Ward's Words | BY WARD PIMLEY

Sharing the Lord's Message of Grace

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Author: Ward Pimley

  • Meditation–BEING BOLD IN OUR WITNESS

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    “And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.” — Acts 4:31 (NASB)

    “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

    “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.”— Proverbs 16:3 (NCV)

    THE LORD WANTS HIS BELIEVERS to proclaim His truth to a dark and hostile world. He has commanded us to do so, and He has promised to help us do it.

    J.WitnessingForGodYet, way too often, those who call themselves Christians sit idly by, while those hostile to faith malign Christian beliefs and values, falsely accusing believers of a hatred and bigotry toward their fellow citizens.

    That lie is used repeatedly by those lobbying for laws and practices favorable to a homosexual or transgender lifestyle, practices that God clearly has denounced in His Word. (Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Jude 1:7)

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    THERE IS NO EXCUSE for anyone claiming to be a follower of Christ failing to step up and boldly proclaiming God’s Truth — His love and mercy, but also His judgment and wrath. Proclaiming one side of God’s glory while denying or ignoring the other side is false testimony.

    We do no one any good when we fail to tell them the totality of God’s Word, both of His blessings for obedience and His punishment for continued and willful disobedience.

    Here’s what the apostle Paul says in Romans 6:16 (NLT): “You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.”

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    WHEN THE LORD TOLD HIS DISCIPLES to go into the whole world and teach all that He had commanded them, He assured them that He would go with them. He promised that power would come upon them from the Holy Spirit, whom He would send. (Matt. 28:19-20)(Acts 1:8)

    There is every reason to believe that both the commandment and the assurance the Lord gave to First Century Christians are ours to claim as Twenty-First Century Christians.57.Playground-taunts

    The mandate is the same, the assurance is the same, and something more is the same: the Truth is the same.

    Jesus told us that He is the Truth (John 14:6) and that He and His truth remain the same throughout all time. (Hebrews 13:8)

    +++

    OUR LORD ALSO TOLD US to expect blowback.

    The world loves darkness more than the Light (John 3:19) and because the world hates Jesus, He told us the world will hate us, too. (John 15:18)

    What should our response be to such attacks?

    Here’s what the Lord’s half-brother James said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” — James 1:2-3 (ESV)

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    WHEN THE ENEMY strikes back, we can take comfort in the experiences of those who walked before us and know we are joined in the battle with those walking alongside us.

    “When we, as spiritual men and women of prayer and faith, attempt to do something significant for God, the enemy is sure to resist us,” Pastor Jim Cymbala writes. (1)

    But we can take heart. Cymbala tells us that we do not fight the battle alone. “He (the power of God) meets us in the moment of battle. He energizes us when there is an enemy to be pushed back.” (2)

    Pastor Francis Chan exhorts us similarly: “If we can humble ourselves and learn to absorb rants graciously, our best days can be ahead of us.” (3)

    +++40.Jesus_Always_With_Us

    THE OPPORTUNITIES TO WITNESS for the Lord are all around us. We see them every day. Sometimes it’s a result of something someone says or maybe something we read or it’s on mass media. It might be the hurtful comment from a loved one or the malicious comment from a co-worker or neighbor.

    We cannot escape from the evil around us, nor should we try. The solution is not for us to run and hide —it’s for us to stand our ground and confront. Yes, we are told to be gentle and loving in our response (1 Peter 3:15) and there are many teachings in God’s Word exhorting us to be patient and respectful of others. (Proverbs 15:1; James 1:19)

    But let us as believers not think, even for one moment, that our Lord is not charging us with the awesome task of speaking for the Kingdom when the opportunities arise.

    Just before His ascension, Jesus gave His disciples this command (Acts 1:8 NIV), and it is a command that He gives us, His followers, today:

    “You will be my witnesses.”

    Let us rejoice!

    1. Cymbala, Jim. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (p. 208). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
    2. Cymbala. (p. 173). Kindle Edition.
    3. Chan, Francis. Letters to the Church (p. 201). David C Cook. Kindle Edition.
    ~PRAYER~

    O FATHER GOD, our Heavenly Father, we rejoice that You have made us in Your image and 68. Holy_Bible_Crossfor Your glory. We rejoice that you who have made us neither slumber nor sleep but keep watch over us day and night, reassuring us that no one can snatch us from Your hand. We know that You are with us when the times are troubling and when they are pleasant, when we are broken and hurting, and when we are at peace and feel blessed. O Lord, Your steadfast love endures forever. Lord, give us those opportunities to tell of Your goodness to us that we can be a blessing to those You place in our lives. In Jesus’ almighty name, AMEN

    Questions for Personal Meditation and Group Discussion:

        1. Do you believe in God’s commandments and promises, that He wants to use you and other believers to further His Kingdom and that He will be with you — in spirit and in truth — all the while?
        2. Can you trust His word, as revealed in the Holy Bible, that He loves you and wants a personal relationship with you? If not, what do you see as the roadblock? Is it God’s problem or your problem? Can you take that problem to God in prayer and let Him solve it for you?
        3. Have you really and truly confessed  your sin-filled heart to the Lord and asked Him for forgiveness, repenting of your sin and seeking His Lordship in your life? If not, please do so now. He has told us in His Word your eternal fate rests on this one act. He has assured each of us of forgiveness and salvation if we call on Him.

