Author: mercyfortheday

Love and Obedience

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Jesus was both loved and hated. Those who loved him were faithful followers who hung on his every word. They believed his message. They longed to see him perform miracles and change lives. They whispered about him behind closed doors, longing to spend more time with him. They wondered if he was the promised Messiah.

But then there were the haters. They too listened to his words, but they were appalled at what they heard. They asked him what they thought were hard questions, trying to trip him up. He answered all their questions with ease or with silence. They hated his teaching because his words pointed directly at their sin, and their sin was their identity. They didn’t want to change in any way, shape or form. They wanted to be rid of him, even if it meant violence against him. They hunted him and talked about him behind closed doors plotting revenge.

Jesus was gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room for the Last Supper. He was sharing with them about his upcoming death. They weren’t understanding clearly what he was telling them, and they were confused as to why he was telling only them. Why not tell the masses?

One of the disciples asked Jesus why he was planning to reveal his mission only to his closest followers and not to the masses. But when you think about it, why would anyone reveal such intimate information to those who don’t support them? Why give the haters one more thing to plot against? Oh sure. At the appointed time, revealing his true identity and mission was necessary. But it wasn’t yet time. Jesus’ own disciples still had doubts that he had to deal with. So, why go to the masses with your most private but soon to be ultimate destiny?

Jesus spoke simply and plainly to his disciples when he explained that only those who love him would obey him. And if we truly love him, we will keep his word. There will be no question of our commitment. That can’t be said for those who hate him. Jesus also knew that once his work was completed on this earth the Holy Spirit would come to instruct those who loved him. And anyone who rejects Jesus also rejects his Father and would not receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus lived in complete reliance on and submission to his Father. There was no line he would cross or attitude he would cop in rebellion against his Father’s plan for his life. And he knew there was a price he would pay when he relinquished his heavenly body for an earthly one. He knew the price would be high, and he was willing to pay it in an earthly body that would hold him for no more than thirty three years. But he couldn’t speak publicly of the plans. They were for certain ears only. And his disciples were the chosen audience.

Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. Matthew 12:30

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. John 14:22-24

Jesus’ disciples thought he was planning to establish an earthly kingdom and then overthrow Rome, so they couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t go public with his plan. But the plans set out for the Son of God had nothing to do with an earthly kingdom, and Jesus had plans to share the details with only those who loved and obeyed him. He knew anyone else would try to sabotage his ministry.

Love is a commitment. When we choose to love and obey God, we must understand the strength of that bond. God sacrificed his only Son for our sins, so we must love him with everything we’ve got. Otherwise, is it really love? Some say there is a fine line between love and hate. But, I wonder. How fine is that line? Perhaps it depends on the relationship and the reasons behind the love or hate. In this passage of Scripture, there is a definite distinction between those who love Jesus and those who don’t. And Jesus must treat the two groups differently. The groups don’t have the same values or mission. One is out to win the world for Jesus, and the other is out for blood. Jesus’ blood, that is. Love is not out for blood. Only hate seeks revenge and destruction. Only hate seeks to destroy those who disagree with you. Love seeks open discussion and reconciliation, not retaliation.

We read in Deuteronomy that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and strength. This level of commitment to our Lord and Savior is in acknowledgment of the fact that the Lord alone is God. And because of our love for God, we must abide by his commandments. Even if those who hate God or are just opposed to the teachings of Jesus also oppose us and our beliefs, we must stand firm in our faith and commitment.

Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Obedience is the necessary consequence of love.
— James Smith

But No One Asked

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I moved to this state eight months ago. My. How time flies. I buy groceries every week. The problem is that none of the grocery stores where I shopped in my previous state are available where I now live. None. There is no Kroger. Or Giant Eagle. No Whole Foods. Or Fresh Thyme. And no Trader Joe’s. None of them. Oh sure. There is a Walmart. And a Meijer. I just don’t shop at those stores. So, I’ve had to visit all the grocery stores in the area to find one I like. And it took weeks to settle on one. My favorite is farther away than I want to drive. And it’s the most expensive one. The next one is owned by the expensive store, and it’s a little pricey, too. So, I’ve settled on a third choice. It’s a good store. It’s clean and fully stocked. However, it doesn’t carry some of the items I am used to buying. But none of the others do, either. And that’s not really the issue for today.

The store that I’ve settled on is a decent one. I have no problem shopping there. But I’ve noticed I think is peculiar. They offer some type of rewards program. I’m not sure what it is because no one has explained it to me, and I haven’t asked. But here’s the thing. Every week when I go through the checkout line, the cashier asks if I am a rewards member. I say no. They say ok and continue with checking me out. They don’t ask if I want to join. And they don’t ask if I want to know about the program. They don’t say anything but “ok” when I tell them I’m not a member.

I find it odd that in all these months no one has asked if I’m interested in becoming a card carrying rewards member. Maybe they’ve asked others in the past who have refused. I don’t know. Or maybe the workers are trained not to offer the rewards program unless someone asks about it. I’m not interested in the program, but I find it very odd that they don’t wonder why I’m not a member. I’m assuming they don’t care. After all, the cashiers are just doing their job by scanning and bagging my groceries and then taking my payment. They don’t have to offer anything extra. And I’ve never been approached by a manager. I’m not even sure who the manager is. Or the assistant manager. I’m sure they’re busy working in their office or scouting through the store. I just find it odd that no one has asked.

And then there’s the sub sandwich shop that I seem to be frequenting more often than I should. They, too, offer some type of rewards program. Every time I order at the drive thru, they ask if I’m a rewards member. When I tell them I’m not, they just give the total that I owe for my sandwich. And when I pull up at the drive thru window, they’ve never asked if I wanted to join the rewards program or offered any information about it. What’s up with that?

