David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11

Today we read the all too human story of David and Bathsheba. How sad it is as we see one sin lead to another (and another) in this tragic episode. You can make an argument that the sin chain starts
with covetousness (10th commandment) followed by adultery (6th commandment) followed by lies (8th commandment) followed by murder (5th commandment). What a mess!! But isn’t that the nature of sin? How often do we witness the sin in our own lives and in the lives of others spiral from one area of failure to another?

And what about those who are affected by sin? One of the lies that comes with sin is that it can be private, that no one else will be affected. That is rarely the case. Like a pebble thrown into quiet waters sin has a ripple effect, both in our actions and the people it affects.

Think of the people impacted by David’s sins.  Here’s a list that I came up with. Maybe you can think of more:

David
David’s servants
Bathsheba
Uriah
Joab
Soldiers killed or injured with Uriah
David and Bathsheba’s son (see Chapter 12)

What an awful condition that we live with! As we consider the devastation that sin causes in our world, it makes God’s grace and love all the more amazing. Consider that despite the rampant sin that we read about in 2 Samuel 11 there is ultimately repentance and forgiveness. Eventually Solomon is born to David and Bathsheba and Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is descended from Solomon – see Matthew chapter 1.

I love the words that we recite during the communion service found in the King James Version of 1 John 1:8-9: “8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What an incredible and comforting promise given the nature of sin! 

Thanks be to God for grace through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord!

Sinful desires: A Precursor to Death

By Thomas Denegre

Did you commit murder? Rob a bank? Have adulterous affairs?  Chances are you’re a good Christian and you didn’t do any of these things.   But Jesus said that was not good enough.

In this week’s reading from Matthew 5:21-35 Jesus teaches there is a higher standard to our behavior, for he states to the crowd;

“Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty of murder before the court.”

“Everyone who has not forgiven his brother their sacrifice or prayer will not be heard.”

“Everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Clearly, it’s not enough that our outward behavior be righteous, but so too must be the thoughts in our heart.  Jesus goes on to say, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Matt 15:18

Just as it takes three elements to make a campfire; oxygen, fire, and wood.  So, too does sin need three elements; the world we live in, sinful thoughts and desires (motive), and opportunity.

Some people may say, that if sinful thoughts are just as bad as the sin, then why shouldn’t you just do the sin.  Simply, a life in sin kills the heart and separates us from God.  Sin is on the same level as nerve gas and atomic weapons; deadly and catastrophic. 

Acting out sinful desires causes harm and death to us in many ways.

·         One, it causes people to excuse sin rather than stopping sin.  It deadens the heart and we become desensitized to actions leading to death. Good becomes evil and evil becomes good. Sadly, we see this when churches fly rainbow flags to endorse rebellion.

·         Two, sin will kill, steal, and destroy. 

·         Three, intentional sin is rebellion against God, especially when a person celebrates the sin rather than repents from it.

·         Four, sin will always hurt and kill people.  Free love has aborted 60 million people and that’s just the tipping point.

For myself, to stop the opportunity of sin, I must remove the motive of sin in my heart.  Jesus came to target the evil in my heart and transform it into his image. He knows my heart is defiled, but when I became born again, I was given a new spirit and heart.  God said in Ezekiel; “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 11:19

By living in life union with Jesus and having his words living powerfully within me (John 15:7), I can become aware of my thoughts and motives.  While I cannot stop a thought from occurring, I can stop nurturing it. I also know when I do sin, I quickly repent of it to my Father, because God desires to forgive and heal me. By having a spirit-to-spirit relationship with God, I have a guardian at the gate to my heart that lets in good motives while keeping evil ones out.  I trust God when he said, 'I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.” Jeremiah 24:7

Did Jesus Really Say They Would Certainly Die?

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. …

And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

Genesis 3:1-7, 22-24

Do you ever get confused about what Jesus really said? Do you ever question the severity of the consequences if we ignore what he said?

I have. I know others who have. It seems the serpent always begins with the same tactic ...

Did Jesus really say, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me”?

Well, who would want to believe that? Now the faithful adherents of every religion outside of Christianity are separated from God. But Jesus really said it (John 14:6). They will certainly die.

Did Jesus really say, “If you do not forgive others their sins, your father will not forgive your sins”?

