Slip Sliding Away!

"In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarves; the headdresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; the signet rings and nose rings; the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils." -- Isaiah 3:18-23

In 1986 Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos were forced out of their palace in Manila and into exile. Upon leaving, Imelda left behind 15 mink coats, 508 gowns, 1000 handbags and 3000 pairs of shoes. The drive of greed is overwhelming. Yet, in a very short time everything can change and all the treasures that we have sought after might disappear. When Solomon wrote about wealth in Proverbs 23:4-5, he noted that in a moment it's "... gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven."

As the words of Isaiah spoke of the Lord's displeasure with the pride of his people, this great finery is mentioned. In arrogance, the people of Israel became so preoccupied with the luxuries of life that they lost sight of the Lord. Such can become a disease in the heart of even the strongest believer. We are tempted by the wealth of the world and the message of the prosperity gospel. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".

Be careful out there my friend. Israel slipped away from the Lord very slowly and so can we. When we start living for ourselves we seek the pleasures of life with fervor. We become the center of our universe and the Lord is pushed out. Before long our hearts are rooted in the things of this world, and those treasures will one day sprout wings and fly away.

The Lord Alone

"The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day ... And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day." -- Isaiah 2:11, 17

Every week we read of dictators and powerful world leaders who rule their countries with an iron fist and threaten other world powers. Recently, North Korea carried out the promise made by Kim Jong Un, by testing a hydrogen bomb, intimidating the rest of the world. Other leaders, proud and defiant in their power, are threatening surrounding countries with similar nuclear holocaust. Will the devastating pride of men ever be brought down?

The day is coming when all the powers of the earth will be brought under the sovereignty of the Lord Almighty. Great men who have brought sorrow and heartache to the world will finally be humbled. In the very midst of rebellious turmoil, the Lord speaks words of hope through Isaiah. The day of the Lord is coming to bring order out of chaos.

As you begin reading this marvelous prophecy my friend, be encouraged. Yes, the pages will speak of coming judgment and the chastening hand of the Lord. But, they also bring promise of coming peace that will only be possible when the arrogant pride of man falls before the sovereign rule of the Lord. Such hope and peace can become personal when you bow before the Lord's rule in your heart. He greatly desires to bless your life by bringing order out of chaos.

Do Not Fear

"But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay ...  Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” -- Matthew 28:5-6, 10

I have a fear of heights. I remember having a job that required my climbing to the top of a natural gas tower in times of emergency. Thankfully no such occasions ever came, because I found that half way up the stairs I froze and was unable to move forward and was almost unable to back down the stairs. I am living proof that fear is a power that can seriously cripple someone.

In light of the power that fear had over the women, the angel and Jesus quickly spoke to the issue. "Do not fear" was the message and the resurrection of our Lord was all that anyone needed to trade fear for courage. It's just not enough for someone to say "Do not fear", but when all the evidence around you gives hope and security you can be brave. This is what the risen Savior offers to everyone who comes to him... courage.

I have found that I can be confident at any height when I am standing on firm footing surrounded by a protective wall. Fear disappears when we have something or someone in which to trust. Jesus is that someone my friend, because he is the risen Savior. Step out of the dark and hear his words to you today... "Do not fear".

Make the Right Call

"Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself."" -- Matthew 27:3-4

A few years ago, Major League Baseball umpire Jim Joyce made an errant call that cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga the victory of a "perfect" game. While MLB Commissioner Bud Selig clearly acknowledged the call to be in error, he refused to overturn the call. With great emotion, Jim Joyce apologized to Galarraga at the beginning of the next game, but while the apology was kindly accepted, nothing could change the call that cost a "perfect" game.

In a far more significant set of circumstances, another call was made that couldn't be reversed. Judas was disturbed at the outcome of his betrayal and changed his mind, but it was too late. He had walked with Jesus for three years and never fully trusted the Lord as his Savior. When he realized his error, he acknowledged having "... sinned by betraying innocent blood". No amount of remorse could change the call that led to Calvary for Jesus and eternal condemnation for Judas.

Making a wrong call can be quite life changing. The most significant call in life is how you respond to the Lord Jesus Christ. This call can never be reversed in eternity. You may apologize all that you want, but nothing will change the lost condition of your soul. Be wise my friend and make the right call about Jesus... your "perfect" eternity depends on it.

The Best Fit

"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.

Never a Waste

"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 kilometres 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 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!

Toys

"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 product is 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.