Author: mercyfortheday

Tourist Season is Over

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Some people love to travel. They love to experience new foods, new cultures, new scenery, new geography and more. They must not mind the packing and unpacking, the planning and preparations, or the cost and effort a traveler’s lifestyle brings. I assume there are many rewards in a life well-traveled.  Sights unseen by most have been witnessed. Foods untasted by most have been consumed. Cultures unknown by most have been experienced. Architecture and nature at its finest have been sighted. Perhaps, famous people have been spotted along the way. There is no end to what one can experience when traveling the world. 

Tourist season is typically a certain time period throughout the year. Weather seasons are different throughout the world, so tourist season won’t always be the same days and months for each location. So, traveling that provides the best and most relaxing experience must be properly researched and planned. Spontaneity can pay off at times, but at other times, timing is key. 

When we look at life as a forward moving trip, we realize we will face many new sights and sounds and peoples. Unless we put ourselves in a box and refuse to budge, we can be open to adventures that will enrich our lives. But are we satisfied with always being on the go? Do we ever want to settle down and slow down?

Each of us are on the journey called life. And in the course of that journey, we have many life choices we must make. Daily, we pack and unpack all the circumstances we face, pleasant or not. We surround ourselves with friends of our own choosing, right or wrong they may be. We may or may know know who, what, when, where and how influences us. Some choose to live a busy life, while others have chosen a deliberate, slow life. Regardless of our lifestyle, we move forward each day. 

This world is not a place where we should feel comfortable. As believers, we should stand out as ones who don’t go with the flow of culture. We can’t bow to the whims of the latest trends or accept the most current social customs. For they will lead us astray. If we’re not careful, they will lead us down a path that leads straight to hell.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Jude 1:20-21

Perhaps it’s time to put away the spiritual luggage and resort wear and prepare for the trip of a lifetime. It’s time to move from tourist to serious pilgrim in our Christian walk. It’s time to move from being a casual Christian to being a dedicated follower of Christ.

It’s time now while there is still time to buckle up and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ. It’s time to study the Bible and know what we believe. It’s time we learn whether our current beliefs align with the Bible or not. And if they don’t, it’s time to change those beliefs to honor God. For this world is not our home. We’re only passing through. And when our tour of duty is over here on earth, our souls will still live on somewhere. And while we’re passing through this life, we have a choice to make of where we spend our next life. Heaven or hell.

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:11-12

We are on a journey toward eternity. There is a path that leads to heaven, and it’s time to choose that path. Our days on this earth are short. We don’t know when our life is over. But we do know that Jesus said he is the way, the truth, and the life. If Jesus is the Way of Life for us, then he will lead us down the path of life. And the path is not for fainthearted tourists, because it is full of bumps and bruises, twists and turns. It’s for the serious traveler. It’s for the one who deliberately chooses to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life. We must always stay packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

A traveler may collect souvenirs as reminders of their travels. They can be on display at home to provide a moment of reminiscence when a memory hits. As pilgrims on the road of life, we too can store treasures in our eternal home. They will serve as reminders of our faithful witness and pilgrimage. This collection won’t be on display until we reach our final destination, but the collection is building with each breath we take. 

Like Paul, our goal should be to finish the fight of this life with a strong faith. Our prize is being prepared as we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s put away our suitcases and build a strong case for our faith that can’t be denied.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

When They Say There Is No God

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King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes that God has put eternity in the hearts of mankind. This means that we all know that we will face eternity, whether we like it or not. Whether we admit it or not. We all will face death at some point. And we all will stand before God to be judged. 

We have a yearning for more than this life can give us. If we accomplish everything we set out to achieve, we will still be found wanting more. The more money we make, the more we want. The more we have, the more we want. We’re never satisfied. There is an unending thirst for something other than what we have. And that longing won’t be satisfied this side of heaven.

Some people search their entire life and never find fulfillment. We need direction in our lives, and it can’t be found by something material. We’re longing for something we can’t quite put our finger on. Our lives do have purpose, but it’s only discovered when we find fulfillment in Christ alone. Everything else. Every other accomplishment will leave us still grasping for thin air.

I once worked with a young woman who didn’t believe in an afterlife. Oh. She joked about it, but she did admit that it terrified her husband to think there is nothing for him after his last breath. I guess there must be something to fear if you think this life is all there is. Because if this life is it, then wouldn’t those who don’t believe in more want to live their best life now? After all, for believers, we know we’re just getting started with living and this life isn’t the best one. Our best life is awaiting us after we’ve breathed our last on this earth. I guess perspective is everything.

