Storyline
When her father is put into jail, the spoiled teenager Dani loses everything. Forced to live with her uncle Sam on a farm without horses to ride and to train a sad Dani takes care of a young mule and learns what really counts.
In A.D. 97, as the pagans were about to celebrate a feast called Catagogion, a festival in which they carried images of pagan gods through the streets, Timothy, severely reproved them for their ludicrous idolatry. For his faithful witness, they beat him with clubs, and he died two days later. Timothy was contending for the faith as every Christian is expected to do. He was compliant; his attackers were contentious, combative, and criminal.
Gibbon reported that the proconsul Pliny had published a general edict against unlawful meetings and Christian leaders thought it prudent to suspend their agapae; “but it was impossible for them to omit the exercise of public worship.” Christian leaders were willing to cease their feast but refused to stop their worship services. They were not being rebels, but being faithful Christians.
What would modern pastors do under the same circumstances? They would fold like a cheap suit.
Irenaeus reports that Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, once met the heretic Marcion in the street and Marcion asked, “Do you recognize me?” “Indeed,” replied Polycarp, “I recognize you as the firstborn of Satan!” Evidently, Polycarp was not interested in building bridges.
Once, when the Apostle John walked into a public bath, he heard that Cerinthus, a famed leader of the Gnostics, was already within. John immediately grabbed his belongings and fled from the place, saying, “Let us flee, lest the bath fall in, as long as Cerinthus, that enemy of the truth, is within!” John was obedient, not obstinate, or obnoxious.
Committed Christians are willing to confront error, challenge it, and contend with it to the point of conflict. They are not mean-spirited or bigoted but are simply obeying the One who converted, called, and commissioned them.
“Judge Not!” is the battle cry of those who use it as a smoke screen to secretly, safely, and surely retreat from the truth. Truth is seen as “unloving” by those who reject it and refuse to repent. It is a fact that right is right, even if nobody believes it and wrong is wrong, even if everybody affirms it. During the time when almost everyone (except knowledgeable Christians) “knew” the world was flat, the fact is it was not flat. Even the experts were wrong. It is better to stand for truth and be alone than stand for error with the crowd.
Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “You have your way, I have my way. As for the right way, it does not exist.” Nietzsche was wrong as usual.
It was common in past years for people of all persuasions to defend their beliefs when challenged by an opponent. But now it is considered to be contentious, confrontational, and crass to contend that you are right and others are wrong. We have been brainwashed into thinking there are many points of view but there is no “right” view or a “wrong” view. Usually, a Bible believing Christian’s view is not considered valuable, viable, or virtuous by the shallow, the stubborn, and the scorner.
The reason for such a novel concept is that if there is a “right” and a “wrong” then someone must make the judgment. But that requires an authority that honorable people can depend on for support. That authority is God, and His Word is absolute–so there is “right” and “wrong.” That concept drives liberal unbelievers up the wall.
Our critics demand tolerance as if it is the highest aspiration; however, as Bishop Sheen said, “Tolerance applies only to persons, but never to truth…or principles. About these things we must be intolerant….Right is right if nobody is right; and wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong. And, in this day and age we need, as Mr. Chesterton tells us, ‘not a church that is right when the world is right, but a church that is right when the world is wrong.’”
If the world was ever wrong, it is today and churches are failing.
While tolerance is an admirable attribute, it never trumps truth. The Bible does not teach love and tolerance but love and repentance; however, most people think how they feel is as important as truth. It is not.
They are tolerant of unbelief and are willing to tolerate apostasy; however, it is impossible to be a dedicated Christian and not contend for truth! Most Evangelicals and moderate Fundamentalists would rather be known as gracious gentlemen rather than Defenders of the Faith. They are weaklings who are tolerant of unbelief and are willing to tolerate apostasy.
Moreover, we have been told that a genuine Christian never judges because no idea is any better than another. However, in I Cor. 2:15, Paul declared, “He that is spiritual judgeth all things.” In fact, it is cowardly to refuse to make judgments, but one must do so carefully because he will also be judged.
Do I have to remind you of Paul’s clear instructions to Christians? Christians have an obligation to confront doctrinal error. II Timothy 4:2 commands us to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” If a preacher never reproves, rebukes, or exhorts, he is disobeying a holy God. It would be interesting to hear him justify his (or her!) disobedience?
Titus 1:9 commands us: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” We are told in Titus 2:15: “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.” Most preachers only comfort, commend, cajole, console, and compromise!
They have sold out.
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Matthew 22:35-40
Jesus told His disciples, “In everything … treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (Matt. 7:12). Most of us refer to this code of conduct as the Golden Rule.
