LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 3:13, Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by John.

 

Baptism usually occurs once per month at the church we attend; this past weekend baptism took place for the second time in July. The church we attend is considered a “megachurch” because of the number of people who go there. Because of the number of people attending, there are five services each weekend – one on Saturday night and four on Sunday. I mention this because of the crazy number of baptisms that occurred this month – 494 total. People of all ages were baptized. The pastor emphasized that each person had been talked to in order for them to realize the significance of being baptized and to be sure they understood that the water does not save them; only the Lord Jesus Christ is able to do that! So, “water is not salvation but identification that the Jesus has save us” (Dr. Ed Newton).

 

That brings me to some thoughts today on the Lord Jesus Christ going to the Jordan River to be baptized. Jesus has arrived at the place John the Baptist is preaching the message of repentance and has been baptizing those who are publicly willing to repent of their sin and renew their commitment to following the Lord. Jesus comes to him and desires to be baptized by him and John tells Jesus he (John) needed to be baptized by Him. John recognized Jesus as the Messiah. We do not know when John came to realize this. I imagine that because Jesus and John were cousins, John’s parents had explained to him the circumstances of Jesus birth. Because John was a prophet, the one sent to proclaim the Good News of repentance before God, he was doing what God had sent him to do. Can you imagine what he must have thought when the Messiah came to be baptized by him. Did he have the authority to baptize Him? Baptism was a way to recognize a cleansing because of a new declaration to live as God commanded they live; Jesus had committed no sin! There was nothing Jesus could announce had changed in His life as He came out of the water. I have to think that John must have thought baptizing Him was not necessary.

 

Why did Jesus need to be baptized? In verse 15, Jesus told John He needed to be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness”. I found several answers to what this statement means. Jesus had come to die for sinners and baptism identified Him with the sinners He came to save. It would help Him show all sin could be forgiven through Him and baptism was to show an identification to Him. Another thought was to identify with the ministry of John who was preparing the way for the Messiah as a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. There is a third thought that is pretty simple. Jesus was doing this because God the Father wanted it to be done.

 

As a result of being baptized the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus in the form of a dove. At that time a “voice spoke from heaven saying, ‘This is my Son in whom I am well pleased’” (verse 17). Can I just say that regardless of all the details of this happening that the Holy Spirit coming to rest upon the Lord Jesus Christ was powerful confirmation that He was being empowered by the Father to fulfill the mission He had been sent to do.

 

By being baptized, we publicly declare that Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Lord; we are a new creation because He has cleansed us of all unrighteousness. As Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit to do all He did, we also have been empowered with the Holy Spirit when we asked Jesus Christ into our heart. I think the Father in heaven rejoices when Believers follow Jesus in publicly declared they have been forgiven by the blood of His Son!

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Isaiah 2:11-12, The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted on that day. The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, and all that is exalted (and they will be humbled),

 

 Isaiah is describing the day of the Lord for the people of Judah. The “day of the Lord” is spoken of throughout the Old and New Testament and refers to a terrible day of judgment. Prophets have foretold the people that a day is coming when God will hold those people accountable for rejecting Him and continuing to live in evil. In the day of Isaiah, those who have been worshipping idols are going to experience that day. They can try to hide but they will not be able to; “the Lord alone will be exalted on that day”. God knows where they are hiding! Those who have considered themselves to be “right in their own eyes” completely defeated and humbled.

 

One of the consequences of human pride is the belief that we can decide for ourselves – independent of God – how to live our lives and what is right and wrong. As you can read, that did not work out so well with the people of Judah; it will not work out well for people today. It may appear that people are successful, happy living life in rebellion against God and getting away with their evil actions. But just like the people of Judah, Isaiah’s message is just as relevant for today; there is coming a day of judgment where consequences come for rejecting God and living in sinful ways of arrogance and rebellion. Just like God brought down “the proud and lofty, and all that is exalted” in Isaiah’s prophecy, the day is coming when He will do the same in our present day.

 

May I share Solomon thoughts about the person who has pride in their heart? Proverbs 16:5 tells us, “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” One who is prideful and an “abomination to the Lord” is convinced of his/her superiority due to achievement and awards, of their intellect, and their moral and spiritual things done. Because of their financial gifting to a project(s) or giving to a church or charity there is a belief that all is well with God. The prideful want all eyes on them; they believe things happen or get done because of them.

 

It is clear that God hates this pride in people. Why? The answer has to be that pride is the root of every other sin. It is a condition of the heart where one puts themselves and their will over God and His will. It is the person on the broad way to destruction instead of on the narrow way that leads to eternal life in God’s kingdom; it is the heart of one who decides what is good and evil.

