the presence of God and at His right hand are joys indescribable. For the hungry reader, God’s Word is the doorway to His heart. It’s daily Bread!
The Scripture is true. God’s Word is “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12).
Reading from Genesis through Revelation, one or one hundred times, God speaks. It’s amazing! Like print glowing on a page, the Holy Spirit illumines my thoughts, gently corrects me, speaks to my needs, and gives peace. It’s challenging to be consistent, but as with any pleasant habit, He never fails me when I create time to read and hear from God.
Consider how our human body responds to working out at a gym. With consistency, muscles develop and overall strength and stamina grow stronger. Similarity, repetition, and ongoing consistency in reading God’s Word strengthens spiritual muscle and increases love for Jesus. And godliness is the outcome.
Paul reminds pastor Timothy and us of this truth, Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8
All my gym work won’t count for much of anything with my new immortal body in eternity. But the relationship I build with God through the Word will live in me forever.
The Word of the Lord endures forever. 1 Peter 1:20
I took the challenge from Pastor Bill Popejoy, and as he guaranteed, it has changed my life forever!
The Word speaks whenever we listen. God-secrets await! As students of the Word, we instill unshakable faith as we “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Will you take the challenge too?
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
My granddaughter, who is four years old, is an expert in making excuses. When I asked if she was keeping her room clean, she said her playmate had been over and messed it up! Children aren’t the only ones who make up excuses! We all do it, but should we? Excuses, in the story of Saul only disguised his disobedient heart towards God. As old as the story of Adam and Eve, when God said don’t, they still did, each blaming the other. Their disobedience resulted in being driven away from God’s presence (Genesis 3).
Excuses make me look better than I am, or cover up my sin and avoid the consequences of my actions. At times, it’s easier to blame someone else for my lack of responsibility. “It’s his fault I’m like I am.” The story of Saul helps us see the problem of making excuses, a cover for self-pride. The opposite of making excuses is obeying God. As we grow in knowing God’s Word and doing what He says, we can overcome our prideful excuses. Self-driven pride is something God hates. But, God loves the obedient.
Let’s look at Saul’s story. I believe you’ll see yourself – as I did.
CHOSEN BY GOD
Saul had a golden opportunity to become one of the most outstanding leaders of all time. He could have become known for his servant-heart before God and led the nation back to God. Instead, he excused his disobedience and dishonored God.
SAUL ANOINTED KING
Then Samuel took a bottle of olive oil. He poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him. He said, “The Lord has anointed you to be the King of his people. 1 Samuel 10:1
Tall and impressive, a young man without equal, God chose Saul to lead Israel. Samuel, a lifetime Prophet, Judge, and acting priest of Israel, anointed Saul as King. Saul humbly responded.
“But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing?”
On inauguration day, Saul hid in the baggage. (1 Sam 9:21). God anointed this humble man to lead Israel out of the tyrannical oppression of the Philistines. God equipped him.
Saul was appointed, anointed, and twice confirmed as King at Mizpeh and Gilgal. But in the second year of his reign, Saul’s humility gave way to pride and disobedience.
SAMUEL’S WARNINGTO THE NATION AND THE KING
Israel’s leader, Samuel, openly rebuked the people for rejecting God by asking for a king.
And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly” 1 Samuel 8:7-9.
Samuel warns the people if they continue to turn away from God, both the people and the new King will perish (1 Sam 12:24-25). Saul was to lead the nation to obey God.
SAMUEL’S INSTRUCTIONS TO SAUL
Moving from a humble, hiding-in-the-baggage youth, now a King with 3000 soldiers at his command, his mission was to defeat the godless Philistines. Samuel gave Saul the order to go to Gilgal and wait for Samuel to come on the seventh day and make the sacrifices with final instructions from God (1 Samuel 10:8).
SAMUEL REBUKES SAUL
The oppressive Philistines had assembled for attack. They were as numerous as the sands on the seashore. Saul was becoming more fearful by the minute as his soldiers were fleeing. Anxiously waiting for Samuel to arrive, Saul decided to sacrifice without him (1 Sam 13:9). Bad idea!
Before he finished, Samuel arrived and said, “What have you done?” Saul excused his disobedience.
“When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering” (1 Sam 13:1-12).
