My visit with Lundstroms was a delight! Larry and Gloria Lundstrom’s vision is summed up in one word—EVANGELISM! As their driving force for over 50 years, they have preached the simple, transforming salvation message of Jesus Christ. It was a joy to spend time with them, catch up, and connect.
Here is the introductory promo from Marne, the Administrative Director for Larry Lundstrom Ministries:
We have a treat, delight, and guaranteed uplifting time on this week’s COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE (Wednesday @ 11 AM) as we host special guest, Judy McEachran.
Judy, an ordained minister of the gospel, pastor, preacher, gifted musician, and writer, is passionate about God’s word and invites each reader to join her on this journey of cultivating a God-honoring character. She pastored churches in the Midwest and with retirement, moved to Arizona.
She is humbled not only by the gracious love of God but by her devoted husband, also a minister of the gospel, and growing family of sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.
We know you will be blessed by what she has to share with us!
What a great time it was! Gloria is a sister to our dear friends, Wes and Diane Brooks. The Lundstroms, Lowell and Connie, and Larry and Gloria, traveled the country doing evangelistic meetings as their life ministry. Altars were flooded with people coming to Jesus.
One of my earliest recollections of Lundstroms was at a Teens for Christ meeting I attended while in high school. The Lundstroms, Message For America, presented Jesus, through music ministry and preaching. At the altar call, I saw my friend across the room and walked over, and asked if she wanted to go forward to pray. She said, “yes.” We became close friends after that experience.
This first photo is from their earlier days. Left to Right: Connie, Lowell, Gloria, Larry
Although Lowell and Connie are with Jesus, Larry and Gloria continue to reach the multitudes. One of those recent avenues is through their Coffee and Connect Live each Wednesday at Larry Lundstrom Ministries.
Larry and Gloria asked me to share the importance of God’s Word and worship.
“The more we can see Him….the more we are able to worship.”
“Read—listen—hear God speak!”
“God is alive through these pages.”
The more we know, see, comprehend, and grow in the knowledge of God through the pages of Scripture, the more we can truly worship Him, “in spirit and in truth.”
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”John 4:24.
My spirit, the very core of my being, is in awe of the Divine One who gave His all for our salvation and eternal life.
Worshipping in truth is where the Scripture is vital in comprehending who Jesus is. We learn more about Jesus through the Word of God, The Word of God describes both Jesus and our Bible that testify of Jesus (John 5:39).
In addition to the truth of who Jesus is, worshiping in spirit and truth calls me to live in obedience to God’s Word. Thinking I can worship by living in the gray, outside the commands of Jesus, taints authentic worship times. Worshipping in truth speaks of worship through obedience to God’s Word and in the humility of God’s grace. More than a certain style or genre of music, it’s a matter of the heart fully surrendering to our Savior and Lord.
I’ve put together a special arrangement of an old hymn that is very special to a friend of mine, Phyllis B. She was desperately ill with COVID-19. One morning while in the hospital the words of this song came into her mind. As she sang the chorus she felt the waves of the Holy Spirit sweeping over her in her room.
I’m so thankful for the work of God that speaks to us in the hard days and fills us with His presence. We are rejoicing that Phyllis is back home and recovering! Our love and prayers to you, Phyllis!
This beautiful hymn was written by Garfield T. Haywood (1880-1931).
It’s hard to find the truth from news sources, politicians, scientists, and woke pastors and teachers. What is the criteria for truth? Jesus said it was the Word of God. Truth cannot be reduced by the lies of a godless culture, the opinions of powerful people, or even the lies of the Deceiver. God’s truth is above all other truths and is divinely written in the Scripture. By reading the Bible, reading it first, and applying what we read to our attitudes, choices, and behaviors, we can walk in the truth.
Truth oozes from God’s holy nature. Jesus declares Himself the Truth (John 14:6). Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The more we know the Scripture, the more truth we will gain.
Jude gives a warning to believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3-4). Contend (give your all, confront, grapple, push for, lock horns) for the faith, the genuine faith, which is truth.
SWITCH ON YOUR BRAIN
I just completed a fantastic book, Switch on Your Brain, by Dr. Caroline Leaf. “You are not a victim of your biology! Our culture is undergoing an epidemic of toxic thoughts that, left unchecked, create ideal conditions for illnesses.” Dr. Leaf confirms the need to “switch” on your brain (renew your mind, Romans 12:1-2), and as you do, you will enable a happier, healthier, more enjoyable life by knowing the truth.