He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

But back to this young man who fears the nothing he believes awaits him. Maybe. Just maybe he knows there is more. And since he isn’t living wholeheartedly for God, he knows what his fate is. And that thought would be terrifying if he knew his eternity might be in hell. So why make life on earth hellish by living with the belief that there is nothing more ahead? Why not search for the truth and know for certain what lies ahead? What can it hurt? I bet he would sleep better at night and breathe a little easier during the day. Knowing your future is with God is a huge weight off a life already weighted down by daily burdens.

I wonder why atheists don’t have any confidence in truth. Have they never studied it? What caused them to turn their back on the One True God? I wonder what idols they unknowingly serve? What hardened their hearts? I wonder what spirits are leading them.

I am persuaded that men think there is no God because they wish there were none. They find it hard to believe in God, and to go on in sin, so they try to get an easy conscience by denying his existence.

Charles Spurgeon

During his period of suffering, Job asked many questions of God. He asked why God would allow so much suffering to come to him. But he never questioned God’s existence. He challenged God to answer his questions. But he never lost his trust in God. He held fast to his faith that God was the Almighty. He admitted that God could give and take away at his pleasure. 

Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh? Can marsh grass flourish without water? While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither more quickly than grass. The same happens to all who forget God. The hopes of the godless evaporate. Their confidence hangs by a thread. They are leaning on a spider’s web. Job 8:11-14

Picture someone leaning on a spider’s web. They would fall instantly, and the spider’s web would collapse under the weight. Although the web can hold a spider, it wasn’t built for human weight. When we place our trust in nothing, we will fall. We will have nothing to hold onto when life is unstable. One unstable thing does not have the strength to support another unstable thing. It’s not possible. 

I read that Christians do not just believe that God exists, they actually believe in God. There’s a difference in knowing there is a God and actually knowing him. It’s the same as me knowing my next door neighbor exists, but not knowing them personally. I see them most every day, but if I don’t spend time with them I don’t really know them. They’re just next door.

There’s nothing wrong with having questions about your faith. It’s important to know what you believe and why you believe it. Being able to clearly explain your beliefs and defend them is empowering. That knowledge and clarity can give much needed peace knowing your faith is firmly planted in Jesus Christ. 

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

If I Could Turn Back Time

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I wonder. Did Abraham ever look back and regret asking Sarah to tell others she was his sister? Did he ever regret having a son with his wife’s servant? Did Lot ever regret choosing the land near Sodom and Gomorrah? Did he regret not asking Abraham for recommendations for future husbands for his daughters instead of choosing men who scoffed at God’s commands? Did Lot’s daughters ever regret having children with their drunken father? Would Abraham roll over in his grave today if he knew all the trouble his descendants from Ishmael caused throughout history?

Did Jacob ever regret tricking his brother not once, but twice? Did he finally understand how awful it felt to be deceived after his father-in-law turned the tables on him? Did Esau ever regret hating his brother? Did Rebekah ever regret advising Jacob to deceive his father? Did David regret seducing Bathsheeba and having her husband killed in battle? Did Adam and Eve ever regret taking a bite of the forbidden fruit? Did Cain regret killing his brother, Abel? Did Jonah regret running from God? 

We could got through the entire Bible and read about the incidents that could cause one to face regrets at a later date. Our Bible heroes weren’t perfect people. They too had moments of failure and messed up their lives. And sometimes it was in big, unrepairable ways. Some of them caused problems for future generations of their family. And they never saw or felt the full impact of their sins because they died beforehand.

We may never know the true impact our sinful actions may cause others. We may never see the final result of our sins. Our families may be the ones who are faced with life-altering circumstances because of our failures. Tragedies may fall on our loved ones because of our decisions. Do we take future consequences into consideration when we act without thinking?

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Acts 3:19

The regret of “if only” is real. If only I hadn’t said those words. If only I would have said it differently. If only I hadn’t gone there with her. If only I had driven myself. If only I had said “no.” If only I had said “yes.” If only I hadn’t spent so much money. If only I hadn’t accepted that awful job. If only I hadn’t eaten all that food. If only I hadn’t looked at that website. And the list could go on and never end. 

I recently read an article about the apostle Paul’s prayers. It was mentioned that rarely did he pray for his wants and needs. Sure. We know the story of his prayers for God to remove the thorn in his flesh. And he also asked his fellow believers to pray for his safety while traveling and preaching the gospel. But he never prays for his belly to be full. Or for a closet full of clothes. He doesn’t ask God to help him get approved for the mortgage he can’t afford. He doesn’t pray to find a godly wife or to have children. In fact, he doesn’t even pray for his situation to change. Not even while he sits in prison. Instead. He prays for his spiritual needs. And perhaps it’s time for us to pray more for our own spiritual needs instead of our physical needs and wants. I wonder, if we did that, how many fewer “if only” moments would we experience in life.