 

Here is the good news! Even though pride is the chief of sins, it can be forgiven. It can be forgiven by the One who humbled Himself to become human in order to do the will of God on a cross. He humbled Himself to the point of dying on a cross so the one full of pride could find salvation and become the person His Father wants him/her to be. The hope of the one who is proud is found in the humble faith of a humble Savior. You only have to confess your pride, receive His forgiveness, and walk the narrow way for His glory!

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Isaiah 1:13, 16-17, Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the cause of the widow.

 

I enjoy reading the books of the prophets. In the Chronological Bible I am reading for my devotions, this was written about Jeremiah by the author. “When he began his ministry, warning against impending national peril, Judah is resting complacently in an unusual period of peace and is soon to experience a brief period of spiritual revival. While Jeremiah is predicting the fall of Jerusalem, the popular message of the priests and false prophets is “peace, peace.” Naturally the people prefer to believe the more optimistic line, and so they turn against the prophet of doom. Little do they realize that the political scene is changing rapidly.”

 

In my mind, that could be written today. What I read and hear today is political change is near. Are we not hearing about changes in our monetary system, changes where the government controls our spending, controls every appliance and device we own? I have heard about changes coming that would be covid-like shutdown and controls over every aspect of our life. The type of vehicles we own and drive are being thrust upon us by mandates. It goes on and on! Are we on the verge of  “impending national peril” as spoken by not only Jeremiah, but by most of the prophets? I am not proclaiming myself as a prophet – just one observing the days we live in and passing on observations. What was Isaiah saying that we need to hear today?

 

Like in ancient Israel there is no lack of being religious in our nation today. Israel was making sacrifices, burning incense during religious ceremonies, and participated in the local and national gatherings of people. Today, people go through the motions of showing up at a church service, give money, and other sorts of religious stuff. But with Israel, people today are doing these things while continuing to live in sin. Go back and read what God had to say about this. Read the words “meaningless”, “detestable”, and “hate”. Without hearts that are right with God through salvation offered by Jesus Christ, our offerings, words, and religious conduct are nothing but vain offerings and God hates them. He cannot look upon these things while we continue to sin.

 

Isaiah turns from telling the people their sinful activities are meaningless to God to telling them how they can make their relationship with the Lord become meaningful again. They have to wash their hands and make themselves clean; this is no mere ceremonial washing – they must stop doing the evil they are doing. He sees what they are doing. The only way for Him to stop seeing their sinfulness is to stop sinning and learn to do good.

 

For people today, they must repent and turn their lives over to Jesus Christ and begin to live for themselves. Instead of being so concerned with their self-centered life, living to indulge themselves, living to be seen and praised by others, and doing what is right in their own eyes, they need to get on the narrow way and live their life in the way the Lord desires for them to live. The people of God who call themselves Christians need to stop doing wrong, repent, and begin doing good.  

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity.

 

When I write, I often have some readers in mind that I believe might need some encouragement or correction. Today I am writing to my grandchildren. However, I believe anyone who does take the time to read this might be able to find application to their life.

 

Solomon is writing to encourage youth, perhaps his own son, to enjoy the days of their youth; one’s youth is not to be a drudgery where the days are endured until the next phase of their life comes. Our youngest granddaughter just graduated from high school and is anticipating the coming college years. Our youngest grandson just graduated from college, was married and has begun his career. Our oldest grandson has moved to Wyoming and found out about cold weather and snow as he works and lives there. Our oldest granddaughter is studying to pass state required exams for her career. Our daughters and husbands, although not in their youth are experiencing changes in their lives as the grandchildren move to the next phases of their lives. I must say the days of all their youth has been something to watch and experience. God has wanted them to enjoy their youth; I am so happy my wife and I have been able to enjoy the experience.

 

That being said, God holds each of us accountable for the actions we have done that are sinful. Enjoy life; God wants us to do that. The caution is to remember to walk the narrow way as you enjoy life that God gives us. Be careful of “throwing caution to the wind” and living as if nothing can harm you. That type of lifestyle comes with consequences. 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us God supplies all the things we need to enjoy. There are a number of things we cannot control in our life – when we are born, our height, and who our relatives are. But God leaves the responsibility to choose our point of view. How do we view the circumstances life brings us. Solomon writes that we are to choose to embrace and enjoy life; enjoying life means we do not allow circumstances to be dominated by grief and anger. It means we do not get caught up in the evil ways of the world so we become slaves to evil. Read Romans 6 for further thoughts on this.

 

Okay, that is good advice for each of us regardless of our age. There are consequences for our actions, for our lifestyles that are contrary to the Word of God. It is arrogant to believe God does not see us doing the things we do that He says not to do. It is foolishness to think He does not know when we are dishonest in our dealings with others or take advantage of our position for gain or speak badly of others behind their back.