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

  • Meditation–HOW DO WE WITNESS FOR CHRIST?

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    Comments welcomed. Please join us for Prayer and Questions at the end of the devotion. Why not forward this blog post to a relative, friend, or neighbor who might be blessed by it?

    `You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.” Matthew 10:18 (NLT)

    THE LORD CALLS US TO BE HIS HANDS AND FEET, to speak truth to power, to defend the Gospel.53. Man_Woman_praying

    This is more than just a parade of words, a familiar litany of cliches. It is an incredible truth.

    As we go about our daily lives, how many of us consider God’s instructions to “teach[ ] them to observe everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20a CSB)? We might “understand” this in our adult Bible study, but do we live it out once we emerge from the classroom?

    Jesus, the Messiah, the Holy One of God, calls on each of His followers to trumpet the Good News of Salvation to a darkened and hostile world.

    How best to do it?

    • 1. Be prayed in,
    • 2. Be immersed in God’s Holy Word.

    Hear now the words of theologian and writer Robert A. Cook:

    “Hide God’s Word in your heart, and you will find yourself speaking of it, living by it, illustrating its truth by your character and conduct, and, in general, having a highly effective witness as a result.”

    —Robert A. Cook, Now That I Believe, (Moody Publishers, Chicago. 1949, 1977)

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    J9. OPEN BIBLE w IMAGEHOW COULD MERE MORTALS like ourselves be empowered to share the Gospel with others, who may not even be interested in hearing it? Hear again Cook’s words: “Always remember that your one business as a Christian is to aid in completing the evangelization of the world.”

    That is, we are called by God, Himself, to share the Word by evangelizing. Also, we are called by God to witness through our actions and good deeds. Jesus tells us (Matt. 5:16 NKJV) to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

    Cook assures us that we, in Christ, are more than able to handle the task. “You may as well face the facts: If you’re born again, you are a different person.”

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    THE BIBLE AFFIRMS THAT TRUTH.

    “Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)60. Faith-in-Jesus-Christ

    We need to claim God’s promises for our lives. We need to accept His faithfulness. When He says He will be with us, and He will not abandon us, we need to believe that.

    Meditate on these verses:

    • Deut. 31:6 (NKJV): “The LORD your God, He [is] the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you”;
    • Matt. 28:20 (NET): “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age”; 
    • John 14:18 (NIV): “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

    Our God is faithful. He will not abandon us. He will give us the words to say. He will shower us with His love.

    Even more so, He has commanded us to do so (Acts 1:8 CSB):

    “You will be my witnesses.”

    PRAYER

    Our Lord and Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You,  Lord Jesus, 69.GOD_With_Usthat You are with us always. You will show us when to speak a word from the Lord into someone’s life. You will guide our hearts so that our actions will honor You. You will guard our hearts from the evil one, so that we will win every battle. In the end, Lord, You win, You reign forever and ever. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen

    Questions for Personal Meditation and Discussion:

    1. Does the idea of being called by the Creator of the universe to witness for Him fill your heart with dread or does it fill your heart with awe that He has chosen *you* to be His instrument to spread His light to a sin-filled world?

    2. Do you have difficulty believing that He will step in and help you navigate the waters of disbelief, that He can use you with your specific gifts and strengths, your connections, your opportunities to further His Kingdom? If so, have you prayed for faith and discernment around this issue?

    3. If you have been faithful, have you seen the fruit of your efforts, sometimes immediately but more often over time? When you do, have you given Him the credit, knowing that only the Holy Spirit can open hearts and draw people to the Heavenly Father?

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

  • Meditation–CRISIS IN AMERICAN CHURCHES

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    Comments welcomed. Please join us for Prayer and Questions at the end of the devotion. Why not forward this blog post to a relative, friend, or neighbor who might be blessed by it?

    “Men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.” — John 3:19 (NASB)

    “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. … They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” — 2 Timothy 4:3a, 4 NIV)

    THE AMERICAN CHURCH IS IN CRISIS TODAY.

    J.Meditation.ChurchInCrisisThis is not the first time, and the Bible tells us it won’t be the last, but this is now, and whatever happens, it will be our legacy — the legacy of those of us who are alive now.

    Just check the headlines of our national media, and you’ll see scandals in the Roman church, fractious debate among Methodists, soul-searching within the Southern Baptist Convention.

    Look back a short while, and you’ll see divisions within the Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Episcopal churches.

    While the specific issues differ within each denomination, the core issues are similar: in some way, they revolve around sex and gender, human relationships, faithfulness, and expected gender roles. (A quick Google search will pick up relevant articles in addition to the above links.)

    The issues can be specified further with pinpoint accuracy: the result of man’s sin nature and constant rebellion against God.

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    THE PRESBYTERIANS, Lutherans, and Episcopalians have drifted from the headlines for the time being, while the Roman Catholic Church and United Methodist Church have filled the gap.

    The Roman church is paying a heavy price for its institutional failure to confront sexual abuse of children — boys and girls, but mostly boys — and of women, called to serve alongside ordained priests. Legal battles and court settlements will burden the institution for years to come, but the greater damage will be its tainted witness to a world in need of answers.

    Right now, I want to focus on division within the Methodist church.

    The Methodist church is exposing its inner divisions to the world at large over the issue of homosexuality — both its active practice among congregants and the calling of active homosexuals to the clergy and  bishops.

    views2As an international body, the Methodist church is split further between the more liberal church in America, which teaches tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality, and the more traditional branch in Central Europe and especially in Africa, which strives to follow the Bible’s authority.