Regrets and “if onlys” don’t have to break us. We can use our past struggles to help mentor other struggling believers who are seeking guidance We can learn from our sins to help guide others who are struggling with sin. We can become disciplers of new believers and teach them to live a godly life and become strong followers of Christ. We can use what we’ve learned from our mistakes to help others not make the same poor decisions. 

The thing is. We can’t go back. We can’t undo what we’ve done. We can only go forward, while we look back with regret. We can’t change the past, but we can be forgiven for our past sins. We won’t forget the wrongs we have committed against God and others, but we can have our slate wiped clean from sin. We can’t turn back time, but God can turn our hearts around to following him. We can live redeemed only when we repent and stop sinning. Forgiveness may not change the consequences of our sins, but it will change our eternity.

Book of Names

~ mercyfortheday ~ 2 Comments

Court documents were unsealed this week. Previously unpublished names were released. Trouble is. These people want to remain anonymous. But a judge has ruled that their names are to be published for all to read. Oh. Some names had already come to light, so they were no big surprise. But others have remained hidden from hungry eyes. Unless someone stopped this from happening, all signs were a go earlier in the week to the release the names. And the documents are slowly trickling out for public eyes to see.

The people called out most likely never thought their names would become public knowledge. But then. They probably never thought that the owner of the list would ever be brought to trial. Or imprisoned. But here we are. The parties who were found guilty are either dead or in prison. And the names have remained behind lock and key until now. And those people are probably thinking that some people just can’t leave things well enough alone. Hopefully, no one will be killed because of the exposure of names. After all. The names reveal privileged and wealthy people who were associated with a man who partook in illegal activities. Let’s just say. Young girls were involved. And some of those girls, now women, have come forward because of the activities they were required to perform.

It appears that some of those named in the lawsuit are doing everything within their legal power to keep their identity from coming to light. But since it’s already in the light, they want their names to be darkened. As in redacted. Oh. Their names can never be fully expunged. Only blacked out. And even then, there’s always a possibility that their names could be revealed in one way or another. Because once you’re named, you’re named. 

And just to be straight. This isn’t a list that anyone should desire to be on. We know there are lists that people clamor to join. The list of most beautiful women. The sexiest man of the year. Athlete of the year. Billionaires of the world. But this list is much different. This is the list no one named in it wanted to be published. And it isn’t even a list. It’s documents of court testimony uncovering people who associated with those found guilty of crimes. The actual list of names has never been found. Some wonder if it even exists. We may never know.

I wonder, though. If these men knew back then that their names would someday become public, would they have done anything differently? Would they have still associated with the man of ill repute? Would some of them still have been willing to travel on that private jet? Would some have still gone to the exotic island to do unspeakable things? Are they smiling and laughing and happy now? Are they still toasting each other, or have they turned against each other? Have any of them gone into exile? Is anyone being paid to remain silent? Have private threats been made to anyone willing to publicly expose them? Is the judge under protection? Should she be?

The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear! Luke 12:2-3

If you haven’t heard, books are being written with each of our names in them. This has been going on for centuries now. Books that list all our activities, good and bad, are being written.  And these books will one day be opened. The seal will be broken, and the contents revealed. The only thing is. These books will never be published for all to see. You’ll only know what’s been recorded about you when you stand in front of the Judge of all times. Your account will be made known to you alone. 

Before the books are opened, though, we are living our lives. And we’re being watched, quite frankly. God knows everything. There is no hiding. Oh. We can try to hide our actions from God, but it’s futile. There’s no way around his all-seeing eye. He knows everything. He sees everything. And he’s everywhere. It’s foolish of anyone to think they aren’t seen by God. 

What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the Lord , who do their evil deeds in the dark! “The Lord can’t see us,” they say. “He doesn’t know what’s going on!” How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, “He didn’t make me”? Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid”? Isaiah 29:15-16

You can bet that Someone is keeping track of all our words and actions. Even our intentions are being recorded. Yes. He’s a mind reader. And you want to be in his good graces when the books are opened. Because. The records don’t lie and they can’t be changed. Oh. Our sins can be forgiven if we ask. But then we must stop sinning. 

The Book of Life is the one where you definitely want to find your name. In this book are the names of those who have been given eternal life in heaven. Any sins, once confessed, are erased and are no longer remembered by God for those listed in this book of books. God’s judgment is the final word and determines where we spend eternity. So, if your name is not currently in the Book of Life, you still have time to have it entered. Repent of your sins and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life. And then live in full obedience to the Lord. You have a choice. And while it is still today, repent while there is still time.