 

Solomon reminds us of how fast our “youth” gets away from us and we grow up into a world full of temptations and trials. His advice is important for all Christians, “baby” or new Christians or “long timers” who have walked with the Lord for a long time. Enjoy the life God brings to us, walking with Him on a narrow way into eternal life with Him. Remember that as a Christian, He has forgiven you of your sins – we do walk with Him and His grace – but that means we do our best to walk with Him as demands, asking for forgiveness when we fail.

 

To my grandkids, my daughters and my sons-in-law, I say enjoy all God has for you. Walk in His ways and not your own and see just what He will do to honor you and give you the desires of your heart. Do not think you are wise in your own eyes; you will be held accountable for your actions.

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Psalm 145:17-20, The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

 

In studying the Word of God, one must come to the conclusion, as the Psalmist did, that God is righteous in all He does! Everything He had done and said and all He will do is holy and just. He does not lie. He has said what His followers must do, how they must act, and how they should talk as they walk the narrow way. Not one who claims to be a Believer, a follower of Jesus Christ can live in any contrary way. God has shown us how He expects us to live by sending His Son to die for whosoever would believe in Him. His righteousness is given to us when we asked Him into our heart; at that time the new Believer begins a journey of sanctification – the process of being cleansed of unrighteousness, to being purified or made holy. This is done because of God’s grace which we cannot earn but is given to each person who confess their need for God’s forgiveness.

 

If I may be open today, I confess that I have been praying for some things for a long time. I have been praying God’s truth, what I know is His desire (I know because it is in His Word!), and from a sincere heart! The psalmist wrote above that God “is near those who call upon Him” in this way. In Matthew Henry’s Commentary it is written, “He [God] is ready to hear the prayers of His people. He is in their hearts, and dwells there by faith, and they dwell in Him. He is nigh to those who call upon Him, to help them in all times of need. He will be nigh to them, that they may have what they ask, and find what they seek, if they call upon Him in truth and sincerity.” God’s timing is something I do not understand; but that does not keep me from continuing to pray for those who need to come to know God loves them and no longer wants them to be deceived. God’s promise is to be near, an ever-present help to those who need to be strengthened by Him, with those who pray with His truth in their heart. Praying this way means taking the log out of my eye first, making sure I am not praying from a prideful heart and remembering that it is God who does the work I am praying about. He does it in His way and in His time – no matter how convincing I am about the how and when.

 

The psalmist writes about God “fulfilling the heart of those who fear Him”. Answered prayer comes because the person praying is asking according to the heart of God; it is not selfish praying. The one who prays according to the desires of God can be assured “He will also hear their cry and save them”. Even though one may want his/her prayer answered right now, it is important that God hears the sincere prayer made according to His will; believe He will answer that prayer, that cry from a sincere heart. Pray in faith and trust God for the prayer to be answered.

 

God will preserve those love Him! Walking on the narrow way in the truth of God’s Word assures the one who calls on His name that He is near, will hear our prayer offered in faith and will keep him/her close to Him.

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Judges 21:25, In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in their own eyes.

 

Dr. Ed Newton has been giving great insight into the problems Israel was having because of their failure to follow God’s commands. One of his opening statements this weekend was, “When we begin to do what is right in our own eyes we begin to drift away from God.” I have gone back to a verse I have written about several times to try to expand on Pastor Ed’s comment.

 

God’s intent has always been to lead His people, to provide leadership and provide the standards by which they are led. He desired this with Israel, but they wanted a king. He wants to do this with the church, but too often the church has allowed the world to influence its beliefs and behavior. Too often the “church’s” attempt to bring people into it is undistinguishable from the world. Because of that people find a church that supports their beliefs in order to justify their lifestyle. Because of that I have tried to distinguish between church and the Church; the Church (capital C) is those faithful followers of Jesus Christ and His Word.

 

The writer of Judges ends the book with a summary that would tell the story of each judge and the account of having no king. It is also a statement that tells us that the people were not willing to do what God demanded; they would not live spiritually the way God demanded. Instead, people chose to live the way they wanted. It is clear that great danger lies in this way of thinking. It brought chaos, evil lifestyles, idol worship and God’s judgment. For Israel it meant enslavement to foreign enemies until God delivered them through a judge. For people today, those who believe they can live any way they want, God has sent His Son to fulfill His plan for our salvation. To accept Him and to walk His narrow way into eternal life in His kingdom is a choice each person must make for themselves.

