Are You for the Lord?

There is rarely a week that goes by where I don’t hear how some Christian leader has compromised their faith by falling into sin or agreeing with the world. It saddens me, but it also discredits the Gospel. Are you for the Lord? Will you take a stand for truth? God is looking for such people.

‭‭EXODUS‬ ‭32:25-26

“Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control for Aaron had let them get out of control to be a derision among their enemies then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered together to him.”

No sooner had Moses been given the Ten Commandments than the Israelites were breaking them. He went up to Mount Sinai to meet with God and had been gone thirty days, and the people started to demand that Aaron give them a god to worship. Being the weak leader he was, Aaron gave in and fashioned an ugly-looking cow out of the gold they brought. It was a sad day and one that God’s anger burned against the people of Israel. When Moses came down, he drew a line in the and asked who would stand with him. The Levites joined him, and they began to purge the camp.

Rich in Faith

If you have ever been to the poor part of town, the differences are noticeable. Buildings are run down, and there seem to be more people in less space, but you will often find a close-knit community. People care for one another more and are there for each other when times are tough. You will…

God’s Forever Home

My wife and I are big fans of home improvement shows. We love seeing houses that are complete wrecks transformed into beautiful places. We watch them because we are looking for a home that we can do the same, our forever home. God’s forever home is Jerusalem. He has chosen it as His resting place…

How to Control Your Anger

Everyone could use a little anger management these days. It seems people get triggered over anything. That tells you that people are too full of their own opinions and not willing to listen. This leads to people exploding when someone expresses an opinion they disagree with. Today, James gives a lesson on how to control your anger.

‭‭JAMES‬ ‭1:19-20

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”

James starts this section of his letter by reminding the believers that they know what he is about to say, but he needs to say it, control your anger. All of us know that it is not beneficial to let our anger get out of control. You can’t completely eradicate anger from your life, but you can make sure that you don’t sin. James gives some very practical tips on how to your anger.

Every Good Thing is from Above

Counting your blessings is something that will keep you grounded. Taking time to reflect on all that God has given you can change your heart. It helps you ward off pride and reminds you that every good thing is from above. James, Jesus’ brother, warns us not to deceive ourselves.

‭‭JAMES‬ ‭1:17

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

Every good thing you have was given to you from your Heavenly Father above. You may not look at it that way, but you will see that it was a blessing from the Lord if you connect the dots. Don’t be deceived into thinking that you are solely responsible for what you have in life. If that were the case, you would also have a lot of headache and heartache from your decisions, but God decided to spare you in His Grace.

Jesus Never Changes

People change over time. They get older, and their youthfulness turns into maturity. There is change going on inside as well. Youthful exuberance can often give way to stubbornness. Jesus never changes. He is the same that He was from the beginning and will remain that way for eternity. His love and care for you can be a steadying force that guides you through life.

‭‭HEBREWS‬ ‭13:8

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

This was one of the first verses etched in my memory growing up as a young child. It was carved in the front of the Altar table where communion was served. I wasn’t sure what it meant back then, but I sure do lean upon it today. I relish the thought that my savior doesn’t change. He is the same as He always has been. His love was there before I loved Him, and it remains the same even though I often don’t give Him much. You can take strength in the fact the God is constant and never-changing.

Wait On the Lord

Maybe some of you are like me? You don’t do very well when you have to wait beyond what you think is normal. If patience is one of your strong suits, then this devotional might not be for you but for the rest of you, take heart in what the Psalmist says, “Wait on the…

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

Have you noticed that it is difficult to recognize people wearing masks? I have caught myself several times staring at people seeing if I recognize them. I have also blown by people I know because I didn’t recognize them till I was quite a ways past. As kids, you are told not to stare because it is rude, but Hebrews tells us that you are to fix your eyes on Jesus.

‭‭HEBREWS‬ ‭12:2

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Take a moment and ponder this verse. The writer of Hebrews is telling us to fix our eyes on Jesus. The means to stare without looking away. In our attention-deficit world, that is foreign to most people. When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you are supposed to look for a long time. It also means that you are to take in all of His glory. Put this into your daily routine. Just gaze upon the Lord by shutting your eyes and picturing Him in your mind. Let the Holy Spirit fill in the details.

It Takes Faith

There will be times when you can’t figure out what makes someone happy. Everything you do will fail. This will leave you frustrated and questioning what to do next. That is the way that many Christians feel when they are trying to figure out what pleases God. The writer of Hebrews tells us that it…

Hold Fast to Your Confession

Part of the job of a prosecuting attorney is to get the witness to retract their testimony. That is why a good attorney will coach them to hold fast to their confession when cross-examining happens. Any testimony that has holes poked in it will fail in front of a jury. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to hold fast to your confession of your faith as Satan tries to sow seeds of doubt.

‭‭HEBREWS‬ ‭10:23

Since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Jesus has taken the place of the Levitical Priests of the Old Testament. He is over the house of God. You don’t need to go through another priest to gain access to God. That was accomplished when the curtain was torn in the temple on the day of the crucifixion. With that in mind, you can draw near Him with complete confidence and put your hope in Him. Hold fast to your confession of the faith because Jesus is in that place.