I once had to teach this verse to a fifth-grader. We began by talking about some of the bad things that could happen to him in school. He carried on for a long while about his righteous anger at the suggestions and the many creative ways he would inflict his wrath on his enemies if such things came about. This verse stopped him cold. Jesus really said it (Matthew 6:15). Those who live in anger and unforgiveness will certainly die.

Did Jesus really say, “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned”?

Not according to a few Bible studies I’ve attended. Once saved, always saved is a far more comforting doctrine and the easier the path to that label “saved” the better. After all, who wants to consider the possibility that our self-deceived loved ones who said the sinner’s prayer and then went right back to sinful living aren’t going to be with us in Heaven? But Jesus really said it (John 15:6). Those who do not remain in him will certainly die.

Did Jesus really say, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”?

This verse came up at a Bible study I attended, and one of my friends was so unsettled by it that she decided to stop thinking about it and pretend it didn’t exist. But Jesus did say that (Matthew 7:21). There are those who think they know the Lord who will certainly die.

To some up all this dreariness, here’s what Jesus said: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Leaning on the Learning Tree

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:5-8

When I was in school, I didn’t read the same book twice. I learned addition and moved on to multiplication. I learned spelling and moved on to grammar. One thing built upon another, and all was forever absorbed into my sponge-like mind. Though I’ve gone decades without seeing my teachers or reading their books, I can still multiply (even without my smartphone) and i donut right lik thes. 

I wish my battle with sin could be like my education. But it’s not.

The Bible teaches me what is right and good. I understand and agree. I want to live like that. Yet somehow I still sin. I do what I know is wrong even though I want to do what is right. As the Bible says, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” (Romans 7:21-23)

If I then cannot be free of sin by gaining knowledge or setting my will to the purpose, how can I be set free?

The answer lies in relationship with God (very different from knowledge of God). Through regular time reading the Bible, reflecting upon the Scriptures, praying, worshipping, and sharing in the fellowship of Christian community, we can be trained to recognize the voice of the Spirit and obey that voice as the governor of our mind. Without this regular contact, our knowledge of God will bend to our selfish will and sin will govern our lives.

As Jesus puts it, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Everyday Spirituality

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took it and ate it.” (Genesis 3:6 NIV)

I don't like to blame all my short-comings on Adam and Eve, but the truth is, sin has changed everything. Nothing is as it was supposed to be in this life. Until that first sin, there was no death, no pain, no need to wear clothes, to brush our teeth, etc. Everything was perfect and beautiful and peaceful. So, how do we deal with this fact without always putting the blame on them.

This year, my struggles with food came back with a vengence. For a short time, I was in control, but not so any longer. Why? Why do I struggle so with this issue? I could blame it on sin, on Adam and Eve, but the truth is, I am responsible. I sin. I am not am not perfect. I must work on my behaviors and poor habits it all the time.

“But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives live because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:10 NIV)

Is there something you deal with repeatedly? Some habit you have wanted to break so that you could conquer it once and for all. Perhaps it is a heartache, a broken spirit or a painful illness. Instead of creating a new years resolution to overcome, we should give it to God. Let's submit to His will and daily work on our shortcomings. Do this everyday as part of your ordinary daily routine, like brushing your teeth.

Each morning as we face the new day, let's engage our body--take a day to care for our it. Choosing good food, smart exercise and resting a little. This is all that is on the menu.


Genesis 3:6-7,17-19

Thou Shalt Not Judge … Never, Ever, Ever!

READ: Matthew 7:1-5

1Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

Very popular, very acceptable. I’ll do what I want. You’ll do what you want. Neither of us will dare correct the other or insinuate that one (or both) of us is a sinner. 

2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

So if I ignore everyone else’s sin, then they’ll have to ignore my sin. Or else … the judgment of God! 

3Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Huh? My brother is perfect the way he is. I do not judge him. And what is this plank of which you speak, Jesus?

4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 

What speck? What plank? We’re perfect the way we are. Where are you going with this, Jesus?!

5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

And there’s the issue! We were never called to ignore sin in our own lives or each other’s lives. Quite to the contrary, the Scriptures read: “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received,” (Eph 4:1) and, “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” (Gal 6:1)

We are called to soberly evaluate our sin, repent, and gently restore our brothers and sisters in Christ. Are you doing this?

Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Holiness

READ: 1 Peter 1:13-16

BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.

