Christian

Out of Stock

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

It was eleven thirty in the morning. The restaurant had only been open for thirty minutes. I ordered a baked potato. The server said they were out of potatoes. So I kindly asked how they could be out of potatoes when they had only been open for thirty minutes. She said the potatoes had been a popular item the evening before.

This wasn’t the first time I had encountered this issue at this particular restaurant. A time before, the out of stock item was brussels sprouts. I thought then that it must have been a one-time event, but now I’ve concluded that the manager doesn’t prepare for busy weekend diners. They don’t plan far enough in advance for popular menu items. And I’m assuming that food deliveries aren’t made on weekends. So, I knew I wouldn’t be the only customer to face a lack of potatoes since it was early in the day. First world problem. I know.

Perhaps, the manager sees their management style as one of good stewardship. They don’t want to over plan and then have potatoes growing eyes. But really. It’s a restaurant. They’re open seven days a week. People order baked potatoes all the time. So, what this manager may see as good stewardship, the disappointed customer sees as poor management. The customer isn’t satisfied. They see poor planning and lack of concern for the customer’s satisfaction. Doesn’t the manager know that disappointed customers may choose not to return? And they most definitely will tell others about the lack of popular items. It doesn’t seem to be a win/win situation in the eyes of the disappointed customer.

I’ve heard that the customer is always right. So, is that really true? Is there ever a time when the customer is flat out wrong? I know. It depends on the situation.

Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21

As another story goes, there were ten virgins heading to a wedding. The bridegroom was delayed, so these ten fell asleep. They awoke to the sounds that the bridegroom was on his way. Five of the virgins had thought ahead and brought extra oil for their lamps. The other five did not, and they asked for the others to share. The five with extra oil said no. If they shared, then they too would run out before the bridegroom arrived. So they trimmed their lamps and headed out to the party. The other five had to run back into town and get more. As they were getting their supply of oil, the bridegroom arrived and they weren’t at the meeting spot. Once the door to the party was shut, no one else was permitted to enter. When the last five virgins arrived, they weren’t allowed entry. They were too late. They were left standing outside while the party carried on indoors.

You can read the story of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.

You may wonder how baked potatoes and virgins are related. Well. They aren’t. But the moral of the story is preparation. The manager of the store needs to be prepared to serve any item on the menu at all times. Lack of planning on his part should not constitute an emergency for anyone else. But it does. And angry customers may never return. The situation is easily avoidable.

The virgins in the story are another matter. Half of them planned for waiting an extended period of time, and the other half did not. Those who were prepared were rewarded for their faithfulness in planning. They were allowed to celebrate with the bridegroom. The others were left behind. They could not and would not be allowed entry, regardless of having received an invitation.

As believers, we must prepare for our eternal meeting with Christ. We must repent of our sins. But then the work to become more Christlike begins. And that work is ongoing. Until we breathe our last breath, we must pursue a deepening relationship with Christ. Our walk must match our talk. If we say we’re Christians and are following Christ, then our actions must line up with our words. If we say we believe the Bible, are we living like the Bible tells us to? We can’t talk out of both sides of our mouth. Sounding Christian while we’re at church and then acting like the devil the rest of the week doesn’t work with God. We must be prepared at all times to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is our Bridegroom. If we aren’t prepared to meet him, he may come to take us to our eternal home and we’ll miss it.

Oh. The Bible tells us that the gate to heaven is narrow, but the gate to hell is wide. We need to make sure we’re heading toward the narrow gate, for it is the gate to eternal life. We can’t allow ourselves to be fooled by following the large crowd walking the wide path, for we may find ourselves on a path straight to hell and wonder how we missed heaven.

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

The Chosen

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I’ve begun watching the third season of The Chosen. I’ve already watched the first two seasons, so I thought I might as well see the next one. Just so you know. I’m not a fan of the series. I believe too many non-biblical liberties have been taken with the script. I also know that, in order to create a complete story, unknown elements must be added. Conversations and scenarios must be created. Unknown personalities must become known. My concern with the series is the unnecessary interpretation of events. I take issue with additions that distort the truth of the biblical stories. But those issues are for another day.

I have, however, been pleasantly surprised with some scenes in this third season that cause my imagination to take over. I wonder how I would respond if I were in the same situation as these twelve disciples. I wonder if I would be gracious or anxious. Would I become angry or repentant if I didn’t find the healing I wanted or needed when I saw others being healed? Would I be willing to leave family and home for weeks on end to tell a new story of the Promised Messiah I was now following? Would I be willing to risk everything, even my life, for a message many didn’t understand or want to hear?

The scenes that most take me by surprise are the ones where the twelve disciples are learning to really trust who Jesus says he is. They’ve said they will follow him. And then he commissions them to go out into different towns and villages two by two to share his message. He gives them the power to heal and perform miracles. He gives them the authority to cast out demons. And then they’re just supposed to go do it. And they know they’re only human. How can they heal sick people? And how can they perform miracles similar to what they see of Jesus? Who does he think they are? After all. They’re a gnarly group from different walks of life. Several were fishermen. One a tax collector. One a nationalist. Another would become a traitor. They weren’t best friends, yet together they forged a lifelong commitment to a cause that would disrupt the entire world for all times.