Since 1985 she has worked in cognitive neuroscience, and her research has been in linking scientific principles to the truth of Scripture. She proclaims, “Each morning when you wake up, you have new baby nerve cells born inside your brain to use wisely as you remove bad thoughts and wire in new ones (Lam 3:23). This is called neurogenesis. You have been designed for deep intellectual thought (Psalm139:14). You were wired for love, and fear is a learned and not a natural response (2 Timothy 1:7). You have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).”
Here’s a few of Dr. Leaf’s practical side of Scriptural truths:
You can be happy and filled with peace regardless of your circumstances.
You can overcome and control depression and anxiety—some scientists show you can even control and overcome schizophrenia and OCD.
Forgiveness is not the battle you think it is.
You can get the chaos in your mind under control.
You don’t have to walk around in guilt and condemnation.
If you wired those toxic thoughts in, you can wire them out.
You don’t have to fear that if a condition runs in your family, you will get it (for example, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or depression).
You can balance your over-thinking and over-analyzing mind.
You don’t have to keep digging into the past to get free from it.
Dr. Leaf concludes that the path to wholeness is found in the Scripture. You can be an overcomer! That is the truth!
TRUTH DEFENDS AGAINST THE LIES OF THE CULTURE. We are made in God’s image, and we can have the mind of Christ. Where do we acquire that mind? Through reading, meditation, studying, and abiding in the Word of God, we think, learn, and find purpose.
John the beloved Apostle writes in 1 John 4:6, We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
The Apostle Paul urges the believer to put on the truth of Scripture like armor. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (Ephesians 6:14). Without truth, listed by Paul as the first piece of armor around our core, we have doubts, fears, uncertainty and are easily deceived. The reality we learn in God’s Word will defend us against the culture’s lies and the lies of the enemy of our souls.
Photo by MD Duran Unsplash
START reading in one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), or a Psalm, or an Epistles one of Paul’s shorter letters such as Colossians, Ephesians, or Galatians with only 4 – 6 chapters).
Psalm 119, The longest chapter in the center of the Bible, defines the power and life of God’s written eternal revelation of His Word. Don’t you think that is significant – at the center of the Bible, the longest chapter with 176 verses?! When God’s Word is the center of our lives, we will prioritize reading as it tells us what is right and what is wrong and keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11).
In the New Testament, the book of Titus (a letter of Paul to a young pastor) says God, through the Word, “teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12).
With Scripture hidden in our hearts, the very core/depth/foundation of our being, it teaches, corrects, exhorts, and instructs in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16,17). But we have to grab it, take hold of it, and desperately desire it to acquire the truth. We can know the truth (and Jesus, who is the Truth). If you haven’t read my previous post, CAN YOU LOVE JESUS WITHOUT LOVING THE BIBLE? You can do it here.
TRUTH IS KNOWABLE “You will know the truth (John 8:32). Truth is truth, whether you believe it or not. God’s truth triumphs my truth or anyone’s truth. The Author of all truth gives us the secrets to knowing and walking in truth (Psalm 86:11).
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez Unsplash
1. READ THE WORD DAILY
Read it, read it, read it, and reread it until you get it. Read it until it gets into your heart and changes you. Each day the Holy Spirit will bring you a new revelation of truth, an answer, a direction, a conviction. The Divine Author’s divine words speak. “Take hold of my words with all your heart;keep my commands, and you will live” Proverbs 4:4. That’s the truth!
REPETITION BRINGS CLARITY. The more we spend in the Word, the more we will understand God’s Word’s beauty, instruction, and intrigue. Like a puzzle at times, repetition and consistency will reveal the missing pieces. So keep reading.
There are multitude promises of blessing for the person who’s pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. (Psalm 1:TPT).
Confusion and ignorance of Christians are often the results of not knowing the Scripture. According to the American Bible Society, only 9% of respondents read their Bible daily. Is it any wonder Christians are not sure what is the truth?
READING LEADS TO FRUITFUL LIVING. When we measure life against the Scripture, we find the truth that God will be our guide. God’s promise to Joshua is a promise to each reader. Never stop reading this Book of the Law. Day and night you must think about what it says. Make sure you do everything written in it. Then things will go well with you. And you will have great success (Joshua 1:8).
