‘For I am not ashamed’

Unless we are mindful of doing what pleases God, we will naturally do what pleases our self and senses.

Let’s be reminded of the preceding verses.

1Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

In our previous studies, we learned that we should most definitely expect challenges as followers of Christ. When we recognize what Jesus did for us, we have the opportunity through our own difficulties, because of faith in God’s grace, to offer up our lives as a sacrifice to Him. This should cause us to rejoice as we are assured of our relationship with God as His children and look forward to our future in Heaven with Him. The next two verses in this section of scripture continue building on the truths Peter has written.

Peter 4:15-16 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

We are to make certain that our suffering is not because of our own wrong choices. We can bring all sorts of unhappiness and difficulty into our lives simply because we are not careful to consider our actions. The admonition Peter uses is definitive – ‘make sure’, or in the KJV, ‘but let’. This is like saying, ‘You should in no way’, or ‘let none of you’. It is an intense instruction towards Christians. Notice there is no possibility of an exception using this imperative. Our text reads, ‘make sure that none of you’. This is important; this is absolutely necessary and worthy of our attention.

We are prone to explain our wrong behavior with the word ‘but’ or ‘they did …’. This puts blame for our sin on someone or something else. We are unable to control circumstances and others’ actions; however we can, in God’s strength, control our own behavior. We are to take special care that we do not cause our own problems brought on because of our own misguided doings. Some people can become highly creative in weaving all kinds of excuses and stories in order to make their own failures look like someone else’s problem. The reality is that God always knows the entire truth and our motivation.

How do you ‘make sure’ of something?

What parameters do you place around yourself to keep from causing your own problems?

“But let not any one of you, who have the honour to bear the Christian name, …”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

The quote above causes me to remember who I am representing. Ultimately, if I call myself a Believer, my life should reflect the character of one who is following Christ. It truly is an honor to live for Him; a privilege to be a Christian and to uphold the laws of God.

1Peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Consider. We may not be able to avoid suffering as a Christian, however we must avoid sin which causes suffering. We must be purposed and intentioned to act according to God’s ways. The emphasis is that we make a point of doing the right thing at all times. You can gather that this behavior does not always automatically happen. If we are unprepared and have our head somewhere up in the clouds, then we are likely to act without thinking. Unless we are mindful of doing what pleases God, we will naturally do what pleases our self and senses. We will answer criticism with harsh words and may even show our anger with physical gestures. Think of a child stomping their foot or someone clenching their fists.

The apostle addresses specific problems prevalent to the culture and lifestyle he saw around him. These were the obvious pitfalls at that time. This does not mean other forms of sin are excluded. In other words, we may be able to say we are not a murderer, thief, evildoer, or troublesome meddler; but this does not negate the general application of Peter’s admonition. Our words and actions should glorify God’s name.

We’ll quickly go through each defined behavior listed so that we are complete in our study. Murderer is exactly what we would think – it is homicide; an unlawful killing of another human being. A thief is someone who steals, who rips off another person, who takes something without the owner’s consent. An evildoer is a general term encompassing the first two descriptions of murderer and thief – basically we are not to be part of anything that will cause the hand of justice to come down upon us. This would include any criminal act, someone who is wicked or guilty of injustice and wrong. When we suffer as an evildoer, we choose to go against public law; punishment is our own fault, it is deserved.

If we repeatedly and intentionally go against God, we must take a critical look at our own heart motivation. Someone living for God will seek to glorify Him in all things. We will make mistakes and at times fail in our thoughts and actions, but this will not be our lifestyle. Instead, we will be characterized by seeking to follow God, asking forgiveness when we fail.

Think! How are you doing? Are your words and actions – including attitude and thoughts – pleasing to God?

Matthew 15:19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.

Mark 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

The last action we are warned against in 1Peter 4:15 is being a ‘troublesome meddler’. Basically, this is being a busybody in other people’s affairs. This may hit a bit closer to home. Whereas we might easily consider ourselves having no problems with purposefully breaking the law, most of us have at one time or another meddled with other’s concerns. Being a troublesome meddler is inspecting someone else’s decisions, often at the expense of paying attention to our own. Consider your thoughts, are they filled with things that don’t really concern you? Do you involve yourself in the matters of others, and tell them how to manage things?