Imagine the humanity in these men as they performed their first miracles. The shock and awe that they had the same power that Jesus had when they see the person in front of them healed of an ailment. Deaf men hear. Blind people see. And when Jesus walked on the water to them as they were rowing in the nighttime storm, they knew he wasn’t a ghost. But how could he walk on water in the middle of a storm in the dark of night? How much trust and faith did it actually take to follow the Messiah in person? To talk with him face to face. To walk the dusty roads with him. To break bread with him. It was unusual, to say the least. Never had such a person walked the face of the earth. And never again would someone of his caliber come to earth.

Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

When they sat with the crowd of five thousand listening to Jesus preach, they knew everyone had traveled a long way. No one had thought to bring lunch. And they sat listening to the Messiah speak for hours on end. Stomachs growled. People became restless. One small boy had brought his lunch. Five loaves of barley bread and two small fish. Hardly enough to feed such a large crowd of people. But Jesus blessed the food, and something amazing happened as the twelve began to distribute it. Everyone was fed and twelve baskets of food were left over. The disciples were in as much amazement as the crowd. And by the way. Where did the baskets come from?

Something much bigger than man was happening in the lives of those who followed the Messiah. They had personal contact with the Son of God. They ate with him. They traveled with him. They talked with him. They knew him personally, yet there was much they didn’t know or understand. He seemed to speak in riddles. He showed kindness to those who were unkind. He meted out words of anger and judgment to those desecrating the Temple. He knew information about people before he ever met them.

These twelve men were to share the news of this man’s message throughout the world. And they did so willingly. Oh. It was at a cost. They had to leave family behind. They were instructed not to carry extra clothes or food with them. They weren’t always welcomed in the towns they visited. But they went anyway.

One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick. Luke 9:1-6

I wonder. If I had lived during the time Jesus lived on earth, would I have eagerly listened to his message? Would I have believed that he was the Promised Messiah? Would I have accepted the call to follow him? Would I have agreed to tell others a new message that stood in contrast to the Jewish laws of the day? Would I have been willing to risk my life for him?

The question is. Am I willing to do the same today?

In Hot Pursuit

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

Out of all the people on the earth, God chose the nation of Israel to be his chosen people. In other words, they’re his favorites. And we can’t do anything about that. Oh. It’s obvious that other nations and peoples have tried to eradicate his favorites. But they haven’t quite been able to do so. And they never will. No matter how desperate they are. No matter how evil their attempts are. No matter how often they try. God’s chosen nation will not be eliminated. God said so himself.

But his favored nation, who once lived in obedience to his commands, has rejected him time and time again. The words that make up the Old Testament list many people and kings who flat out rejected God’s command to obey him. That’s all he asked. Obedience to his will. And that was too much for so many people for so many years. Sure. A new king would come along and choose to bow to God’s will, and so the nation would turn to God. But once another king was on the throne and chose not to obey God, the nation returned to their idol worship and disobedience.

After many years of refusing to bow to him, God had had enough. Sure. God is a patient God. But over time, God became impatient. He is a jealous God and yearns for his people to have a heart for him and him alone. He sent prophets to give warnings of the destruction and devastation that was ahead for them if they continued in their sinful ways. But they ignored the pleas. They went about their lives enjoying success and freedom, yet their hearts were full of pride and sin. Year after year. Prophet after prophet. The Israelites deliberately chose to ignore God’s warning.

But the thing is. God never gave up on them. His love for his chosen people was so deep and so wide and so long that he pursued them. And he pursued them passionately. He was angry and sad, but he never gave up on them. God will pursue his people tirelessly.

And then the awful thing that he had promised would happen did happen. His chosen people were attacked and many were taken captive to Babylon. Oh. They had been warned about this. They would be held captive for seventy years. And still. Those who remained in Jerusalem lived lives of debauchery. Not even the fact that many of their family members and friends had been taken captive changed their hearts. They wouldn’t surrender to God Almighty. They were a stubborn people.

God continued to warn his people in Jerusalem through the prophet Jeremiah. He told them that everyone who remained there would die from war, famine or disease. They should surrender to the Babylonians and survive. But they were stubborn. They said no.

Another prophet, Ezekiel, was among those taken captive to Babylon. He too spoke of the atrocities that would overtake Jerusalem. And God told him that although he would continue to pursue his people, Ezekiel’s words would fall on deaf ears.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

In his twenties, Nebuchadnezzar found himself in command of an empire where he served for over forty years. He was king of Babylon who directed the capture and fall of Jerusalem. During the very early years of his reign, Jerusalem was one of several kingdoms he successfully captured. He was a valiant warrior. He was also a very religious man. Oh. He didn’t serve one god. He served many gods. And these gods were useless, but he wouldn’t admit it. He required his people to worship his gods. If they didn’t, they could face the death penalty.

In his wartime efforts, Nebuchadnezzar captured many young men to serve in his kingdom. He required them to attend a three year re-education program to indoctrinate them in Babylonian customs and practices. He was looking to erase all the years of religious learning they had received in their homeland. He wanted long lasting commitment from them. Or they would pay the price.

