Colored in Christ

Crazy Believing

2009-12-07T09:22:00.001-06:00

Some of you know I’ve been in the school of “believing” for a while now. (See the “Believing Big” devotions from April and May, 2009.) God’s been trying to drum into my heart and mind that if He’s leading me in His will, I need to stop having small faith and small vision and actually believe that He’s able to do exceeding abundant things through me, for His glory.

Well, I’m pretty sure He decided to test me recently. I was told that something isn’t “typically” done—and it’s true. It’s not typically done. But it just so happens that God has put this thing on my heart so strongly that I almost have to believe. As I prayed and prayed (and prayed and prayed), God brought something to mind at church yesterday, something to think about regarding what’s “typically” done.

You don’t go from slave to prisoner to governor of Egypt, as Joseph did, typically.

You don’t walk through a sea on dry land, typically.

You don’t win a battle against a 9-foot giant with a sword, spear, and javelin—and all you have is a sling and some stones, typically.

You don’t tell the most powerful king on earth (King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon) that you refuse to bow down to his statue, get thrown into a fiery furnace, and live, typically.

You don’t walk on water, typically.

You don’t get to be born again, typically.

BUT GOD!! There’s a reason He tells us, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). There’s a reason Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). God wants us to know—and be fully persuaded—of His power and might and sovereignty. He wants us to believe that if He has purposed it, it will come to pass. God doesn’t do anything “typical.” He “is able to do exceeding abundantly, beyond what we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

If you’re surrendered to God, seeking His will, and believe He’s leading you, don’t give up when a roadblock is thrown in your path. Don’t focus on what’s typically done. Keep looking to God. Keep believing. In fact, let the roadblock increase your faith further, to crazy believing! Look for God to show up strong!

Heavenly Father, my life is Yours. I surrender my plans for Your plans, my desires for Your desires. Wherever You lead me, give me the faith to believe that You are able to establish those plans for Your glory. Increase my faith to crazy believing, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cling

2009-10-25T20:39:00.002-06:00

[With this week's devotion (a repost from February, 2008), I wanted to let everyone know that I'm moved to take a little break from the weekly devotions. When I resume, the devotions may not be weekly, but God willing, they will continue. Prayers are welcome!]

“You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 (NASB)

I was standing at the sink the other day washing vegetables, my mind wandering through a series of “What ifs.” I’d been seeking direction on something and now that God had given it, I had to be sure that all the bases were covered. “Well, what if this happens?” and “What if that happens? Then what?”

My mind had no problem figuring out all the scenarios in which this would not work. As I handled the vegetables, gazing out the window from time to time, I could feel my peace leaving as I pondered this thing. And suddenly, one word breezed into my soul: cling.

I love that word. It holds such power. When I think of it, I picture God’s chosen people, the nation of Israel, in the early days when Moses was still their leader. God in His grace was giving them instruction before they entered the Promised Land as to how to prosper and be a light to other nations. He told them, “You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him” (Deut. 13:4).

Joshua was there that day and soon replaced Moses as Israel’s leader. He led them into the Promised Land, fought great battles with God’s divine help, and before he died, reminded Israel of that one word: “But you are to cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day” (Joshua 23:8). The word was also in the mind of David, Israel’s great king, when he said, “My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8).

But things went awry with the nation of Israel; they weren’t prospering, because they weren’t clinging. By the days of the prophet Jeremiah, hundreds of years later, most of the tribes of Israel had been taken captive by Assyria as a result of sin against God. The ones remaining, the southern kingdom of Judah, were on the brink of captivity as well. Still, God in His grace sent them a prophet, Jeremiah, to try to turn them away from sin.

One day, God directed Jeremiah to buy a linen waistband and put it around his waist (Jeremiah 13:1). Next the Lord had him hide it in the crevice of a rock, then retrieve it again, only to find it ruined and worthless. It was a picture of God’s people who refused to listen to Him and as a result, had become as worthless as the waistband. “‘For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me,’ declares the Lord, ‘that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they did not listen.’” The southern kingdom was taken captive by Babylon not long after.

God hasn’t changed. He still desires His people to cling to Him. When I heard the word in my head that day at the sink, I saw the image I always see when I’m reminded of it—my arms flung tight around the waist of the Father, no space between us. No space for doubt, no space for worry, no space for disobedience.

If I could only stay that way every moment of every day! Can we purpose together in our hearts and pray that when doubt comes, we will cling? When worry comes, we will cling. When other voices invade our heads and try to move us off course, including our own, we will forsake them and cling, listening to God’s voice alone. When the slightest temptation to sin comes, we will cling. There is no better place, no safer place, no other place where we can truly prosper than in His bosom. Clinging.

Father, may Your grace and strength be abundant in our lives, empowering us to keep the affirmations above. Help us to follow You and fear You, to keep Your commandments, to listen to Your voice, serve You, and cling to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I am the Bread of Life

2009-10-18T18:02:00.003-05:00

For twenty-seven years I hungered for one thing or another. Growing up, I remember hungering for a two-parent family (my parents divorced when I was 4). Though my father didn’t live far away and was very much a part of my life, I wanted a mom and dad at home when I woke up. I wanted dinnertime together, and family vacations. In college and law school, I hungered for a career—and money. And once I had the career and the money, I longed to make partner—and more money. There was always something else, something more than I had, something that would cause me to be satisfied.