 

I hope I “step on some toes” today! For anyone to have the idea that your feelings, your thought about your life being yours to live the way you want to, your opinions that you are going to live your life doing what is “right in your own eyes” is something you need to step back and consider! Proverbs 16:2 states, “People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives” (NLT). If one wants to justify their actions and attitudes, remember that the Lord looks at our heart.  A person might believe they are morally okay when God is saying that person is incapable of seeing what is spiritually true. Wisdom that comes according to “our own eyes” always seems to be connected to evil. When there “is no king” (that would be Jesus Christ) in one’s life, that person becomes blind to truth and is deceived. Being without a king means that the person places themselves as judge to what is right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable. But without God, that judgment is corrupted; one’s perspective is always off.

 

This is tough teaching; but necessary! Doing what is right in our own eyes is always wrong! Why? It is because what is truly right is only what is right in God’s eyes. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5-7, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil” (NLT).  Before we start pointing fingers regarding this page of the blog let me ask you to think about what you are doing that is “right in your own eyes”. When it comes to forgiveness are you doing what is right in your own eyes? What about your finances? What about what you do in your free time? What about dealing with your past or the past of someone else? What about your reading, your television time, what you listen to?

 

The greatest need you and I have is to make Jesus Christ the king of our heart! We take ourselves off the throne of our heart and place Him there. Then our actions, our words, our thoughts and everything else comes from our devotion to Him. There is nothing else that matters.

 

I ask you to pray for me in this. I am praying for each of you to place Jesus Christ on the throne of your life. There is no greater choice each of us can make.

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

1 Kings 18:21, And Elijah came to the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

 

You know the story of Elijah’s challenge to the prophets of Baal. The people of Israel believed they could worship both Baal and the God of Israel at the same time. They were guilty of a divided heart, trying to serve two masters, and Elijah called them out on it. He told them if the Lord was all-knowing, sufficient for all things, incomprehensible, good and perfect, if the Lord was God, they should follow Him. He put them on the spot. To choose Baal would certainly cause the prophet who was for God, to do something bad. After all, at Elijah’s word it had stopped raining and he could certainly speak for the rain to come again. But to choose the God of Israel, the people would surely cause Ahab, the king, to be upset and who knew what he might declare! Such a problem the divided heart causes! Do you see their dilemma? They certainly knew they could not abandon God; their conscience told them they could not do that. But their fear of the man in charge made them embrace the religion of the state (from Clarke’s Commentary).

 

Walking the narrow way is difficult. Elijah’s words still cause each of us to choose daily who we are going serve. The choice still tells us there is no room for a middle-of-the-road approach when it comes to walking on the narrow way to eternal life in God’s kingdom. Yet, The Revelation describes the church of the Laodiceans that will have “works that are neither cold nor hot”. This approach, being lukewarm, was sickening to the Lord. Can I just remind you that a lukewarm person is one that compromises with the world and resembles the society around them. The lukewarm person professes Christ as Lord but does not walk the walk. I wonder how many Christians try to walk the narrow way with one foot across the line, with one foot on the broad way and the other on the narrow way?

 

David Jeremiah made a statement that might be fitting here. “Faith is not what matters most. While that might strike you as an odd or blasphemous statement, it’s the object of our faith that makes the difference.” The prophets of Baal had faith but that did them little good because the object of their faith was worthless. It is the things faith is placed in or desires of the heart that mislead and cause us to try to serve more than our Father in heaven. All of us need to be careful of desires, prestige, and the things that might push the Lord Jesus Christ out of the heart by choosing to be neither hot or cold. We must have faith that brings hope in difficult times. It is a faith that has no compromise. Elijah gave the people the choice to follow Baal or drop everything and follow the One True God.

 

Perhaps this is just for me today. Perhaps one of you reading this today needs to consider if you are really going to live for God and be His follower. The choice each of us wakes up to is whether to follow God and be committed to walking on the narrow way or to live for the things that distract you from living the way He wants. Who are you choosing to follow today? That’s the challenge for each of us!

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

 

I just got home from the gym. I know what you are wondering, how long will it last this time! My wife has been really dedicated to going there six days a week; I took a look at myself in the mirror and checked the scales a few weeks ago and decided it was time to join …. again. I read from what we all know to be a very reliable source – the internet – that walking thirty minutes each day would reduce areas I would like reduced dramatically. I have been diagnosed with what is called furniture disease; my chest has fallen into my drawers! Anyway, as I am walking on the treadmill at 3.7 mph which means I walk two miles in just over 32 minutes and I begin to consider that walking on this treadmill is a spiritual-like adventure.