In theory, we’d probably agree that this is a good foundation for a healthy relationship. Yet it’s tough to live up to such a standard. If we made a list of the ways we hope to be treated and compared it with our own behavior, we’d likely fall short.
And of course, it’s easy to love when others treat us well. But how do we respond when their behavior is hurtful or unpleasant? The truth is, Jesus meant for us to love others all the time, not just when they’re lovable. Regardless of their attitude toward us, we are to think about the relationship qualities we value—like loyalty, trust, encouragement, forgiveness, acceptance, and protection—and let these flow from us in the other person’s direction.
Unfortunately, our society breeds selfishness, greed, and pride, which are enemies of the love Jesus commanded. But when we care for others in the way the Lord prescribes, relationships can thrive and deepen.
Treating others with this kind of love isn’t natural or easy, especially when people are unkind. In fact, loving as Jesus commanded is impossible on our own. But when we trust Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit empowers us and lives His life through us.
Take time to list the ways you hope others will treat you. Then ask, Is that how I treat people? Pray for God to reveal one area where He will help you apply the Golden Rule.
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” (1 John 4:13)
It is surprising to note that this phrase “hereby know” occurs eight times in the little epistle of 1 John. Each of these listed below is given as a means of both testing the genuineness of our professed faith in Christ and then of giving assurance and comfort to the true believer.
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3).
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him” (1 John 2:5).
“Hereby perceive [same Greek word as ‘know’] we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him” (1 John 3:18-19).
“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:24).
“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God” (1 John 4:2).
“We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6).
The eighth and last such reference is our text for the day. Note that the common thread running through all is the importance of the indwelling Spirit of truth, leading those who know the Lord into lives of doctrinal purity, obedience to God’s Word, and love toward the brethren. HMM
Isaiah 55:1
With matchless condescension the Lord invites us to come to himself. He presses upon us the calls of his mercy. The gospel provides for all our spiritual needs in the amplest manner, and it gives us everything for nothing. We have but to receive freely what God gives gratis.
Isaiah 55:2
Why do men labour after salvation by their own efforts, when Jesus has finished the work? Why do they try to find a heaven in things below when Christ is all? They gather smoke, and hunt after shadows. Why are they so foolish?
Isaiah 55:3
By hearing we receive grace, for by it faith comes. A willing ear leads to a converted mind. Salvation is by covenant—God enters into covenant with sinners through Christ Jesus; and that covenant is everlasting and sure. What an honour and a favour to be in covenant with God.
Isaiah 55:4
Jesus is here set forth as the great witness of divine love, who is able and willing to lead men back to God.
Isaiah 55:5
This is doubtless a promise to Jesus, the Messiah. Tens of thousands shall gladly accept him as their Lord.
Isaiah 55:6
While mercy may be had, seek for it in prayer.
Isaiah 55:9
What a large and free promise! Can any man desire more? Mercy is freely proclaimed for the guilty, and that for the. worst and most glaring of transgressions. Do not let us miss the gracious opportunity, but come at once, and receive pardon as the free gift of God. He speaks to each one of us as much as he did to Israel of old.
Isaiah 55:10, 11
So we are invited to trust in an effectual gospel which can by no means fall to the ground. We have no cunningly devised fable put before us, but the infallible truth of God who cannot lie. All things else may fail, but the promise of God will be fulfilled as surely as God is God.
Isaiah 55:13
All joy belongs to the pardoned, and all nature is in sympathy with that joy. The outward echoes the inward. When the soul is eased of its burden, and drinks in the bliss of divine love, earth seems a paradise of. sweets, and a temple of rich music. To the wretched the universe is hung in sable, but to the joyous the day is clear and bright, “the bridal of the earth and sky.” Who would not be forgiven? Who would not live by the covenant of grace when such are the joy and peace which he will inherit? The joy is no transient emotion, it is based upon “everlasting” love and faithfulness, and this renders it infinitely precious and desirable.
2 Corinthians 10:4, 5
If you want to be free from every stronghold of the enemy in your life, you have to understand that there are two kinds of strongholds: rational and irrational. The rational strongholds are the most difficult to deal with—because they usually make sense!
Paul refers to these rational strongholds when he says, “Casting down imaginations….” The word “imaginations” is taken from the Greek word logismos, which is where we get the word “logic,” as in “logical thinking.” Thank God for a good, sound mind, but even a sound mind must be submitted to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, your mind will develop a stronghold of natural reasoning that starts to dictate all kinds of lies to your life. I call these rational strongholds.
The reason I call them rational strongholds is that they are strongholds in the mind that make sense! You see, your logical mind will always try to talk you out of obeying God. In fact, if you don’t take charge of your mind, it will begin to completely dominate and control your obedience to God. It will tell you that you can’t afford to obey the Lord and that it isn’t a good time to step out in faith. Your natural mind will come up with a whole host of logical reasons to explain why you shouldn’t do what the Spirit of God is telling you to do.