I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. Revelation 20:11-15

Ancient of Days

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Some may ask “who is God?” Would they readily believe the Bible if they read it? Would they question his omnipotence? His omniscience? His omnipresence? Do they even know the meaning of those words? Do they know that God is everywhere all at the same time? Do they know that he knows everything. Everything. Do they know that he sees everything all the time. All at the same time. Do they know that God is and was and will always be. 

If someone searched the galaxy with a telescope, would they be able to spot God in the constellations he created? If someone put the DNA of a flower under the microscope, would they find God on each petal? If someone listened to the crash and roll of a thunderstorm, would they hear God? Would they see God in the flash of lightning? When looking at the ultrasound of a pre-born baby, can they spot God? The proof is everywhere. It’s right in front of our eyes. God created the world, and he created it out of nothing.

How do people deny there is a God when they don’t even search for him? When they say he doesn’t exist, how do they know? What makes them so sure they’re right? Why do atheists have faith in nothing? What makes them believe they’re right?

And he will startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not been told; they will understand what they had not heard about. Isaiah 52:15

God doesn’t share all his secrets with any of us. He keeps them to himself. But there will be a day when he shows his hand for all to see. Then and only then will we know him. He’s given us his word that all his promises will be fulfilled. He has made the truth obvious to us, so there is no excuse for not knowing him. 

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. Romans 1:18-23

Oh. The Ancient of Days worthy of all our praise. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. You’ve seen everything since before you created the earth. All creation was performed by your hands. You’ve seen every liar and cheater and glutton and adulterer. You’ve seen the prophets and preachers and teachers. You’ve seen those who have bowed and worshipped you for many, many years, and you’ve seen those who have turned their backs on you and never repented.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8

You’ve seen the sun come up each morning and then set each evening. You’ve witnessed every snow storm and rainfall, every tornado, hurricane, tsunami and earthquake. You’ve noticed every seed that was planted. You’ve watched every flower that bloomed, every animal that has walked the earth, and every bird that’s flown the air. Every fish that has swam the ocean blue and rivers and ponds and lakes were seen by you. You’re in the roar of a lion and the chirp of a bird.

You know each one of us by name. You know the number of hairs on each head. You’ve grieved with us as we’ve grieved. You celebrate when we celebrate. You long for a relationship with every soul you created knowing that not everyone will turn to you. The amazing thing is that you show love to every one of us. You’ve loved us with an everlasting love. Your love will never die.

You’ve shown mercy and grace and compassion beyond what we deserve. And you also judge fairly and squarely. You have never shown favoritism, but you will reward those who honor you and bow at your name. Because of your great love for us, you sent your son into a world full of chaos, turmoil and trouble. You sent him in a human form as a baby to a mother who had known no man. You watched as she and her husband raised him as their own. Yet he was your only son. In his short thirty-three years on earth, he honored you. He never wavered in his obedience to you.

Your son was human, yet he was God. He had the ability to turn from your will, but he bowed his human body and his will in respect and submission to you. You want to spend eternity with every man, woman and child you created. Only by laying down your son’s life could you give us eternal life.

So Ancient of Days, we praise You and thank You and surrender to you as we celebrate the birth of your one and only Son. In Your name, we give you the praise and honor and glory that is deserved only by you. In humble adoration and submission to your will, it is in your name we pray. Amen.

The Christmas Gift

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As I signed her Christmas card, I realized its message was an obvious reflection of the true meaning of Christmas. There were no Christmas trees or Santa or reindeer. No elves or mistletoe or sleighs. No snow or stockings or elves. There were just words taken from the book of Matthew proclaiming the birth of the Promised Messiah. It was a message of hope.

I knew she considered herself to be religious. She is, after all, a devout Catholic who attends an online Irish Mass in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Oh. She once regularly attended in person at her parish, but a global event three years earlier got her out of the habit of meeting with friends and family. She now chooses to worship alone, if she worships at all.

I wondered if her out of town guests arriving in a few days would note the religious overtones of the card. I could just imagine them asking her about the one who had signed the card. I wondered if they might possibly ask if the person seemed to be a holy roller. Were they religious? Were they a Christian? I wondered how she might respond to the question. How would she describe me? And then I had to come to an honest conclusion that perhaps I haven’t shared enough of my faith with her. Perhaps she thought I was just a nice person. And that’s it. Did she really know that I’m a Christian?

