December 17th our granddaughter, Emily, was married to Blake Thompson. What a joy it was to celebrate with them even though it was in South Dakota in winter (-54 windchill one day – uffda). We live in Arizona so our blood is thinned and it was cold! But hearts were melting with joy and gladness! I thought you might like to see my husband, John, and me with the happy bride and groom!
Now to the reason for my writing to you today. When I started this blog, I was being obedient to share the things in my heart that would encourage my readers to love God more because of the Scriptures. Since I developed my website, I have attended writer’s conferences, connected with published writers, practiced, and joined an international writing group, Word Weavers, to improve my craft of writing.
Along with attaining a new level of writing, I’ve given many hours to the study of the Scripture, not only while I was pastoring, preaching, and teaching, but through my desire to know God at a deeper level. I have been able to devote more time to reading, studying, taking notes, and writing in retirement.
I’m so thankful/indebted/overwhelmed/satisfied/pleased/grateful for God’s Word! It’s divinely inspired by God, and more than any other book, the words are from “the very mouth of God,” according to Jesus in Matthew 4:4, and “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12), It never runs out of “new” and fresh thoughts of God’s speaking to my needs, fears, desires, or guidance.
At the start of this new year, it is a great time to read the Bible if you haven’t already. The most important book of all time is ours. God’s words are written in the pages, and we have access to them. I am thankful for the different translations. Each time we open the cover, we learn more and more.
You can check out the online options here if you need a Bible reading plan.
Reader, please know of my gratitude to you! Thank you for being a reader/subscriber and interested in learning more from God and growing into an authentic follower.
If you haven’t checked out my worship music on my channel, you can do so here or on the pull-down menu. Let the times of worship and peace of God fill your heart and soul.
My prayer is that you will drink deeply of the well of water springing up into eternal life.
Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 NIV
THANK YOU, DEAR READER! If you have questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section or send an email to me at pastorj.mc@gmail.com.
Why don’t we reach for vegetables when we are stressed, hungry, or tired? We reach for bread. The more we eat the more we want! When Jesus was fasting for over a month, Satan came to tempt him by saying he should turn the stones into bread. As hungry as Jesus must have been after 40 days, he responded with a scripture. He made an important statement that still emphasizes the paramount need of God’s Word.
The Scriptures say,
It is not just bread that keeps people alive. Their lives depend on what God says.
(Matthew 4:4). ESV
ESSENTIAL
Bread is an essential of life and has been through the centuries. Bread, a metaphor for all food and sustenance, gives our bodies much needed nutrition and energy.
HUMAN NEED
Sourdough is one of the oldest and most original breads of the Ancient Egyptians, dating back to 3000 B.C. Throughout history, bread has been the most widely consumed food in the world. Bread making was regarded as a great skill. It was so highly prized that the Egyptians buried their dead with loaves of bread to provide sustenance in the afterlife.
Today, one of the healthiest breads you can eat is sourdough bread. It reduces the phytic acid and pre-digests the flour so bread is easier to digest. Not only is it healthier, it’s delicious! It’s made from the wild yeast in the air as it was in ancient times. When yeast combines with a mixture of flour and water, a “starter” erupts through a fermentation process. The starter becomes the leaven.
Following the Korean War the orphaned children were taken in to shelters where food and care was provided daily. But at night they couldn’t sleep. They relived the terrors of war. Someone discovered by sending kids to bed with bread in hand relieved the night terrors. “I ate today, and I will eat again tomorrow” (Dennis Linn, Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life). Bread, like a security blanket or a favorite stuffed animal, comforted them through the night. They were reminded they would see tomorrow. Bread brought comfort through the night.
SPIRITUAL NEED
Manna
When the Israelites travelled out of Egypt to the Promised Land there were no places to stop and eat. No McDonalds, or Culver’s, no sit down restaurant. God miraculously provided bread (manna – “what is it?”) from heaven. The heavenly manna continued for 40 years and fed thousands of Israelites (Exodus 16:4).