    A recent vote by delegates to the General Conference exposed the rift as Americans largely voted to adopt a more inclusive church discipline, while the Africans voted to stay with a stricter interpretation of Scripture.

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    THAT DECISION did not sit well with many American Methodists, some two-thirds of whom preferred a less restrictive plan that would have permitted each congregation, and its pastor, to determine its acceptance or rejection of homosexual clergy and members.

    Unfortunately, the public dialogue from disaffected Methodists has served only to exacerbate the division.

    Most of the commentary has been to lament those who want to maintain Biblical purity as being “intolerant” or “judgmental,” as people who claim a “moral superiority” and “smug rightness of viewpoint” and who, of course, are “legalistic.”

    Words matter, and the terms we use frame the debate. While the reformers term the debate between “traditionalists” and “grace-filled,” the debate might better be termed as between the “faithful” and the “revisionists.”

    +++

    AT THE HEART of the Methodists’ quandary is the role of Holy Writ; specifically,  whether the Bible is the inerrant and infallible word of God or whether it is merely inspired text written by men, who were flawed (as we all are) and wrote against a 64. Church_Doctrinehistorical and geographic backdrop far different from our own.

    The distinction, then, is whether the 21st century American believer should read God’s Word as being eternal and universal because God is perfect and never changes, or if the Bible should be read in some “holistic” manner, in which the reader inhales the overall “sense” of the Bible and then fills in the details according to the current culture’s understanding.

    The rift is huge, and the debate rages on. We are left to wonder how much prayer goes into the argument, especially among those who declare that “God didn’t write the Bible.” We can rest assured that those who quote Scripture telling us God did write the Bible are on their knees in prayer for direction.

    +++

    WHERE DOES THIS GO?

    Jesus established His church to proclaim His message to the world and to provide love and support for those drawn to it. He vowed that “all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:18 NLT). He said His church will prevail.

    In the end, Jesus wins.

    But what does it do for a weary, broken world now, when those who claim to love their Lord and have access to His Holy Word are so unfaithful in the conduct not just in their personal lives but in their witness through the various church bodies?

    While we are all “treated” to the current discord within the Methodist and Baptist churches, and difficult legal issues confronting the Roman church, let’s not forget the Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Episcopal churches, whose divisions continue to simmer.

    We need a heart change.

    Forgive us, Lord Jesus.

    PRAYER

    O FATHER GOD, we have fouled up Your church so badly. We have  scandals in one J9. OPEN BIBLE w IMAGEbody, discord in another. We fight over important matters with members who don’t hold to the Bible’s eternal and universal truths, and we quarrel with others about trivial items that have no impact on our witness. Lord, You told us Your church will prevail, despite our arrogance, greed, and pride. Lord, we ask You to forgive us as we lay down our sins at the foot of the Cross. Lord, we repent of our selfishness. Lord, forgive us and supernaturally make Your church a strong voice for Truth. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

    Questions for Personal Meditation and Group Discussion:

    1. How impacted are you personally by the rancor, faithlessness, and discord within the various church denominations specifically and across the board in Christendom? Does the issue affect your worship experience or is it, for you, just a matter for church leaders to handle?

    2. To what do you attribute the divisions that exist within the various denominations? Do you believe in any way you have contributed to the problem, and do you believe you can make a difference to bring healing?

    3. Have you (or your family) switched church denominations or congregations within a denomination within the last 10 years as a result of divisions within your church? Have you (or your family) prayed for church healing? Where do you see the various church denominations going over the next generation?

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

  • Meditation–GOD CALLS US TO WITNESS

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    Comments welcomed. Please join us for Prayer and Questions at the end of the devotion. Why not forward this blog post to a relative, friend, or neighbor who might be blessed by it?

    “Abraham was only one man when I called him. But when I blessed him, he became a great nation.” Isaiah 51:2b (NLT)

    IN MY NEW LIFE as a born-again Christian, one of the loneliest moments I feel is when I sense an opportunity to witness verbally for the Lord. No, I’m not proud of that, because I long for and pray for those opportunities.Men Sharing Gospel

    The problem is, I often feel totally inadequate.

    I am never certain of whether the moment actually is the right time, or if the person before me is a willing recipient.

    I don’t know if I’ll sound like a self-righteous Bible-spouter filled with judgment and condemnation … 

    Or — and this is my hope — I’ll sound like the committed believer I really am, eager to share the Good News of my salvation and to extend an invitation to the other person.

    In other words, in my mind, it’s all about me! Of course, I realize that’s not what the Bible teaches us. Jesus reminds us to “abide” in Him and He promises to “abide” or “remain” in us (John 15:4-7).

    We are given assurance throughout Scripture of God’s faithfulness. The Bible tells us, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” — Psalm 37:5 (CSB)

    Still, I know that, in that moment, all the other person will see is me standing or sitting in front of him or her while I feel very much like the weight of their eternity rests on my shoulders.

    It does not, and I know it does not, but I still feel it does.

    +++

    GOD IS FAITHFUL despite my inadequacies. If there is any failure to communicate the message of salvation, that fault rests with me. God has given me the gift of speech, the knowledge of Scripture, the heart to share, and I have prayed fervently for this opportunity.

    Why then am I struck dumb with fear?