I also wasn’t sure how she would accept the gift I was offering to her. It was an outside the box type of gift. Not one that just everyone would give. I wasn’t sure if she would think it weird since it was homemade. But when she opened the gift and realized what it was, she squealed in delight. Her face lit up with joy. She told me the gift she was bringing for me the next day was not nearly as creative. The point of my gift wasn’t to be creative or to outdo her gift. It was to make her holiday just a bit easier. 

In my mind, I had decided how and when she could use the gift. But when she later told me her plans for it, they didn’t match the scenario in my head. I was a little disappointed, but then I had to remind myself that the gift was hers to use as she saw fit. It didn’t have to fit the imaginary scene in my head. So I smiled and said that her plan sounded perfect. And I meant it, because it was her plans that mattered. Not mine.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8

She’s often in pain and doesn’t have much stamina these days. She walks painstakingly slow now, and is scheduled for an upcoming surgery after the first of the year. She lives alone and has to climb stairs even when the pain is unbearable. She’s past the age of retirement, but says she wants to work ten more years. She needs help but won’t ask for it. 

Her only child is flying home to celebrate the holiday with her for the first time in several years. She has had a countdown on her phone for months waiting for the day her daughter arrives. She said her daughter was her reason for living. The visit will give her the encouragement she needs to make it until she has surgery.

It is the season of gift giving. I realize there are times that it’s important to give good gifts to others. Not necessarily expensive or designer gifts. But gifts from the heart. Gifts that offer a personal touch. Some groups set a price limit. Others know no limits. Some offer few gifts, while others give lavishly. But isn’t it true that it isn’t the gift that matters? It’s the heart of the giver. Gifts should be offered freely with no strings attached. Was there a spoken or unspoken expectation of reciprocation? Hopefully not.

The gift of God’s only son is a gift from his heart to everyone. And it offers a personal touch on the heart of every believer who accepts it. We can rejoice with great joy this Christmas season knowing that the sacrifice of God’s only Son is the gift that keeps on giving. By accepting the gift, we are given even more. We now have the promise of eternal life in heaven.

When someone on this earth accepts the gift freely given by our heavenly Father, the gift of salvation and eternal life, angels rejoice. Heaven throws a party when a lost sinner becomes a child of God.  Have angels partied for you yet? If not, there is still time. With a repentant heart, pray the sinner’s prayer below that Billy Graham invited people to pray when they accepted Christ as their personal Savior. 

Dear God,

I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.
I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died
for my sin and that you raised Him to life.
I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord,
from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will.

I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. Luke 15:10

Wise Men Still Seek Him

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They were philosophers. Or astronomers. Or were they astrologers? Perhaps they were magicians. All we really know is that a group of men saw an unusual star one night and started an investigation into its meaning. The brilliance of it was unbelievable, and they had to know more. This star has been called an extraordinary celestial event. And the men have been called Magi.

The wise men studied the stars. When they saw a new star, they searched the Scriptures to find the meaning of it. Why were the Scriptures the place they turned to find the answer, one might ask. They were most likely educated men of their day. But what did their education consist of? How did they gain wisdom? Sure. Some might call these men pagan astrologers. But would men who didn’t believe in a deity travel many, many miles to worship a Messiah who had been promised many, many years earlier? It’s doubtful. And God condemned astrology many times in Scripture. So, would he seek out pagans to find his chosen Son? What we know is that God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.

These men commonly known as “wise” set out on a journey to follow the star. They believed it would lead them to the One promised in Scripture many years earlier. Funny thing is. No one else seemed to have noticed the star. No other group of wise men was traveling to an unknown destination to worship the promised Savior of the world. Nowhere else in history is it recorded that groups of travelers were following the star to find a new king. They were on their own.

This group of astronomers went out of their way to find the star. They traveled a far distance without hesitation. There were huge sacrifices. No one knows if they left families behind to trek across the globe. No one knows if they were truly equipped for the journey. No one knows how far they traveled or how long the trek took. And, apparently, they didn’t ask anyone’s permission. They just set out on the trip of a lifetime. Only hope. And a promise.

The star was one of a kind. It actually led these travelers to the sight they were seeking. Oh. They knew who and what they were looking for. But they stopped and asked for directions. The problem is. They asked the wrong person. Little did this small band of travelers know that the One they were seeking was not of the royal bloodline. His bloodline was eternal. And he would prove to be unwelcome and unwanted by those in authority.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Those who believed in the promised Messiah assumed that his throne would be a human, physical one. So, of course, these men sought out the highest position possible, King Herod, to ask where to find the new king. It didn’t go over so well. Suddenly, Herod felt threatened, because he had never heard that someone greater than he was in the area. And it was a baby they were looking for. According to King Herod, the only natural thing to do was kill all boys age two and under. That should solve the problem.