In both instances with the grocery store and the sub shop, I’m sure I would be allowed to become a rewards member if I wanted. I’m assuming they wouldn’t deny anyone access to the program. After all, it’s free, aside from making purchases at their stores. And I’m not offended that neither of them has asked. I just find it odd that no one has asked.

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news! Romans 10:13-15

As Christians, we come into contact with people every day who aren’t believers. And we say nothing to them about our faith. Oh. They may know that we attend church, but we never invite them. Heaven forbid that we ask someone to visit our church. And we sure don’t tell them about our relationship with God. I mean. We may say that it’s the most important relationship in our lives, over that of even our spouse and children. As it should be. But we don’t share the good news of salvation with anyone. We say we don’t want others to be uncomfortable with such a personal question, but I can guarantee most of us have probably discussed divisive politics with them. Or our personal problems. Or other people’s problems. But we don’t share how the most important decision we’ve ever made in our lives has changed our life forever.

How will unbelievers come to a growing relationship with Christ if no one tells them? How will they know that the only path to eternity with Jesus is through the old rugged cross? How will they know that they need to repent of their sins and commit to following Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior if they want to see him in heaven someday? If we who have received eternal life don’t tell them, who will?

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have: “The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world.” Romans 10:17-18

We have to stop assuming that the next person will fill in the gap for our lack of obedience or initiative. We must step up and reach out to the lost. If all Christians are silent, how will we win the lost? Are we ashamed of the gospel? Oh. I’m just as guilty as the next person about keeping my faith to myself. I’m preaching to myself here.

I follow several influencers on social media. They are continually telling their followers about the new and awesome products they use, hoping to gain a commission from the sales. Oh. You say. That’s different. Influencers actually get paid for telling others about their favorite products. Does everything have to be about the almighty American dollar? Do we always have to expect something in return for a good we’ve done for others? We are not building up an earthly prize when we share the love of Jesus with others. Our reward will be in eternity. Isn’t it fulfilling to see others come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, just as we have? Wouldn’t you breathe a deep sigh of relief and joy knowing one more sinner has turned from the path to hell and is now marching to Zion?

Oh. We seem to be willing to express our opinions openly about topics we disagree with. If we have a bad experience at a restaurant or hotel or with a business, we want to tell the world. And sometimes we see people posting photos and a description of the bad service they’re received. They feel free to share their experience and anger or hurt feelings with even online strangers. But tell someone that Jesus is the light of the world? Share how Jesus has changed your life? Of course, we can’t. We’re too shy. It wouldn’t be right. It would be uncomfortable. What if I’m ridiculed? That’s what we say. So, we’re quiet. Too quiet. We’re so quiet, in fact, that we never share our faith at all. And we wonder why others don’t know.

One writer asks the question, “Do we see any secret-agent, underground Christians in the New Testament church?” I think not, he writes. So, we are not off the hook for sharing the gospel. We may not all be extroverts and find it easy and comfortable to share our faith, but we still must be faithful to speak when God opens the door for such a conversation. Just because someone doesn’t ask about our faith or about Christianity or the Bible doesn’t mean they’re not interested in learning about it. Perhaps they just don’t know anyone who is versed in such topics, as we live next to them tightly clutching our faith to our chest. And if we who know don’t speak up, shame on us.

If we believe God’s ways are truly best, then out of love of neighbor we need to promote God’s ways.

Dr. Glenn Sunshine

The Pope is Dead, but Jesus is Alive

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The Pope is dead, but Jesus is alive. We can’t forget which of these two can actually forgive sins. We can’t forget which one died on a cross for the sins of all humanity and then rose from the dead. Nor can we forget which of these two is God and the other is not. We haven’t seen Pope Francis rise from the dead, and we won’t. He’s in eternity now and won’t be returning to this earth. On the other hand, Jesus was crucified on a cross and buried in a tomb. He arose from the dead on the third day and exited the tomb, never to return. And after his ascension to heaven, he is now building an eternal home for his faithful followers. The Pope cannot do this.

Pope Francis died the day after Easter. As the world was celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Pope was on his deathbed. After suffering a stroke that left him in a coma, he breathed his last. Jesus’ final breath was taken after having a gall-filled sponge pressed to his lips in a last ditch effort to curb his thirst. He then cried out, “It is finished.” His life was over.

Oh. Many may want to compare the two. The Pope and Jesus Christ. So…let’s compare them.

On Easter, Pope Francis took one last ride in his popemobile. Oh. He knew he wasn’t well, and he asked his caregiver if the ride was a good idea. And just hours before he breathed his last, he gave a tearful tribute to that caregiver with thanksgiving for the suggestion for that final ride. Those were his final spoken words.

Jesus’ last ride was on a donkey as he entered Jerusalem. Known as his Triumphal Entry, Jesus knew he was soon to be sacrificed for the sins of his people. As throngs lined the roadway, they threw their coats and palm branches in his path proclaiming, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” The entire city was in an uproar as he entered on the back of that borrowed donkey. When some in the crowd asked who he was, others shared that he was Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.

The head of the Church didn’t die on Easter Monday, he actually rose from the dead the day before. Some may be confused about who the head of the Church Universal actually is. It isn’t anyone called Pope. The Pope is an elected official over the Roman Catholic church. He holds no sway on people’s eternal destiny. He can’t forgive anyone’s sins. He can’t heal anyone or raise them from the dead. Only Jesus Christ can do those things.

I’m not comparing the Pope and Jesus Christ to insinuate they’re identical. Not at all. The life and death of Jesus was planned and accomplished through the wishes of his Father. The life of Pope Francis played out for most years out of the public eye. His final years spent in the Vatican showed his true colors.

Oh. Each of these two men brought division. They just went about it in different ways.