We won’t have one foot in the world if we have daily time in the Bible. John the Apostle, who walked with Jesus, learned the difference between loving the world’s things or loving God. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” 1 John 2:15. Believing the lies of the Enemy of our soul play along with cultural approval of moral issues and dissipate God’s favor.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
2. LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR DEVOTIONAL – READ THE BIBLE FIRST
Instead of a page out of a devotional written by someone else, read right out of your Bible. Let God’s Spirit connect with your spirit.
READ THE BIBLE FIRST! Devotionals are helpful but often only an appetizer. Get to the entrée. Explore the Scripture for yourself, first! You will hear the Holy Spirit speak to you directly rather than through another person’s version of what God is saying. You’re an adult with a sound, capable mind. You can think through and hear what the Spirit is saying to you, personally. Scripture is alive (Heb 4:12). It speaks! Read the Bible first, then add the devotionals and commentaries.
READ AT LEAST TEN CHAPTERS A DAY. Better yet, read an entire book of the Bible in one day. Let it fill your mind and heart. Attitudes and behaviors will change.
What you are thinking every moment of every day becomes a physical reality in your brain and body, which affects our optimal mental and physical health. These thoughts collectively form your attitude…and it’s your attitude and not your DNA that determines much of the quality of your life (Switch on Your Brain, p 13).
Your thinking affects our spirit, soul, and body and the people around us. Scripture can train our thoughts to be pleasing to God and wholesome to others. We cannot control circumstances, but we can control how we respond. Dr. Leaf puts it this way: “Good thinking = good choices = healthy thoughts; toxic thinking = toxic choices = toxic thoughts” (Deut 30:19).
Reading a book of the Bible a day reveals a hungry seeker after God. Human nature is exposed. Applying principles from the Author of Truth teaches ethics, relationships, self-control, decision making, character development, persevering faith, and much more. It’s the cherished textbook for life and eternity.
Photo by Hasin Hayder Unsplash
DIVE into the Old Testament. The New Testament refers to or quotes 250 Old Testament quotations and 1000 references by Jesus, Paul, John, James, Matthew, Luke, Mark, and Peter. Jesus proclaimed he fulfilled the Old Testament Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-22).
READ COVER TO COVER The first time I read from cover to cover, and I was amazed by the balance of God’s justice (Old Testament) and love (new Testament). In religious circles, love is often emphasized to the exclusion of justice. Those who say they love the Lord but ignore His commands do not read Scripture from cover to cover. If they did, they would realize there is no real justice without agape love. Just think of the cross, justice paid for the penalty of sin by the divine love of a perfect sacrifice, Jesus.
Reading each day will build a firm foundation in God, His truth, and in how to live life to the fullest!
Find Bible reading plans on the menu of my blog here .
3. BECOME A STUDENT OF SCRIPTURE
Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 3:15,16).
I seek to honor God and know His approval. I gain confidence through time in the Word. Obedience becomes a joy and not a burden.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is key. With knowledge of the Scripture, we will know what is required. And, when we abide in the Word, “Then you will know the truth” (John 8:31-32). Truth brings changes and builds godly character as it unleashes the favor of God.
BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION OF TRUTH
Knowing the Scripture will produce confidence in God’s love and promises and culminating eternal life. God’s Word teaches how to live daily life, making the right choices. God’s Word vanquishes fear, worry, unforgiveness, selfishness, and hatred. God’s Word provides direction for a successful life as a triumphant overcomer. It reveals who you are and who God is. God’s word is TRUTH for each day, each situation, each relationship, and each circumstance.
Ask questions as you read. What did this mean to the people to whom it was written? What promise is there to claim? What example to follow? What command to obey? What sin to confess? And, how does it apply to my life today? The Holy Spirit will speak as you listen for the truth!
In a world of lies, how do we find the truth? Read God’s Truth – the Bible. Read it and reread it over and over, cover to cover, all of it. Read it first! Read it every day, not just a chapter, but a book of the Bible. Become a Word student, filled with wisdom that leads in straight paths every day, though falsehood is all around.
LET THE WORD OF CHRIST RICHLY DWELL WITHIN YOU. Colossians 3:16
When our heart becomes full of cultural priorities, and the allurements of the world distract us, God has given us an anchor – God’s Word that keeps us faithful. Our most critical priority every day is to love God and do what He says. Outside of scripture, it’s easy to drift away into the accessible and enticing. The wisest King of Israel, Solomon, demonstrates that staying true to God, more than intellect, depends on your heart for God and His written Word.