    If I could write the script, I would place the encounter within a congenial conversation, with both of us sitting and sharing our observations of life.Woman Sharing With Woman

    Then, the conversation naturally would lend itself to giving a personal testimony. I don’t shrink from that situation, nor do I shrink from those  conversations were the other person either asks me about my faith or even chides me about my faith.

    Where I am fearful is when there is no obvious entry point to the conversation, when we’re rushing to go about our day, or when there is a palpable discomfort between the other person and me.

    Is this the right moment? Perhaps so, perhaps not.

    +++

    IF THE SITUATION involves a family member, then I am in greater anguish because I feel a greater responsibility, even though I know that if my listener rejects me or my message of hope, he or she actually is not rejecting me but really is rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 10:16).

    Our Lord instructs us as parents to teach His ways to our children (Deuteronomy 11:19), so my failure to teach my daughters about the Lord when they were young weighs heavily on me, especially when I contemplate their eternal fate, if they don’t accept God’s offer of salvation.

    Our Lord says the world’s sin is that it has rejected Him (John 16:9; Jeremiah 2:13), but Paul reminds us that they cannot accept what they have not been taught (Romans 10:14).

    +++72.Family_Bible_Study

    IN THE END, I need to trust in the Lord and His faithfulness, knowing that His love for my children and family members, my friends and neighbors, my co-workers and even total strangers who come into my life for a moment or two far outweighs the love I ever could have for them.

    At the right time, He will tug at their heart, and then they will decide whether to accept the blessings He offers or continue to stumble in darkness (Rev. 3:20; John 6:44).

    My job is to remain faithful to my Lord’s promptings, knowing that He remains with me forever (Matthew 28:19-20).

    PRAYER

    50. Open_BibleO Lord, merciful and mighty, come into our hearts in a big way, overwhelming us with love, forgiveness, grace, and compassion, so that we might share those blessings with all You call us to serve. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

    Questions for Personal Meditation and Discussion:

    1. How do you feel when you are in conversation with someone and you sense God is giving you an opportunity to witness for your faith? Do you feel energized (you should!) or fearful (understandable). Afterward, how do you assess your obedience? Did you witness or let the opportunity pass?

    2. Does God’s calling on your life seem real to you? Can you take in the idea that God calls you as a believer to minister to others, that it’s not just the job of professional church staff, missionaries, and those “specially called” but that He loves to use the simple, the humble, and the contrite of heart?

    3. Can you imagine the thrill of meeting someone in Heaven who is there because you’ve lived your life as a model of grace and compassion or because you offered encouragement from the Lord that led them to conviction? Can you meditate on how amazing that would be?

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

  • Meditation–TRUSTING OUR GOD

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    Comments welcomed. Please join us for Prayer and Questions at the end of the devotion. Why not forward this blog post to a relative, friend, or neighbor who might be blessed by it?

    “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.” —  Psalm 139:1-3 (NKJV)

    “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” — Isaiah 40:28 (ESV)

    THAT AMAZINGLY PROLIFIC AUTHOR, Anonymous, penned these words, and they are so true:

    “God knows the future, you don’t. So stop worrying and make wise decisions based on His Word and trust Him with the results!”

    J28.Trusting Our GodMost of us want some control over our lives. Some of us go so far as to be called “control freaks,” meaning we strive for absolute control over the events around us, people’s actions, and even the outcomes.

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    GOD TELLS US THROUGH His Holy Word that this is His universe (“the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind” — Daniel 5:21 ESV); He has sovereign rights over it; and we are not in control.

    Jesus tells us, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Luke 12:25 NIV). The Lord’s half-brother, James, warns us against self-confidence. “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” (James 4:14 NLT)

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    INSTEAD OF TRYING to claim God’s glory, we need to let the power of God’s Holy Spirit work through us. Jesus assures us that we should “abide” in Him and He will “abide” in us, “for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NASB)

    When we place our faith and trust in Almighty God, we’ll find He can exceed our every expectation, “above and beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20 CSB).

    J28. Trusting_Our_GodGod is in charge. He loves us, and through the blood of His Son, He claims us. We should not strive to take His glory or run His universe or even control our lives and the lives and events around us. We should humbly ask Him to graft us onto His tree of life and live lives that testify to His goodness.

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    JESUS COMMANDED IT: “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NET).

    Peter repeated it: “Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.” (1 Peter 2:12 GNT)

    Trying to accomplish everything ourselves is not only failing to trust in God, but it turns us into our own god. Besides not working, it violates God’s First Commandment (see Exodus 20:2a-3 BSB):

    “I am the LORD your God. …  

    You shall have no other gods before Me.”

    PRAYER

    O Lord God, Our Heavenly Father, forgive us when we fail to trust You, to know, Father, that You alone are worthy, You alone are good. Through our pride and arrogance, we usurp 50. Open_BibleYour authority over Your creation and, most of all, over our lives. That leads to our peril. Lord, help us bend the knee to Your glory and goodness and learn to lean on You in all our ways, knowing You will make our paths straight. Lord, we pray these words in the mighty name of Jesus. AMEN

    Questions for Personal Meditation and Group Discussion:

    1.  Do you find it difficult to recognize fully and completely that God is in charge of His universe and we are not, that our actions will be in accord with His plan or we will be in disobedience?