The “something else” came at twenty-seven, that which would satisfy, yet it was none of the things I’d had in view. The “something else” was Jesus.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). With Jesus, nothing is missing. I’ve been made whole. For what could I possibly hunger? I’ve been redeemed from the pit. I’m blessed with every spiritual blessing. I’m loved, forgiven, and protected. I don’t have to figure out my own life’s plan. As I submit my will to God’s, I’m assured that He will establish His plans and purposes for me. And I know that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Jesus is the bread of life. He’s the only One who can complete us. He’s the only One who can satisfy. He’s the only One who gives life. Do you have a hunger deep in your soul? Turn to the One who can fill it.

Jesus, You are the living bread that comes down out of heaven and gives eternal life. I praise You and thank You for coming to earth, for clothing Yourself in human flesh, and for dying for me, that I might live. Thank You that I need not hunger or thirst. Amen.

I am the Vine

2009-10-11T18:59:00.002-05:00

Something Jesus said has been playing in my brain for weeks, looping over and over as if He recorded it on audio Himself:

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NASB).

This picture speaks volumes to me—Jesus as the ever-strong vine and me hanging on for dear life. The more I grow in Christ, the more I realize how utterly desperately I need Him. He is my life. He is my peace. He is my joy. He is my all.

As a fiction writer, I’ve learned He’s also my creativity. I had a deadline a couple of weeks ago to turn in edits for my manuscript, but I’d gotten stuck on the last chapter. I was supposed to rewrite it, but nothing was coming to me no matter how much I prayed. I received a one-week extension and said, “Okay God, clearly I can’t do this without You. If You don’t lead me, it won’t get written.” Two days later, words to the ending began to flow. I think God delights in confirming that truth: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”

But there’s another truth in that verse. When we’re abiding in Jesus, we bear much fruit. No matter what our personalities and moods are naturally, abiding in Christ means the fruit of the Spirit will be displayed in and through us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We’ll also bear fruit by doing good works. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Abiding in Jesus means we’re so connected to the Source that He is able to use us to accomplish His will in the earth, to His glory, honor, and praise.

Apart from Him we can do nothing. But what’s the flip side? With Him, all things are possible. Through Him, we can do all things!

Jesus, help me to abide always in You, to dwell richly with You. It is my heart’s desire to bear much fruit for the Kingdom. Be glorified in me. Amen.

Waiting on God

2009-10-04T19:31:00.002-05:00

I came to a conclusion this weekend. As much as I would like it to be so, “waiting patiently on God” will never end this side of heaven. It seems as soon as I rejoice at seeing a prayer answered, something else is thrown out of reach and the prayers begin anew…and I’m waiting—again.

And actually, when I think about it, it’s not one thing after another. It’s several things overlapping one another, some taking years to play out, others weeks or months. But no matter the length of time, somehow it’s never easy.

Funny how God knew our flesh would find it hard. Thus, He reminds us over and over in His Word that it’s part of our walk with Him. “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14 NASB). “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken (Psalm 62:5-6).

But He does more than charge us to wait. He gives us promises to hang onto. Here are only a few: “The LORD favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness” (Psalm 147:11). “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:25). And I love that God “acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him” (Isaiah 64:4).

As much as my flesh cries out when it’s forced to wait, my spirit rejoices. When I’m waiting, I’m praying more. I wake up seeking God and lie in bed at night pondering His ways. I search the Scriptures for answers. When I’m waiting, I’m keenly aware of my need for Him, that apart from Him I can do nothing.

Are you waiting on the Lord? I’m not here to tell you that it’s easy. But I’ve learned—yes, painfully at times—that one word goes hand in hand with waiting: TRUST.

Heavenly Father, give me strength and patience to wait patiently on You. Help me to trust You, knowing that my times are in Your hands, and that You are acting on my behalf as I wait. Thank You that even though I may fret, You are working all things together for good, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

On Eagles' Wings

2009-09-27T18:56:00.001-05:00

In last week’s devotion, “In the Shadow of His Wings,” we saw God as a refuge and a hiding place. We can run to Him in times of trouble and despair—and in times of joy and peace!—and know that we have welcome shelter in the shadow of His protective wings.

We’re focusing on His wings again this week, but the preposition has changed. Instead of being in the shadow of His wings, we’re on the wings! Look at what God said to the people of Israel through Moses:

“’You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. Now, then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation’” (Exodus 19:4-6).

Our God is an awesome God, full of power and might. He swooped down, rescued the people of Israel from the enemy camp, and brought them to Himself. Why would He display such strength on their behalf? The answer is simple—and beautiful. He did it so they would be His own possession.

The same display of strength is echoed on our behalf in Colossians 1:13: “For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son….” When we believe and are saved, it’s not our own doing. God swoops down, plucks us out of the enemy’s camp, and bears us on eagles’ wings to the kingdom of His Son.

And He doesn’t leave us once He saves us. Those same eagles’ wings are available to power us through this Christian walk. Isaiah tells us:

The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired…. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait on the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (40:28-31).

Did you see that? It says when we wait on God, we will “mount up with wings like eagles.” How do we do that? We are able to mount up because it’s God who’s bearing us. His Spirit is able to cause us to soar above the trials and tribulations we encounter. Are you weary or tired? Let the Lord bear you on eagles’ wings. Be ready to soar!

Heavenly Father, You are awesome in power, able to deliver. Thank You for delivering me from the enemy and transferring me to Your glorious kingdom. Help me to run to You whenever I have need. Thank You for bearing me on eagles’ wings and allowing me to soar by Your Spirit, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

In the Shadow of His Wings

2009-09-20T16:50:00.002-05:00

The winds of life can come fierce and strong. Winds of disappointment. Winds of failure. Winds of frustration and sickness and fear and rejection. Whatever the problem, it demands our focus. And the more we focus on it, the more we’re carried away by it—carried away to anxiety, incessant worry, loneliness, and sadness.