As one writer said, Pope Francis was known to be a globalist and a socialist. Some believe he may have been a Marxist. He was very divisive and catered to the liberal wing of the Catholic church. He supported the climate change agenda, mass immigration, the LGBTQ agenda, and he pushed vaccines on the world. He was known to silence conservative voices within the church. Some say his positions aligned more with the Church of Satan than traditional Catholic values. Others have called his a “liquid” Catholicism and disruptive in ways that favored liberals. Pope Francis upset many with his push for a progressive acceptance of ideas the conservatives and the Catholic church had long opposed. He used his prominent position to push his ideas on global political issues, and he brought theological disruption to the Catholic church.

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14

I read a number of articles this week extolling the goodness of Pope Francis. Some praised the man, but many others said quite the opposite. One writer hopes that the new Pope isn’t stupid and is more aligned with traditional Catholicism. According to the statement from the Vatican, “he taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”

I’m only sharing what I’ve read about the man. I never met him.

A similar scenario played out in Jesus’ day of people either loving him or hating him.

Jesus was clear to tell us that his ministry was divisive because his teachings stirred up people’s lives. His message pitted one against another. Oh. That wasn’t necessarily his intention, but he knew that his teachings wouldn’t be popular with just everyone. He didn’t cater his message to specific groups. His message was the same wherever he traveled. He had no favorites. And he shared that people would be divided against each other because of the truth that he spoke. And he spoke it anyway. His message was one for the ages, and it’s as true and relevant today as it was the day he first shared it.

Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

But why did Jesus’ message bring division, you ask. Jesus preached to the masses, and he spoke in parables. People didn’t always understand the message, but it left them asking for more. His words penetrated their hearts. But there were those whose hearts were cold to the hard truths he shared, and they walked away rejecting his message. They didn’t want to hear that they needed to guard themselves against every type of greed. Or that instead of storing up earthly wealth, they needed to have a strong relationship with God. They didn’t want to hear that they shouldn’t store up treasures on this earth; instead their treasures should be stored in heaven. Jesus knew his preaching of the gospel would divide families instead of uniting them. He knew his teachings would make waves among the leaders of the synagogue, and he did it anyway. He knew some people would be vocal opponents of his message and others would be strong supporters, regardless of the cost. Jesus taught us to love everyone even when they live in opposition to biblical teachings.

The peace of Jesus is the cross. But the cross is the sword God wields on earth. It creates division. The son against the father, the daughter against her mother, the member of the house against the head–all this will happen in the name of God’s kingdom and his peace.

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

The message of Jesus was a message of peace. If you disagree, you’ll need to read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). But his words of peace called for people to make a radical, personal commitment to serving him. And that message divided those who chose to serve him and those who chose to reject him. Family members were at odds with each other because one chose Jesus and one did not. That’s what we see still to this day.

“I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against. ‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-53

The people also wanted their Messiah to have an earthly kingdom, and Jesus knew that was impossible. His reign would be for eternity, not for a few earthly years. The Pope, on the other hand, spent the last years of his life in palatial surroundings, governing the Roman Catholic church. He inserted his left-leaning beliefs into politics. He led as though his role was one of power, wanting total control.

The teaching of papal infallibility in the Roman Catholic Church provides a grace to the Pope, which means that when he speaks officially in declaration of revealed truth in faith or morals, he is always correct on matters of doctrine. It doesn’t mean he is without error, but his words are thought to come from the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis had recently commented that “all religions are paths to God”, but Jesus clearly stated that he and he alone is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

These words comparing Pope Francis to Jesus Christ gives us much to ponder. We can’t put our hope in one man, regardless of his position on this earth. He was made in the image of God, but that didn’t make him a child of God. Only those who call on the name of Jesus Christ and repent of their sins have the right to be called children of God. My hope is that this Pope had made that confession before his death.

It is Finished

~ mercyfortheday ~ 2 Comments

I recently learned that someone I know will soon be losing their job. Having been on the receiving end of such news more than once myself, I know the pain they’re feeling. I understand the deep feeling of loss and holy anger at being forced to leave a job I wasn’t quite ready to leave. And when the decision is made without my input, it’s a raw feeling of rejection. Who doesn’t want to be the one deciding when to leave their job? No one wants to be told their time is up at their workplace before they’ve made that decision for themselves.

When you’re told “it is finished” for you, you feel a flood of emotions. And those emotions are valid. No one enjoys being told they’re done before they’re ready to be done. But that’s how it works for many people these days. One day you’re in. The next day you’re out. It doesn’t seem fair, but that’s life. And we have to roll with it.

I’ve always lived with the motto that the best is yet to come. Even in the hardest of times, I held onto that hope. Each time I lost my job, I hoped and prayed that someone would hire me. And someone always did. But the loss of the previous job was tough. It changes you, and you have to decide if you’ll become bitter or better for it. Life isn’t over just because the job is. You never know what lies just around the corner.

The one losing her job is in the last days of employment. She’s wrapping up loose ends and giving final instructions to those she works closely with. She’ll finish well and move on to the next phase of her life. Even though the job loss was not in her plans, she can walk away with her head held high knowing she’s given it her best.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

Jesus had been teaching large crowds of people and healing the sick among them. As the days drew closer for his earthly ministry to end, he began making his way to Jerusalem. He knew that his ministry would be finalized in that city. He knew that he would face persecution and death there, and he didn’t run from it. As he made his way to the city of David, he continued his ministry by teaching and healing people. His work didn’t end because his end of days was just ahead.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

We have just lived through what was the last week of Jesus Christ’s earthly life. Before he was arrested, put on trial and then crucified, he knew his time on earth was coming to an end. The human part of him asked for “this cup” to pass from him, but his Father refused. And he knew there was no need to ask for a reprieve because he had given up his deity and became fully human just to die for the sins of humanity. And the time had come to fulfill the prophecy.