Second, there are irrational strongholds. These primarily have to do with completely unrealistic fears and worries, such as a fear of contracting a terminal disease, a fear of dying early in life, an abnormal fear of rejection, and so forth. These types of irrational strongholds in the mind, emotions, and imagination will normally play their course and then dissipate. But if harassing thoughts persist in your mind and insist on controlling you mentally and emotionally, you must deal with them straightforwardly with the Word of God.
In Second Corinthians 10:5, Paul says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Notice that Paul doesn’t say one thing about bringing the devil Into captivity. Rather, he tells you to take every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
The devil tries to invade your life through lies that he plants in your brain. If you don’t take your thoughts captive, it will be just a matter of time before the devil starts using those lies to create mental and emotional strongholds for the purpose of keeping you in bondage. But if you take your thoughts captive, then your thoughts cannot take you captive!
Whether those strongholds are rational or irrational, you can take authority over them and cast them down! So quit listening to every ol’ lie that devil tries to sink into your brain, and start taking those thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ! Pull down every mental or emotional stronghold in your life with the supernatural weapons of warfare God has given you!
Lord, help me to see any area of my life that is dominated by rational or irrational strongholds. Forgive me for allowing the devil to sink his lies into my mind, and help me now to uproot and cast down every one of his lies. I know that Your Word will renew my mind to think in accordance with You, so I am asking You today to help me make Your Word a priority in my life!
I pray this in Jesus’ name!
I boldly declare that my mind is free from the devil’s lies! I think God’s thoughts; I meditate on God’s Word; and my brain is spot-free from the rational and irrational strongholds that Satan would like to plant inside me. Because of God’s Word working in me, I am completely free!
I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!
Thank God for a good, sound mind, but even a sound mind must be submitted to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, your mind will develop a stronghold of natural reasoning that starts to dictate all kinds of lies to your life.
The world today is looking for:
God is looking for men. He wants those who can unite together around a common faith — who can join hands in a common task — and who have come to the kingdom for such a time as this. God give us men.”
“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it… There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.” (Ezekiel 22:30a; John 1:6)
Soldier Coming Home and being helped by dogs compilation for Memorial Day 2017. Videos include:
These Dogs Are Reuniting With Veterans Who Just Got Home
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1
I’ve always been impressed by the solemn, magnificent simplicity of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The carefully choreographed event is a moving tribute to soldiers whose names—and sacrifice—are “known but to God.” Equally moving are the private moments of steady pacing when the crowds are gone: back and forth, hour after hour, day by day, in even the worst weather.
In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel was bearing down on Washington, DC, and the guards were told they could seek shelter during the worst of the storm. Surprising almost no one, the guards refused! They unselfishly stood their post to honor their fallen comrades even in the face of a hurricane.
Underlying Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 6:1–6, I believe, is His desire for us to live with an unrelenting, selfless devotion to Him. The Bible calls us to good deeds and holy living, but these are to be acts of worship and obedience (vv. 4–6), not orchestrated acts for self-glorification (v. 2). The apostle Paul endorses this whole-life faithfulness when he pleads with us to make our bodies “a living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1).
May our private and public moments speak of our devotion and wholehearted commitment to You, Lord.
Grant me the strength this day, O Lord, to persevere, to return honor to Your name where I am serving. My desire is to give myself in selfless devotion because of Your love for me.
The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self.
Philippians 1:5-7
Each Christian’s journey is unique. Yet certain stages of growth should be common to all of God’s children. For example:
• The Lord wants to teach new followers basic principles as a foundation on which to build. He expresses these truths through other believers, His Word, and life circumstances.
• God allows us to serve Him. We were created to do good works, and this becomes evident as Christians glorify Jesus (Eph. 2:10).
• The Lord lets us experience “frustrated inadequacy.” Pride and self-confidence are threats to spiritual growth. Therefore, our Father brings us to the place where we realize we can achieve nothing of value without divine guidance and power.
• To make freedom a reality, the Father brings His children face to face with whatever holds them captive. We often carry hurts, fears, or other baggage and on our own have no idea how to gain victory. God allows us to struggle through such issues with His help. As we surrender to Him and seek His perspective, He works to liberate us.
• The Lord teaches us how to live the “exchanged life” (Gal. 2:20). Our sinful nature has been crucified with Christ, and the Savior’s life is expressed through us as we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s influence.
Do you recognize these stages as you look back over your walk with Christ? Perhaps you can identify an area where God still needs to work in your life. Is there anything standing in the way of allowing Him to live fully through you? Surrender to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to help you become more like Jesus.
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