This story may seem relatively insignificant, and we may, at first glance, “excuse” Saul for his disobedience to God. Why the big deal over Saul offering the sacrifices and not waiting for Samuel? With an army breathing down his neck, soldiers fleeing (now down to about 600 from 3000), should he not have acted? Saul was the King and had to make decisions as a leader, right? Not! Obedience is of first importance with God.
Samuel rebuked Saul. “You have done a foolish thing…now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:13-14
WE ALL MAKE EXCUSES
It’s human nature to make excuses. We all do at times, but do we fail to see pride as the reason?
“It’s my friend’s fault my room is messy.” (Who’s responsibility is it to keep it clean?)
” I don’t have time to read the Bible today because I’m too busy.” (What does this tell God about how much we love Him and want to be with Him?)
” I want my way, and until I get it, I’ll give you the silent treatment.” (Is this putting others first, as Jesus taught).
Saul’s excuses included people’s approval, fear, feeling entitled, being ungrateful, and strife.
Saul’s disobedience was in response to look like a King and uphold his people’s approval, more important than God’s. Paul writes in Galatians 1:10 when we “try to please people more than God, and then I am not a servant of God”.
Saul was afraid when the troops were leaving. Rather than waiting on Samuel and the Lord, fear took hold and he trusted his own judgment more than what God said.
Saul wasn’t a priest, and without authority, offered the sacrifices. He felt entitled, thinking he deserved to do this because of who he was. He forgot humility and obedience.
Saul’s humility turned into ungratefulness. Saul erected a monument in honor of himself on the heels of his disobedience to God.
Saul’s strife against God’s pick for the next King of Israel turned into hatred and rage. He tried to murder David. Where there is strife, there is pride. Proverbs 13:10a
Pride and excuses caused Saul to lose the kingdom and his life.
Conquering excuses takes responsibility. Time in God’s Word can bring change as we not only listen to God through His Word but do what He says. James 1:22 tells us, “Donot merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
DO WHAT IT SAYS!Are we making excuses instead of obeying God’s commandments?
God says, be honest (9th command). Are we truthful? What about little white lies?
Don’t curse using God’s name (3rd command). How about the casual, without even noticing the expression of OMG? Are we giving careful thought to not taking God’s Name in vain, even in casual conversation?
Go to church and honor the Sabbath (4th command). Are we faithful to worship with the body of believers in our communities? Are we making sure our children are learning the Bible stories and lessons taught each Sunday? Are we honoring God by this command, “Don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25).
Don’t covet what your neighbor has (10th command). This is a hard one for Americans. More than most of the world, we are all quite wealthy but still don’t have enough. Are we spending beyond our means to enjoy the things of life like our neighbor? Are we honoring God with our tithe first, showing our love and trust in Him?
Don’t have idols above God (1st command). What demands most of our time and money reveals where our heart is. Is God first in everything?
To overcome pride, we must say “yes” to obey the Lord, not only those five commands above but all of them. We have the help of the Word and the Holy Spirit. We can say “no” to excuses and disobedience (Titus 2:11-14).
In the critical, testing times, unlike Saul, we can quit making excuses, stop blaming others, and obey God. Obedience is the measure of our love for God!.
Saul is given another opportunity to take responsibility for his actions and obey God, but does he do it?
It’s easy to become offended. Responding to an offense in a way that honors God is challenging. As always, Scripture gives us help.
“A person’s wisdom yields patience;it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).
The word “glory” refers to a person’s beauty of character, honor, or virtue. The NLT translation states it this way, “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.”
God calls us to develop a character that resembles Jesus by overlooking offenses with forgiveness and honor. He died for those who offended him. How can we develop the faith we need to be less offended and be more like Jesus?
Let’s lay the groundwork.
Jesus told a parable of the soils found in three of the four gospels. Look at the text in Matthew 13:20-21
The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away (they are offended).
The word “offense” comes from the Greek word skandalon, our word for scandal. Being offended can become a trap that snares your thinking, actions, and relationship and causes you to stumble. Not becoming offended is a matter of faith development and character that honors God. When offenses take root, relationships break, a marriage ends, or people at church leave because of an offense. Jesus called it a “lack of faith.”
THE HOME CHURCH WAS OFFENDED BY JESUS
Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things And they took offense at him” (Matthew 13:54-57).
When Jesus showed himself a teacher and rabbi, they became offended. They couldn’t believe Jesus was more than the familiar neighbor kid.