    2.  Why is it difficult for you to relinquish control over your life? Do you believe that God exists and that He has a plan for your life, or do you reject God and proclaim “this is my life, my body, my will” and seek your own glory? 

    3.  How real is God for you? Is He a figment of our imaginations or does He live in Your heart? How big is your God? Is He big enough to require your attention? Can He deliver on His promises? Should you strive to obey His will? Is He just a Sunday morning ornament or is He an everyday companion? Can you claim for your own life God’s promise in Jeremiah 30:22 CSB: “You will be my people, and I will be your God.”

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

  • Meditation–GOD’S GRACIOUS LOVE

    God’s gracious love extends beyond what we can imagine. He is supernatural; we are natural. He is infinite; we are finite. His love generates our love; His compassion generates our compassion; His mercy and forgiveness generate our mercy and forgiveness. Praise God that, through Jesus Christ, we are His family. Let us praise Him and share the Good News!

    Find blog posts at LoveAndGrace … tweets at Twitter. Comments welcomed. Please join us for Prayer and Questions at the end of the devotion. Why not forward this blog post to a relative, friend, or neighbor who might be blessed by it?

    “What shall I render to the LORD [For] all His benefits toward me?” Psalm116:12 (NKJV)

    HOW GOOD THE LORD IS TO US!

    The Lord’s goodness and mercy are magnificent … they are daily … they are without number.

    How would we know or how could we calculate each blessing He has bestowed on us?

    Our days are numbered, yet each breath we take is a gift from God. Each sunrise is His 43. God's-Gracepromise of another day; each sunset is a time to reflect on His goodness.

    Each open door offers us possibilities; each closed door keeps us from disaster. When we pray, He hears our voice; when we come to Him, He answers; when we repent of our sins, He forgives; when we praise His name, He restores.

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    THE PSALMIST SINGS PRAISES TO THE LORD:

        • “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1 ESV)
        • “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.” (Psalm 100:1-2 NLT)
        • “I will praise the LORD at all times; my mouth will continually praise him.” (Psalm 34:1 NET)

    Fellow Christian blogger Heather Quiroz in her Dec. 31, 2018, post (“Yes, God Loves Failures Like You and Me”) said this: “I see a faithful, steadfast,  immovable, loving God who does not give up on sinners like you and me. I see a love that draws people in, not to shackles and shame, but to freedom and deliverance. Truly, it is love that sets people free and it is God’s enduring love that reminds me that I am not who I used to be, but I am being made into His image and He’s sticking with me through the process.”

    How can we possibly take those words in without crying out in praise to a holy God Meditation-God's Gracious Lovewhose love and mercy abound!

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    WHAT MORE COULD I WANT than to be with the Lord, to walk where He walks and lie down in His presence?

    Again, the psalmist captures this desire: “A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!” (Psalm 84:10 NLT)

    This wish is fulfilled by the LORD’s own promise to us: “They shall be My people, and I will be their God.” (Jeremiah 32:38 NASB)

    Paul tells us that whether we live or die, “we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:8 NIV), so that, for us who believe, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21 BSB)

    The psalmist again in Psalm 145:1 (NET):

    “I will extol you, my God, O King! I will praise your name continually!”

    PRAYER

    50. Open_BibleOur Father God, Your love for us is so amazing. It extends beyond what we can image. We know we are not worthy, yet You have called “righteous” and “sons of God” if we believe in Your Son, whom You sent. Thank You, Lord, our Father. In Jesus’ name, AMEN

     

    Questions for Personal Meditation and Discussion Groups:
    1. Do you believe that the Lord is good to us, even when we are in pain, or do you believe He is good to us only when He “answers” our  prayers the way we want them answered within our preferred timeframe?
    2. Do you believe the Lord has a plan for our lives and that His good plan and good timing are in our best interests, even if we do not understand at the time, even though we could be blinded with fury and pain at the “unfairness” of our plight?
    3. Can you comprehend the intense abiding love that God has for His creation? Or does it seem so unreal as to be the stuff of dreamers and charlatans? Could it be that the very creation itself cries out in praise to the Creator, that all honor and glory are His alone? If that is even remotely possible for you, what will you do about it? What will your response be?

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

  • Meditation–OUR FAMILIES WON’T LISTEN

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    Comments welcomed. Please join us for Prayer and Questions at the end of the devotion. Why not forward this blog post to a relative, friend, or neighbor who might be blessed by it?

    “Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and with his own people and in his own home.’” Mark 6:4 (NCV)

    OUR FAMILIES WON’T LISTEN TO US.

    We love them, and our hearts are burdened for their salvation and their *eternal* destiny.

    We see our adult children — beautiful, young and vibrant, successful in a worldly way — and yet, when we look into the eyes that look back at us — eyes that look like our eyes set in a face much like our own — we see rejection.

    Rejection of the Bible. Rejection of Jesus Christ. Rejection of salvation.

    We cannot help but morn.

    45. Children_Ignoring_Parents+++

    THEY DO NOT SEE their rejection of the Savior as actually *rejecting* the offer of salvation from the Lord of all creation. They see it, more likely than not, as a rejection of people, people like their mother and father, people like some of their aunts and uncles, and rejection of a grandparent or two.

    Maybe it’s just a rejection of “those people” — a projection of every negative stereotype they can project onto people they neither know nor associate with — yet, who nevertheless become shields as they protect themselves from the Truth of Jesus Christ.