But humanly speaking, he didn’t want a kiss of betrayal on his brow. He didn’t want to be whipped. He didn’t want a trial held under the cloud of darkness. He didn’t want to feel the pain of rejection. The pressure of thorns piercing his skull. The puncturing of his wrists with nails. The slit of his side with a sword. He didn’t want the taste of gall pressed on his lips with a dirty sponge. He didn’t want to breathe his last breath hanging on a wooden cross in a public display of the prophetic holy Scriptures. But he did it anyway. He willingly suffered the pain of death for all humanity. He spoke the words “It is finished” and gave up the ghost and breathed his last. And he died for our sins so you and I don’t have to.

In alignment with the rest of God’s creation project revealed in the biblical story, the new creation is the culmination of the purpose (creation) and provision (redemption) of God. The end of creation is when the perfect capacity for creation reaches complete perfection — when God declares over his creation project what he did at our redemption: “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Edward W. Klink III, The Beginning and End of All Things

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Jesus said it is finished because he was finished with his earthly ministry. He was basically saying that he had successfully completed the work he came to do. These three words weren’t a desperate cry for help. They were a proclamation that he had finished well. He had accomplished the work his Father had laid out for him, and all the prophecies of the Old Testament had now been fulfilled. Although his body was tattered and torn, beaten and bruised, he finished well. He had laid the groundwork for those who call on him to spend eternity with him.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

When Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, his earthly work was finished. In that moment, he laid down his life for us. His ministry lasted three years, but the preparations for it had begun long before he came to earth. He finished his work on earth and is now working to make our eternal home ready for when our time on earth is completed. He’s preparing a place for each of us who know him as Lord and Savior. Have you surrendered your life to him so he can prepare a room for you?

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2-3

Kamikaze Sin

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I’ve worn glasses for my entire adult life. And I’ve discovered a huge secret that probably anyone who wears glasses has also learned. Not only can we see better when we wear our glasses, but they can instantly get a smudge when we haven’t even touched the lens. I’ve never understood how that happens, but I’ve recently figured out what causes those annoying smudges that are not there one minute and impossible to miss the next. There must be invisible kamikaze drones that spray an undetected substance when they are in the vicinity of eyeglasses. That’s the only explanation I can figure out that makes sense.

I’ve never met a person who intentionally smears the lens on their glasses. If anything, we work hard to keep them clear so our vision is not compromised. But it’s a never-ending task. I don’t know about anyone else, but I find myself cleaning my glasses multiple times a day.

I’m perfectly content with my new theory. I just need some evidence that it holds true. If anyone has proof of life of these drones, please feel free to message me. Just as the drones in New Jersey appeared out of nowhere, so do these drones. I’m not sure if it’s a government plot to disrupt the life of glass wearers or some other nefarious plan.

In our daily lives, it seems there are times when a temptation comes out of nowhere and we “unexpectedly” sin. We may have to decide instantly how we will respond to the temptation staring us in the face. If we give in, we may try to defend our actions by blaming it on today’s culture. Everyone is doing it, so it’s ok. Those sins that come out of “unexpected” temptation could be categorized as kamikaze sins. They catch us unaware and, for some reason, we aren’t prepared to reject the temptation. So we give in when we have vowed not to. Perhaps what it amounts to is that we’re not steady enough on our spiritual feet to say no. We’re willing to risk eternal separation from God for a moment’s pleasure, to save face or acceptance by others we hold in high esteem.

But. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Think about that. We don’t want to offend others, but we’re willing to offend God. At a moment’s notice, we may be tempted to steal or lie. Or any number of sinful acts. Why do we do it? Oh. We’re all born with a sinful nature, that’s for sure. And perhaps, in our inner life that no one but God sees, we dwell on things that displease God. And then when we are tempted, we show no resistance. After all, it’s been on our mind for days. And the opportunity to act on that thought is right before our eyes. How can we turn away and say no?

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) Romans 8:3-9

Sin is a taboo subject these days. Even when we know we’re sinning, no one wants to admit they’ve offended God. Because when we admit it, then we have to do something about it. We either ignore God’s warning and continue on with our lives, or we repent and turn away from sin. It seems it should be an easy decision, but we’re selfish people and we want our way in life.

I’ve read recently that sin is autonomy. We choose to live by our own law. We decide what is permitted or not in our lives. We decide what’s right or wrong. We don’t hand that heavy responsibility to God, who has already determined right and wrong for everyone. Mankind wants to be free of God, so we crown ourselves as our own god. And we don’t let anyone or anything tell us what to do.

But when we believe there is a God, we hand over all the ownership to God. He defines the rules. He determines good and evil, and we must bow to his measures. Then when we feel the gaze of God upon us and our sin, we become very, very uncomfortable. Being confronted with our sin moves us to a decision of repentance or rejection of God.

Oswald Chambers writes in his classic devotional “My Utmost for His Highest”, “have you made the following decision about sin — that it must be completely killed in you? It takes a long time to come to the point of making this complete and effective decision about sin. It is, however, the greatest moment in your life, once you decide that sin must die in you — not simply be restrained, suppressed, or counteracted, but crucified — just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world.”

So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:14-25

If you haven’t chosen to repent of your sins, today is your day. Jesus will welcome your prayer of confession and repentance and forgive all your sins. He will give you a new heart and a desire to please him. You can pray the following simple prayer that Billy Graham used in his crusades to invite people to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name. Amen.

If it is difficult to get right with God, it is because we refuse to make this moral decision about sin. But once we do decide, the full life of God comes in immediately.

Oswald Chambers

Getting Along with Others

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The house next door to us has been empty ever since we moved in. Oh. The former owners abandoned the house, and it was sold at auction. I’ve been watching for any activity next door, because I’d like to get a glimpse of the new neighbor. Multiple vehicles come and go from the property several times a week. Caged squirrels have been removed, as if that will control the squirrel population in this area. Brush and unruly bushes have been plowed down. A load of gravel has been left by the side of the driveway. But I haven’t seen anyone working on the interior of the home. Until yesterday. And from what I’ve learned from other neighbors, the place should be either gutted or demolished. Looks like it will still stand, so who knows what type of interior work is being planned.