But these wise men lived up to their name. God warned them not to tell Herod where they found the child. And after their visit with the promised babe, they left town taking another route. They duped the king. Such wise men! Before they left town, though, they offered precious gifts for the young boy. Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh. Only the best and most useful gifts were offered to the King of kings.

Foolish men think they don’t need God.   Wise men know they have a void, and they surrender to the only One who can fill their deepest longings. In him, they find deep fulfillment. Since he set eternity in our hearts, we’re only complete in him. It should only take common sense to realize that simple truth, but apparently over time, hearts and minds can become hardened to the truth.

If we look around us today, it’s hard to find wise men. Or women. We’ve been choosing unwisely for so long, we don’t understand true wisdom. We can easily fall prey to deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. We follow hypocrites and liars, and we turn away from the true faith. We follow influential people who lead us astray. We consider nothing sacred. 

Wise people want to live a godly life knowing they may suffer persecution as did their Savior. Wise people are humble and listen to advice. They also use their words with restraint and practice patience. They’re even tempered and hold their tongues. And wise men still seek the Savior of the world.

Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown. Proverbs 4:5-9

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 

Dressed for the Occasion

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

They were the ruling party of the day. They knew they had control of the people, and they liked it that way. Power is everything to some people, and some people abuse that power. And in this very moment, they were abusing the power that had been vested to them by the authorities. And they didn’t care. Who would challenge them? Who would call them out for their unlawful behavior? Who would dare?

A man was on trial for a belief the ruling party didn’t agree with. So they brought in their own attorney to tell a version of the story that was far from the truth. They even provided witnesses who didn’t witness the so-called crime. They were determined to put this man away for what life he had left in him. And rightly so, because he was a threat to their way of ruling. He spoke words that went directly against their ideologies, and he was in the way. A menace to society, some would say.

Funny thing is. This man didn’t even have an attorney. He spoke in his own defense. But no worries. His speech was eloquent and accurate. He did not embellish his story. He just told the plain truth. His delivery was on point. There was no denying that. He had been called a troublemaker and a ringleader. He was accused of desecrating the holy place where everyone worshipped. Only he hadn’t.

This man’s name was Paul. What this ruling party failed to remember, or perhaps didn’t know, was that Paul had once sought and approved of the killing and imprisonment of people who called themselves Christians. And now. Here he was. The roles had been reversed, and he found himself on the receiving end of imprisonment and possible death for being a Christian. Oh. Paul was aware of the dangers, but he felt God’s call on his life to share the message of salvation.

It was obvious to Paul and the men who traveled with him that the leaders in Jerusalem had rejected the gospel message. And by doing so, they rejected anyone associated with it. Not only were there multiple incidents of the message being rejected locally, but violence was ramping up against Paul and other believers. So when Paul spoke publicly about Jesus Christ and the need for salvation, a spotlight was pointed straight on him. But it didn’t silence him.

You can read this story about Paul in Acts 24-26.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17

Oh. Paul knew who he was fighting against. He knew the enemy, because he had once been a soldier in the enemy’s camp, all the while thinking he was fighting for a righteous cause. But he had been fooled. And when his eyes were opened, he realized the error of his ways. He had not been on the winning team, even though he had fully believed he was. But once the scales fell from his eyes, he surrendered to the God who had called his name on that road to Damascus. And ever since that day, he was fighting a winning battle even when he appeared to be losing. He was, at long last, on God’s side and would fight mightily for him until his last exhale of breath. Paul knew his final victory would be to spend eternity with his Savior, so fight he must.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, he gave them basic instructions on how to stand unwavering in their faith. He taught them how to get dressed in the full armor of God every day, because that’s how he stood ready and prepared for the spiritual fight of his life. As he stood in front of the courts that day, he wore the full armor of God and was able to stand his ground speaking the truth boldly and confidently.

This body armor was not visible to the naked eye, but its effects were on full display. Those in the courtroom heard the full truth of Paul’s story, and God’s righteousness protected his heart from being wounded by sin. Paul walked into that arena in peace knowing that he was anchored and standing firm in his faith. He carried the shield of faith, so the enemy’s fiery arrows couldn’t reach him. By wearing the helmet of salvation, Paul’s every thought was protected by God. Satan’s stronghold was no threat over him. Lastly, Paul used the Word of God as a sword against Satan’s temptations. Paul was covered head to toe in God’s armor.

As believers, we too are called to be fully dressed in God’s armor every day. When we stand before our accusers for thought crimes or words of truth, we must be prepared to stand in defense of the truth. We must use every piece of God’s armor to defend our faith. Others may not see God’s armor, but as we wear it each day they will see God’s work in us as we reject Satan’s advances on our faith.