But there is a place we can run to for refuge from the fierce winds of life—the shadow of God’s wings.

“Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,

For my soul takes refuge in You;

And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge,

Until destruction passes by.

I will cry to God Most High,

To God who accomplishes all things for me.

He will send from heaven and save me…” (Psalm 57:1-3 NASB).

I love this imagery so much that I’ve colored “shadow of His wings” and “shelter of His wings” everywhere it appears in the Psalms. Oh, and this one too from Psalm 91: “For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.”

When the winds of life come, I like to picture myself snuggled up behind a wide, strong, majestic eagle’s wing—protected, out of harm’s way. In the shadow of His wings, I know I’m not alone. I’m tended to, cared for, nurtured, and loved. In the shadow of His wings, the wind can rage, but my focus is on the One who is able to rebuke the wind and make it calm (Mark 4:39).

Are the winds raging in your life? Crawl up and plant yourself in the shadow of His wings. You’ll find refuge there…and so much more.

Heavenly Father, David said, “Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings,” and that’s my prayer right now. In fact, Father, I don’t want to come only when the winds are raging. Help me to dwell in the shadow of Your wings each and every day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to Please God or Man?

2009-09-13T17:21:00.001-05:00

Our family has had many talks around the dinner table over the years about peer pressure and doing what’s right no matter what others are doing. Years ago we’d even make up scenarios and role-play them, my husband and I acting the part of trying to tempt them to bad behavior. They always had the right response in those situations, but now that they’re older, they’ve seen that it’s not so easy to walk out. The inclination to go along, to please others, seems to go hand in hand with adolescence.

Funny—not much changes in adulthood. When we’re teaching our kids these lessons, we might as well be talking to ourselves too. Being a people-pleaser isn’t unique to being a teenager; it’s a desire of the flesh. The flesh wants to be liked. It wants to say things that are well-received and do things that don’t make waves—and we know that the truth of God’s Word has been known to make waves!

But we can’t please God in the flesh (Romans 8:8). We’re to die to the flesh and live by the Spirit, which means living to please God, not others. “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

I’ll bet most of us know this. Still, that tension creeps in from time to time—even in Christian relationships and in Christian ministry—where we have to ask ourselves, “Whom am I trying to please?” “Am I not speaking truth because someone won’t like it?” “Am I not taking a stand because I might end up standing alone?”

As long as we walk this earth in this flesh, we’ll be tempted to please man rather than God, but let’s pray hard not to yield to it. Only one Person died for us. Only One has set us free from sin and death. Jesus died that we might live—for Him.

Heavenly Father, I confess that I’m tempted at times to walk by the flesh and please man rather than You. Strengthen me, Father. Help me to live to please You and You alone, to be a bond-servant for Jesus Christ, in His name, Amen.

I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy....

2009-09-06T15:33:00.002-05:00

I love the Christian life. I love that even though I might have trials and tribulations, even though I might be cast about in a storm, and even though I might be persecuted, I’ve got a priceless treasure that can’t be taken—joy.

Notice I didn’t say “happiness.” Happiness depends on the circumstances. I can’t recall a single personal trial or tribulation that I was happy about. But I still had joy. Joy comes from above. It’s one of the spiritual blessings God has given us (Ephesians 1:3). It’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Joy surpasses human comprehension. When Jesus was headed for the cross, bruised and bloodied, ridiculed and scorned, a painful crucifixion awaiting Him, we’re told He endured it “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2 NASB). He knew His present circumstance wasn’t all there was. His life didn’t consist merely of happenings on earth—even though that “happening” was death! His mind was set on things above, on the plans and purposes of God.

The night before His crucifixion, joy was on Jesus’ mind as He taught His disciples. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11). That very same night, He also told them: “Therefore you too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away from you” (John 16:22).

I’ll repeat that last assertion: “...no one takes your joy from you.”

“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength,” Nehemiah 8:10 tells us. Proverbs says, “A joyful heart is good medicine” (17:22). God didn’t give us joy just to feel giddy. It fortifies us. It helps us endure. Like Jesus, believers know that this life on earth isn’t all there is, no matter the trial. We’ve got an eternity set before us. We’ve got an Almighty God before whom no scheme from hell can stand. And we’ve got a promise that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Remember the kids’ song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart….” Yep, it’s down in your heart. But are you walking in it?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a wealth of spiritual treasure that includes joy. Help me to focus, not on my circumstance, but on things above. May my joy always be full, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do Not Fear

2009-08-30T17:00:00.002-05:00

Has God moved in your heart to say or do something, yet you hesitated—or maybe refused—because of fear? Maybe you didn’t even recognize it as fear. It just crept in, and you found yourself thinking that it wouldn’t work. Or perhaps you thought about the rejection you might receive. You considered the friend or family member you might lose. You reasoned it wouldn’t make a difference anyway. The list of possibilities that run through our minds is endless. And whatever God has moved us to do never gets done.

Fear comes in many forms, but it has one source—Satan—and one purpose, to thwart the will of God. The enemy knows we are fallen creatures, prone to shrink from difficulty, adversity, and rejection. We’re prone also to look to ourselves and conclude that we’re not strong enough, not bold enough, and not equipped enough. If we focus on the situation and on ourselves, fear will win the upper hand. However, when we focus on God, we’re set free from that spirit of fear.

“For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 King James). Yes, God has given us the opposite of fear; He’s given us power. It’s hard to grasp with the natural mind the power that God has given us, which is why the Apostle Paul prayed for believers to understand it. He said, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19 NASB).