God not only fed them bread from heaven, but his presence was in their midst as they ate (Exodus 13:21). God desires a relationship with his people to be with them. We need physical food. We need spiritual food. God is concerned about both. Both are essential. Both are food – one for the human body, one for the spiritual body.
5000 Fed
Jesus taught the crowds from God’s words, and he fed them bread for their growling tummies. Jesus miraculously multiplied the lunch of one little guy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. (Matthew 14:20). Remarkably, twelve baskets were left over (same as the number of disciples). The thousands “all ate until they were satisfied” (Matthew 14:20 ESV).
BREAD SATISFIES
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a fresh baked loaf of bread filling the house and calling to your senses. We have fond memories of eating together with family for birthdays and holidays. There’s something wonderful about enjoying a full tummy with loved ones gathered around the table. There’s a bonding of friendship and love. Trust is strengthened. Food brings us together. Food satisfies!
Jesus rebuke to Satan reminds us that our bread is essential. He also reminds us that God’s Words are bread to us. As we eat each day, we need to eat of the Word of God daily, too. We need to read it as often as we can. “Every word” will satisfy and fill us. The more we eat, the more we want.
JESUS, the Bread of Life
Jesus fed the crowds with food. Jesus also fed them spiritual life from “every word,” his teachings. The empty place in life without Jesus is filled as we hunger for righteousness. As we seek Him, we will find Him. Jesus, God who came to earth in the flesh, is in the pages of scripture. He is the Bread of Life!
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me
will never go hungry,
and whoever believes in me
will never be thirsty.
John 6:35
In the fourth Gospel of John in the New Testament, Jesus made seven deity claims with the words, “I Am.” This one, the Bread of Life, tells us Jesus is able to fill and satisfy the longing of our soul. This is the same title used in the Old Testament story of God speaking with Moses at the burning bush. (Exodus 3:14).
As the Bread of Life, Jesus issued the invitation to “come to me.” Whoever will come will never hunger or thirst spiritually again. Jesus brings life!
THREE NEXT STEPS:
EAT DAILY
There’s nothing like the fresh taste of heavenly bread (God’s Word, the Bible) that feeds the soul. If you haven’t developed the daily habit of eating, let me encourage you to start! If you aren’t eating regularly, schedule time each day. Make an appointment on your calendar and stick with it.
BE CONSISTENT
Do it every day! To be consistently in the Word every day is never easily accomplished. It’s unlike making a habit of brushing your teeth, or making your bed in the morning. This habit has a spiritual dimension. It’s a spiritual battle that takes perseverance and determination. God’s Word is alive and transforms us so we become holy and pleasing to God. That’s why there is a consistent battle to keep at it regularly. Busyness often wins the day. But as we hunger and thirst for the Bread of Life, we will be satisfied and full.
LOVE THE WORD
I love God’s Word. It’s alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). I am passionate about it! It is like physical bread, the more you eat the more you want!
God speaks through the divine pages. It’s as if neon lights blaze on a verse and it stands off the page speaking directly to my needs. No matter how many times I’ve read a passage, there’s always something fresh and new. It’s remarkable! It’s transformational!
God’s alive word drives to the very depth of my being, the real me. It takes off all the masks and goes right to the core of who you are. We cannot hide our most private secrets, fears, or worries. Nothing! Everything is open and bare before God. God gives us the grace and kindness needed to see who we are and still understand that God loves us unconditionally! We are accepted, forgiven, and no longer ashamed! God’s Word gives us power to live in victory, satisfaction, and energy.
The Bible is essential to life. Be consistent. The more you are in the Word, the more you will be filled and satisfied. You will know success in life and relationships. You will be confident and assured of eternal life.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night,
so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
P.S.
If you need a Bible reading plan check out the options on the “Bible Reading Plans and Tools” page. Finding a Bible reading plan will help you be consistent and love the Word.
Here’s five SWEET steps to help you (from another post called “Sweet”):
Set a time
Every day make time to read. Start with 5-10 minutes. Read a chapter and plan to read through the book.Stick to it. Make it a habit. Make it an appointment you keep.