 

Let me explain. The belt I am walking on is about two feet wide, a narrow way. If I set the speed to go too fast, I cannot walk, instead, I have to run. I do not need to run; walking serves my purpose just fine. You have seen the videos where someone tries to run on a treadmill, sets the speed to go too fast for them to be successful, and are thrown off the treadmill. If I try to do the things I believe God wants me to do without the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I can quickly begin to do these things in my own power and I get into trouble. So, just as I set the speed on the treadmill for my success, I need to be content to follow the Holy spirit, knowing that His timing is best to achieve the outcome He wants.

 

I have also had some experience in letting my mind wander when walking and walk so close to the edge of the belt that I stumble. Its narrow and I need to be alert to the dangers that can really occur quickly. Jesus said the narrow way was a difficult way. As a Christian I need to be aware of all the dangers that come as I walk the narrow way. I was thinking about this as I walked and now as I write, the temptations are strong and they come at me from all directions, in all different forms. I have written this week already about the devil knowing your weakness(es) and uses them against you whenever he can. Consider your walk with the Lord and what has caused you to stumble. When all is going well in my life, I begin to be very careful and alert. Experience has taught me that something is going to come my way to tempt me to fail in my mind, in what I do, or to cause me to be prideful. Have you experienced that in your life?

 

This morning I thought to myself this would be a great time to pray because I was distracted. I even closed my eyes for a minute until I thought that was not wise; it caused me to be a little disoriented because I was not holding on to anything. I almost became that person on the video being flung off the treadmill. Okay, I might have embellished that a bit. But closing your eyes while on the treadmill is not smart unless you are hanging on the rails. The Bible gives instructions to keep your focus on the Lord and seek Him diligently at all times. I have found the importance of being watchful and alert to what is happening around me and in the world.

 

I’m sure there is more to write about walking on the narrow belt of the treadmill, but you get the idea. The narrow way is just that! It is the way into the kingdom of God. You must walk by the standards God has set. You must keep your eyes open and be disciplined regarding the way you live your life. You must be diligent to seek Him everyday and about every decision that needs to be made along the way. And, you must never forget that he is with you every step of the way to make sure you don’t go too fast nor walk to close to the edge!

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Proverb 25:28, Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city with broken down walls.

 

Ouch! Dr. Ed Newton mentioned this proverb in his message the past weekend. I wish I had not heard; I wish I had not written it down in my notes because it has been on my mind. It describes so much of my life. Oh, I used to tell my student athletes to be disciplined in both their studies and on the court or playing field. Discipline yourself! I was pretty good at pointing that finger but forgot I had several pointing right back at me. If I had been more disciplined to say no to myself when temptation showed its ugly head, I would have been a whole lot better in my walk on the narrow way.

 

The walls of a city were an essential part of the defense of that city. Strong walls, several feet thick would be a strong defense against an enemy. Enemies would lay siege to the city, use battering rams and many other devices built to break down the wall to gain access to the city.

This proverb refers to not only a city that has broken down walls but a city that has walls that are broken through. Don’t you know that a city with broken down walls is vulnerable to attack by all sorts of enemies. You have seen the movies that show the enemies breaking into the city and begins to kill, destroy and do whatever it wants to the city. That is exactly what happens to the person who lacks self-control. The enemy of our soul, sin and worldly “stuff” is constantly looking for breaks in every Christian to break into their life and create havoc with their walk on the narrow way. When that happens, the person can be controlled by their sinful nature or the old self (the person one was before accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior).

 

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Like other fruit, self-control does not come by saying one is going to have self-control and then just get it. It comes from doing our best to walk following the Holy Spirit’s guidance and keeping our eyes focused on Jesus. You remember what happened to Peter when he got out of the boat but took his eyes off Jesus! John 15:3 tells us to abide in Jesus as a branch must abide in the vine. That is a fundamental truth of being a Christian – be connected to Jesus all of the time.  By the way, all of the fruits of the Spirit are produced in this way!

 

Strong leaders planned for the attacks of their enemies. They knew that even with their efforts to protect themselves, they knew the attacks would come. Stronger enemies would continue their attacks for a great length of time. They would either be successful in their attempts to breakdown, break through the walls; if unsuccessful or if they were defeated, they would leave. Jerusalem was often attacked by enemies until God brought them defeat or caused them to leave according to His plan. The key is God was with them when the king turned to Him for strength and help (often repenting of sins first).

 

I am finally learning to strengthen my resolve to mature in saying no and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit when He says don’t go there or don’t do that. To not do so, is to lack self-control and to fall to temptation. Just as the city who built strong walls does not make an enemy leave, building self-control (as a wall) does not guarantee temptation will leave me alone. But it does help me resist temptation until it passes or is forced to leave. You must remember that the enemy, Satan, will attack us at our weakest points. That may or may not be different for each of us. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that the devil is an adversary who is always looking for someone to devour. To combat the temptation(s) he sends our ways each of us must discipline ourselves and keep ourselves under control; we do that by self-disciple (1 Corinthians 9:27).