I’ve come across the name of the new buyer, and he’s local to this small town. He currently lives one street over. I had concluded that he must live nearby when I saw an off road vehicle come to the place on occasion. I assumed someone involved with the property must live nearby.

I know nothing about this individual except what I’ve seen online and in person. I hope we can establish a good neighbor relationship. He may be a great person, but what if he isn’t? We’ve become accustomed to living in a quiet neighborhood, and we’d like to keep it that way. What if he comes in and upsets the apple cart? Doesn’t he know that most everyone around him is of retirement age? I don’t want to stir up trouble where there is none, but I also hope he has the same attitude. Time will tell.

I’m not exactly sure what this person looks like or which one he is, since I’ve seen multiple people at the house. No one has staked a claim to it while I’ve been looking. It appears to be a family venture, at this point.

Dare I say that I did some online super sleuthing to find the new owner’s information? I tried to learn as much about him as I legally could. No harm, right? Now that I know what I know, I’m not sure what to do with the information because I’ve come to some conclusions, right or wrong.

I’m in a similar situation with someone else. This person is someone I was scheduled to meet with this past week. They’re a total stranger to me, so I wanted to find out a little bit about them before our face to face meeting. And I’ve discovered some information that is unsettling. I’m not sure how to handle it. They hold a position that I stand firmly against. My question to myself is this. Should I do business with someone I strongly disagree with? Is it appropriate to break the ties before they’re tied too tightly when the person hasn’t done anything offensive to me?

The information I learned about the individual is freely found online. They’ve made their stance publicly, so it’s available for the world to see if they know where to look. And I looked. Now. What do I do with the information?

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:14-15

I don’t want to be judgmental in either of these situations, but I do want to keep alert to issues that could come my way. If others knew my thoughts on the issues, they may think me crazy and looking for trouble. Really. I’m not. I find that in today’s world it pays to be cautious when allowing strangers into your life. Their intentions and expectations are never fully stated, same as mine aren’t.

I realize I’m making assumptions about situations that may be harmless. My thoughts can lead me into dangerous territories if allowed. Don’t yours? We assume the worst when we don’t even know how events will play out in real life. I like to tell myself I’m preparing for the unthinkable, while all the time simply placing judgments on people I’ve never met and on situations that most likely will never occur. I’m not calling that good or healthy. It’s a failing of mine.

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

I’ve come to the conclusion that I must turn these two situations over to God and let him take control. I’ve realized that the best thing I can do is pray. I can pray for each of these individuals and their needs and concerns that I know nothing about. I can pray that their intentions and expectations are in alignment with God’s. I must pray that I’ll be a godly witness in my relationship with each of them, fully knowing that the relationship may never truly develop. But a first impression never goes away. And I believe it is my Christian responsibility to represent Christ in every situation, regardless of the outcome.

Because, here’s the question. How do we reach the world around us who need Christ if we avoid them? How do we share the love of Jesus Christ to a lost people if we only spend time with other believers? If we don’t engage in conversations with people with different viewpoints, how will we sharpen our own?

Jesus called us to be in the world, but not of the world. We are set apart for a holy service and to fulfill the Great Commission. We are to be salt and light, and we are to live out our faith being an influencer of godliness instead of being influenced by those living in darkness. We who have called on the name of Jesus to forgive our sins are now children of God, and we have a responsibility to share the good news of salvation to those who don’t yet believe. Our light must shine brightly in a dark world. There’s no better time than now to let our light shine. Is your light shining?

A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian.

DL Moody

The Complicity of Silence

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Stephen had been performing miracles and signs among a crowd of people. A few days later, a group of men began to debate him. They hated the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke, so they persuaded others to lie about Stephen. Although Stephen was speaking truth, he was arrested and immediately brought to trial. As he spoke in his own defense, the crowd was outraged. The Jewish leaders were enraged as he preached the gospel message and pointed out their sins. In their rage, they rushed at him and dragged him outside the city gates. There they picked up stones and stoned him to death. They threw their coats at a man standing off to the side. He stood there silently. Watching. Holding coats. Approving of the merciless killing of an innocent man.

You can read the full story of Stephen’s witness and death in Acts 6:8-8:1.

Oh. This man holding coats could have spoken up. He could have pushed aside the crowd and protected the accused man. But he didn’t. Instead, Saul stood there guarding the coats of the killers.  Standing far enough away to claim innocence. Oh.  He didn’t physically throw a stone. But his silent stance of approval said it all. 

Saul stood silent, but he was also in a fight. He was fighting against the message that Stephen had been fighting for. Saul belonged to the group who took their fight public. He went from city to city throwing people in jail and sending them to their death all for their belief in the risen Savior. Oh. He knew where he stood on the issue, and he stood on the opposite side as Stephen. Saul was fighting to bring the innocent believers to a guilty judgment in a court of injustice. He had no concern for their lives or beliefs.

So he didn’t speak up for the man who boldly stood on the opposing side of a religious belief. He stood aside and watched him die. Unwilling to allow someone else to freely speak their beliefs. He was as guilty of Stephen’s murder as those who threw the stones.

Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Acts 8:1

Just as Saul was silent when the crowd stoned Stephen, Adam was silent when the serpent tempted Eve. Oh. Adam was standing right there with her, naked as a jaybird, and he said nothing. He didn’t remind her of God’s command not to eat the fruit from that particular tree. He listened and then took a bite when she offered it to him. There was nothing sacred or holy about that moment. They were both guilty of disobeying God. And they knew it. But they didn’t yet realize the consequences of that one bite. They didn’t realize the consequence for themselves or for the rest of humanity for all times.