During his years as king, a Jewish exile named Daniel earned many promotions and accolades from Nebuchadnezzar. Although Daniel had graduated from the Babylonian training program, his loyalty to God did not waver. Oh. He passed the tests and greatly impressed the king with his knowledge of Babylonian royalty, but all the learning didn’t faze his belief in God. And through different events, Nebuchadnezzar knew this. Yet he didn’t punish Daniel, because at different points in his reign, Nebuchadnezzar needed to hear the wisdom God spoke through Daniel. Sure. Daniel was tested in his position as advisor to the king. His life was put on the line, but he always spoke the truth to the king.

As Daniel faithfully served God by serving Nebuchadnezzar, God pursued the king. Through Daniel, God challenged Nebuchadnezzar’s commitment to other gods. Gods that could do nothing for him. Yet he was stubborn. He admitted that God was a god, but he wouldn’t commit to God being the One True God.

Until he did.

Nebuchadnezzar had a bad dream. Once again. And when Daniel shared the meaning of the dream, Nebuchadnezzar learned his fate. He was to live as a wild animal for seven periods of time before returning to rule his kingdom. And he would only return to rule once he bowed in submission to God. The One True God. Over time, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream came true. All of it. The good. The bad. And the ugly. And after his sanity was restored and his faith in God was sure, he returned to lead his kingdom.

God never stopped pursuing Nebuchadnezzar. Along the way, there was one faithful witness who always spoke to him of God and God’s need for surrender. Daniel never gave up on the king. And God didn’t either.

If God had stopped in his pursuit of mankind, he never would have called on his only Son to die for our sins. He made a way for all who are born to have eternal life with him. Let’s not reject the free gift he offered to us. The gift is free for us, but it was a huge sacrifice on his part.

God will pursue people for many years. Even when they continually ignore him or deny him. He is in hot pursuit. And I have to believe that during God’s pursuit of those needing him, he will place faithful followers in their path to speak words of truth. Words of conviction. And words of love. We must never forget that God loves each of us and wants all of us to bow to him in this lifetime. Because even if we don’t now, there will be a day when we bow in acknowledgment of his divinity and power.

As believers, we must never give up praying for those lost loved ones. We must never give up our faithful witness, because our lives and words of God’s love are what they need. They may not admit it, but God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform. Let’s not discount God’s faithfulness.

Lukewarm Water

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I drink a quart of water first thing every morning. I know that if I don’t, I may not drink enough throughout the rest of the day. One quart down is a good way to start the day. At least in my opinion. I’m not sure why, but I prefer to drink it warm, or even a little past warm. The other morning, I wasn’t paying too much attention to what I was doing when I filled the quart jar. I took a solid drink and realized it was only lukewarm. It wasn’t very pleasant. I drank a little bit and then set the jar on the counter to finish filling my dog’s breakfast bowl.

When I returned to the water a few minutes later, I realized it had cooled down considerably. It was now almost cold. No. It obviously wasn’t ice cold. But it wasn’t even lukewarm any longer. I realized it didn’t take much time at all for the lukewarm water to cool off. If it had been hot or warm water, I could have taken more time to drink it without it becoming noticeably cool.

Oh sure. There are days when I almost scald myself, because I’ve gotten the water too hot. But those days seem to be rare. Thank goodness. I don’t need to burn myself in the wee hours of the morning. I just want to get an early start on meeting my water quota for the day.

Some may say that lukewarm water is the way to drink it if you’re not looking for ice water or hot tea. But lukewarm water is somewhat akin to complacency. It’s saying it doesn’t really want to make an effort. The problem is that lukewarm water looks like any other water. Someone could be easily fooled thinking they’re getting a nice glass of cold water. Obviously, they’ll know it isn’t ice water, because there’s no ice or condensation. And they’ll know it isn’t hot water because there’s no steam or heat. But will they think it’s lukewarm? Not really. I mean. After all. Who drinks lukewarm water? Besides me on accident.

What is the purpose of lukewarm water?

Lukewarm Christians look like any other Christian. They play the part well. They know the right words to say. They know the right things to do. They know to go to church. They know to treat others well. They most likely know the ten commandments. Do they live by each of them? Only they and God know.

Have lukewarm Christians ever been on fire for God? Have their hearts burned to know more about the God who created them? Have they ever made an effort to spend time with God on a regular basis? Do they pray? Do they attend church? Is their Christianity on the outside, but never made its way inward? Is that even Christianity? When a person calls themselves a Christian, shouldn’t there be evidence that they’re growing in their faith?

The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” Isaiah 29:13

I have to ask how easy is it to spot a lukewarm Christian? Do they look any different from Christians who are wholeheartedly serving the Lord? Can you spot one easily in a crowded room? Can God even work in a lukewarm Christian? After all, they aren’t really committed to Christ. If God doesn’t work through lukewarm churches, how can he work through a lukewarm Christian? He says we are either hot or cold. Otherwise, like lukewarm water, he will spit us out of his mouth.

I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15-16

What is the purpose of a lukewarm Christian?

It’s assumed that cold Christians aren’t Christians. They don’t claim to be Christians. They don’t feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit in their lives. But those who are lukewarm call themselves Christians, yet there’s no fruit or growth. So, how can they sense the Holy Spirit’s leading? Pretending to be something you’re not is basically living a lie. As the old saying goes. You can fool all the people some of the time. And you can fool some of the people all the time. But you can’t fool all the people all the time. And you can never fool God. He sees right through our lukewarmness. It’s better to be cold and not pretend to be what you’re not.

