Double Edged...

Today's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 19 / NT + Psalms 97-98

“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 97:10

I own a double edged knife. It has two very sharp edges and cuts smoothly on both sides. When necessary this cutting tool can pierce through leather, canvas or wood with little resistance. Though having such a blade is of great value while hiking or camping, it does require extra effort in sharpening. To be efficient, both sides must be equally sharp.

Our spiritual walk is like a two edged knife. We are called upon to love the Lord on one side and hate evil on the other. Some believers go through life with only one side sharpened and have trouble piercing the darkness. To be true to our calling, extra effort is needed for the sharpening of both sides. We are only as efficient as we love the Lord AND hate evil. Both sides must be equally sharp.

Do you love the Lord? Well of course you do, but do you hate evil? Loving the Lord is always out in front as our Christian testimony, but have we nurtured a genuine hatred for the “… sin that so easily entangles”? (Hebrews 12:1) Be a double edged knife today my friend, and pierce the darkness for the Lord.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 20:1-32 / NT + Proverbs 21

Choose Wisely...

Today's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 18:14-32 / NT + Romans 16

"Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." -- Romans 16:19

The pursuit of knowledge can be quite profitable. This week classes will be filled with students seeking an education in preparation for a career. While these studies can be good, there are some college experiences that would be best avoided. Some students will graduate wise in what is good, but others will not be so wise.

Paul was very well educated. His writings and testimony reveal great insight and understanding in many areas. But he saw the need to be discerning in our pursuit of knowledge. With only so much time and too much to learn, Paul directs us to be "wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil"

Knowing all about evil will never improve our ability to deal with temptation. Being wise about what is good will deepen our walk with God and strengthen our resolve against sin. Choose your reading and media carefully my friend. Someone wisely said, "You are what you read.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 19 / NT + Psalms 97-98

Acceptance...

Today's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 18:1-13 / NT + Romans 15

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" -- Romans 15:7

Being accepted onto a college campus as a freshman can be quite a challenge. It all begins with someone who is willing to welcome you. An upper classman that remembers receiving a kind welcome themselves always helps. Acceptance leads to acceptance.

Paul knew what it was like to be suspect as a new believer. To be accepted by Jesus was a great blessing after he had persecuted so many believers. This gracious reception by the Lord marked Paul's ministry forever. Acceptance led to acceptance.

In the Christian family we all stand on level ground. Jesus forgave each of us and lovingly receives us into his fold. If our Lord is so accepting of us, how can we not be accepting of one another? Acceptance should lead to acceptance.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 18:14-32 / NT + Romans 16

Build Up!

Today's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 17 / NT + Romans 14

"Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand... Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." -- Romans 14:4, 19

Where I grew up there were occasions when neighborhood pranks would take a bad turn. One such prank was the use of Coke poured on someone's car. Over night the chemicals in the soft drink would eat into the paint finish. The soda would taste sweet but have the power to damage.

The process of judging someone with a critical attitude is very much like Coke on a car. It may seem sweet to the taste to talk about others and put them down, but over time this practice will damage. It eats away at relationships as well as the heart of the one who criticizes.

Do you find it easy to find fault with your brother or sister in Jesus? Is it your expectation that they follow the Lord in the same way as you? Remember, we are all the Lord's servants, unique and accountable to him. Rather than pour acid on others, learn to accept them without passing judgment. Build up, don't tear down.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 18:1-13 / NT + Romans 15

Wake Up!

Today's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 16:35-63 / NT + Romans 13

"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." -- Romans 13:11

Have you ever been awakened by the alarm clock, wondering about the time? Did you find yourself so groggy that you weren't sure what day it was? Thankfully, after a few moments and a splash of cold water on your face, you were awake and ready to take on the world. That's a good thing, because the day wouldn't go so well if you walked around in a state of slumber. The blessings of life will pass you by when you're asleep.

Our spiritual lives are no different. While we have been made alive in Jesus, we're not always awake. If we were, Paul would have no reason to write this admonition. If we walk through life in a state of slumber we won't understand the present time or live in readiness for the Lord's return. Spiritual blessings will pass you by when you're asleep.

Occasionally you will read about someone who has been in a very long coma. When they waken they are shocked and saddened at how much time has passed since they slipped into the deep sleep. Don't be a coma Christian my friend. Wake up from your slumber and live your life to the full for Christ. Get the most out of God's challenges and blessings before they pass you by.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 17 / NT + Romans 14

Fervor to Win...

Today's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 16:1-34 / NT + Romans 12

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." -- Romans 12:11

When I was growing up I played football and soccer. We always looked forward to game day. Practices were not as much fun or exciting. We were driven by our coaches to built our stamina and skill. To win on game day, we needed to maintain our fervor.

The spiritual life is no different. We all want to do the fun ministry activities. But if we don't practice by performing spiritual disciplines, we'll never build stamina. The Lord wants us to have energy and zeal in the second half of our lives. To win the race set before us by the Lord, we need to maintain our fervor.

You may be excited about preaching, witnessing and counseling those in need. But if you hope to keep your zeal over the years, you need stamina. Make quality time to pray and read the Scriptures every day. Listen to the voice of God and nurture a deeper walk with him through discipline. Get back to the basics of your spiritual life and then you will have the fervor to win.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 16:35-63 / NT + Romans 13

Our Keeper...

Today's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 15 / NT + Psalms 95-96

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care." -- Psalm 95:6-7

We purchased a new car not too long ago. When we received the keys a long process came to an end. The designer and the assembly line workers had finished their jobs. They were all part of making the vehicle. Now it's up to us to keep the car in good road worthy condition. They were the makers and my wife and I are the keepers.

The psalmist saw things in a very different light when he considered himself and the Lord. We have one Creator and Shepherd. As Paul put it in Acts 17:28, "For in him we live and move and have our being." or as we read in the Augsburg Confession, "God... the maker and preserver of all things" The Lord is both our maker and keeper.

Do you often find yourself thinking that once you left the womb you were on your own? Yes, the Lord calls us to a great deal of accountability, but remember, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23:1)  If that is so, why not worship and trust Him today, not only as your Maker, but your Keeper?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Ezekiel 16:1-34 / NT + Romans 12