Isn’t it interesting that church people today seem to be easily offended? Whether over Scripture preached, or someone didn’t shake their hand, or didn’t say “hi.” Someone else was offended because the pastor encouraged them to read the Bible daily, or the message had too much talk about Jesus. Offenses are a trap that reveals faith or lack of it.
Jesus responded, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home. And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”
Offenses are often by those close to us.
THE PHARISEES WERE OFFENDED
Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him,”Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat” (Matthew 15: 1,2 (NLT).
Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. (Matthew 15:3-6).
Then Jesus called them hypocrites, “These people honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me.”
The disciples said to Jesus, “Do you realize the Pharisees were offended by what you just said” (v12).
Jesus told his disciples the Pharisees it’s not what we do on the outside, like washing hands that defile us, but what is in our heart.
But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you “(v 18 – 20).
When I’ve been offended, it’s about me! Jesus warned that offenses would come, but it’s a chink in my spiritual armor to dwell on the offense and not deal with it. The hackles of self-importance tell me to get even, snapback, and make sure my rights are intact. Or, I keep thinking about it over and over. But Jesus says there’s a better way. Let it go. Choose God’s path to take the high road.
The offended, religious Pharisees were jealous of Jesus, his teachings, miracles, and his following. Their jealousy and anger eventually turned into cries of “Crucify him.”
Offenses cause people to stumble in their faith.
OFFENSES ARE A SPIRITUAL MATTER.
Look at Jesus, our example. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).
It’s a journey of faith and practice to become like Jesus. It’s an uphill climb for all of us, but the Lord wouldn’t have put the directives in Scripture if we couldn’t do it!
BREAK THE TRAP OF OFFENSE BY FORGIVING THE OFFENDER
When offenses come, that same old evil weed of self-righteousness pokes its head up. Left unattended, we become the rocky soil that doesn’t have deep roots of faith. Forgiveness is a cure for self-righteousness. It takes the venom out of the offense and frees you from its effects.
Jesus taught the principle of forgiving. The Lord’s prayer says when we forgive others their offenses, God will forgive us of ours. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14).
Forgiveness is easier when we realize God sees the offense. “For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment” (1 Peter 2:19).
Forgiveness is easier when we understand God will take care of injustice against us. Jesus entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23
Forgiveness is easier when we remember that God forgives us as we forgive others.Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
‘Anger, like a fire, when covered goes out, but when given the smallest vent consumes everything in its path.”
Forgiveness breaks the trap of being offended.
Forgiving is a choice, not a feeling. Being offended can stumble your faith. “And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”
BREAK THE TRAP OF OFFENSE BY GIVING HONOR TO THE OFFENDER
Jesus said we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute (might I add, offend) you! (Matthew 5:44). We honor God when we seek to show honor, even when we don’t agree or like them (at the moment, or ever). God says we are to honor others above ourselves (Philippians 2).
Although counterintuitive, God created each human being in the image of God with life and blood, worth, and value. Whether they know it or not, whether they are evil or good, each one is made in God’s image and deserving of honor.
“Show proper respect to everyone. Love the family of believers. Have respect for God. Honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:17
Honoring others helps curb the offense. Not all offenses come from evil Nero. The other person may be having a bad day, may not have noticed you (oh, my), or didn’t say what you thought you heard. We honor others by giving them allowances and understanding we’ve had days where we failed to be the best example of a faithful follower of Jesus.
God created all of us in His image, and we are to honor others, even those we dislike. Though not easy, honoring others will keep us out of the trap of being easily offended. Actions follow decisions, not feelings.
James puts it this way:Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves….You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way (1:1,3 The MESSAGE)
With God’s grace and help and humility (do not think more highly of yourself than you ought), becoming offended will be MINIMIZED, and becoming more like Jesus will be MAXIMIZED.
In the good soil, we work at weeding out the evil weeds of pride. It costs painful toil to break up and remove rocks, cut and burn the briars in the cold or heat. It’s hard work! But, It’s a commitment of perseverance in keeping our soil good and productive.
You may cut the evil weed self-righteousness up; but when you think you have got to the last root of it, it will be shooting up again before you can sharpen your knife to cut it up once more.This evil thing is bred in man’s nature. (Charles Spurgeon Sermon 2594 “The Offence of the Cross 1898).