This spiritual warfare is a battle every believer faces, so we must be dressed for the occasion. As soldiers in the army of God, we must be armed at all times. No warrior enters the battle without their weapons. We can be encouraged knowing that God has provided his protection for us with this suit of armor. Those who know the strength and power of the suit will recognize its work as we publicly live out our faith.

Name Your Friends

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The importance of having a network of fellow Christian friends is so obvious in today’s environment. As noted in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, he had close ties to believers in the cities where he had preached. This wasn’t a coincidence. This was intentional, because he needed fellowship and encouragement with people who had common beliefs and interests. When he was discouraged, his friends would encourage him and vice versa. Honestly, it can be lonely to be in a church and have no friends.

Who do you turn to when you need advice? Do you turn to friends who have no biblical foundation, or do you turn to those who can lead you closer to Christ? Do your friends believe in Jesus Christ? Are they faithful followers and seeking God’s will in their lives? Will they hold you accountable when necessary, and will you do the same for them? If you want to grow your faith, look for people who are likeminded.

There are ways to grow friendships with fellow believers, and none of them can be accomplished if we sit at home crying alone. Oh. There may be times when crying alone is called for, but it won’t help develop long lasting friendships. But there are also times when you may need a shoulder to cry on, or someone may need you to shoulder their burden. Stay grounded in the Bible, so you’re well-fed enough that you can speak truth and love to others.

Attend church regularly and get involved. Consider discipling other believers in the church. If your gift is teaching, lead a Bible study. Train others to read the Bible and how to study it. Join a book study that offers sound Biblical teaching. Join the church volleyball league or any other group that interests you. Invite others to your home for dinner or coffee.

Don’t be discipled by social media influencers. They could lead you astray, if you aren’t grounded in the Word of God. As you get better acquainted with fellow believers, allow those with more biblical maturity and wisdom to mentor you. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to help guide you through a difficult phase of life. You never know when the opportunity will come full circle, and you’re on the giving end of godly advice.

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20

Paul didn’t stay at home long. He traveled the world sharing God’s message. He had the opportunity to meet many people and witness their conversion to faith in Jesus Christ. Not only did he live and work with them, he spent months on end building into their lives. He discipled new believers, so they would have a strong faith when he wasn’t with them. He also kept up to date on the happenings of the churches and of his faithful friends. Paul was a true friend and discipler of other believers. Can I say the same of myself?

The first friend Paul mentions in a long list of friends as he closes the book of Romans is Phoebe, who lived in Cenchrea and was enroute to Rome. Perhaps she carried the letter to the Roman church. Priscilla and Aquila were close friends and fellow tent makers who had been deported by the Roman officials because they were Jews. They had landed in Corinth, Greece where Paul first met them, but were eventually able to return to Rome.

Epenetus was one of Paul’s first converts in Achaia, and he was a beloved friend. Paul mentions several other friends he identified as hard workers for the church.

Two highly respected men, Andronicus and Junia, were fellow Jews who had been in prison with Paul. They had become followers of Christ before Paul did, and were also willing to lay down their lives and livelihoods in order to spread the gospel message.

Urbanus was a co-worker in Christ, and Stachys was a dear friend. Apelles, was a good man approved by Christ. Aristobulus held church meetings in his home. Herodion was another fellow Jew. The household of Narcissus was occupied by followers of Christ. Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis worked hard for the Lord. Rufus was chosen by the Lord to be his own, and Paul was close enough to his mother to call her his own.

Paul also lists multiple believers who met in other home churches. They too were faithful followers of his teachings of Jesus Christ. And he called them friend.

Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me. Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. Romans 16:1-15

In total, Paul listed by name twenty-seven people who were his friends. He generously complimented his friends and built them up. These individuals lived notable lives and were worthy friends of this man Paul who had once hunted and imprisoned Christians. He was a trusted man, and he had developed many close friendships throughout his years of travel and ministry. These people he listed are real people. Most likely, they are commonplace people trying to earn an honest living, and they’ve accepted the call to follow the Savior that Paul preached to them.

We too can have a long list of friends if we consistently cultivate new relationships. If we read closely Paul’s descriptions of his friends, we will note that they aren’t all extremely close friends. But they are notable enough to deserve a greeting. As with Paul, not all our friendships will be extremely close. That’s not the point. While it’s important to have a close circle of trusted friends and advisors, we still need a broader range of friendships with people who have various gifts and abilities. It’s never too late to add a new name to your list.