Solomon gives us a life lesson that helps understand our need to remain faithful to God and His commands.
SOLOMON LOVES GOD
King Solomon began his rule with honor and humility. Early in his reign, Solomon went to worship at Gibeon with thousands of sacrifices that showed his love for the Lord. That night God appeared and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3: 5). Solomon says he is “as a little child” who needs the wisdom and a discerning heart to lead the people.
GOD GIVES SOLOMON WISDOM
God, pleased with Solomon’s request,
promises even more than he asked.
I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life”1 Kings 3:12-14.
Solomon’s wisdom and breadth of understanding were as “measureless as the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:32-34). The people were awed. Israel’s ally, Hiram, King of Tyre declared that the Lord had given Israel a wise son to rule over the nation (1 Kings 5:7). Solomon the wisest King, was known as a builder, horticulturist, zoologist, writer, musician, excelling administrator, and visionary leader. Three of the five books of wisdom in the Bible were written by Solomon – Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom (1 Kings 4:34)
SOLOMON BUILDS THE TEMPLE
Solomon’s glorious, crowning achievement and fulfillment of his Father’s vision was the opulent Temple that housed God’s presence. Following every detail of God’s instruction through David, the Temple was the most grandiose building in Jerusalem and the nation that housed the presence of God.
DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE
After seven years the Temple is complete. King Solomon‘s beautiful dedicatory prayer is full of thanksgiving to God for faithfully keeping His promises to Israel. The King dedicates the people and intercedes for them fully knowing their propensity towards sin. See 1 Kings 8:44-50.
With great fanfare, thousands of sacrifices, and 120 priests blowing trumpets, along with skilled musicians ushered in God’s presence. Fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offerings, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The people knelt down on the pavement with their faces to the ground and gave thanks.
Following this dedication of the Temple, the Lord spoke again to Solomon, affirming continued good promises. Solomon would never fail to have a successor to rule over Israel if he would keep God’s decrees, laws, and commandments.
But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name (2 Chronicles 7:19-20.)
SOLOMON DELIBERATELY DISOBEYS
The wisest King did a stupid thing.
Solomon did not obey the Lordbut turned away from him. So the Lord was angry with Solomonand said to him, “Because you have deliberately brokenyour covenant with me and disobeyed my commands, I promise that I will take the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your officials. 1 Kings 11: 9-13
Solomon built a high place for the Moabite god, Chemosh, and the Ammonite god, Molech. These places of idol worship included the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice.
You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods (Deuteronomy 12:31).
This wisest King no longer gave God priority. He cast aside the source of his wisdom and disobeyed the commands through Moses. He no longer sang the songs of his father, David (writer or many of the Psalms). Though Solomon was King in Jerusalem for 40 years, his coldness towards God led to the downfall and eventual exile.
God has given us a guide, a light in the darkness, and a way to know abundant life complete with God’s blessings. As we read, study, and apply the principles, we will know God’s leading and approval.
Solomon gradually drifted from God.
He began spending more time with others than with God.
He lost priority in pleasing God.
He grew self-sufficient with wealth and fame.
He ignored God’s commands.
He loved the wrong people and forgot to do what he penned, “Above all things, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23.
The wisest man on earth failed to remain wise in his heart towards God.
THREE THINGS THAT KEEP US FOCUSED:
Reading the Word daily, obeying what it says, and keeping a heart to please the Lord, will guard against drifting away from God.
Read the Word daily.
Solomon forgot his father’s words; I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
Obey God.
Solomon loved his wives more than he loved God. He failed to remember the Source of his splendor as King.
When you love God, you will obey God’s commandments (John 14:15 GW).
Please God.
Solomon’s passions, fame, and fortune overwhelmed his desire to please God.
“and find out what pleases the Lord” Ephesians 5:10
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says s(James 1:22-25).
It’s easy to believe God loves us. We show God how much we love Him as we read, obey, and please Him. God’s Word will keep us focused and our heart right!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12: 1-3
Have you been in the Word today? God-secrets are waiting for you!
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.
Photo by Judy, Yosemite Park
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
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.”
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.
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”Corrie Ten Boom
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.”
Photo by Lina Trochez @Imtrochezz unsplash
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.
Picture by Matt Botsford Unsplash
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.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14