Write down the passage you are reading.
Consistency helps in comprehension. If you start reading the Gospel of John, for example, read through the chapter and next time pick up with the next chapter until you’ve completed the book. This will give you a more complete picture of the verses and chapters.
Easy read or read quickly, but notice what stands out to you.
The Holy Spirit will speak to you as you listen through the reading. Remember, God’s word is alive and active. Jot down what God is saying to you through the passage. How does it apply to me today?
End with prayer
Reiterate to God what you’ve heard from the word, and offer thanks and praise. Then put it into practice.
Tell someone
Tell your spouse, kids, friend what you read and how it spoke to you today.
If you do this every day, it will become a life-changing habit of good for you! You will soon be on your way to discover more of God and the secrets available to you!
Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
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.”
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.
Whoever loves me will keep my word…Jesus
John 14:23
Let’s look at Saul’s story. I believe you’ll see yourself – as I did.
Photo by Mark Duffel Unsplash
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.
Photo by Goh Rhy Van Unsplash
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).
Photo by Adam Birkett Unsplash
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.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.
Proverbs 16:18
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!.
Jesus said, Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
John 14:23
Saul is given another opportunity to take responsibility for his actions and obey God, but does he do it?
God chose Moses, a murderer, David, an adulterer, Jonah, a disobedient prophet, Peter, a denier, and Paul, a persecutor of Christians. Each one, though imperfect, was chosen by God and transformed into a powerhouse of faith and maturity. Moses led a nation out of slavery; David was King over Israel. Jonah obeyed and Ninevah repented, and Peter and Paul carried the gospel to their worlds.
We, too, are chosen by God. We are called to be holy. Holiness is counterintuitive to human nature. It’s not identified on a resume or gained with financial success or titles. Holiness is being “set apart” unto God, loving Him more than anything else in this world.
Peter’s boisterous and reckless nature didn’t deter Jesus from loving him and choosing him as one of his inner circle of disciples. For three years, Jesus continued to coach him into the Kingdom. From the call to follow Jesus through his entire life and even martyrdom, Peter helps us understand that we, too, can live a holy life. In his letters, Peter teaches that God chooses us, gifts us with an eternal inheritance, gives us the Holy Spirit as our helper, and provides everything we need to be holy.
GOD CHOSE YOU
It amazed Peter that Jesus chose HIM. The first time Jesus climbed into his boat and the first miraculous big catch of fish, Peter left everything to follow. After growing in discipleship for three years, just before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied knowing Him. But Jesus pursued him. Following Jesus’ resurrection, the angels in the tomb told the disciples to be sure Peter knew that Jesus had risen from the dead, “Tell the others, and Peter” (Mark 16:7). God’s love never gives up, even when we fail.
In 1 Peter, his opening verses show his gratitude in being chosen by God:
God planned long ago to choose you and to make you his holy people, which is the Spirit’s work. God wanted you to obey him and to be made clean by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will enjoy more and more of God’s grace and peace. 1 Peter 1: 1,2 ESV.
Paul, Peter’s contemporary, lends his voice to the truth that God chooses us to live a holy life. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Ephesians 1:4).
It’s a good thing God chose me before I was born because he surely would not have afterward. Charles Spurgeon
GOD GIVES YOU AN ETERNAL INHERITANCE
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5),
Our birth into God’s family brings the promise of inheritance. Not only the inheritance in heaven of eternal life, but it also provides for the development of holiness on earth. We are God’s people and under His care.
With an inheritance from God, we are being built into a spiritual body as a chosen people, a holy nation, called out of darkness into God’s wonderful light (1 Peter 2:8,9).
As pilgrims passing through this earth, we recognize the more splendid and eternal residence is in heaven. Therefore, we live a holy life here as we grow to love God more and be like Jesus. Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Peter 2:1
Ridding ourselves of the works of flesh takes practice. When I first practice a new arpeggio up the keyboard, my fingers struggle to play it right or fast enough. I practice slowly. I play it over and over until I master it. My fingers and muscles learn to stretch and become more agile. Accuracy improves. You’ve heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” It is similar to holiness. It takes time and practice.