If left untouched, lukewarm water always turns cold. And it only takes a matter of minutes to lose any heat it had. Left to its own devices, it will never turn hot. The same goes for lukewarm Christians. They will soon lose what warmth they had if there’s no attempts to be reheated.

Two people set out for home walking the dusty road back to Emmaus. Discussing the disheartening events of the weekend, they suddenly found a stranger walking with them. He acted so innocent when they discussed the troubling scene they had witnessed in Jerusalem. The one they hoped to be the Promised Messiah had been unceremoniously killed. Hanged on a cross. And now on the third day since his death, his body was missing. They couldn’t explain it. And they couldn’t understand how this lone traveler had somehow missed out on all the happenings. How could he have not heard what was happening in their holy city?

But then. When he opened his mouth, he explained the Old Testament in a way they had never heard. He explained all the Scriptures that explained his life. Yet they knew him not. They had no idea the Promised Messiah was walking that seven mile stretch with them from Jerusalem to Emmaus. But when he sat down to break bread with them, the Holy Spirit opened their eyes and their hearts. Suddenly, they were aware the Son of God was sitting with them. They realized why the man who had been hanging on that cross was missing from his tomb. He was sitting in their home. And just as quickly as he appeared to them on the road, he disappeared.

They asked each other. Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us and opened the Scriptures to us? They who had been lukewarm in their faith. They who did not fully understand the Scriptures suddenly believed the story of the Messiah. Oh. These two believed in God. They were, after all, practicing Jews. But they didn’t fully believe that the One who had been preaching and teaching and performing miracles was truly the Messiah. They hadn’t accepted him as their Savior. Sure. They wanted him to be the One, but they weren’t yet convinced. And what did it take to convince them? A face to face and a heart to heart conversation. A digging in of the Scriptures. Then they believed.

Read about the walk to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-34.

How can we who hear the story of the resurrection of our Savior have such calloused, cold hearts? How can we go about our days as if the world was our oyster? Aren’t our hearts burning to understand the teachings of our Lord and Savior? What will it take to soften our hearts today and cause us to be on fire for the One who died for our sins?

Oh, ye of little faith. We must either fully trust God and live for him, or deny him altogether. And who of us who call ourselves Christians want to deny him? But then. Why are we so hesitant to fully trust him? What would it cost us? And yet, if we don’t trust him fully, it will cost us our soul. Eternity in hell is a huge price to pay to be lukewarm. Especially when we don’t realize we’re lukewarm.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Daily Devotions

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

God knew that his chosen people, the nation of Israel, would some day want a king to rule over them. They would eventually want to be like their neighboring nations that had kings. So God spoke through Moses and gave instructions on what a king should do. And sure enough. That’s what happened. The Israelites asked for a king, so God gave them the desire of their hearts. It’s obvious that the kings either deliberately disobeyed or forgot or ignored the instructions God gave them. There was one command that would have made all other commands easier to obey. By the way history has been written, it is apparent that these kings chose not to perform this one daily task. If all of the men who eventually became king over Israel would have followed this one simple command, history would have been written in a totally different way. But here we are. Sure. It would have taken time out of their busy royal lives, but there are always things and people and events that can distract us. We must stay focused on obeying God’s commands, every one of them, so that our lives will be free from sin.

The command God spoke through Moses was that the king must copy for himself the Law of God onto a scroll. And he should do this in the presence of the priests. He should then always keep that copy with him and read it every day as long as he lives. Imagine if each Israelite king would have read God’s law every day of his reign. And by copying the law in front of the priests meant that they could instruct him in the meaning of the words he was writing.

When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20

It’s a known fact that we learn by writing down the information given to us. What better way for the king to know the commands he’s to follow than by writing them down. That simple task would familiarize him with the laws. And then when he would read them each day, he would have a written reminder of how to lead his nation to follow God. It doesn’t seem a difficult command to follow. Does it?

Now imagine. If all the presidents who have ever been elected to lead our great nation would have written out every single word of the Bible in front of a noted theologian each day. Imagine that they would have then read it daily. Imagine how different our country would be. Imagine how different their decisions would have been. Imagine what evils they could have prevented. Imagine the good this country could have done. Imagine the actual freedom the citizens of this country would experience. Also. Along with a good conscience and truthful speaking and righteous acts committed by these presidents, there would be dissenters. Not only dissenters from within the nation, but foreign dissenters. No. Not everyone will agree with the teachings of the Bible. But everyone doesn’t have to agree with it in order for it to be true.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105

We have a choice each day. To read or not to read the Bible. Let’s take a stand and open the Word of God and apply it to our lives. It’s also not a bad idea to get a pad of paper and pen and write it out in longhand. Writing with pen and paper seems to be a dying art, but imagine the learning that would take place if we committed to spending time in God’s Word each and every day. If we are committed Christians, then it should already be a habit we follow. But if not, then today is the best day to start. Open the Word and read it. Write it down and even commit it to memory.

I’ve made the decision to read my Bible through every year. I’m on my third year of doing this. Each year I read it, I find things that I’ve forgotten or overlooked or ignored. Or perhaps certain passages of Scripture didn’t jump out at me in previous readings. I find that I’m learning new truths each time I read the Bible. And I love that. The Bible is full of many types of literature, so it is never dull. It gives commands on how we should live. It provides prophecies that have been fulfilled, as well as others that are still waiting to happen. It’s not only historical, but it is full of references of how our life will continue after we pass from this earth.