A CALL TO ACTION
Offenses trap us, weaken faith, and raise our self-righteous pride with a sense of one’s importance. Do offenses show we think more highly of self than we ought? It takes a measure of God’s grace and humility to keep pride resting adequately in faith.
God sees each offense and will help us as we willingly choose to honor Him by honoring and forgiving those who offend us.
LET’S PRAY:
Lord, give me a heart like yours – one that is not easily offended. I want to become more like You. Help me forgive and honor others when I’ve been offended. I choose to obey your Word and grow into Your unoffendable heart. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, Amen.
We’ve all experienced anger, whether it was a little frustration or an extreme rage. Anger is a natural emotion that can be healthy, beneficial, or destructive. It spills out with words that bite like venom. Anger destroys relationships. Anger galvanizes politicians, provokes neighborhood recreation boards, and divides families.
In our nation, anger is an increasing, dominant emotion. A war of hate is burgeoning at the national level, threading through the corridors of life in states, cities, and homes. When anger comes to my house, how do I close the door on it?
DO WHAT IS RIGHT
God gave a directive to Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve, to do what is right and rule over anger, a message still true today. Here’s the story. Carefully read the text.
Genesis 4:3-7 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Cain was angry that his offering was not acceptable to God. He was mad that God looked with favor on his brother’s offering. Jealous, angry, and disobedient, Cain’s anger-fueled pride and arrogance led to further trouble and sin. He didn’t want God telling him how to bring his offering and hated his favored brother, Abel. God commended Abel as righteous (Hebrews 11:4). His offering showed his love for God. Cain’s anger mirrored his cold and disobedient core towards God. His anger led to the murder of his brother Abel.
God gave Cain the opportunity to do right, but he enjoyed the rush of anger more than the submission of self-control. His anger surged. He ignored his parents’ and God’s instructions regarding the right sacrifice offered. He didn’t love God enough to please Him (and he forgot to count to 100!).
When angry, count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred. Thomas Jefferson
RULE OVER ANGER
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. Genesis 4:7
God provided a compelling word picture—a tiger crouching in the deep grass ready to pounce. If you’re the one staring the tiger in the eyes, you best choose wisely.
Anger, like a tiger crouching, is ready to have you. Take charge before it attacks! Rule over it! Shut the door!
Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.
Sin is always ready to “have” us. It’s waiting for the opportune time to pounce. When someone pushes our buttons, there’s a fight in us. We want to get even, dish it out, take the first shot, give her a piece of my mind. That is the time we must rule over it, or it will rule us.
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet, but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God (James 4:1, 2).
Cain’s anger cost him his place in the family, his brother’s life, and God’s presence (Genesis 4:14). If Cain ruled over his anger, his destiny would have been sweet.
Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. Mark Twain
HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
God’s Word is complete in being the answer to all our needs. It’s the directions we seek, the guidance for right relationships. The God who made us knows how we “tick.” When we choose to “rule over anger,” the Holy Spirit will help. Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, kicks in and becomes stronger with resolve (Galatians 5:23-24).“Do the right thing” and “rule over it.” It’s a choice of will—to please the flesh, or to please God.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5).
Ephesians 4:26-32 tells how to rule over anger:
When angry, don’t sin. Don’t let emotions lead; rule over them quickly. (Ephesians 4:26, 27).
Keep your words gentle. They turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
Forgive and be kind (Ephesians 4: 32). Jesus exemplifies the ideal for us. “Father, forgive them (scourged him, jeered, forsook, insulted, spit on him, nailed his hands and feet) for they don’t know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
I can control anger when I DO WHAT IS RIGHT, RULE OVER IT, and yield to the HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32
Cain grieved the Holy Spirit when he disregarded God’s directive to “do the right thing.” If flesh leads, sin is crouching at the door; words can’t be unsaid, actions can’t be undone. If we yield to the Holy Spirit, we can dominate anger.
Doing what is right, ruling over emotions, and yielding to the Holy Spirit will help conquer anger and will generate words and behaviors that please God.
PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME
When anger comes to your house, don’t invite it in. Determine ahead of time to close the door. If need be, kick anger in the teeth! The Holy Spirit will help do the right thing and strengthen the inner man/woman to rule over it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of emotions. Help me honor you in the way I control anger. When surprised by anger, help me, Holy Spirit—with self-control, compassion, and wisdom— to resolve the situation. Help me understand. Help me forgive. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:7-9
Secrets are meant to be discovered. These secrets out of God’s Word will inspire, challenge, and encourage your walk with God, taking you to a deeper level and stronger relationship.