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Genesis 3:1-7

In Adam’s case, he knew the truth and ignored it. And look at what it cost him. When we as twenty-first century Christians know the truth and do it not, we place our witness in a precarious position. Particularly if others recognize that we’ve ignored truth for comfort and cultural approval. I find these days that we’ve lost the art of courageous living. We instead lean toward acceptance and comfort. We do the easy thing in the moment, regardless of the consequences.

If we realized the moment before we made that one destructive and sinful decision, would we still do it? Would we still take just one small bite of that forbidden fruit, or would we set aside our eagerness to please others and fit in with our culture? Would we remain silent when a voice of truth needs to be heard? We can’t have it both ways. 

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! Proverbs 12:20

Cultural and political events in this country the past few years have caused many people to speak up for causes they believe in. They want their voice to be heard, regardless of which side of the issue they’re on. They want their opinions to be recorded in history. Some push too far. And yet, the vast majority remain publicly silent. Afraid for the career or status they could lose, they remain silent. So their silence is perceived as consent with a crowd they don’t particularly agree with. But how would anyone know that they hold a differing opinion? They surely don’t risk speaking up in public, because they’ve heard of those who do and are socially and professionally cast aside for those in agreement.

I see the same in them as I see in Saul.  Saul stood there holding the coats of those throwing stones to kill Stephen.  He was the official coat watcher.  What an excuse.  He stood by in silent consent as the mob violently threw stones on an innocent man.  Those stones broke bones and injured internal organs. The pummeling of his body with huge stones ushered Stephen into the presence of God Almighty. The silence of Saul was deafening.  In his final breath, Stephen asked God to forgive those who were killing him.

It is tempting to not speak out on an issue when you know you’ll face blow back and courage is so needed.

Gavin Ortlund

And where do I stand when I see or hear of someone being wronged? Do I stand just far enough away so that I can still see it but proclaim innocence? Don’t I know that by being silent, I’m doing Satan’s bidding?  Am I as guilty as Saul when I silently approve of those who participate in ungodly lifestyles by keeping the truth from them?   Have I not learned to stand for my beliefs, lest I fall for less? If I don’t stand for something, will I fall for anything?

Saul? The legalistic Pharisee knew all the laws. He could quote Scripture, but he didn’t believe in the Messiah who was prophesied about in those same Scriptures. He stood silently watching an innocent man die for his belief that the promise of the Messiah had actually been fulfilled. Saul’s silence was consent to the murder. Sure. He only held the coats of the killers. But that doesn’t make him innocent.

Another great apostle, Peter, remained silent three times when asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Three times he denied knowing Jesus, as Jesus stood on trial for crimes he didn’t commit. Three times Peter remained silent about his relationship with the man he followed with a passion. Why? He didn’t want to stand in harm’s way. He didn’t want to face an unknown future by admitting that he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Yet, earlier in the evening when Jesus had warned him that he would speak words of betrayal not once but three times, he defiantly said that he would be willing to die for Jesus. Yet outside the courtroom where Jesus was on trial, in the moment of truth, he denied even knowing Jesus.

Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26:33-35

You can read the full story of of Peter’s betrayal in Matthew 26.

I have to ask myself. 

Would I continue to speak up if I was publicly ridiculed or if my livelihood was threatened? Would I continue to speak the truth if I knew it could cost me everything? Including my life? What is the truth worth these days? Would I speak up for the one charged with a crime he didn’t commit?

I think of the Germans standing by silently as their leader ordered the Jews to be hunted and marched off to prison camps. Many of the Jews were killed and still others were never seen or heard from again.  But the Germans.  They knew the wrong that was being done to their neighbors. Their friends.  Yet they did nothing.  Nothing.  They stood by silently while their neighbors and friends disappeared into the unknown.  How could they be silent?  We ask. 

Would I stand silent because I thought my life could be on the line if I spoke up? What harm does my silence do? I opened an email the other day that asked “when truth is erased, who fights back?” Think about it.

The Heart of It All

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

So. We bought this house late last summer. Oh. The stone on the front facade is a look I have always disliked. I’ve just never cared for it, but there it is on the front of a house that I willingly bought. And I’m definitely not going to invest money to replace it with something I prefer. That’s just not in the budget. There are many other updates that I want to put my money and hard work toward, so I ignore the ugly stone as much as I can and concentrate on the parts of the house that I love.

And then I step inside my home. Oh. Every wall is still currently painted white. The floor is a lighter color than I would have chosen. I have paint swatches and wallpaper samples taped to the walls, and I’ve placed rugs in a couple of rooms. I’m making plans to update light fixtures and to paint the cabinets. I’d like to replace the garden tub with a walk-in shower. Those things will happen, but they will take time because we have some big ticket items to consider. We need to install a new HVAC system, and we need to replace part of the roof. We have foggy windows that need replaced. And these updates will come all in good time.

We’ve made this house our home, and it’s a comfortable place to live. Bright light shines in through the tall living room windows and the doors. Fresh breezes flow through the house on nice days. I’m working to make this house a cozy place where we will enjoy growing old. And so far, it’s working. We love being in our home.

The thing is. If I had to buy this house based on the exterior of it alone, I would have passed on it. Not because I disliked the shape of house, because I don’t dislike it. I just don’t like the look of the stone. It’s dated and ugly and way too expensive to replace. But it was the inside of the house that drew me in. The layout. The beauty of the tall wooden ceilings. The shape of the A-frame feels rustic and homey. It is a welcoming place.

The way I’m working on making my home a place I genuinely love reminds me of the story of how David was anointed as the second king of Israel. God was displeased with King Saul’s continued disobedience, so he let Saul know that none of his sons would inherit his place on the throne. Imagine being the prophet Samuel who had to break that news to the king of Israel. But he did it. He shared the bad news.