The command seems so lofty. 

Me, holy? No one is righteous, not even one. I confess I am a sinner. I live by grace. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. I am unholy, sold as a slave to sin, but his grace abounds.

Now that sounds a little more like the Christians I know. 

But let us consider what the Bible says about this lofty holiness. 

The prophecy: “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (Ezekiel 36:27)

Christ’s promise: “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)

Prophecy and promise fulfilled: “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.” (Romans 8:9)

Result: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

Therefore, we are not a defeated people, powerless against our base and sinful desires, but we who have received the Holy Spirit are a redeemed and victorious people fully capable of fulfilling the command to be holy as God is holy.

Yes, we are saved by grace, but saved for a purpose: to replicate his holiness.

Who Is Your Master?

READ: John 8:31-39

America is the land of the free. We believe what we want; we say what we want; we do what we want. We are all independent, bound to no master! Or so we think.

2 Peter 2:19 says that all people are slaves to whatever has mastered them. The truth is easy to see in the life of a drug addict or a youth madly in love. Everything must be given to obtain that which has captured the fascination of the mind and the passion of the heart. We just can’t control ourselves. We have to have it.

So what is your it? What has mastered you?

Wealth? Personal accomplishment? Love of spouse, child, or parent? Your reputation for holiness built upon the sins you hide? Escapism through alcohol, through television, through work that doesn’t even need to be done?

Are you a slave unto sin?

We all used to be. “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” (Titus 3:3) 

Some of us still are. “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:14-15)

And some of us aren’t anymore. “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

Feel like you’re caught in between? Remember the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

“Therefore, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Make it Right

Numbers 5:6 (MSG)
⁶  "Tell the People of Israel, When a man or woman commits any sin, the person has broken trust with GOD, is guilty, and must confess the sin he has committed."

Sin is serious stuff, as we read in the Old Testament and the New. When we commit any sin, we break off with God. We are deemed guilty and must repent. God is fair and just, and when we commit a wrong, we are given a chance to make it right. Restoration is God's plan, confession and repentance is our next move.

One commentary I turned to for clarity said that an essential role of the people of God is bringing reconciliation and justice to scenes of conflict and abuse. How do we do this? One way is to recognize when we fall short of God’s expectation and immediately seek forgiveness. Too often, we only have to look as far as our own doorstep to find conflict and abuse. 

Just like the people of Israel who bound themselves to obey God's commandments, who routinely fell short, so do we. Often this takes the form of mistreating others. Unkind words, hateful glares, obscene gestures, are these all forms of mistreatment. All this sort of behavior is sinful and must be confessed.

A problem in today's world is that many do not recognize wrong doing. We don't consider name calling and slandering as wrong. As Christians, we must act different. This is where we are wise to have a few people around us who can hold us accountable. People we trust that we give permission to speak into our lives and hold up a mirror to us when we are less than what God desires.

God is ready to forgive...are we ready to confess and change?

Numbers 5:5-10

Accusation & Justification: I Hear Voices in My Head

The Crow (1994) - Film of Accusation and Vengeance

READ: Mark 2:1-12

“Your sins are forgiven.” My dear friends, the gospel in four words. 

But do you really believe it? Is your life now totally guilt-free? Do you live unashamed, hiding nothing, knowing that all is forgiven and you are loved in spite of your past?

Not quite? Me neither. 

But Jesus says it’s all forgiven. Lost your temper? Forgiven. Gossip? Forgiven. Divorced? Forgiven. Premarital sex? Forgiven. Came off as too judgmental while writing a devotional? Forgiven!!!

Then why do we still feel guilty? According to Revelation 12, Satan accuses us day and night and leads the whole world astray. He tells us we’re not forgiven.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Film of Justification & Forgiveness

Yet the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins. And, boy, does he:

Alcoholic? Forgiven. Drug addict? Forgiven. Adulterer? Forgiven. Homosexual? Forgiven. Murderer? Forgiven. Pedophile? Forgiv   

“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming!”

Is he? Or is it true that no one can condemn us because Christ Jesus died for us and is also interceding for us? (Romans 8:33-34)

Do we then have a free pass to sin? 

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8)

So, then, let us not merely rest in the forgiveness of sins, but let us follow the instruction Christ gives the adulterous woman whom he does not condemn: “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:3-11)

You Want Me To Do ALL That?