 

Self-control is something we all deal with. Be honest. It is not something we really want to discuss but it is a matter of choosing to follow God’s standard of walking on the narrow way to eternal life with Him in His kingdom. We can live the way He desires by diligently desiring to follow Him and seeking His help to do so.

 LEARNING DAILY

 

Psalm 13:1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?

 

Sooner or later each of God’s people have the feeling that God has forgotten them. In writing this psalm, David is depressed, and discouraged because he is in desperate trouble; he believes God is not there and has intentionally forsaken him. Even the Lord Jesus said this same thing as He hung on a cross (Matthew 27:46). Have you experienced this as you have walked the narrow way to His kingdom? To David this feeling of being abandoned would last forever. Read the verse again. Don’t you hear the agony in his writing?

 

David is writing this during a period of time that Saul was pursuing him. Perhaps David had extra time on his hands and the thoughts of God abandoning him were able to grow larger in his mind. Time on our hands can do that. We wait and do not understand what is going on and our mind creates all sorts of scenarios. I wonder if David was hiding in a cave or some other isolated place and had little else to do but wait on God to act.

 

I don’t like to wait. That gets me into trouble because I am in a hurry to get an answer or get something accomplished. Yet, God never is. I seldom seem to be on His timetable. Lord, teach me patience and teach me now! The prayers of God’s people are often not answered immediately. Does that mean God is ignoring or does not hear our prayers? We need answers to sickness or financial matters, or some important matter and God does not seem to be hearing. What do we do then? The answer lies in the need to trust completely and deliberately in the fact that God loves us with a love that never fails; He never leaves nor forsakes us even when He seems to be doing so. If we are sincerely and diligently seeking God’s help and we are walking faithfully on the narrow way in faith with Jesus Christ, He has not forsaken us.

 

How long did Joseph stay in the prison before the cupbearer remembered he interpreted dreams and told Pharoah about him? How long had David been running from Saul after David had been anointed king? Why didn’t God do something earlier? There will be a day, you will find yourself wondering about where God is or why He delays in answering your prayers. You will probably wonder what is going on in your life that might be causing God to “not hear them”. How can you get out of whatever it is you think might be causing the delay – but nothing works.

 

I want to suggest two things for you to consider. First, God has not forgotten you nor has He closed His ears to your prayers! God is helping you to grow up, to mature in your Christian walk with Him; we have to learn to trust Him. It often takes time to build the characteristics or godly qualities needed to be a faithful and effective follower of Him.

 

That brings me to the second point I think is important. I believe that some gain great faith immediately. But for most of us it takes time to become a godly person. David was anointed king as a teenager but did not become a king for many years. Oh, he had great faith, faith to kill a giant and save his flock from a bear and a lion; but he learned to wait on God as he hid in caves from Saul. We live in a world where we get so many things right away, next day delivery. But, with God timing is His. Those who never learn to wait on Him give up and go back to following the world. We need to learn from David; David did not give up nor turn away from God. He diligently sought God when He seemed to be distant. Our faith is tested most when God seems far away. It’s like the times everything seems good in our life, we are on the top of the mountain but not being stretched in our faith. Growth happens when we are in the valley. So it is when God seems distant. That is the time God helps us to get rid of depending on self and learn to depend on Him.

 

Read the rest of this short psalm and see David’s problems were still the same at the end of it; he still sat in the cave. But his focus had shifted from himself and his problems to God’s mercy, love and salvation. We, also, must remember that God’s lovingkindness will come in His time. Until then, we worship Him and remember “all things work to good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Numbers 6:2, Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: “When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazarite, to separate himself to the Lord,

 

The sermon this weekend was about Samson. The Lord told his mother that she would conceive, bear a son and the child would be a Nazarite to God from the womb. This was a divine appointment for Samson; he was consecrated (dedicated to the service of God), separated and dedicated to doing the work of God – delivering God’s people from the rule of the Philistines. Judges 13:24-25 tells us that the Holy Spirit began to stir within Samson, empowering him for the assignment God had given him. It is important for us to be reminded what the Nazarite vow included. There was to be no consumption of wine or anything related to the fruit of the vine; no alcohol. The hair of the head was not to be cut. There was to be no contact with a dead body. This period of time for this vow was usually short, perhaps a month in length; Samson was an exception to this.

 

Pastor Ed Newton went on to mention that Romans 12:1-2 is the New Testament version of the Nazarite vow. Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The Nazarite vow was usually a voluntary vow by those who wanted to dedicate themselves to God; it was the action and decision of the person to give themselves to God completely. The apostle Paul made this statement to say those who have been saved by the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and want to live for Him are to give themselves to Him in order to be changed from the inside out.