And God then told Samuel to go to the house of Jesse and anoint one of his sons as the next king. The problem is. God didn’t tell Samuel which son he had chosen. He told Samuel he would let him know who was the chosen son when he arrived in Bethlehem. When Samuel arrived at the house, he came with an offering to present to God. It was a heifer. Jesse and his sons were invited to the sacrifice where God would tell Samuel which son was to be the next king.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

When Samuel saw the first son, he was impressed and thought this must be the one. But God told him to keep looking. After checking out six more sons, God had still not given the green light to any of them. So Samuel asked if there were more sons. Oh. One more. The youngest. You don’t want to see him. He’s not worthy. Bring him to me, said Samuel. And when David was brought in to face Samuel, God let him know that the future king of Israel was standing before him. Samuel then anointed David in front of his father and brothers before they sat down to enjoy a feast.

Each time one of the first seven sons stood before Samuel, he thought they looked fine. All he could see was their physical appearance. But God was looking at their heart. And God had told Samuel earlier that he was looking for someone with a heart toward Him. He wanted a king who would obediently follow God while he led his country. Not a small task, at all. And when David entered the room, Samuel knew this was God’s chosen one.

Oh. We would later learn that David was far from perfect. He messed up big time. But he always turned back to God and repented of his sins. The results of momentary temptations and lusts brought him to his knees as he watched the son born of his sin die in infancy. But he arose from his knees a forgiven and changed man. He was a warrior and led the nation of Israel in many victorious wars against enemy nations. He planned and prepared for the temple that his son Solomon, the next king of Israel, would build. He was a man after God’s own heart.

Too many times we look at ourselves and wonder what God sees in us. But when we faithfully follow him, even though we may stumble, he is faithful to us. He will forgive us when we sin, as long as we repent. He knows our hearts. He knows if we have a true leaning toward being a child of God, or if we’re just playing around with our faith. He’s looking for seriously committed followers who will live out their beliefs in public. Oh. We’re not faultless, but we must be repentant when we do sin.

Just as my new home needs repairs and updates that may not be visible to the naked eye, so is our heart when it comes to spiritual growth. God sees us as we are, and he knows the work he has ordained for us. Throughout our lifetime of serving him, God will work on the areas of our heart that are not fully in tune with him. When we allow God to correct and prune us, we will grow in his likeness. When we surrender our sinful nature to him, we will experience a lifetime of growth. Just as my house has not been well cared for through the years, we can’t allow our spiritual growth to become stagnant, because our faith will erode and decay. We need daily spiritual nourishment from God’s word, prayer and fellowship with other believers. It is a lifetime of faithful obedience that draws us closer to God and makes us more like him.

Faithful Few

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Well. We went and did it. We joined the new seniors group at church last week.  I keep asking myself if we’re really seniors. I don’t feel like one, but I also know I’m not a spring chicken. I guess it’s time to admit the inevitable, because we’re not getting any younger. 

We met some new people that night. Some younger than us and some older. One couple has been around since the church was founded, and the man built the current church building. There’s some history among the older ones in the church, that’s for sure.

I find it very inspiring to know that multiple families who have attended this church throughout its life are still attending. Their longevity at the church speaks volumes. I’ve heard talk of some tough times in the past where many in the church left. Never to return. But it’s obvious that not everyone ran away from the troubles. Some stuck around and have since seen a healing in their church body.

The past few years have seen a resurgence in attendance, and the growth of the church continues. It appears to be a healthy and thriving place for folks of all ages. There’s a nice mix of young and old in the congregation. I like that. 

And then there’s our small group. It’s a group of less than ten people who are in our age range. And the beauty of this group is that they have been together for a long time. They not only have been in the same small group, but they have attended the same church for years. Their kids grew up together and know each other. They all know the good, the bad and the ugly about each other’s families. And yet, they’ve welcomed the two of us with open arms. They’ve welcomed newcomers to their community of believers. And it feels so right.

Oh sure. In this small group, we study the Bible. And we pray together. But there is also a time of lighter conversation as we partake of some light dessert. These people genuinely care about each other. And as they talk about their children and grandchildren, there is a deep sense of pride. They greatly enjoy spending time with their adult children, and they freely admit it. I recall one man recently beamed with pride when he spoke of his son telling him that he would like to spend his Sunday afternoon one on one. Tears easily flow down the face of another of these gentlemen as he is moved by the commitment each of his children has made to faithfully serve God. He cherishes the time he gets to spend with them.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

And no. Their families aren’t all perfect. There are some deep hurts and disappointments they’ve experienced over the years, but the frailty of family relationships hasn’t dimmed their love for their families or for their God. They remain deeply committed to both. Some of their children are currently walking down a road away from biblical principals, yet their parents remain committed to an open relationship with them. And when they take the opportunity to speak biblical truths at the appointed time. Regardless of the decisions their children make, they still love and pray for them.

These couples have stood the test of time in their faith and their marriages. They are a shining example of living a committed and faithful life not only to their chosen spouse, but also to their God. They have lived an imperfect Christian witness throughout the years, as any of us do, but their faith has only deepened throughout the hills and valleys of the years.

We don’t have to be perfect to be lifelong followers of Christ. We need to be consistent in our commitment of obedience when the Holy Spirit nudges us. We must be open to conviction when we are made aware of inconsistencies in our lives. Oh. These people I’ve recently begun doing life with don’t always get everything right. They would be the first to admit their flaws, but their walk with God through the years has proven that God is true to his word. His is faithful to those who call him Lord and Savior, and these few who call him Lord and Savior are faithful to him. Does life get any better than that?

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9

We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road
And those who’ve gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who’ve gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives


Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful


After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we’ve left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find


Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful

~Steve Green

Is Your Lent Showing?

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

In case you weren’t aware, Ash Wednesday occurred this week. And if you don’t know what that is, it’s the kickoff to Lent in the Catholic (and some Protestant) churches. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are smeared in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of willing participants. Lent is then observed for forty days until Easter and consists of abstaining from something of your choice. Many people give up their favorite food or drink, or some other meaningful or not so meaningful thing in their life. For forty days, they are to avoid this chosen item.