At some point in his reign, King Solomon stopped his daily practice of reading Scriptures. And it became obvious during his reign that something had changed. Oh. But first. He was never perfect. His priorities changed from pleasing God to pleasing himself. He grew very wealthy. He denied himself no luxury. He married many, many women and had a multitude of concubines. And he began worshipping false gods that his many wives worshipped. They and their worship of false gods pulled him away from the One True God.

We too must be very cautious. If we don’t maintain a regular habit of reading the Bible, we may get caught up in practices that ignore or deny God. Isn’t it true that if we don’t stay in touch with our friends, we think of them less often. They aren’t as high a priority as they once were. We tend to forget about them. The same goes with our relationship with God. If we don’t spend time with him every day, we will find excuses to ignore him. He will stop being a priority in our lives. Let’s not do that. Too much is at stake.

And then what happens if a friend confronts us about something we don’t want to hear? Do we avoid them? Unfriend them? Do we make them less of a priority because we don’t want to hear uncomfortable truths? Do we treat God the same way? If we read something in his Word that convicts us, do we continue reading or set the book aside and never open it again? Do we tell ourselves that we aren’t really a bad person and those words must be meant for someone else?

Our life on this earth is short compared to eternity. We think seventy or eighty years is long, but they go by very quickly. And if we haven’t made a habit of reading God’s Word and spending time with him, we won’t recognize his power and authority. Let’s open the Word of God and make it a daily habit. Then let’s see what happens in our lives.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

We Need A Savior

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It’s Easter. And most people celebrating the holiday are focusing on the eggs dyed to match spring colors. Or the baskets filled with sugar coated candy and other useless trinkets. Or they’re focusing on the ham and scalloped potatoes. And the family members who will be sharing the meal. Most of these people won’t give a thought about the true meaning of the holiday. Yes. It is a religious holiday. It’s not meant for the Easter bunny or Easter eggs or Easter baskets or bonnets or new church dresses.

Easter is a celebration of the Savior who had died on a cross two days earlier, and is now risen from the dead. The Savior is Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God who came to earth in human form. He lived on earth for thirty three years in a human body, but was fully God at the same time. He came to fulfill the promise of being the Savior of the world. His crucifixion, death and resurrection fulfilled that promise. Yet many people don’t know or care that they even need a Savior.

Why do we think we don’t need a Savior? We look for instant gratification. We want whatever we want whenever we want it. And that’s usually right now. We’re looking for something, but we don’t necessarily know what we’re looking for. We have deep longings. We look for love in all the wrong places. And still can’t find it.

Perhaps it’s important to note that if someone doesn’t accept the fact that they need a Savior, they will see him as a threat. He’s a threat to their independence. Their self reliance. Their identity. Their lifestyle. Their habits. Their dreams. Their goals. He’s a threat to the god they worship without realizing they’re worshiping a hollow god. They’re worshiping a god that can’t do anything for them.

Is it true that we think we don’t need a Savior because we’re too self sufficient? We don’t want to be told what to do. We want to do things our way. We want to make our own decisions. We don’t want to be told no. But with all of our self sufficiency, who do we trust when life gives us lemons? Who is going to hold our hand when we’ve lost our last friend? Who will guide us when we’ve lost our way?

But regardless of what we think we know. Regardless of what we do. Regardless of what others tell us. We really do need a Savior. And we need him right now.

“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord . “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. Isaiah 43:10-11

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:1-10

We need a Savior, otherwise we will think the truth of the gospel is foolish and foolishness is gospel. We don’t know the truth, because we aren’t looking for it. We look for our truth instead of the truth. We want to hear only feedback that makes us feel good, not words that may convict us.

Oh. We’re all looking for a savior of some sort. We all need God. We know we need something more than what we have. We have an emptiness. A hole in our life that needs filled. And instead of filling it with God, we fill it with anything and everything else. Until we can no longer fathom the need for God, we continue an unending search. Because the idea of God in our lives is too foreign to comprehend. No one is looking to find God. After all, why would we need God in our lives? We’re told in so many ways that we’re enough on our own. So who needs God? Who needs a Savior? What do we need to be saved from?

As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” Romans 3:10-12

We need a Savior because we are sinners. We need a Savior because we need forgiveness. Without a Savior, sin controls our lives. It separates us from God. So Jesus bridges the chasm between us and God. Oh. We may say we’re good people. Sure. There are many good people in this world. But being good isn’t good enough. Good people are sinners and need to repent of their sins.

There is still time today to repent of your sins and become a child of God. You can pray that initial prayer acknowledging your sin and asking for forgiveness. God will forgive your sins and wipe the slate clean. Do it now. While there’s still time.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Sustainable Faith

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We hear a lot about sustainability these days. We’re told we need to green up our environment. We need to drive electric cars. We need to remove gas stoves from our homes. We must quit eating meat and start eating crickets. We must drive shorter distances. We must lower the number of cows on this earth, because of their gas emissions. We are now being told that we can be replaced with artificial intelligence. It makes a person wonder if humanity is sustainable on an earth that was created by God, but is being overrun by those pretending to be God.