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:25-32

Today I have posted the entire scripture text for you to read.  The Apostle Paul is so strategic in how he instructs us, that I wanted you to see the entire picture.   This section of scripture ends with a very specific command. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.”

I think as a Christian we grow accustom to reading and hearing that we should be kind and compassionate and to other and forgive.  We know it’s something we should do, and I bet many of us truly want to be able to live up to that instruction.  There are times, though that we want to yell, “It’s just not fair!”

We don’t feel that God understands the hurt. There are times that being kind and compassionate, forgiving the person who hurt you so deeply is just impossible. That is where I want to introduce this entire passage to you.  Take a look. 

Paul starts by saying,

• ·         Don’t lie, but speak truthfully.
• ·         Don’t get so angry that you sin, and if you are angry make amends quickly.
• ·         Don’t steal.  Work for what you get.
• ·         What you do work for, share with those in need.
• ·         Watch your mouth.  Don’t say hurtful, negative, slanderous things.
• ·         Don’t give credit to something else that belongs to God, that Grieves the Holy Spirit.

Lastly Paul sends out a barrage of don’ts… Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with EVERY form of malice.

I think Paul structured this passage in this way for two reasons. First, before he asks us to forgive others he reminds us of our own areas of sin.  Christ has forgiving us completely so we should forgive others.  It’s easier to show compassion when you remember the compassion that was first shown to you.

Secondly, I think Paul wants us to see the impossibility of EVERYTHING he is asking us to do if we are not connected to God.  We CAN’T walk the path of speaking truthfully, not sinning in anger, making amends, honest work, giving to those in need, positive talk, giving God glory, and everything else on our own. It does seem impossible to show kindness, compassion and forgiveness to deep hurts if we do it in our own strength.  God never intended us to do this alone.  He wants us to rely on him and his strength.

We need to be mindful of all of this, but also surrender to the One who can do this work in and through us. 

Dysfunction Gone Wild

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Television can make dysfunction funny. Take the successful TV series The Office which aired from 2005-2013. The setting was a paper distribution company called Dunder Mifflin. With a variety of quirky characters that you might find in any office anywhere, dysfunction seemed to be the guiding principle of the show.

 Most likely the reason that a dysfunctional office is funny is because we can relate to it and identify with the quirky characters. In reality though, dysfunction is the result of our sinful nature and not to be taken lightly.

Consider King David. Although a man after God’s own heart, he had no clue when it came to the dysfunction of his family. Amnon, one of David’s sons, raped his step-sister, Tamar. When David didn’t do anything about it, her biological brother, Absalom, killed Amnon. In this case, it sounds like dysfunction gone wild.

The church at Corinth seems to have been the definition of a dysfunctional church. They struggled with everything from divisions over leadership to immorality and incest to favoritism based on status. It’s hard to imagine that they had any redeeming qualities. Yet, Paul had enough hope in them that he didn’t give up.

In the verses today, Paul wrote about lawsuits amongst believers in the church. Here is yet another example of the Corinthian believers not being able to work and play well together; an example of their dysfunction. Paul makes these observations.

 ⁵ I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? ⁶ But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers! ⁷ Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? ⁸ Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.              NLT

You may not have ever taken another believer to court, but conflict starts small and builds to a crescendo. It begins with a something little between an employer and employee, or two business owners, or neighbors or between husband and wife.

Conflict is a part of the human predicament. It happens every day of our lives. The question is how will you deal with it? Paul suggests working things out, finding a mediator or just accepting the injustice.

Whatever you do, don’t let it become, dysfunction go wild.

Holy Spirit You are Welcome Here

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” -Luke 3:21-22

Do you remember the day you were baptized?  It was September 19, 1981 I was 9 years old and my father stood next to me getting baptized as well.  I remember being so excited.  I wanted God to have control of my life.  I saw him as my protector, someone I could go to with anything. 

It's funny, I still feel that way today, but those feelings really stand out in my memory on that day.  Our scripture passage today tells us that, “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.”  Why?  Jesus was perfect.  He did not need to repent.  He did not need his sins forgiven.  He was living a perfect life without need of a Savior.  He was the Savior!

So why was he baptized?  I believe it was an act of obedience.  The father wanted him to be baptized to show us what to do and to be introduced from Heaven.  Scripture says, “heaven opened up and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well please.’”