    “It’s a lifestyle choice,” they say. “I’m glad it works for you,” they say. “You be you, and I’ll be me,” they say. “Okay?” they say.

    Not okay.

    Another translation presents our text source this way:  “Then Jesus told them, ‘A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.’” Mark 6:4 (NLT)

    +++

    EVEN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST faced rejection of His message from His immediate family, as well as His neighbors and townspeople. It was not until He was raised from the dead that the family came around.

    31-jesusteachingreligiousleadersWe read in Acts that James, Mary, and other siblings of His were gathered with the apostles in the Upper Room. James became a church leader and wrote the book of James, one of the most instructive tomes in the Holy Bible.

    The rest of us will not be raised from the dead, so we will not have a dramatic moment of confronting our disbelieving family members, showing them our execution scars and reminding them of the many times we told them about our earthly fate.

    We know in Heaven, the Lord will bathe us with a blessing that will wipe away every tear and keep us from sorrow (Rev. 21:4), but that’s for Glory; this is for now, and our family’s rejection of the Messiah’s call (Rev. 3:20) pierces our hearts with pain.

    It’s supposed to.

    +++

    WHEN JESUS TOLD US, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8 ESV), He wants us motivated to be intentional in spreading the Good News of what the Lord has done for us (see Mark 5:19). It’s that pain for the salvation of our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else the Lord places in our lives that motivates us to share the Gospel with others.

    As we try but we fail to convince our loved ones of Jesus’ love for them as individuals, we are reminded over and over again that it never is within our power to convince someone to accept Jesus Christ.72.Family_Bible_Study

    The verses of 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 tell us that one person sows the seed by witnessing for the Gospel, another one waters the seed, but it is only God’s Holy Spirit that can open a hardened heart and turn it in a new direction (cf Ezekiel 36:26, 1 Corinthians 1:18).

    None of that reassurance takes the pain away, of course. The Lord prepared us in John 15:18 that the world (those close at hand and those far away) will hate us because first it hated the Lord, and again in John 3:19 that men (and women) love the darkness more than they do the Light.

    We are to do our job, and our job is clear: To witness by our actions and our words (see 2 Peter 1:5-8).

    The rest is up to others and their relationship — or non-relationship — with the Savior. We turn the matter over to Him through prayer.

    PRAYER

    Our Heavenly Father, You have burdened our hearts with sharing the salvation story withour loved ones … and even with those we barely know. We confess our inability to 68. Holy_Bible_Crosscarry the message forward with grace and conviction, when we are too aware of our own shortcomings. We feel we are unworthy ambassadors for so great a message. Yet Jesus called  us to be His witnesses and assured us, that with the power of the Holy Spirit, we could accomplish more on earth than He could do in his bodily form. Lord, we believe Your promises to be trustworthy, and we ask Your guiding hand as we seek to live lives — in word and deed, and in thought — that honor You and Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. AMEN

    QUESTIONS for Discussion Groups:

     

    1. Have you experienced this difficulty in witnessing for the Gospel with your family? If not, is it because they’re believers … or because you haven’t tried?

    2. If they are believers, how was the Gospel presented to you at home? If they are not believers, what keeps you from sharing the Good News with them?

    3.  Regardless of your success or failure at home, what experiences have you had sharing the Gospel with neighbors, more distant friends, and even strangers? Are they more receptive to your testimony than family? If so, why is it? If not, why not? Have you tried to share the Word? If not, what stops you?

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

  • Meditation–SUFFERING IN SILENCE

    We suffer in silence when we fail to believe in the God of Creation. He has offered us a life with abundance if we believe in Him, His promises, His Son, but when we — through pride — strive to live life on our own, we fail, sometimes immediately and sometimes over time, but we fail. He remains faithful to pick us up, whenever we repent and call on His name. Will you call on Him today to help you through your pain? You don’t have to suffer in silence anymore. Praise God!

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    Comments welcomed. Please join us for Prayer and Questions at the end of the devotion. Why not forward this blog post to a relative, friend, or neighbor who might be blessed by it?

    “Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.” — Psalm 42:11 (CSB)

    WE OFTEN SUFFER IN SILENCE.

    Alone. Unrecognized. Unknown.

    We feel as though the ebb of life has passed us by. No one knows our name, or our struggles, or our shame.

    We hide the truth in our hearts; sometimes, it’s so deeply hidden, we hide it from ourselves.

    We want to fix it, but we don’t know how.menarguingatwork

    “If only *they* will change, everything will be all right,” we say. “If *our circumstances* were different, this would all go away.”

    But it doesn’t. Day after month after year, nothing changes. Yes, there are ups and downs; yes, there are escapes built into our regime, but in the end, it remains the same: missed opportunities, sadness, despair. No hope.

    +++

    THE BIBLE RECOGNIZES THIS HUMAN CONDITION and speaks volumes into our hearts. Oh, if only we would let go and let God. If only we could drop our burdens at the foot of the Cross. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28 NASB)

    We hear those words, but they ring hallow. How could this be? How could Jesus take away the sting of our affliction? Does He hear our prayers? Does He care about our lives? Isn’t He too busy with more important things, bigger things, other people?

    Jesus assures us we’re important to Him. Look at the sparrows, He says, speaking of unimportant members of the animal kingdom. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” (Matt. 10:29 NIV) “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matt. 10:30 NIV).

    God knows us. God sees us. God cares about us.

    Jesus says, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)

    That’s love. That’s true love.