 

We live in a world that demands all people conform to what it wants us to believe, act like it wants us to and live our lives according to its standards. Our lives as Christians should be marked by living according to God’s standards – we act differently, we talk differently – and we do so by being a living sacrifice. What does that mean and look like? It means we present ourselves to be changed into what God desires us to be, to think like He desires, to dwell on godly things instead of what the world is offering. The Lord Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice that whosoever would believe in Him would be set free from all the world has to offer – sin, worldliness, material things, greed, covetousness, ambition that puffs up our pride and desire to put ourselves on the throne of life.

 

We cannot do this by willing ourselves to become what God wants us to become. Instead, we willingly give ourselves to God to become what and who He desires. We allow the Word of God to transform our minds; we read/study/meditate on His Word allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from what the world is constantly bombarding us with to truly walking on the narrow way into God’s kingdom. I cannot write often enough the importance of allowing God’s Word to change us.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ died for every sin we have committed and will commit. That cannot be used as a get out of jail free card. In other words, we cannot go on sinning and ask for forgiveness; our lives need to change. As we ask Jesus Christ into our lives, accepting His great mercy, He accepts our daily sacrifice right now. Do not be conformed to this world; it is passing away. Is there anything preventing you from presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God and being transformed by the renewing of your mind? Can I encourage you to make this the most important task you do each morning when you get out of bed? I t is the only way to respond to God’s great mercy to us!

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

2 Chronicles 12:5, Thus says the Lord: “You have forsaken Me, and therefore I also have left you in the hand of Shishak.”

 

Perhaps a little background would be helpful in order to understand this verse. Rehoboam is the king of the southern kingdom, Judah. By the fifth year of his reign, Rehoboam had “strengthened himself and “forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel (the southern kingdom) with him” (verse 1). In other words, he was feeling pretty confident about his ability to rule; because of that he must have decided he no longer needed to consult God about ruling his kingdom.  It was at this time the king of Egypt, Shishak, came against the fortified cities of Judah and eventually came to Jerusalem.

 

The Lord sent the prophet named Shemaiah to tell Rehoboam and his leaders, “You have forsaken Me, and therefore I also have left you in the hand of Shishak.” There is an important point to this that needs to be made. 2 Chronicles 11:17 stresses God’s blessing follows obedience while 12:1-6 stresses punishment follows disobedience. When King Rehoboam became unfaithful it was due to abandoning God and God stopped protecting him from his enemies. Rehoboam thought he no longer needed God; I suppose that comes when one is so confident because of past victories that had strengthened his control over the cities in his kingdom.  So, God gave Judah over to Shishak that they might see what it was like to be the servant of another king.

 

There is a great danger in thinking we have our life so together that we no longer need to consult God through prayer or reading/studying/meditating on His Word – taking our walk on the narrow way for granted. We cannot take God for granted, walking in our past victories believing we have it so together that we can handle everything that comes our way on our own. We must remain faithful to walk with Him, praying for His daily guidance and living our lives in accordance to faith in Jesus Christ and His will if we expect His protection over our lives. That protection may come in a way that protects us from harm or through him walking with us through the storms that come our way.

 

All of us know Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” The promise is God will bring good out of all afflictions, trials, and the things we go through because He is working to conform us to the image of His Son which ultimately prepares us to enter into His kingdom. This promise is limited to those who love God and follow or submit to Him in faith. “All things” do not include our sins or thinking we can live life neglecting our walk on the narrow way!

 

Be encouraged this day as you walk the narrow way into eternity in God’s kingdom. Our journey is a daily process of taking time to be with our Savior and Lord, diligently seeking to be like Him, and always acknowledging the need for His presence in our life. The choice of following Him as He desires or thinking we have the ability to handle this life on our own is always before us. Which do you choose today? What about tomorrow? Or next week? I am going to choose to walk in the protection of the One who has promised to be with me and make me into the image of His Son!

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 14:30, But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord save me!”

 

You know the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter getting out of the boat in order to walk out to where Jesus was. Peter looked around at the waves created by the wind and immediately began to sink into the water. The lesson is pretty clear for Believers – when you take your eyes off of Jesus and focus on your circumstances, you fall under the weight of the situation you are facing. We learn from Peter that when we begin to doubt or do not spend time getting to know who Jesus is, we can call out to Him to save us and help us out of the situation we find ourselves in. For Peter, Jesus saved him in his situation immediately. You might have to go through your situation and circumstances to learn the lesson you need to learn.