We are not here to judge others; God does the judging. We are not here to point out all the injustices we see, especially those of unbelievers. We are not to be consumed with letting others know how they might have done better. Let’s not become so consumed with figuring out the intentions of others that we neglect to be mindful of our own. Have you been in a situation where someone shares gossip in the form of a prayer request or concern? Often, we do not need all the details of a circumstance dumped on us. Consider asking yourself what the purpose is of sharing something? Is it to edify or build up or to make yourself look better or injure someone’s reputation?

1Th 4:11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,

2Th 3:11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

1Ti 5:13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

Our text moves on to verse 16, explaining how we are to respond to suffering as a Christian.

1Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

The words ‘but if’ suggest it is possible that Christians will suffer. Let’s look at what is meant by suffering as a Christian. Most of us would be able to place a definition on suffering, although how we might define suffering is probably a bit different and less intrusive than what was experienced when this epistle was written. This same word for ‘suffer’ is used in Acts 1:3, and is translated “passion”, of the suffering of Christ. Christians were persecuted directly because of their faith. The Jews had been subject to the Law and had built up a hierarchy of priests and religious leaders. Anyone contradicting the long-accepted sacrifices and rituals was seen as a threat. In fact, to say the Law was no longer needed was a direct contempt against Judaism. Yet Christ had come to abolish the Law and those who had left Judaism understood that faith alone in His death and resurrection was the only way to be saved. If you step back for a moment and place yourself in this volatile environment, you can almost feel the clashing of beliefs.

At this time in American society, we are not forced to follow one belief or another. We still have the freedom to choose Biblical Christianity without experiencing much discrimination, if any. Yet, in small ways, consider how you might experience difficulty because you are a Christian. Perhaps you have felt ostracized by friends or family because you no longer accept the same traditions. Even worse, you follow the Bible as your guide for living and there are clear instructions on what is right and wrong – many of which do not fit our culture today. In any case, whether we are speaking of Christians of old or modern-day, we are not to be ashamed of who we are and who we follow.

How would you describe someone who is ashamed? Looking up the definition in our English dictionary, we read it is “someone who is embarrassed or guilty because of their actions”. If we are innocent, there is no need to hang our head low or hide. Now consider, if we are utterly convinced Jesus is our Lord and Savior and that He is the only way to our redemption, then why would we be embarrassed? Why would we feel guilty? ‘Ashamed’ translated from the original text, means ‘to have a feeling of fear or shame which prevents a person from doing a thing’. This definition also holds the possibility of being ashamed before the Lord Jesus at His judgment seat or being ashamed of suffering as a Christian. Are we ashamed to be called a Believer? This begs us to contemplate if we are truly sold out to Christ. When push comes to shove, where do we stand? What do we proclaim? Have you ever backed away from an opportunity because of fear of what someone might think of you?

“But is to glorify God in this name.” We are to glorify God in our representation of Him. This means He is praised, and He is honored; His attributes, His actions and His name are lifted high. It is often easy for us to think ‘out of sight, out of mind’ when it comes to our decisions and the words we share. We seemingly think we place God in a pocket only to be taken out when we desire His blessings or need His intervention. It is good for us to remember there is never a moment in which we are separated from God in our relationship with Him. We are not to be ashamed of God – who He is and what He has done. We should be ashamed when our fear of man takes precedence over our representation of Jesus. We should be ashamed when we choose to follow a path of sin rather than live pleasing to our Savior. This is what the Apostle Peter was trying to get across to those who were suffering because of their faith. We cannot control the responses and actions of others, but we can trust in God’s strength which allows us to represent Him well, through good times and the not-so-good times. Adversity allows us an opportunity to give glory to God’s name as we stand firm in our faith and pursue righteousness. God’s holiness sets a standard for us to follow.

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Revelation 15:4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; for ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED.”

1Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Why do you call yourself a Christian? A Christian is a Christ-follower. Each of us is identified by the name given to us at birth. Many of us are identified by our strengths, likes, talents, character, and position. If you were to make a list of those things which would describe you, what would we read? Would Christian, Believer, God’s child, be at the top of your list? In fact, being a Christian should not only be at the top of our list but should be the overriding value of everything else which describes our character. We are to live in Christ; “Yet not I but through Christ in me”.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

We Have a Perfect Guide

we do not need to wander around in this world feeling lost, with no purpose. We do not need to live in confusion wondering why we are here.

Psalm 73:24-26 With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73 begins with the writer’s statements of confidence found in God and the blessings that come from God. Following this, we read a description of the Psalmist’s conflict and temptations. The Psalmist’s conclusion is to confess his own struggles and turn towards God’s grace, God’s guidance, and the focus of God’s glory.