Oh. It’s not the first time people of this earth have been hoodwinked into doing something that sounds good at face value. But then once the changes are being made, we realize that it wasn’t such a good idea, after all. The plan isn’t really sustainable. Someone was playing mind games with us and we got tricked into a false ideology. I’m sure all of us have fallen prey to some type of conspiracy theory at one time in our lives.

But we don’t have to be suckers when it comes to what’s going on around us. We need to keep our eyes open, our ears alert and our hearts guarded. We can fall prey to temptations and ideas that sound good, but are downright deceitful. How often do we make decisions or act under the pressure of soundless ideologies? Ideologies that haven’t been vetted. They’ve just been thrown at us, and we’re expected to bow to them without asking any questions. Shame on us if we don’t dig in and investigate the idea and the instigator of the idea.

Is your faith strong enough to sustain any threat or temptation? Do your actions defile your relationship with God?

When we take a new job, we’re saying that we’ll show up and do our best every day to get the work done. But this week, my coworker didn’t live up to his end of the bargain. He was a no call, no show for several days. He’s now unemployed.

When we call ourselves followers of Christ, we say that we’re following his commands. How can we follow his commands if we don’t know them? If we don’t read and study the Bible, how will we learn to live biblically? Are we committed to our relationship with God or not?

How do we sustain our faith if we’ve never built a solid foundation? How do we build a solid foundation? I’ll say this until I’m blue in the face. If we’re not reading the Word of God daily, we are not building a solid foundation. We can read books about the Bible. We can read devotional books. We can listen to sermons and podcasts. We can attend a Bible study. But we need to read the Bible for ourselves. We need to dig deep and learn God’s Word. That is how we build a sustainable faith. One that can stand against any hard knocks this life throws at us. If we don’t know God’s Word, we are settling for less than the best for ourselves.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written on it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8

Before Moses died, he appointed Joshua to replace him as the leader of the nation of Israel. And God confirmed that Joshua would be successful as the leader if he obeyed God’s instructions. One of the instructions that God gave Joshua was to study the Book of Instruction that he had given to Moses. He told Joshua to study it continually and meditate on it day and night. Joshua did just that, and he was successful in leading the nation of Israel to victory in taking the land of Canaan, as God promised to them.

There was another man in the Bible. His name was Balaam, and he was a wicked Midianite prophet. Israel was conquering nations on their way to Canaan, which caused fear among the surrounding countries. Balak, the Moabite king who feared Israel, trusted Balaam and asked him to curse the Israelites. Through a series of events that included a talking donkey, God instructed Balaam to say only the words that God gave him to say. And so, Balaam proclaimed blessings on Israel and curses on Moab, angering Balak.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the end of the story.

Later, Balaam went back to Balak and told him how to launch a counterattack on the nation of Israel in a more subtle, inoffensive way. He counseled Balak to send Moabite women into Israel’s camp to seduce the men and introduce them to Baal worship. They began to eat meat offered to idols. This was far worse than any curses Balaam spoke against Balak. He showed Balak how to trip up God’s chosen people. And some of the men of Israel went along with it. What man doesn’t like a pretty girl who pays attention to them and offers them free food? How can that be wrong?

God’s people today get tripped up by false teachers and seemingly innocent ideas that look far more appealing than sacrifice and obedience to God looks. Sin will be presented to us as something pretty, convenient and comfortable. It won’t be a physical, knock down drag out fight. It could be an activity or event that makes you feel accepted by your peers and friends. It could be a new acquaintance who puts you on the edge of uncomfortable, but you let them influence you, anyway. After all. Who wants to appear to be a goody two shoes? Beware of who influences your thoughts, desires and actions. Are those you trust the most in life influencing you in a godly way? Or are they influencing you to move farther from your life as a follower of Christ? Oh. It may be subtle at first. Until one day, you wake up and notice your life is unrecognizable. You no longer desire the things of God. Are you living for the One True God or a false god? Can you tell the difference between godly advice and ungodly influence? Beware. Lest you fall for something that causes you to fall into sin.

You can find the story of Balaam and Balak in Numbers 22:1-25:15, Joshua 13:22 and Revelation 2:14.

But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. Revelation 2:14

Worth Noting

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

For so long, he’s been hailed a martyr. But now the tide is turning. Now he’s being called different names. The man who once cried out that he had a dream is now being mocked as someone unworthy of his own race. He’s now being judged by those who once called him one of their own. Many now want to destroy his legacy. Everything he stood for is at risk of falling by the wayside. All because those who have come behind him believe in an ideology that’s in total opposition to all he worked for. Oh. How the tables have turned.

Rumors of behaviors unbecoming of a family man have been spoken of him since his untimely demise many years ago. Those accusations, whether true or false, taint the legacy of a man who worked long and hard for liberty and equality for all mankind, regardless of the color of their skin. He dreamed of a land where his children could walk and live freely the same as any other child. He dreamed of a country that treated all skin colors equally. For he witnessed a separation and segregation of a people whose skin color was darker than acceptable to so many born of a lighter pigment. And he stood against it. Even as the higher powers that be were planning for his demise, he stood for his beliefs. And on one fateful day, a single bullet penetrated his body ultimately ending his life.