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29
What secrets will you find along the way?
The God secrets have walked me through the darkest and brightest of days. I’m still discovering that the greater the connection to God (who knows me — fears, needs, activities, issues, thoughts) the greater the revelation of God-secrets. As a pastor, it’s very apparent to see the faith and trust of those who are actively in God’s word. I realize that the busyness of life often makes it difficult to be regular with Bible reading. Yet for those who make that commitment, there is great reward!
Will you join me in discovering more of God’s secrets?
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3 NIV
God wants us to know how much He loves us and wants to share those “hidden treasures” with us!
SECRET ANSWERS
God’s word contains “secrets” to a happy marriage, parenting, work, home life, purpose, relationships, and more. Reading and applying the scriptures becomes a daily life-impacting discovery of God’s direct words to us!
PURPOSE OF THE BLOG
It’s my aim to encourage you to become a student of the Word. There are answers to every situation of life and relationships. It’s amazing how God speaks. No matter how many times you read a passage, there is something new and fresh. That’s the amazing work of God’s word – alive and active. The more we understand God’s secrets, the deeper our relationship with God will become.
With each post my aim is to:
Encourage a deeper trust/faith
Grow deeper wisdom
Gain clear direction
Unlock answers to prayers
Love God more passionately
Perceive God’s nature and character
Become a student of God’s secrets
If you already are a student of the Word you know how valuable this time has become. If you are not so regular, this is a great time to go for a daily schedule. I hope something on these posts will help to encourage you. If you rarely read your Bible, I hope you’ll take the challenge. Try it for 30 days and I’m confident you ‘ll be hooked! This will be the best and most important part of your day! Make it a habit. You choose the best time for you and stick with it!
The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life (Psalm 42:8 NIV).
Sometimes a new song doesn’t do it! But often, a familiar song will. Singing a song multiple times causes it to rise in my spirit; the God-breathed part of me, like an anchor, dropped in the ocean’s depths of the real me.
As a child of God, I am the temple of the Holy Spirit “who lives in me” (1 Corinthians 6:19). What I put into my heart and mind, whether a spiritual song or a scripture, may revive in the night seasons of life. And what was once buried in my spirit, at the moment needed, with the attending, gentle work of the Holy Spirit, surfaces with a melodious breath of life — like a song.
Our son, Tom, finished his senior year of high school mid-year, and his friend Dominique, an exchange student from Switzerland, invited him to his home. On a trip of a lifetime, Tom took his snowboard and was off. We didn’t know about all the adventures these young men would face.
On a Sunday after church, a few days before Tom was to fly home, we received a call from Dominique’s mom that shook our insides. Tom and Dominique were snowboarding in the mountains, and Tom had fallen and was flown by a medical helicopter to a Swiss hospital. Stunned, we immediately cried out to the Lord.
The high cost of flight tickets, because of short notice, and with Tom scheduled to fly home in four days, made us uncertain of what to do.
Time for bed came, but sleep was fleeting, and I found myself in the living room weeping before the Lord. I was concerned about Tom being alone in a foreign country, his severe injuries, and wondering if he could fly home as scheduled. And my heart longed to be with him.
In those heartache moments, an old song from years past came flooding into my thoughts, and I knew God was speaking: “I believe the answer’s on the way. I believe the Lord has heard me pray. Cast not away your confidence, says the Lord of Hosts. Now, by faith in Him alone, I stand, firmly held by His Almighty hand. Fully trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.”
Like a miracle, the Holy Spirit told me to stand firm and not cast my confidence away but trust God. In those divine moments, God’s comfort and peace brought the assurance I needed: Tom would get home safely. I went back to bed and was able to sleep.
The sweetness of the Holy Spirit in those precious moments assures you and me that He is with us: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8: 16). That part of me that never dies is connected to the Holy Spirit and He is the Helper, Comforter, Guide, and Truth-teller. He intercedes for us in our times of need (Romans 8:26) and brings things to our remembrance: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
A constant stream of praise music and scriptures and experiencing God’s presence, like treasures, are buried deep into our spirit. In those night seasons of life, the Holy Spirit, living within, brings to remembrance exactly what is needed to face and get through the challenging and fearful days.