 

Peter became distracted by the wind and the waves. I might step on toes today; it is to help you walk on the narrow way as the Lord Jesus Christ wants you to walk. Here is the question only you can answer. Ready? What distracts you from walking with Jesus as He desires? What causes you to take your eyes off Jesus and causes you to look at your circumstances?

 

All of us get distracted; what is the problem? Distracted drivers, for example, are responsible for a large percentage of automobile accidents; I am sure there are statistics to support this statement. I see people of all ages on their cell phones everywhere. Some are talking, most are looking at various forms of social media or texting or playing games. They miss so much of what is happening around them. Most people are busy with life. Work, family, responsibilities around the house, television, exercise – you know living life.

 

My concern is when we use these distractions as an excuse for taking our eyes off Jesus. When do we turn distractions into an excuse for not reading/studying/meditating on God’s Word or for not praying? When we don’t do these things, we begin to have more and more difficult challenges as we walk on the narrow way. When we are faced with the knowledge we have taken our eyes off the Lord Jesus Christ we begin to make excuses for doing so; we try to justify why we put off the things we need to do to walk close to the Lord on a daily basis. What we are doing is shifting our lack of discipline or being too busy or distracted in some other way to a less threatening thought of why I have not done what I know should be most important to us.

 

All of us need to be aware of those things that keep us from spending time with the Lord. I often wonder what I would say to Him if He confronted me with how I spend a lot of my time. I certainly do not fool Him as he is always present. He certainly wants me to spend more time with Him. Consider that person, that child, grandchild (grandchildren), you want to have more time with. Then, consider that God wants you to spend that same time with Him.

 

Here is the takeaway thought. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus. Make Him the most important part of your life and discipline yourself to make Him the center, the priority in your life. Stop making distractions an excuse. This does not mean you have to read chapters in the Bible or spend an hour with Him in prayer each day; it means you put Him first and make Him a part of everything you do during the day. It is being diligent in seeking Him and seeking His presence in everything you do. Doing so will bring His favor as you walk the narrow way into eternity in His kingdom!

 

LEARNING DAILY

 

Ecclesiastes 10:2, The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.

 

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon has written some additional proverbs. Proverbs are considered to be writings to give the reader good advice for making decisions that God would desire for those who want to walk the narrow way into His kingdom. Some might think the proverb above is a political statement. I will leave that up to the reader.

 

In the Bible, the right hand is considered the place of honor and the left was considered inferior. For example, when Jesus ascended into heaven He sat at the right hand of God. The right is considered the place of honesty and decency while the left is off the mark of righteousness. Solomon is telling the reader that a wise person will have a tendency to move to the right, toward wisdom in the way one acts and lives his life. The Bible is clear that one who lives wisely brings honor; a man or woman of God who lives righteously and does all to walk in wisdom brings honor to God. One who knows he should live wisely but does not is foolish.

 

Matthew Henry’s Commentary states, “Those who make a profession of religion, should keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great advantage over the fool, who is always at a loss of what he should do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they go, and shows their folly.” Barnes Notes on the Bible states, “A wise man’s sense is in its place, ready to help and protect him; but a fool’s sense is missing when it is wanted, and so is useless.” The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary states, “The right hand is more expert than the left. The godly wise is more on his guard than the foolish sinner, though at times he slips. Better a diamond with a flaw, than a pebble without one.”

 

We need to be very careful about what we put in our heart because our lives reflect what is there. Luke 6:46, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” “One of the best ways to tell what is in a person’s heart is to observe what comes out of that person’s mouth, especially during times of stress or difficulty” (David Jeremiah). The fruit of a person’s life reveals who he is; our actions must match what is professed.

 

In the proverb above “the heart” is given to a wise person; this would be one who has given his/her life to Jesus Christ to. When that occurs, the Holy Spirit comes to change the person, to cleanse and purify their heart and to fill him/her with God’s wisdom. That wisdom includes knowing right from wrong and the power to choose the right way to live. Choosing to “incline to the right” is to walk the narrow way in wisdom, doing what God wants us to do.

 

This is in contrast to the left, those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord; they do not fear Him nor love and trust Him. In this proverb the left signifies one who neglects to fill their heart with the things of God and His righteousness. Psalm 14:1 tells us the fool has said in his heart there is no God.

I want to encourage each reader to find, to make the time to be in God’s Word today allowing it to cleanse and purify your heart! May your desire be to walk the narrow way into God’s kingdom each day. We just do not know when God will take us home or when the trumpet will sound for His faithful people to join Him in the clouds. We continue the process of walking the narrow way, where the Holy Spirit is purifying us, making us ready to enter eternal life in God’s kingdom. “We stay ready, so we don’t have to get ready!” (Dr. Ed Newton).