    +++

    THEN WHY DO WE SUFFER SO?

    David tells us in the Psalms, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:19 ESV).

    Paul tells us that “we rejoice in our sufferings” because the experience of going through these troubles “produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character 55.Holy-Spirit-Descends-Bibleproduces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5 ESV)

    James, the half-brother of Jesus, reminds us that we should take comfort in our troubles as “nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3 NET)

    Endurance, he says, leads us to wisdom; and, if we lack wisdom (which we do), we “should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand.” (James 1:5 NET)

    Trials, Peter says, “show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold … and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6-7 NET)

    +++

    SO, WHAT ARE WE TO MAKE OF ALL THIS?

    Here’s what God says to us through the Psalms:

    “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May you shelter them, and may those who love your name boast about you. For you, LORD, bless the righteous one; you surround him with favor like a shield.” (Psalms 5:11-12 CSB)

    “Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.” (Psalms 16:1 CSB)

    “I always let the LORD guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalms 16:8 CSB)

    “I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” (Psalms 18:6 CSB)

    46. Sin_JesusChrist_God

    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1 ESV)

     

    +++

    THE CASE HAS BEEN TRIED. The jury has come back. Here is it’s verdict:

    “We find God’s message to be True; we find it Trustworthy. In it, we find our Salvation.”

    Case dismissed. You, the tormented, are free to go.

    Go with God.

    He will guide you and sustain you. In all matters, He will love you and hold you in the palm of His hand. He will cry tears alongside you (“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 NIV).

    He will never forsake you.

      • “God will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6 ESV)
      • “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)
      • “Every moment you know where I am.” (Psalm 139:3b TLB)
      • “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’” (Isaiah 41:13 ESV)
      • “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

    Finally, this, from the Master’s own voice (Matt. 28:20 ESV):

    “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    PRAYER

    Our Heavenly Father, full of love and mercy, hear our prayer, O Lord. Reach down and wipe away our tears. Take our hand and lead us. Wrap us in your strong arms. Keep us safe. Be with us. Although our faith falters, your steadfastness never fails; although we stumble, you never grow faint; although we’re tired, you’re never weary. Lord, lead us as you promised, that if we trust in You with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, and in all our ways acknowledge You, You will make our paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6). Lord, we claim that promise for ourselves and give You all the praise, honor, and glory. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray, AMEN

    QUESTIONS:

    1. Do you find it difficult to believe that the God of Creation knows who you are, loves you, cares for you, and even died for you to pay the debt of your sin? Amazing? Yes, but true! Can you claim this truth for yourself this very day?

    2. Do you find it difficult to claim the truth that God’s grace is bigger than your sin, that He can cover your pride, greed, arrogance, malice, and envy, and so much more? He said He can. His Word says He can. Can you claim that truth today and for all eternity?

    3. Do you find it difficult to believe that the God of Creation, Almighty God, kind of the universe is calling you today to repent of all your sin and turn to Him for forgiveness? Why suffer any longer with the demons who have owned you for months or years or even decades? Today is the day of your deliverance. Call on Him. He’s listening. He cares. He can heal you.

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

     

  • Meditation–AVOIDING FOOLISH PURSUITS

    “A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep right on going and suffer for it.” Proverbs 22:3 (NET)

    WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE.

    We do something we know we shouldn’t do. We can see disaster coming, yet we persist doggedly in doing something that, even while we’re doing it, we know is wrong.J21.EATING_DONUTS

    Sometimes, it’s as little as eating an extra doughnut; other times it’s cheating on our income taxes, gambling money we don’t have, or cheating on our spouse.

    Proverbs tells us that it is “naive” or “foolish” — depending on the translation — to see danger ahead and persist in our activity. When foolish actions are repeats, and become a life habit, then we have passed the line from doing something foolish to being a foolish person.

    Wisdom tells us to alter our course. It only takes a little will power to leave the jelly-filled doughnut on the tray, but those other infractions — spousal abuse, stealing from the government and community, or risking our children’s college funds — may be illegal and most certainly are immoral.

    +++

    LIKE MOST HUMAN SINS, we can lay the blame for our actions on “society,” i.e., “everyone else does it” or “it’s no one else’s business,” but the real fault lies within — it always goes back to human pride and willfulness. We do what we choose to do because … we want to do it. That’s true for the little things, like eating the extra doughnut, as well as the big things, like lying or cheating or showing anger.

    J21.STUBBORN_COUPLESo, why throw the doughnuts example in with the recognized sins? Certainly, God hasn’t weighed in on whether glazed or jelly-filled are counter to His eternal and universal laws. Just for illustrative purposes. It’s easier for us to identify the stubborn willfulness we display in the little things, those things that do not violate God’s laws. We can see them and recognize them.

    Most people, though, find it difficult to see themselves willfully violating God’s laws, what we’re calling the big things. We would not even consider committing murder, theft, or adultery, yet Jesus gave us a far stricter standard when it comes to violating the Law. Mere speech can violate God’s holy standard. Not even that — but thoughts — those ideas or feelings that we keep inside, never to speak of or act upon — violate the perfect standard of the King.

    +++

    PASTOR ANDY STANLEY URGES US to erect “guardrails” in our personal lives to keep us from straying into sinful situations. Our personal guardrails, he says, function much like the guardrails along the sides of our highways to keep us from driving off the roadway into a ditch.