You may wonder what happened to Tom.
We had a call from the Swiss hospital. A nurse said, “hold a minute,” and then Tom was on the phone. He was hard to understand because of the neck brace that didn’t give his mouth much room for talking. Initially, they thought he had broken his neck, but thankfully, he hadn’t.
We were thrilled and relieved when Tom’s flight arrived home, complete with a neck brace, his luggage, and a large snowboard. Tom was on heavy medication and sleeping soundly on the flight. Thankfully, a little girl angel woke him, or he would have kept flying to who knows where.
In that night season, God spoke through an old song I hadn’t sung for years: “I Believe the Answer’s On the Way.” But the Holy Spirit, “who brings all things to remembrance,” gave me the precious gift of knowing God was working, “Now, by faith in Him alone, I stand, firmly held by His Almighty hand. Fully trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.”
Dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit
While waiting for Tom to come home, I kept rehearsing that song either out loud or in my mind. Each time it reminded me of God’s promise: I could trust Him! Although we were in South Dakota and Tom was in Switzerland, almost 5000 miles apart, it posed no problem for our everywhere-present God.
The more we plant in the good soil of our spirit the spiritual songs, Bible verses, and hymns of praise, we can expect the Holy Spirit to connect with us in our times of need and speak peace. We are admonished in Ephesians 6:19: “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”
In a night season, Paul and Silas, in prison for preaching the gospel, began singing hymns to God at midnight. A violent earthquake shook the place, opened the prison doors, and everyone’s chains fell off. The jailer called for the lights, rushed in, and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, asking, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:25-29). A night season was transformed by the hymns of praise that rose from their spirit.
I’m so thankful we are connected with the Holy Spirit who “lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17), especially when we need a song in the night season.
By the way, if you were moved by this story of God’s faithfulness, I invite you to listen to my YouTube channel Weekend Worship video entitled, “Jesus, You’re My Song .” https://youtu.be/3J1SmcuZqmg
Listening to it today reminded me that Jesus is “the sunshine on a rainy day”—during the hard days of life. He’s “the light that lights the darkest way”—when we are confused and feeling lost. Jesus is “my strength when mine has slipped away,” feeling weary of the battle, and “Jesus is my song!” So, “I’ll praise Him all day long because He’s the answer to my life, and He’s my song.”
This is the first article in a six-part series on holiness from the books of First and Second Peter. The word holy may seem lofty, unattainable, or restrictive. But God calls us to holiness, “Be holy because I am holy.” Peter’s life gives us an example of how God turns an ordinary person, with doubts, fears, into a holy Christ-follower with unshakeable, obedient faith. His life and writings give impetus to the truth that we, too, can live a holy life.
PETER fell at the feet of Jesus, “Go away from me; I am a sinful man.” That didn’t stop Jesus from taking Peter from a rough diamond and turning him into a faceted rock-solid gem that sparkled with the light of Christ. Peter was transformed from a faithless fisherman to a forceful follower who didn’t back down from opposition or persecution.
Let’s look at his story.
Peter Called by Jesus
Andrew brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus. Upon seeing him, Jesus said, “You are Simon, but you will be called Peter, the rock” (John 1:42).
On another occasion, Jesus climbed into Peter’s boat. After a long, barren night of fishing, a word from Jesus brought fish swarming across the 13-mile fresh-water lake into Simon’s nets. Awestruck by this miracle and captivated by a smile that conveyed a love deeper than the Sea of Galilee, Simon put away his nets, climbed out of the boat, and followed Jesus.
Peter’s Proclamation of Jesus the Messiah
When many disciples turned away, Peter proclaimed Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Mark 8:29, Matt 16:16, Luke 9:20). “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:60-69). A shining moment for Peter!
In one overzealous, not-so-shining-moment, Peter rebuked Jesus for saying he would be crucified. “Far be it from you, Lord!” “This shall never happen to you” (Matthew 16:22). Jesus called Peter a stumbling block because he didn’t have in mind the things of God.
Peter’s Denial of Jesus
The disciples gathered at the last supper when Jesus announced a betrayer was among them. Peter boasted he would never betray nor deny Jesus. But Jesus knew otherwise, “You will deny Me three times before the rooster crows” (Luke 22:33,34).