Can you imagine how we would live if we truly understood this and walked in it? I, for one, am meditating on this. When God calls me to do His will, I don’t want to be arrested by fear. I want to go in the power of His Holy Spirit. I want to go with these words ringing in my ear: “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Heavenly Father, I praise You because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. Though the enemy tempts me to fear, I thank You that You have given me a spirit of power. Help me to know the surpassing greatness of your power toward us who believe, and to walk in it, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You Willing?

2009-08-23T16:02:00.001-05:00

“I’m not ready to pray that.” That’s what I said a number of years ago after reading about a woman who prayed, “Lord, I’m willing for Your will.” She had hopes and dreams. She had plans, not only for herself but for her husband and children as well. But in her walk with God, she knew He was calling her to a new level of faith. Though she struggled, she laid it all on the altar. She exchanged her will for His will.

I had no choice but to admit it because God knew anyway—I couldn’t pray that. I wasn’t ready to invite God to ransack my life. I had been a believer for a few years and He’d already moved me to do things I wouldn’t have imagined—leaving my law career was one—but there was no telling how far He might go if I prayed that prayer. What else might He move me to give up? What hopes and plans? What attitudes and opinions?

I knew I needed greater faith and trust, so I prayed something else. I prayed that God would get me to the point where I could make that great exchange—my will for His will.

A combination of things happened over time. God closed a couple of doors, rearranged a couple of priorities, and showed up strong in the Scriptures. I saw His sovereignty more clearly, His power, His lovingkindness, and His wisdom. I also saw my own life more clearly—as part of an eternal plan. Ephesians 2:10 really spoke to me: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (NASB).

The more I focused on God and studied His Word, the more I understood that my life is not about me. It’s all about Him. In fact, Jesus died “that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

I don’t remember exactly when the moment came, but I remember the tears as I bowed the knee in my heart and prayed, “Lord, I’m willing for Your will.” I laid my own plans, desires, attitudes, and opinions—my entire will—on the altar and asked God to replace them with His will for me. It wasn’t instantaneous. It hasn’t been easy (my will likes to resurrect itself). And I’ll continue to be a work in progress. I just know that there’s no better place than to be yielded to God’s will.

Are you willing to make the great exchange—your will for God’s will?

Heavenly Father, make me a yielded vessel. Take my will and exchange it for Yours, that I may bring You glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Does Michael Vick Deserve a Second Chance?

2009-08-16T14:49:00.003-05:00

You don’t have to be a big sports enthusiast to know about Michael Vick—star quarterback convicted of financing a dogfighting operation that involved the torture and killing of many dogs. He pled guilty and served eighteen months in prison. Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a deal, and in a press conference, he reiterated his remorse and “shame” as he sat next to the man of God who has been mentoring him, former coach Tony Dungy.

But a debate has erupted over whether Vick deserves to play again in the NFL. In fact, many are proclaiming already that they will never forget what he’s done and will protest outside of his games.

As I read and listened to the arguments for and against what he “deserves,” I couldn’t help but dwell on that one word. I couldn’t help but think that I don’t “deserve” the life I live either. I haven’t been convicted of a crime, but I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve sinned against a holy and righteous God. The penalty is clear in the Word of God—death. That’s what I deserve. But God is loving, gracious, and merciful. He says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

But God does even more than that. When we repent, He doesn’t simply forgive us. He also chooses to forget our “crimes” against Him. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). My mind cannot fathom why God would lavish such abundant grace, forgiveness, and mercy upon us. All I can do is lavish upon Him thanks and praise in return.

Does Michael Vick deserve to play in the NFL? Well, no. No more than we deserve the second chances and other blessings that come our way. Maybe he’ll blow the opportunity and do something else crazy. Or maybe this isn’t about Michael Vick at all. Maybe, just maybe, God is setting Himself up to be glorified on a big stage.

What about you? Have you received blessings you didn’t deserve?

Heavenly Father, I praise You, for You are abundant in mercy, love, and grace. Thank You for forgiving me and casting my sins as far as the east is from the west. Thank You for blessing me with eternal life, though I don’t deserve it, and for the countless other blessings You’ve bestowed upon me. May I glorify You with the blessings You’ve given, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Slavery and Abortion: A Tale of Two Evils

2009-08-09T16:11:00.004-05:00

“Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, O hold them back. If you say, ‘See, we did not know this,’ does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?” (Proverbs 24:11-12 NASB).

It must’ve been a challenge in the mid-1800s in America for those who were white, followers of Christ, and against slavery. Slavery was a booming business, and the country was divided over whether it should continue. Some—yes, even Christians—said although the practice was wrong, slaves were the property of their masters and others shouldn’t interfere. Maybe these sympathizers prayed, but they dared not go beyond that. The issue was too politically charged. Controversial. Never know where your neighbor might stand. Don’t want to offend; certainly don’t want to judge.

Besides, by then America had outlawed the importation of slaves into the country. The number of slaves would hopefully diminish over time. And anyway, there were other issues just as pressing—people in poverty with little to eat and no place to stay. Those people needed help too.

But there were other Christians—black and white—who called evil “evil,” stood together as one, and set out with God’s help to eradicate that evil. They prayed—absolutely—but they also wrote persuasive articles and books, gave impassioned speeches, lobbied congressman, and worked tirelessly to help the oppressed gain freedom. They put those action verbs in Proverbs 24:11 to work—delivering those who were being taken away to death and holding back those staggering to slaughter.

To them, man’s opinion was irrelevant. For that matter, so was the Supreme Court’s—which had pronounced in the Dred Scott Decision that blacks were essentially not fully human. What mattered was God’s truth, that all life was created by Him and deemed precious by Him. By God’s grace, the institution of slavery ended.

