Fear or Faith...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 27 / NT - Matthew 26:57-75

"After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly."  - Matthew 26:73-75

The stories of prisoners of war can be most distressful. The mistreatment and humiliation can be overwhelming for the strongest soldier. As time passes some are unable to hold on and they eventually betray their allegiance to home and country. Fear can be an overpowering influence.

Peter was filled with fear. The events of the previous hours included a determined promise that now concluded in devastating failure. The will to prevail gave way to a humiliating betrayal. Peter crumbled under the pressure of opposition and the threat of death. "I don't know the man!"... Fear can be an overpowering influence.

In the battle for spiritual victory, you will face overwhelming opposition. There will be moments when the pressure will be unbearable. Fear will fill your heart and tempt you to deny the Lord in one way another. But remember the words of an older and wiser Peter in 1 Peter 5:9, 11 "standing firm in the faith" the Lord will "make you strong, firm and steadfast." Faith can be an overpowering influence.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 28 / NT - Matthew 27:1-26

The Right Fit ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 25-26 / NT - Matthew 26:31-56

 "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”  - Matthew 26:53-54

Occasionally I purchase a chair or small appliance that requires assembly. The process moves along quite well until I come to that one piece just won't fit. Now I have two choices; I can return to the store and exchange the piece for one that actually fits, or I can force the original one into place. Whenever I choose to force the process, things just don't work. The right fit is the best fit.

The time came for the atoning work of Jesus. It would involve tremendous sacrifice and distress for our Savior, but this was the only way for redemption to be achieved. Furthermore, the crown awaited our Lord, but only through the cross. Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels and forced the process, but the right fit is the best fit.

There are times that the Lord calls you to make serious sacrifices my friend. You might be tempted to force the issue to another path that would seem better and easier. The price to achieve the goal may seem too great, uncomfortable and undesirable. But as you reflect on the choice our Savior made when he went to Calvary, consider that the right choice is always fulfilling the Lord's will. Remember, the right fit is always the best fit.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 27 / NT - Matthew 26:57-75

Never a Waste!

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 24 / NT - Matthew 26:1-30

 "And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me." -- Matthew 26:8-10 

With the intention to evangelize the previously unreached Huaorani, five young missionaries began making regular flights over Huaorani settlements in September 1955, dropping gifts. After several months of exchanging gifts, on January 3, 1956, they established a camp at "Palm Beach", a sandbar along the Curaray River, a few kilometers from Huaorani settlements. Their efforts came to an end on January 8, 1956, when all five — Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming and Roger Youderian — were attacked and speared by a group of Huaorani warriors. Some people at the time may have said, "Why this waste?"

This dear woman, Mary of Bethany as mentioned in John 12:3, poured out a personal sacrifice to honor the Lord. No matter what the sacrifice, great or small, Jesus sees it as a beautiful thing. It is never a waste when we give our all to worship and serve the Lord. He sees the value in a far different manner than others. The moments to serve pass quickly and the wise servant will redeem the moments for the Glory of God. Our sacrifices for Jesus are never a waste.

When you evaluate your efforts made for the kingdom of God and wonder if it was worth it, remember that his ways are higher than your ways and his thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9) and "He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11) In retrospect, a number of those Huaorani tribesmen responsible for the above martyrdom became strong followers of Christ and powerful preachers of the Gospel. In addition, over the years, many young people were inspired to give their lives for Missionary work. No sacrifice for Jesus is a waste!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 25-26 / NT - Matthew 26:31-56

Toys ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 23 / NT - Matthew 25:31-46

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." -- Matthew 25:34

I recently read about a man who built a replica of the Ohio State University football stadium with LEGO toy blocks. The end project was valued at $75,000. Well, no matter how long it took him, or how much the stadium is worth, it doesn't compare the real thing. At the end of the day, toys are just toys.

Jesus speaks of a kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world. This kingdom is the real thing. Everything that we build in this world is temporal and quite small in contrast to the real thing. In fact the things of this life are very much like LEGO toy blocks. At the end of the day they are little more than toys.

The kingdom has been prepared for those who know the King and live for him. Rather than spending time building the temporal with toys, why not touch the lives of others in the name of Jesus? This is real preparation for the real kingdom prepared for the flock of God.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 24 / NT - Matthew 26:1-30

Faithfulness ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 22 / NT - Matthew 25:14-30

 "His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’" - Matthew 25:21 

Prior to entering the ministry I was employed by a number of companies. In three such jobs I was given promotions and an increase in salary. Why? I showed up on time, stayed later than others and worked hard. As a result I was honored with greater responsibility. It pays to be faithful.

While the truth of grace is widely proclaimed throughout the Scriptures, the principle of faithfulness is also clearly taught and expected. Notice the following verses in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." God gives the victory, but it still pays to be faithful.

In light of God's grace, how then shall we live? He has blessed us with spiritual victory and gifts in Christ. Simply put, we have been saved to serve. In all things God is more gracious than any earthly employer. He will honor those who show up on time, stay later than others and work hard. It pays to be faithful.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 23 / NT - Matthew 25:31-46

Reservations...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 21:15-34 / NT - Matthew 25:1-13

"Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."  

~ Matthew 25:11-13

I stood in the foyer of a hotel some years ago and watched as a fellow traveler became quite animated when he was told that there was no reservation and no room for him. He was absolutely sure that he had a reservation, but the hotel had no record of such and they had no rooms available. No matter how sure he was, the record was clear... his name was not found.

"At midnight the cry came out: 'Here's the bridegroom'" The midnight cry is coming and we have no way of knowing when. The door will be open for all those who have reservations. But when it shuts, those left outside will be without hope. No matter how sincerely we believe that we have reservations, if we don't have the oil of salvation in the lamp of our souls, all we will hear are the words, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you". If we don't know the bridegroom (Jesus) in this life, our name won't be found in the reservation book.

For some, the midnight cry is expected with great anticipation. What about you? Have you trusted Jesus Christ as the only means for your salvation? If you have done so, you have been filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit and your lamp is ready for the wedding banquet.  Don't wait until the last moment to come knocking at the shut door. Make sure that your name is found in the reservation book.

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 22 / NT - Matthew 25:14-30

Are You Ready?

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 21:1-14 / NT - Matthew 24:32-51

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." -- Matthew 24:42-44

We lived and ministered in a metropolitan area for over twenty years. Our neighborhood would often experience various criminal activities. Therefore, I took definite defensive steps to be prepared in the event of a robbery. The years passed, virtually crime free, but I was no less expectant at the end than I was at the beginning. I didn't live in fear, I just remained ready.

The Lord chose this very picture to illustrate his imminent return. He will return for his church and after seven years of tribulation, he will return to bring judgment on unbelievers and reign on his throne, as detailed in this chapter and the next. Whether the wait is for the catching up of his church or his return to reign, careless living would be most unwise. It's best to be expectant and remain ready.

As believers, we await the Lord's coming in the clouds; the rapture of the church (Acts 1:11/1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). For us, the judgment seat of Christ is coming (2 Corinthian 5:10). This day will show the quality of our work for Christ (1 Corinthians 3:13). Are you ready for such a moment?

If you don't know Christ as your Savior, this chapter speaks a sure warning to you. The day will come when one will be left to live and serve in the kingdom, and another will be taken into eternal judgment where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth". Are you ready for that day?

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 21:15-34 / NT - Matthew 25:1-13