Did you know, the Holy Spirit did not fill many people in the Old Testament the way he does today. When we read the Old Testament, we see a few people such as Joshua, Saul, David and limited others who God said the Spirit was in.

The Holy Spirit was sent after Jesus resurrection, to help us communicate with God. Now when we accept Christ into our heart, it is the Holy Spirit who takes up residence.  When you pray, it’s the Holy Spirit who takes those prayers to the throne of the Father. 

It is the Holy Spirit who we feel moving in us comforting us, directing us, and convicting us of sin; leading us to repentance.  Just as the Holy Spirit came down and rested on Jesus, he has come down to all who believe in Christ and confess him as Lord.  

We can trust that God will be there for us.  He knows what is happening in our lives and we have a counselor guiding us everyday.

In The Eye Of The Storm

Last week we had a hurricane in South Florida.  It was my families first experience with a hurricane.  To say it was exciting and terrifying would be an understatement.  The category 4 hurricane was headed our direction and so we prepared. 

We were ready for days without power and water.  We stocked our pantry with nonperishable foods such as canned fruit, beef jerky, trail mix and lots of supplies for PB & J’s.  The most important supply we purchased according to our son, FLASHLIGHTS!

Evan is not afraid of the dark, but being stuck in a violent storm in the dark is a whole other thing.   We made the prospect of being in the dark fun, telling him we would play flashlight tag when it got really dark.  He was definitely down for a game that involved flashlights.

Well, we got lucky and the storm passed us by.  Other than some above average winds and rain, the hurricane was a non-event and my husband and I were grateful.  We knew others in the world were not as fortunate, so we did not take this lightly.  As we were counting our blessings, or son was disappointed.  He never got to play flashlight tag.

As parents we learn to master making a bad situation look good, so our children do not feel the weight of our circumstances.  As Christians we have to be careful to not do the same thing. 

Playing in the dark as a Christian is an entirely different game.  When we spend time in the dark, as stated in 1 John 1:5-10, we have no fellowship with one another or with God.  The dark is where we go to hide our sin.  God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.  We cannot be hiding sin and be around God. 

So what do we do?  Admit our sin.  God is not waiting around to shame us, he wants to cover us with his love, but not admitting our sin keeps his love from penetrating our brokenness and healing us of what drives us to sin.  If you are hiding in darkness trying to keep your sins a secret, stop playing games and give it to God.  He knows how to protect you from the storm.

Read today's Scripture here

How does your garden grow?

One of the things I look forward to doing once the long winter months are behind me is gardening. To get outdoors in the spring, into the warm sunshine and play around in the dirt, is a most fulfilling experience. I will spend February pouring over gardening magazines, dreaming about everything I am going to do once I can get outside.

Gardens are peaceful and refreshing. It isn't so much the growing food, although I love a homegrown tomato, but the feeling of being close to nature. The year I spent all alone in the North woods of WI will forever be part of the sweet memories I take with me into my future.

Genesis 3:17 (NIV)
To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 

Gardens also bring with it a negative faction, weeds. Weeds have a way of creeping into your flower beds and if not monitored will overtake them, strangling the beauty. It is necessary to stay on top of these things.

There are many life lessons in the act of gardening. If it weren't for the sin of Adam and Eve, there would be no weeds.  Weeds are like sin, they make a perfect scenario flawed and defective. They turn a pristine landscape into a ravaged. What once was meant as a Heavenly home for Adam and Eve was turned into a land where work and pain and tears resided and death made an appearance.

Just like winter comes to an end and springs surfaces to bring new life and warmth, so too will sin come to an end. Jesus made all the difference. The weeds of sin and destruction have met their match and one day the garden will once again be free from unwanted vegetation.  Until then, we must stay on top of things and keep close to God. Pull any sinful weeds from our lives and plant goodness and love in their place.

Genesis 3:13-24

Psalms 51: 1-5

We All Need Forgiveness

Many years ago I recall my niece having a purse full of what you might call spiritual reminder cards. She offered me one, and it said something about being a sinner. I half smiled not sure what she was trying to tell me and said, “So you think I’m a sinner?” Her response was correct, but at the time I wasn’t far into my true faith walk so wasn’t really sure what she meant. She replied, “We all are.” 