But evil didn’t.

The enemy of God—who’s behind every effort to kill, steal, and destroy—hatched another plan, a better plan in his estimation. He would kill thousands in America—every single day through abortion. And because he’s the master of lies and deception, he would get scores to support his plan, whether overtly or tacitly, from Supreme Court justices to political leaders to, yes, even professing Christians.

After all, we really shouldn’t interfere. The issue is controversial, politically charged. The Supreme Court has spoken. Hopefully the number of abortions will diminish over time, and besides, there are other pressing issues to deal with.

God says something different: “Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, O hold them back” (Proverbs 24:11). Deliver. Hold back. Action.

So, for followers of Christ, the challenge is before us right now in 2009. Will we call evil “evil”? Will we follow God’s directive? I, for one, am thankful for those who did so in the 1800s.

I also want to add that many have had abortions and are enduring the pain of it even now. Please know that God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness are abundant. We ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. You don't have to bear the guilt and shame of sin. He is there.

Heavenly Father, give me Your heart for human life. Strip away all the lies and deception and help me to see as You see. Give me a heart to pray and a heart to DO something. Show me what that something is, Father. I want to do Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Manuscript, a Devotion, and a Birthday--Oh My!

2009-08-02T16:56:00.002-05:00

If you want to know the truth, I tried to get out of writing a devotion this week. My fiction manuscript is due to the publisher on Monday, and as of Friday, I still had tons to do. Add to that, my daughter’s eleventh birthday was Saturday—which meant most of an entire day would be taken up with celebration activities. I told God I had only limited time this weekend. I couldn’t afford to set aside the manuscript and work on a devotion. Surely He could understand. After all, that’s how stress comes about—from trying to do too much.

Guess it’s obvious God had a different plan. He also has a sense of humor. As I prayed, the words to the devotion unfolded easily in my mind—and it was all about this very dilemma. Words from Scripture came to mind as well: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I realized an important lesson. Stress comes from trying to accomplish too much outside of God’s will or God’s timing, or from trying to move in our own strength. But when we look to Him, it might be hard and it might involve long hours, but He’s able to cause us to flow in the power of His Holy Spirit.

It didn’t matter that I had tons to do to my manuscript before the Monday deadline. Didn’t matter that my time was diminished considerably because of my daughter’s birthday. Didn’t matter that I had a devotion to write. And it didn’t matter that various members of my family seemed to need me for something whenever I hit a stride in the novel. In fact, as I write this devotion, I know I’ll be working into the night to meet this deadline. But God is well able to handle it. His grace is sufficient.

Are you feeling weak and powerless in an area of your life? That’s exactly where God can show Himself strong. His grace is sufficient for you.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I don’t have to move in my own strength and ability. I know that apart from You, I can do nothing. Where I am weak, I pray that You would make me strong by Your power, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Truth in Opinionated Times

2009-07-26T16:21:00.002-05:00

I love that you can read the Word of God and certain verses will jump out at you—as if the Holy Spirit is taking a highlighter and saying, “THESE—meditate on THESE.” That’s what happened to me this weekend. THESE were the verses that popped out at me:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7 NASB).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).

Ever meditate on those truths? Ever think about the fact that one must have a fear of the Lord to even BEGIN to walk with true knowledge? Yet, we live in such opinionated times.

Television, radio, newspapers, books, magazines, blogs—everyone’s quick to tell us what’s “true.” They’ve got an opinion about what’s right and wrong, fair and unfair, wise and unwise. Their opinions are often based on what they’ve been taught or told, on their experiences and backgrounds, ethnic and political affiliations, and all the other factors that come together to form one’s view of the world.

But how many of those opinions are based on a fear of the Lord?

A fear of the Lord will cause us to humble ourselves and seek His face, understanding that He’s the only One with true wisdom and knowledge. A fear of the Lord will move us to study the Scriptures to learn true wisdom and knowledge, so we can speak not from our own minds but the mind of Christ. A fear of the Lord will lead us to exchange our own attitudes, opinions, and beliefs for God’s truth.

What can we learn from these verses? First, we need to be discerning about which opinions and viewpoints we adopt. Do those views line up with God and His Word? If not, they’re lacking in true wisdom and knowledge; they’re worldly.

Second, these verses let us know that we don’t need an advanced degree, advanced age, or a certain number of years on the job to possess true wisdom and knowledge. True wisdom and knowledge start with knowing God. Truth be told, if you’re in Christ, you probably know a lot more than the pundits you’re listening to. After all, God likes to use “the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” and “the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Do you have a reverential fear of the Lord? Are your views based on the wisdom and knowledge found in His Word?

Heavenly Father, You deserve all the praise and the glory. You are sovereign; You are righteous; You are almighty; You are God. May I walk with a holy fear of all You are, and yet I thank You that You are also loving, gracious, and merciful. Thank You for blessing me with true wisdom and knowledge, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Input and Output

2009-07-19T16:07:00.002-05:00

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23 NASB)

We understand the importance of guarding the heart when it comes to children. We don’t let them watch, listen to, or read whatever they want. Television shows, movies, books, and music are screened (hopefully!) to insure the material is age appropriate for them.

But what about us? Are we guarding our own hearts? Are we making sure the material is appropriate spiritually? Or are we filling our hearts with all manner of evil? Um, yeah, I said evil. I know we don’t tend to think of it that way, but that number one song on the charts with the nice beat and the catchy lyrics that lust about going to bed with someone—not a spouse—is evil. Ditto the movies, television shows, and books that celebrate the same.