It happened just as Jesus said. Later that night, the soldiers arrested Jesus while he and his disciples were praying. Peter, trying to defend Jesus, chopped off the ear of the high priest’s servant, still unaware of the redemption plan. Jesus healed the servant’s ear and told Peter, “No more of this.”
Peter followed Jesus to Pilate’s courtyard, but his courage soon dissipated when three people recognized him as a disciple. Peter’s “I’ll never deny you, Jesus” soon became, “I don’t know the man.” The rooster crowed. Jesus turned, and Peter’s eyes were caught in His gaze. At that very moment, the torment of guilt and shame overcame Peter. In agony, he fled as hot tears streamed down his cheeks (Luke 22:54-62).
Following the death of Jesus, the disciples hid, fearful of the Jews.
On the Sabbath, the women who had gone with spices to the tomb of Jesus hurried back to report to the disciples the tomb was empty. Peter and John ran to the tomb. They looked in, struggling to make sense of it all. (Luke 24:1-12). Uncertain, they returned to their familiar occupation of fishing.
Peter Restoration and Reappointment
Jesus appeared to his perplexed disciples after the resurrection. On this third appearance, after a strenuous night of fishing, the disciples heard a call through the morning mist,
“Do you have anything to eat?”
“No,” they answered.
“Throw your nets on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”
Then John smiled and said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” At once, their nets were so full they were sinking. Peter grabbed his outer garment and jumped into the water. The other disciples towed the heavy nets to shore. Famished, the smell of the frying fish drew them to Jesus.
“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus said.
When they finished eating, Jesus drew Peter aside and said, “Do you love me, Simon?”
“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.“
Jesus asked again, “Simon, do you love me?”
” Yes, Lord, You know that I love you.”
And a third time, Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter, cut to the heart, responds, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
With each question to Peter, the Great Physician applied the healing salve of forgiveness and restoration. Peter would become that rock, after all! Like the first time, Peter put away his nets and followed the Master. This time, he would fish for men (John 21).
Peter’s Encounter with the Holy Spirit
Moments before Jesus ascended, he told Peter and the other disciples to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit that would empower them to be witnesses (Acts 1:8).
For ten days, one hundred and twenty disciples waited in an upper room. The Holy Spirit came. They spoke in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4). The travelers in Jerusalem for Pentecost heard them speaking in their native languages, praising God. Amazed and perplexed, the crowd asked, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12).
Peter’s Ministry Launched
Peter raised his voice and addressed the crowd and preached about Jesus, His death, and resurrection. Three thousand people responded to Peter’s message with repentance and baptism (Acts 2:15-40). The church was born.
The Lord continued to add to their number each day, as they continued in the apostles’ teaching, prayer, communion, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47).
Peter, a courageous leader, and bold preacher healed the sick (Acts 3:7; 5:15-16, 9:34), raised the dead (Acts 9:40), and called the church to holiness (Acts 5:4,5,10). When the authorities arrested him for preaching about Jesus, he was fearless (Acts 4:21). Peter led the church, obeyed the Holy Spirit, and carried the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10).
GOD PROVIDES EVERYTHING NEEDED FOR A HOLY LIFE
Jesus saw the potential in Peter’s life before he saw it himself. While Peter saw his flaws and sins, Jesus saw a rock of faith (Matthew 16:16-18).
Full of the Spirit, Peter writes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). Peter knew it was true! Power from the Holy Spirit became Peter’s source of strength and guidance.
One of the most influential leaders of the first century, Peter experienced the rise from failure, frailty, and fears to overcoming power, strength, and boldness. From Peter’s first encounter with Jesus, “You are Simon, but you will be called Peter, the rock” God was grooming Peter in holiness. And He will do the same for us. We are not what we will be.
I hope you will take the time to read through 1 and 2 Peter, only eight chapters. Even in the face of death, Peter experienced the divine power capable of providing everything he needed to live for his holy Savior. Peter died a martyr, being crucified upside down, feeling unworthy of dying in the same manner as Jesus. That’s unshakable faith. That’s holiness at work!
When we become discouraged, remember Peter. We can trust the promise of God’s “divine power” to help us and “give us everything we need” to grow into holiness.
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16).
Go with us to Part 2. GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU TO BE HOLY
God has chosen you and will provide everything you need to live a godly life.
If you have started reading God’s Word more regularly, I’d love to hear from you!