I have learned much since those days, and am grateful to her and many others in my life who have been examples of God's grace. We can't do this without others. We can't grow by ourselves. We can't learn about all God has for us without connecting with others who are farther along than we are. Once I began associating with other Christ followers who had been "in the word" for years, I began learning what I didn't know I didn't know. Now, the more I know, the more I know I don't know. :) 

One thing I DO KNOW however, is that forgiveness is the key to peace within my heart. 

Forgiving others who have hurt us is very freeing.

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven

Forgiveness is powerful.

Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Forgiveness can be given even when it is not requested.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

We may need to forgive again and again.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

We all need forgiveness from the Lord.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Read/Listen to Psalm 51:1-5

Consequences… Nobody Likes Them

The Second Death

Revelation 20:7-15

Consequences… nobody likes them

 My wife and I love college hockey, so even though we are not Buckeye fans, we’ve attended games for over ten years. During most of those years we parked in a secluded area where the handful of parking spots are marked - “Staff Only”; and of course we are not staff. But it’s never been a problem… until this year.

Following our most recent game, we discovered a parking ticket on our windshield. I was irate to say the least. For years we had parked in the same spot, along with other fans, and never got a ticket. My wife has bad knees, and this is the closest parking location not requiring a handicap sticker. On top of all this, it was 10pm on a Saturday night. How many OSU staff do you think were looking for a parking spot at that time?

 Consequences… nobody likes them

My NIV Study Bible has two sub-titles for this passage in Revelation, both involving severe consequences.

“The Judgement of Satan”

^10 “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”            NASB

“The Judgement of the Dead”

^13 “The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. ¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”       NIV

Consequences… nobody likes them

Thankfully, God through His gracious love, has provided a way for us to live without fear of condemnation. Read these words that Paul wrote to the Romans.

^24 “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!... There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”              ESV

A Psalm of David

Psalm 51:1-10

Guilt has both positive and negative aspects. It is painful, but serves a purpose because it tells us something is wrong. It’s kind of like a warning light on our dashboard. The problem is that many of us don’t like heeding that warning because of the trouble involved so we ignore it. We prefer to deny or run away from our guilt rather than face up to it and deal with it.

That’s what David did, but when Nathan was sent to confront David, he finally confessed his sin. After admitting his wrongdoing, David wrote this Psalm and humbly poured out his heart to God. In his prayer we find insights that will help us deal with our own guilt.

David began by recounting God’s merciful, unfailing love

as he reflected on the severity of his sin and asked to be cleansed.

Then he frankly admitted his sin and did not excuse or downplay his actions. He also asked God to help him address the core issues that produced his actions; his inner thoughts and feelings.

David wanted his heart purified. He knew that only God could do that kind of “heart surgery.”

When we feel that pain of guilt, perhaps God is trying to tell us something is wrong. It may be our warning light and is not to be ignored. Admission of guilt can be a scary thing, but the after effects are worth the risk.

Forgiveness is a beautiful and freeing act of love when it is given as well as when it is received.

Read/Listen to Psalm 51:1-10

The Word of Life – Walking in the Light

1 John 1-10

If it makes us happy, we want to share it! When it fills our heart with joy, we want to share it! When it gives us hope, we want to share it! When it brings us such love and peace we can handle anything, we have to share it!

John shared the message of the Lord because as he stated in 1 John 1:4; “We write this to make our joy complete.”

As John and many others of that time did, we have not seen, touched or heard Jesus in person, so we cannot truly fathom how a man with such greatness could walk this earth in genuine humility. It’s a beautiful story, yet quite difficult to comprehend.

Getting this account straight from those who experienced it first hand is exciting! “The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the father and has appeared to us.” 1 John 1:2

John continues by telling us; "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1 John 1:9

Walking in the light is an expression used to give us an honest look at ourselves. In the light all of our flaws are revealed. Standing strong in the Lord, admitting our wrongs and asking for forgiveness is walking in the light WITH the Lord. Pretending we have no sin is walking in darkness, and we cannot walk with God in that place, for he is not there.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1: 7

I love the lyric; "The more broke we are the more the light gets through." in a song by
Jason Gray called Glow in the Dark. This dark world needs his light! 

Walking in the light with our God keeps us light hearted, as we are not weighted down by earthly things. As Ken Davis says at the end of his daily radio segment:

“Lighten up, and live!” 

Read/Listen to 1 John 1:1-10