We have to understand that Satan is the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), and therefore prince of the entertainment world. He wants to fill our hearts with unholy material because he knows that out of the heart flow the issues of life. We can only put out what we’re putting in. We will not walk in holiness and righteousness if we’re filling our hearts with junk. It’s a basic spiritual principle. If we’re well-versed in the popular songs of the day but have little knowledge of Scripture, there’s an input issue.

I know. Ouch. Somebody’s mad with me. Might unsubscribe. But this is what Colored in Christ is about—coloring our perspective with the Word of God. It’s easy to swim with the flow of culture. But when we do that, it’s the enemy who will get the glory.

Out of the heart come “evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly” (Mark 7:21 NIV). That’s why Proverbs says to “watch over your heart with all diligence” (4:23). Input matters. If we fill our hearts with things that are true, honorable, right, pure, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8), we will bear good fruit, and that fruit will bring glory to God.

What are you inputting? Are you watching over your heart with all diligence?

Heavenly Father, help me to watch over my heart with all diligence. Give me wisdom and discernment about what I watch, listen to, and read. Help me to make choices that glorify You and keep my heart and mind pure, that I may bear good fruit, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stumbling

2009-07-12T19:35:00.001-05:00

Every now and then the public gets a collective view of a private affair. Our society is so jaded, though, that adultery alone doesn’t faze us; we need an interesting twist to get our attention, like a governor gone missing in Argentina or a sports star taken out in a murder-suicide. We drive by, ogle the scene, sift the facts, maybe say a prayer or two, and keep moving with our own lives.

But have we learned anything? Have we taken heed? Adultery happens all the time. And with or without an interesting twist—or a national name—it’s sin. We might think we’re immune, but the fact is, it happens way before the bedroom. It happens first in the heart. “…[E]veryone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

So how do we keep from stumbling? Wisdom. Proverbs tells us, “Keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul, and adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely, and your foot will not stumble” (Proverbs 3:21-23).

Last week we pictured wisdom and discretion as parts of a beautiful necklace. But they’re much more than adornment. They guide us, helping us to walk securely. They keep our feet from stumbling. Think about it. If we know adultery starts with lust in the heart, wisdom tells us to avoid people and situations that would entice us to lust. We need to draw huge boundary lines that we dare not cross.

I know one married woman who was an active Facebook user, until it became a source of possible temptation when she connected with a man from her past. Rather than take a chance, she deleted her account entirely, refusing to give the enemy a foothold. Her jewels of wisdom and discretion watched over her.

Right after Jesus warned of adultery and lust, He said, “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you…. And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you….” (Matthew 5:29-30). He was speaking figuratively, but His point is clear—the sin of adultery is serious, so serious that we need to do everything we can to rid ourselves of the least temptation.

Jesus’ words are wisdom. Will you heed them? What are you willing to do to keep from stumbling?

Heavenly Father, help me to keep sound wisdom and discretion, that they may guard me from stumbling. I pray to keep holy boundary lines, avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. May lust never be conceived in my heart, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Beautiful Necklace

2009-07-05T18:13:00.001-05:00

A necklace is a piece of jewelry that truly stands out. On a special evening out, people may or may not notice a ring, watch, or bracelet; our arms remain mostly at our side. And they may or may not notice earrings, depending on size and style, and whether they’re hidden behind the hair.

But that necklace is front and center. The eyes can’t miss this obvious adornment. So we women like to play it up—a striking pendant on a chain, a strand of pearls, beaded stones.

But the most beautiful necklaces can be worn by men as well as women—and they aren’t made of precious metal or pearls. Maybe you’ve eyed these yourself in the book of Proverbs:

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3).

“My son, let them not depart from your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul, and adornment to your neck” (Proverbs 3:21-22).

“My son, observe the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck” (Proverbs 6:20-21).

Let’s look again at the piece parts of this necklace: kindness, truth, wisdom, discretion, observance of God’s commandments and teaching. God is saying we should adorn ourselves with all these things. They should be front and center whenever people come into contact with us—something they cannot miss.

We don’t have to pay money to acquire these treasures, but there’s definitely a cost—a transformed life in Christ that brings forth the sweet fruit of kindness; and time with God and in the Word, which causes us to grow in wisdom, discretion, and obedience. And did you notice something awesome about these treasures? They not only adorn the outer person, acting as a witness to others; they also strengthen heart and soul, drawing us closer to God.

What a beautiful necklace! Are you wearing one? What do people see when they come into contact with you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the precious treasures of wisdom, kindness, and truth. Help me to bind them around my neck and write them on my heart. Help me to observe Your commands. When people see me, I pray they see the Christ in me, to Your honor, glory and praise, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Silver and Gold

2009-06-28T18:44:00.002-05:00

The world is still reeling from the death of Michael Jackson. Who could believe the initial news reports? How could a pop icon be taken, just like that? If you’re my age, you grew up with Michael and the Jackson 5, and you remember which songs fit into the seasons of your life. In fact, I still have dusty 45s of early Jackson 5 hits.

As I prayed for his family and watched reports of people around the world who were shocked, grieving, and reminiscing, I couldn’t help but think about the media coverage itself. I wondered if his life would have garnered so much attention had he not sold millions of albums and amassed millions in wealth. I know. Of course not. Material success is how we’re measured in this world.

But as I was reading in Proverbs this morning, I was reminded—as always—of the way God’s Word brings perspective to the things of this world. In particular, my eyes were drawn to multiple references to “silver and gold.” Here are a few of them:

“How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14).

“Take my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choicest gold” (Proverbs 8:10).

“How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver” (Proverbs 16:16).