Thankfully, God gave the Holy Spirit to help us.
GOD GIVES YOU THE HOLY SPIRIT
God planned long ago to choose you and to make you his holy people, which is the Spirit’s work (1 Peter 1:1).
Consider Peter’s life in the Gospels as compared to his life in the book of Acts. In the Gospels, he was arrogant, rebuking Jesus (Matthew 16:23). He was fearful of the Jewish leaders (John 20:19), his flesh was weak (Matthew 26:41), and he denied Jesus (Luke 22:54-62). But in Acts, Peter is a new person. He’s bold ((Acts 9:32-35), unafraid (Acts 4:18-22), healing the sick and raising the dead (Acts 9:36-42), and obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:9-15). Peter’s knowledge of Jesus, not only as the Messiah but as the resurrected Savior, renewed and repurposed him into the confident disciple that would change the world. Look at some ways the Spirit worked through Peter.
-His first sermon reached three thousand new converts (Acts 2:41).
-On the way to church with John, a lame man asks for money. He said, “Look at us. Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” The lame man got up, pinched himself in wonder, and began jumping around in joyous praise! (Act 3:1-10). Peter boldly preached to the amazed crowd and called them to know Jesus. (Acts 3:11-16).
–Peter’s fearless preaching about Jesus landed him in prison. The magistrates told Peter and John they could no longer speak in the name of Jesus. Peter and John refuse. “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” They let Peter and John go. They couldn’t decide how to punish them because all the people were praising God (Acts 4:18-22).
–The Holy Spirit gave divine knowledge to Peter as the church started.Peter asked Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. . . you have not lied to men but to God. Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard (Acts 5:1-11).
–Peter’s rooftop revelation opened his understanding and sent him to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-15). Though not “kosher,” the vision dispelled the law of separation from the Gentiles (Acts 10:28). In obedience, Peter went to Caesarea, to the home of a Gentile, Cornelius. While Peter was preaching of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius’ entire household. The Holy Spirit filled them, just as the 120 Jewish disciples did on the day of Pentecost.
-When King Herod killed James, he also arrested Peter and secured him with four squads of soldiers. Peter, bound with two chains between two soldiers and guards by the door. Even though he wasn’t sure if he would die the next day, Peter slept. But an angel of the Lord woke him, and his chains fell off. Peter followed the angel out of prison. They passed the guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and it opened (Acts 12:8-11). Amazing!
The Spirit’s work in Peter’s life gave him extra Holy-Spirit-power. Peter never again denied Jesus. He never faltered, even in the heat of persecution and prison. He was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. His faith was unshakeable. With that firm faith in the knowledge of Jesus, Peter boasts of God’s ability to give everything needed to live a holy life.Everything!!
GOD PROVIDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE
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).
God chooses us and empowers us to be holy. The Holy Spirit gently nudges us to surrender as the work of holiness transforms our nature into the nature of Jesus.
When I yield, I can do the things that honor God rather than please my human nature. I can say “no” to temptation and say “yes” to self-control. I can forgive, speak kindness, show mercy. Not of my own power, but God’s divine power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, is available to help in this pursuit of holiness. But we must yield.
So prepare your minds for service. With complete self-control, put all your hope in the grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ comes. In the past you did not have the understanding you have now, so you did the evil things you wanted to do. But now you are children of God, so you should obey him and not live the way you did before. Be holy in everything you do, just as God is holy. He is the one who chose you. In the Scriptures God says, “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16 ESV).
The promise of an eternal inheritance motivates obedience. The presence of the Holy Spirit leads to righteousness.
What God did for Peter, He will do for you and me, but we must answer the call to be holy.
Always live as God’s holy people should, because God is the one who chose you, and he is holy (1 Peter 1:15 CEV)
Go with us to Part 3, GOD’S WORD IS ESSENTIAL TO HOLINESS
The divinely inspired Word of God is a treasure to the believer on the journey of holiness.
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.
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