Other reports are now circulating that he stood for unseemly ideologies that have become popular today. Whether the reports are true or not have yet to been determined. But this man, same as anyone else, was far from perfect. Perhaps the truth of this man’s achievements and failures may never be fully known, aside from God who knows everything.

A newly minted statue memorializing the man was recently dedicated. But family members are calling the statue hideous. Unsightly. Dishonorable. Distasteful. They are not pleased with the rendition that someone was paid many millions of dollars to create. And thousands upon thousands of pages of secret files against him by those in top government positions have been uncovered. Many other pages are still being held under wraps. Some are afraid for the truth to come to light.

What was it about this man that would cause many to applaud, and yet others to tremble in fear? What was it about him? Was it only because of the color of his skin? Or, were there hidden truths that, if made public, could sway the course of history? How could it be? Will we ever know? Are we better off not knowing?

While this man wasn’t perfect, by any means, he led a movement that started a revolution. He planned and participated in peaceful protests that rallied against the discrimination of his people. Even after multiple arrests, he still stood for the same message of equality. His message never wavered or lessened. He stood courageously for the good of his race.

One wonders if there will come a day when this man’s statues will be knocked down and shoved into a corner, as so many others have in recent years. Has his time come and gone? Has this man now been deemed to be on the wrong side of history? Is it inappropriate to publicly acknowledge his contribution to society? Only time will tell.

Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-35

There are people who are trying to taint his legacy, but truth always stands. Even when others make false claims or bring one’s faults to the light of day, God uses willing, imperfect people of all types. This man may have been involved in sketchy activities in his day, but he also did some great works that are still applauded. His efforts should not be forgotten.

I wonder. This man who pushed for peaceful protests against injustice paved the way for the rest of us. What peaceful acts are we involved in that would cause the world to sit up and take notice? Do we dare to stand up and fight for religious freedom when there are those who would remove Christianity from the face of the earth? When other Christians speak for truth in public settings, do we stand with them? Or. Are we too afraid to be noticed, so we stay silent? Do we share the message of forgiveness and salvation freely to those who need to hear it?

If each of our lives were publicly examined, how many of us would be humiliated as we stood in the public square? How many of our noteworthy acts and words would be cast off, because of our hidden behaviors? No one is perfect. No. Not one of us. We all could be the next one on the chopping block if only our private thoughts were read aloud.

So. Why are we so quick to cancel others because of a word spoken in anger or misjudgment? Who of us would be worthy of even one statue in our honor? What accomplishments have been noted for us that will be remembered in future generations?

The good news in the matter is that we serve a God of redemption. He will forgive all our sins and never remember them again. He won’t remind us of our moral failures or indecent thoughts. He won’t remember the name calling or lies or murderous looks we’ve given. When he forgives our sins, he forgets them. He doesn’t hold our previous wrongs over our heads. Our slate is wiped clean in the eyes of God. Oh. He won’t build a statue in our honor, but he will prepare a place for us in heaven so we can be with him for eternity.

Too Good for This World

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Some people are just too good to be true. I think we all might know one person who could have that said about them. And perhaps we’re just a little green with envy when we speak those words about that certain someone. Perhaps we would love to hear that phrase used to describe ourselves. But has it ever been said that you’re just too good to be true? And are you? Is anyone?

What exactly does that phrase even mean? Exactly what type of person is too good to be true? After all. We’re human. None of us. Not one of us is perfect. So how is it even possible for those five words to describe any of us? It’s not. And we know it. But we like to pretend.

Some people think they’re too good for others. They think they’re a notch above the crowd and can’t be bothered with the little people. They’re better than anyone else they meet. In their minds. And they’re not afraid to let others know it. Oh. They may not say those words. But their actions say it all. We all know at least one.

Some people believe the walk with God will bring health and wealth. If you’re not healthy and wealthy, then your faith isn’t strong enough. That’s what they say. But others know that the walk with God will more than likely lead to hardship and persecution. Which walk sounds easier? Which one sounds a life you would choose?

Everyone who has walked this earth has come face to face with evil. Sure. There are plenty of people who do evil and aren’t bothered by it. But there are some who recognize it and work to avoid it at all costs. Still others work to remove it. At all costs. Even to the cost of their lives or livelihoods. Their faith has sustained them in even the most trying of times. They have battled elements one could only imagine and some elements unimaginable.

How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
Hebrews 11:32‭-‬40

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:3-7

There are those who didn’t abandon their faith when the world turned against them. When their world was turned upside down. When they faced life threatening circumstances, they stood strong in their faith. In the midst of turmoil and threats, their faith did not waver. They forged ahead with the work laid before them. They did not turn back or recant their faith. They faced the persecution head on and with their heads held high. When they were mistreated, they continued on. They refused to turn from God in order to lessen their persecution. The world was not worthy of them.

Some may think it’s awfully arrogant to say that there are those who are too good for this world.  But when you take a look at what they’ve endured in the name of Jesus Christ, what does this world have to offer them? What peace and contentment can this world give to those who have only eternity in mind? 

God has something far better in mind for those who suffer for him. And there are those in the midst of persecution and suffering who keep their eye on the prize. Regardless of their perspective on life, their faith stands strong.

There are many names mentioned in the Bible who stood strong in the face of persecution. Their faith could move mountains. Today, there are many who are facing insurmountable pressure to cave to the ways of the secular culture. There are those who have not turned their back on their faith even when it has cost them their livelihood. In the midst of the most horrific situations, young girls have stood their ground and not recanted their faith. Even when their future was bleak.