Interesting. In the world you’re a huge success if you’ve made millions, yet God says we profit more when we find wisdom and knowledge. And “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are found in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:2-3).

As we remember the life of Michael Jackson, let’s also remember the kingdom perspective—another soul has stepped into eternity, as each of us will. Times like this should remind us once again that our lives are a mere vapor. In the end, it won’t matter how much silver and gold we amassed. What matters is whether we’ve advanced the kingdom of God and served our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, You hold my life in Your hands. You’ve ordained the number of my days. In the short time I have, help me to live for You, to walk in Your wisdom and instruction, to glorify Your holy name, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Father of Fathers

2009-06-21T14:48:00.002-05:00

Father’s Day isn’t a day of celebration for every one. Some never knew their father. Some wish they had never known their father. Some have lost a father, and the day is filled with pain and renewed grief. For so many, it’s a day to simply get through.

But for all of us, Father’s Day can be so much more. Even if we have dads whom we’re happy to honor, we can also raise our focus and honor the Father of fathers.

He’s the One who knew us before the foundation of the world and is “intimately acquainted” with all our ways (Psalm 139:3). He shaped us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). He knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30).

He’s the One who calls us into relationship with Him. No matter who we are, no matter our background, no matter what we’ve been through, He holds forth loving arms and says, “Come.” He knows we were once born of the flesh, of two parents who may or may not have loved us as they should, two parents who may or may not have raised us as they should, two parents who themselves needed a relationship with Him. But that was our first birth. He says we can be born again; when we believe in His Son, Jesus, we can be born of God (John 1:12-13).

What better relationship is there? What better Father is there? Who else is able to heal and restore, to give us beauty for the ash heaps of the past? Who else’s arms can we fall into and pour out our heart and know that when He says, “Everything will be alright,” it really will? Who else loves us unconditionally? Who else sacrificed His Son for us? Who else can promise us eternal life and actually deliver?

Though He is God our Creator, God Most High, and God Almighty, He has also deemed it His good pleasure to be a very personal God—Father. “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:14-15).

When we think about Father’s Day—whether those thoughts bring joy, sadness, or indifference—let us remember our Father in heaven, the source of true joy, of every good and perfect gift, indeed, the very source of our lives.

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into your family, into a personal relationship with You. It’s my desire to grow even closer to You, to know You more and more, to walk in the ways of my Father, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Time is NOW

2009-06-14T17:56:00.002-05:00

“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep…” (Acts 13:36).

I was already fired up about this verse. On Friday I was meditating on it, thinking about the truth that our lives are short. “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). We are only given NOW—this generation, this lifetime, this span in history—to serve the purpose of God. All too soon, it will be too late. That was my mindset on Friday.

The very next morning, I received word that a friend’s husband had died. I’d known them both since college and remember those days vividly; now he’s gone. Four years ago, this same couple lost a 5-month old son. One day he was smiling and cooing, bringing joy to his family, his whole life stretched before him; the next day he was gone.

Thinking about my friend’s grief brought much sadness and reflection…and motivated me all the more to consider that verse from Acts. We don’t know how much time we have. It’s so easy to spend our thoughts, time, conversation, days, and even our entire lives on things that have zero impact on eternity.

Yet, we live in a world that’s full of people who are without Christ, and thus, without hope (Ephesians 2:12). We live in a world where evil is called good and good is called evil (Isaiah 5:20). We live in a world where people are steeped in the enemy’s lies and have little knowledge of the truth. We live in a world where professing Christians worship and have more zeal for people and things than they do for Christ.

We only have NOW to serve the purpose of God in our generation.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be a soldier for Christ. I want my allegiance to be to Him and Him alone. I want to know the truth and contend for the truth, and thus expose the enemy’s lies. I want to be unashamed, unafraid, and uncompromising. When this phase of my life has ended, I want it to be said of me, like David, that I served the purpose of God in my generation.

How about you?

Heavenly Father, teach me to number my days, to know that each and every day should be lived for Your glory. Help me to live in the light of eternity, to contend for truth, to be unashamed of the gospel. May I serve Your purpose in my generation, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Problem with "Figuring"

2009-06-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

A Proverbs Tour

Maybe some of you suffer from the same disease as I—I’ll call it “figuring.” When God puts something on my heart to do, my mind immediately moves to figuring. It wants to figure out why it might not work. It wants to figure out whether I can really do this, especially if it’s something I’ve never done (God’s specialty). It wants to figure out the A to Z of the entire plan, contingencies included, because after all, I might be crazy and didn’t hear from God in the first place.

I guess, in other words, I have to admit I like to walk by sight. But God’s will for us is to walk by faith, and when my mind starts “figuring,” these verses from Proverbs always rise up in my heart: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

In January of this year, I started getting active on Facebook, and God put it on my heart to start a Facebook group for my ministry, Colored in Christ. My response? I started figuring. I figured hardly anyone would join. I figured most of my Facebook friends (people from elementary, junior high, high school, and college) didn’t want to read Christian devotions. I figured people would plain think I was crazy. I said, “Lord, show me who the Christians are on my list of friends and then I’ll start the group.” God is funny. I just knew He whispered to my heart, “Start the group and I’ll show you who the Christians are.”

I started it and watched with awe as the messages poured in from old friends, new friends, and complete strangers telling me they needed the group and were being blessed by the devotions. What? If I had kept to my figuring, I would’ve never started it. I couldn’t lean to my own understanding. I had to trust in the Lord, acknowledge Him, and let Him lead.

How about you? What are you trying to figure out according to your own understanding? Put the figuring aside and trust in the Lord. Walk by faith. Ask Him to lead you. He’ll make your paths straight.