I’ve attended a Protestant church my entire life. We never ever observed Ash Wednesday or Lent. We never gave up any type of food for forty days unless directed by a doctor. And we never had ashes in the shape of a cross smeared across our foreheads. Not to be disrespectful of anyone who observes the practice of Lent, but it’s never been an event in my life.

According to Dr. Glenn Sunshine, Lent is a period of time prior to Easter when Christians prepare themselves to commemorate Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. Lent ends on Easter when we celebration his resurrection. Forty days are set aside for people to prepare their hearts, to repent, and to be ready to celebrate Christ’s victory over death.

The forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday signify the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness before he started his ministry. Which gives me pause. Many people “suffer” and give up their favorite food or drink or activity, or whatever it is that they lean on for these forty days. Here’s the kicker. After their forty days of fasting, what ministry do they start? What ministry do we as Christians dive into as a celebration of our denying ourselves for forty days? Or, do we just gorge ourselves to break the fast of the favorite thing we’ve given up?

Someone says Lent isn’t a moment of forced piety, but isn’t it? Why wait until a certain time of year to abstain from something that has a stronghold on your life? If God doesn’t need Lent, then why do we? If Lent is for us, then why wait until forty days before Easter to check our spiritual pulse? Shouldn’t we be doing that on a daily and weekly basis? Shouldn’t we be fellowshipping with other believers on a weekly basis, anyway? Why would we give ourselves only forty days out of the year to pause and ask the Holy Spirit what is most needed in our lives? Shouldn’t we do that regularly?

Some churches are now offering drive-thru ashes, so you don’t have to get out of your car. There is no service even at some churches. You just walk in and get a smear of ashes on your forehead. No reminders of what you are observing. No encouragement to abstain from something truly sacrificial. Why do some people believe the act of ashes on the forehead and abstaining from something for forty days is sacred? What part is sacred? The act of smearing the ashes is seen as a holy moment, but it seems to be a meaningless ritual for the sake of tradition. Because as soon as the person drives or walks away from that oh so sacred moment, do they act holy the remainder of the day?

As believers of Jesus Christ and his resurrection, we must be in the habit of dying to ourselves daily, not just for forty days each year. And if the only thing we deny ourselves during that forty days is chocolate or alcohol, well is that really a sacrifice? It’s time we take a deep dive into the practice of being a self-denying believer every day of every year, not just for forty days of the year.

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Just as Jesus fasted for forty days, we are told to do the same for these forty days, but we give up only one thing of our choice. And Jesus walked away from his desert experience stronger than ever in spirit. He felt a closeness with his Father that no one could take from him. Oh sure. Satan came along during that time and tempted him greatly. He tempted Jesus’ hunger by telling him to turn a stone into bread. Then he took him to the top of the Temple and suggested he jump off, because angels would protect him. Wouldn’t they? And then Satan showed him all the kingdoms of the world and promised them to him if Jesus would only bow down to him. Jesus strongly rebuked him with each temptation, and with the final one Jesus commanded him to leave. Angels came and cared for him. During his forty days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus relied solely on God the Father.

You can read this entire story at Matthew 4:1-11.

I have to ask those who observe Lent. Do you walk away from your experience feeling close to God because you didn’t scroll through social media for those forty days? Or did the lack of caffeine give you a sense of God’s presence when you didn’t drink your daily cappuccino? When you didn’t swipe your credit card for forty days, did you feel the holiness of God’s spirit surrounding you? Did you deny yourself that favorite thing and then tell Satan to flee after he tempted you to give in to it? Or did you give in?

Do we see Lent only as a liturgical ritual?  Does it hold any true significance to the believer today if on day forty-one nothing about us has changed? If so, why observe Lent? It isn’t a requirement for salvation, and it isn’t mentioned in the Bible. I know. It’s a part of the historic church calendar, and it’s part of the liturgical year in some denominations. Is it used as a crutch for some to show they’re able to refrain from their favorite activity for a little over a month each year? If observed properly and sacredly, could Lent actually provide personal benefit and spiritual growth?

For those who are believers in the One True God, isn’t suffering supposed to make us more holy and move us closer to God? Who, after suffering through forty days without chocolate, feels more holy than they did when they ate the last bite the day before their abstinence began? I don’t mean to disrespect the practices and observances of other denominations, but what I’ve seen and heard over my years of life is that people just give up something for forty days that they could easily live without. They aren’t really sacrificing. And if the only thing that is done is a swipe across the forehead without attending a service commemorating the meaning and beginning of Lent, then what’s the purpose?

And now I see that some Protestant churches are starting to observe Ash Wednesday and Lent. Why? Why is this practice creeping into other denominations who once ignored it? Why the ashes on the foreheads of some Christians? What has caused the shift? And is this shift causing Christian churches to allow other nonbiblical practices to inch their way into other areas of the church? Are churches promoting the act of gaining God’s approval by some petty sacrifice rather than through God’s plan of salvation? Because, if so, it won’t work. God’s approval is received by confessing our sins and repenting of them. We can’t gain God’s forgiveness by giving up something we’ll take back in forty days.

If you attend a church that has now begun to observe these rituals, you might want to ask yourself why. Better yet. Ask your pastor why. What has caused him to decide that observing Ash Wednesday and Lent has anything to do with Christianity?

Oh sure. It’s admirable to deny ourselves an item we love from time to time, but it never takes the place of dying to ourselves daily so we can become more like Jesus.

To become one with Jesus Christ, a person must be willing not only to give up sin, but also to surrender his whole way of looking at things. What our Lord wants us to present to Him is not our goodness, honesty, or our efforts to do better, but real solid sin. ~Oswald Chambers