Handmade Gods

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

It was a group of tradesmen who incited the riot. They made and sold silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis and felt their industry was being threatened. The apostle Paul had been preaching in their city for some time, and people were moving their allegiance from Artemis to worshipping God. Paul was teaching that the way to eternal life was through a life devoted to serving Jesus Christ.

As people in Ephesus were converting to this new God, they were rejecting Artemis. The tradesmen were seeing a slowdown in business. If the people didn’t worship the goddess Artemis, then they wouldn’t continue buying these silver figurines. The men would be out of business. Their livelihood would be destroyed.

These makers of silver gods knew that if enough people were convinced that these handmade statues weren’t really gods, they would be forced to close their doors. And they knew that Paul had not only persuaded many in their city to serve the One and Only God, but he had also preached the same message throughout the entire region. They weren’t necessarily upset about the message Paul was preaching. They were concerned about their economy, and they wrapped their concern in religious and patriotic messaging. He must be stopped. At all costs.

I can understand why the men were all upset. The temple to this goddess, also known as Diana, was considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world. It must have been a sight to behold. This temple was famous throughout the world. So, if someone was suddenly causing these men to lose business, of course, they would have to challenge the newcomers. A confrontation was in order. Their business was important, and no outsider could come in and ruin it for them. Absolutely not. So they took matters into their own hands.

As the men became angry at the injustice they saw happening against them and their life’s work, they began to stir up trouble. They started a riot, and crowds rushed to the amphitheater. Soon, the entire city was full of confusion. They thought they were heroes for the sake of their beliefs, but it was all a matter of saving their pride and making money.

Some people went along with the crowd just so they could be part of the crowd. They had no idea what the fuss was all about or who was even in charge of all the chaos. They just followed the crowd and did and said what they were told. They had no clue what they were fighting for or against.

About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: “Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!” At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater. Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there. Acts of the Apostles 19:23-32

Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Imagine being so good at your work that your actions could threaten to put an end to an evil industry. Imagine your words and convictions being so convincing that you could cause others to turn from serving idols to serving the living God. Imagine if that would happen today. Because we are in the same predicament today as Paul was centuries ago. The thing is. Paul didn’t set out to close down this lovely temple. His entire focus was to preach the gospel of salvation to the lost souls of Ephesus. And in doing so, the newly saved souls saw the error of their ways. And they turned from their worship of this idol that was no god at all to worshiping the One True God. They had been worshiping a manmade image that had no power at all. It couldn’t even hear their prayers.

Today we find ourselves locked in a battle not of our choosing. We see industries flooding the market with products and services that go directly against God and his creation. The creators of these products push their wares on people who either don’t know or don’t care about preserving biblical values. And those who publicly disagree are made out to be the worst of the worst. Anyone who opposes these retailers and industries may find themselves out of a job. Or worse. They may find that they’ve been blackballed and are not allowed to do business. Some have even had their bank accounts closed.

I’ve been on the fence as to whether Christians should boycott certain retailers and industries that sell products that oppose biblical teachings. It’s a decision everyone who calls themselves a follower of Christ must make. To be honest, I’ve failed in my boycott attempts. I’ve heard some Christians say they don’t even try to boycott any retailers. I’ve also read of those who are working to build a parallel economy that supports only companies that hold to biblical standards.

Just imagine with me, though. If a majority of Christ followers stopped supporting retailers and industries that were blatantly shoving anti-Christian products in our faces, an impact would be seen and felt. We’ve already seen it earlier this year when a couple of companies were expecting the applause of many when they supported specific lifestyles and life choices. The backlash has been huge and the voice of the opposition was heard loud and clear. Will it last? Only time will tell. But for a short window in time, the message on the side of the opposition was powerful.

When the public square speaks a language that Christ would oppose, shouldn’t Christians today oppose it, as well? Especially when there are other options? Truth is being challenged in every segment of society, today, so we must be on high alert at all times. We must never let our guard down to the schemes of the enemy. It’s time to consider where we will spend our hard-earned dollars.

But, at the same time, believers cannot up and remove themselves from society. Believers will remain in jobs in secular businesses. Christians will remain in public schools and liberal universities. Employees will be expected to attend trainings and workshops that are counter to their beliefs. Christians can’t just hide in a hole and ask the rest of the world to accept them. There are times and places when Christians must remove themselves from situations. Due to cultural expectations in some careers, they may have to choose an alternate career to keep their faith intact. But now is also the time to dig in our heels and spend time in prayer for those who oppose Jesus Christ. If all believers were removed from society, who would be the light in the world? Jesus hasn’t called his people home yet, so we are here to be a light in the darkness.

We should not ask, “What is wrong with the world?” for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, “What has happened to the salt and light?”

John Stott