Jack Phillips has withstood multiple attempts to demolish his bakery business because of his stance on biblical issues. Barronelle Stutzman has fought the good fight when others of a different persuasion and belief have come against her business. Lorie Smith is also fighting for her business because of her biblical stand for freedom of speech. As a missionary to Turkey, Andrew Brunson was imprisoned for two years on false charges. Even young Christian girls in Nigeria stood strong in their faith when held captive for three years by a terrorist group.

Christians are under attack today in an attempt to stifle religious freedom and freedom of speech. We must stand together and hold fast to our biblical values. Satan will not stop fighting us. So we must not stop fighting him. Will we be counted among the faithful when our moment comes? Will we be noted on the list of those too good for this world? Oh. We may not feel worthy of heaven. Or of God’s forgiveness and love, but thankfully it’s not our feelings that matter. In the long run, it’s the running of the race that counts. Will we be found faithful?

Don’t Be A Copycat

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

When I was in the seventh grade, a boy asked if anyone in our group was religious. Someone said I was. I quickly responded. No. Not because I knew the difference between being religious and being a Christian. But because I didn’t want to be seen as different. I wanted to fit in with the others. I didn’t want my group of friends to abandon me or mock me. They never had before. But would they now that my “religious” status had been spoken out loud? I didn’t want to find out. I just wanted to be like everyone else.

The same happens today. We call ourselves Christian yet we blend in with unbelievers so well that no one knows the difference. We don’t stand out as having different values or beliefs. We live as close to the line as we can get and try to call ourselves holy. But. Christians can’t move back and forth across the line when it’s convenient or comfortable. We must live on the side of holiness regardless of what it costs us. It won’t be easy. It won’t be popular. But it is biblical. 

Perhaps we only call ourselves Christians in private, because we don’t want others to think less of us. We don’t want them to start watching to see anything unusual in our behavior or speech. We don’t want to seem odd. We just want to fit in and be like everyone else. We want to be accepted. All the while wearing our blurred out Christian label. Oh. We’re wearing the label, but we don’t want others to see it.

We can’t disguise ourselves as Christians and expect God to call our behavior good. God knows us as we truly are. He knows our intentions and he knows our thoughts. Even if only our thoughts are wicked, God knows. But what we don’t realize is that even if our actions are good, our intentions may not be. We try to be the type of person we think others expect of us, all the while seething with hatred and resentment on the inside.

Let me just say this. Satan is not your friend. When we clothe ourselves in the approval of others. When we share on social media our shiny, almost perfect looking lives that match the world’s, we’re only fooling ourselves. The God who created us sees us for who we really are. We can’t pretty up sin.

God will transform us into a new person if we open ourselves up to his guiding hand. He won’t steer us down the wrong path. That’s what Satan does. And we can’t mix up the two. And we can’t intertwine them. They will lead us down totally separate paths. One is destructive. The other, although hard, is good and pleasing and perfect.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2

As believers, we are set apart to God. If we’re copying the behavior of those who aren’t believers, what sets us apart? What makes us different? Do we assume that our lives will look the same as everyone else’s after we become Christians? Shouldn’t we be different from those who don’t call themselves Christians? What is it about a believer that is different from a nonbeliever?

God calls us to be holy, because he is holy. So what does that mean for us? What does that look like?

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

Are we up for the task of living a holy life?

If we don’t read the Bible, we don’t know the Bible. And if we don’t know the Bible, we don’t know God. So it’s no wonder that we copycat the behaviors of those who are unbelievers. It’s no wonder we look and act and think like them. Because we’re not looking and acting and thinking like God. We run away from Him when we run toward the behavior and customs of the world. We don’t refuse to bow to the idols of today’s culture. We give in to the ideas of today’s society. So we can fit in. How can we fit into today’s culture and still fit into heaven when God calls us into eternity?

We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. 2 Corinthians 1:12

Satan will try to outsmart us if we aren’t familiar with his evil schemes. He will manipulate us into believing bad is good and good is bad. All we have to do is scroll through social media and it stares us in the face. Watch the news and see all the evil swirling in our midst. And some people applaud it. Do we recognize the difference between Satan’s temptations and God’s direction?  

so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11

When we deliberately choose to follow Satan’s lead, our hearts will harden to the will of God. It won’t be an overnight hardening. It will be gradual. And it may not be noticeable. Until one day, the veil over our eyes and heart is so heavy, we’ve walked far away from God. Oh. The veil can be lifted if we call on our Lord and Savior to forgive us. We can walk in his path of forgiveness. But it’s an intentional daily decision to follow God’s ways. And it will look nothing like Satan’s lies.

But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:14-18

Satan is the god of the world.  That doesn’t mean he controls it.  He is under God’s authority and God has him on a leash.  The evil he does is allowed by God in order to fulfill God’s will.  That may sound strange or wrong, but God is always in control.  When he gave us freedom to choose right or wrong, he knew that Satan would try to maneuver his way into our lives any way possible.  So we have to choose God in order to live a holy life.  We can’t be a copycat of Satan. Because if we aren’t living in line with God’s will, we’re living in line with Satan.  

We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. 2 Corinthians 4:2