    “But where are the guardrails in our actual, everyday lives?” Stanley says. “We have to establish those personal guardrails ourselves so that we can back up and stay on the safe side of a potentially dangerous situation.”

    67.Jesus_Welcomes_AllSo, what “guardrails” do we put into place in our personal lives to keep from inching over, slightly more and more, from respectability to violation of God’s laws?

    Just as we grab the last cream-filled doughnut, ignoring the voice that tells us we don’t need it, so, too, we are prone to violate God’s laws because it pleases us. We may well hear His voice, but in our haste to satisfy our immediate desires, too often we ignore Him.

    +++

    HOW CAN WE EVER MANAGE to please a holy and perfect God? (This question applies only to believers. Non-believers already fail to please Him because of their unbelief. (see Hebrews 11:6))

    The Bible tells us there is a way to please our holy God. The Bible says there is only one way to remain obedient to God. That way is through Jesus. Jesus tells us in John 15:5 CSB: “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me” (emph. mine).

    Jesus gives us the power and the strength to withstand temptation. Jesus provides the “guardrails” for our lives.

    PRAYER

    O Lord, our merciful and heavenly Father, we fall on our knees in praise and honor for 68. Holy_Bible_Crossyour holy name. O Father God, your mercy and patience are more than we can fathom, your forgiveness is more than we deserve. Your love is overpowering. Pour your goodness into our hearts so that we may pour the overflow into the hearts of everyone we meet, and may men and women see that goodness and give you the glory. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. AMEN

    QUESTIONS:

    1. Do you ever struggle with obeying that quiet inner voice that leads you away from something you want to do, but you know you shouldn’t? If you disregard that voice, how do you drown it out? Through a hardened heart? Through substance abuse? Through entertainment and diversion? How do you feel the next day?

    2. Can you trust Jesus to fulfill His promise that He will give you the strength to resist temptation, that He cares about you personally and knows your name, and that He has the power to step in? Do you believe Jesus, as a man, was able to avoid all sin?

    3. What does God’s offer of eternal grace mean to you? Does it sound somewhat fanciful, like a wish for eternity conjured up by mankind or does it sound to you exactly like what God says it is: an offer to spend forever in His presence? Are you willing to turn your life over to Him now so you can lay claim to that offer? Are you willing to admit your sins and acknowledge your need for His forgiveness?

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.

  • Meditation–GOD’S GLORIOUS GOODNESS

     

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    “Do good, O LORD, to [those who are] good, And to [those who are] upright in their hearts.” Psalms 125:4 (NKJV)

    “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are very glad.” Psalms 126:3 (NCV)

    GOD IS GOOD TO US!

    Throughout the Psalms, human emotion is laid bare, as David, Anselm, Moses, and other Meditation.Writing Psalmspoets alternate among pain and suffering, on the one hand, and joyful praise and worship, on the other.

    The sum total is that our earthly lives can be difficult (the result of falling out of God’s favor), yet rays of God’s goodness and mercy shine upon us (like the sun’s rays piercing a cloudy sky).

    +++

    WHEN TROUBLE STRIKES, we are to call on the Lord. When fortune envelopes us, we are to give praise to the Lord.

    The Bible says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” (James 5:13 ESV)

    In another place, the Bible says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV)

    Paul tells us that he has experienced the full gamut of what life offers, from hunger to plenty, from sickness to health, from cold to comfort. Through it all, he never fails to thank God for His everlasting goodness. Here’s his voice: “I am not saying this because I am in Meditation.Raised Handsneed, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11 NIV)

    +++

    IN OUR PASSAGE TEXT, the psalmist calls out to the Lord to provide richness and mercy to those who call on His name by virtue of their good standing.

    While it’s an Old Testament tribute to salvation through good works (obeying the Law), it’s still a plea for the Almighty to smile graciously on those who love Him. Shortly afterward, we read that God “has done great things for us,” and we recognize it and rejoice in the Lord’s benevolence.

    Those of us who are believers in the Lord, can claim this promise from Revelation 21:4 (NIV): “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

    Indeed, the Lord has done — is doing, and will do — great things.

    Let us rejoice!

    ~PRAYER~

    O FATHER GOD, our Heavenly Father, we rejoice that You have made us in Your image and 68. Holy_Bible_Crossfor Your glory. We rejoice that you who have made us neither slumber nor sleep but keep watch over us day and night, reassuring us that no one can snatch us from Your hand. We know that You are with us when the times are troubling and when they are pleasant; when we are broken and hurting, and when we are at peace and feel blessed. O Lord, Your steadfast love endures forever. We will wait on the Lord and be renewed like eagles. May Your face continue to shine upon us. In Jesus’ almighty name, AMEN

    QUESTIONS:
        1. Is it difficult for you to imagine an eternal God who is bigger than the universe who also cares about you individually and knows everything about you?
        2. Can you trust His word, as revealed in the Holy Bible, that He loves you and wants a personal relationship with you? Can you accept that He wants you to place your trust in Him, and that, if you do, He will give you freely a life that stretches into eternity?
        3. If you haven’t accepted His invitation to grace, can you do that now? All you need to do is confess your sins to Him, repent of your sinful life, and ask Him to cleanse you and come into your heart as captain of your soul. The words are less important than the total surrender.

    Would you like us at LoveAndGrace to pray for you? Just send a prayer request via the Comments section.