Heavenly Father, I’m prone to want to walk by sight. I want to see the entire plan laid out before me and then take the first step. But I know You want me to walk by faith. Help me, Father, to trust You, with all my heart. Prompt me to acknowledge You in all my ways, and I thank You for Your promise that You’ll make my paths straight, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Strange Woman

2009-05-31T13:40:00.001-05:00

A Proverbs Tour

No tour through the book of Proverbs can pass her by—the “strange woman.” She’s mentioned many times (chapters 2, 5, 6, and 7), God’s way of telling us to take heed. Who is this “strange woman?” She’s an adulteress, one who doesn’t care about the covenant of marriage, but about gratifying her own flesh. With her smooth words and devious ways, she entices a man, and if he lacks wisdom, he’ll turn down her path.

But the pleasure is fleeting. “In the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword” (Proverbs 5:4 NASB). There’s no escaping the negative effects. “Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Or can a man walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?” (6:27-28). No matter how beautiful, no matter how enticing, no matter how wonderful she seems, the fruit from following this woman is the same: her path leads to death (2:18-19).

But this cautionary tale isn’t for men only. We women need to examine ourselves as well. Are we blameless in all our ways? Do we toy with flirtatious words without regard to the covenant of marriage (whether ours or his)? Do we wear revealing clothing and thereby tempt a man to stumble? Do we take “friendship” with the opposite sex too far? Have we lusted in our minds, where sin is conceived (James 1:14-15)?

Sexual immorality isn’t fun or exciting, no matter how many heart flutters the enemy stirs in the moment. It’s a path that leads to destruction, and we’re to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:22).

How do we keep our ways blameless? We cling to God, pray continually, and feast on His Word. The teachings of Scripture are our lamp and our light, as well as our protection. “When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you are awake, they will talk to you” (Proverbs 6:22).

The path of life and blessing is a path of faithfulness to God and to the marital bond.

Heavenly Father, where I have strayed from the right path, I pray that You would forgive me and cleanse me of all sin. Help me to flee immorality in all its forms and to pursue righteousness and godliness. May my ways be blameless before you, that I may bring glory to Your name, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

2009-05-24T18:36:00.003-05:00

A Proverbs Tour

We all desire wisdom, right? We know there’s value in wisdom, in applying what we know to everyday living. We also know the value of teaching our children to be wise so they don’t embrace its polar opposite—foolishness.

But did you know that there’s more than one kind of wisdom? The counterfeit is wisdom that’s “earthly, natural, demonic” (James 3:15 NASB). It’s the kind of wisdom that puts “me” first and often puts God and the Bible last. It’s a wisdom that says there’s no absolute truth, only your truth and my truth. It’s a wisdom that makes evil seem good and good seem evil.

But true wisdom is wisdom which comes from above. And the beauty is that God doesn’t hide it from us. “Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the gates in the city, she utters her sayings…” (Proverbs 1:20-21). Yet something unbelievable happens. Though wisdom stretches out her hand, people aren’t paying attention (1:24). They’re ignoring her counsel and rejecting her correction (1:25). Proverbs tells us the reason: “Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord” (1:29). They chose the counterfeit over the truth.

The Bible tells us something else about wisdom—Christ is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). In fact—and I love this verse—in Jesus lies “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). When we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, we receive immense treasure, for the wisdom from above cannot be compared to the wisdom of this world.

If you’re a follower of Jesus, you possess a treasure trove of wisdom. All you have to do is ask and God will supply your need. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). If you haven’t yet bowed the knee to the Savior, He’s stretching out His hand. Will you respond?

Heavenly Father, close my ears to counterfeit wisdom. I want ears to hear only true wisdom, Your wisdom. Help me to know the difference. Establish me in Your truth, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

When Sin Entices...

2009-05-17T19:17:00.002-05:00

A Proverbs Tour

I love the wisdom of Proverbs and often use that book to teach my kids life lessons. In fact, the kids and I are memorizing the first couple of chapters, with the goal of writing that wisdom on our hearts. One part we have fun acting out is this:

"My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, 'Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Let’s ambush the innocent! Let’s swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims. Though they are in the prime of life, they will go down into the pit of death. And the loot we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all kinds of things! Come on, throw in your lot with us; we’ll split the loot with you.' Don’t go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths…." (Proverbs 1:10-15 NLT)

I know. Kind of weird to think of having fun with a passage that speaks of murder. But it’s SO far out that we can have fun acting out the parts on a kid level as we talk about peer pressure.

Last night, though, the passage came to mind, and I thought about how important it is for us “older people” to heed. No, most of us needn’t worry about getting caught up in murder, but that was used as one example. The admonition says broadly, “If sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” Now we might be hitting home.

Think about the friends in your social circle or even extended family members. Do they entice you to do things that aren’t right in God’s eyes? If you followed them, would the road lead to drunkenness, lying, cheating, or sexual immorality (to name a few)?

But beyond the people we know who might entice us, there’s popular culture—television, movies, music, and even the news. Most of what’s out there is contrary to God. They want to entice us to watch or listen to ungodly things, to do ungodly things, and more dangerously, to believe ungodly things.

God calls us higher. He wants us to be discerning, to know the truth from a lie. He wants us to recognize when a road leads nowhere good. When sin tries to entice us, He wants us to turn our back on it, and instead, to lead others down the right path.

Heavenly Father, I pray for the strength to withstand temptation. Give me discernment to know right from wrong, the truth from a lie. Protect me from the enemy, who seeks to lead me down the wrong path. I want to follow You and You alone, down the narrow path that leads to life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.