Today we’ll begin to look at the truths found in verses 24 through 26.

God will guide His children.
We have a certain hope for our future.
The things of earth are nothing compared to riches in heaven.
Our flesh and heart may [will] fail.
God is our strength.
God is our inheritance forever.

Let’s look at the first two truths in verse 24:

God will guide His children, and

There is hope for our future.

With Your counsel You will guide me. God guiding us means He leads us, He governs us, and even makes our paths straight. Do you remember playing ‘follow the leader’ when you were a kid? The idea of this simple game was to first choose a leader, then line up and follow and repeat the leader’s words and actions as closely as possible. Sometimes it was easy and other times, it was difficult to perform and remember the exact patterns. Psalm 73:24 tells us it is God’s counsel – His plan, His advice, and His purpose – which guides us.

In order to follow God we must be familiar with His instructions to us. In other words, what does His word say? What are His commands? God’s word is His written testimony to the world of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do. God’s word gives us the account of His creation of the world, His love for mankind, and His plan for the future. In it, He tells us how we can live in obedience to Him. If we do not keep our eyes and focus on God’s truths then we will have trouble knowing what He wants us to do.

Think! Have you ever been lost? How did you feel? Before we had map programs on our phones, our maps were printed on paper. We used to pick them up at the local auto club, or you could purchase a book of maps called a Thomas Guide, at a convenience store. These maps were good for the most part but because they had to be updated, but it took time to print new editions, roads and addresses were frequently missing. Real time maps have improved but they also are not perfect! I am certain each of you has been in a vehicle driving around in circles, trying to find a particular street or address!

Here's another example of being lost. When my first son was young, he had the habit of wandering off in a store. I once watched him walk away from me, and I let him go (with my eyes on him, of course), in order to teach him to stay close. When he realized he was lost, he became terribly upset; I then went to his rescue, and he never wandered again! All of us become a bit rattled when we become lost! None of us likes that feeling of uncertainty. There is good news – we do not need to wander around in this world feeling lost, with no purpose. We do not need to live in confusion wondering why we are here.

Thankfully, God’s children have His promise of guidance through the truths in His word and the prompting of His Holy Spirit. If your complete trust is placed in Jesus, you have a personal guide and a written manual of instructions for your life! No need to wonder what this is all about, or what we are to do next. We are here to glorify the One who created us and sustains us.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Psalm 48:14 For such is God, our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death.

Isaiah 58:11 "And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

“Thou shalt guide me: as thou hast kept me hitherto in all my trials, so I am assured thou wilt lead me still into right paths, and keep me from wandering or straying from thee, or falling into mischief. … With thy counsel; partly, by thy gracious providence, executing thy purpose of mercy to me, and watching over me; partly, by thy word, which thou wilt open mine eyes to understand, as Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.; and principally, by thy Holy Spirit, sanctifying and directing me in the whole course of my life.” Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

If you are a follower of Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you will be able to look back at your life and see His hand guiding you. It is His work in us which allows us to recognize and avoid snares and temptations that may lead us into sin. Looking back to the beginning of this Psalm, we can see that the writer struggled with choosing his own way instead of following God. In his conclusion of this Psalm, he recognizes His trust and understanding must be put solely in the hands of God, following God’s direction alone.

Psalm 143:8,10 Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul. … Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

“Can we have a better guide? When a guide has been well recommended to us by those who have tried him, it is our wisdom to place ourselves unreservedly in his hands; and if he say our way lies to the right, it would show our folly to say we were determined to go to the left”. John Gadsby.

Think! Many of us have taken a tour at one time or another. Perhaps you have had a guided tour of a museum, or were at a famous landmark, or even in a foreign land. Typically, you pay a sum of money to be led through an area and listen to information given by your guide. Sometimes, the guides are truly knowledgeable and helpful and at other times, we may be disappointed with their lack of information. God is perfect in His guidance; we can place our complete trust in Him.

“His actual help is necessary to direct, quicken, strengthen, protect and defend us. In our way to heaven, we need not only a rule and path, but a guide. The rule is the law of God; but the guide is the Spirit of God”. Thomas Manton.

God will guide His children.

We have a certain hope for our future. Read the second half of Psalm 73:24, And afterward receive me to glory.

This life on earth is only the beginning of our purpose which is to glorify God in heaven for eternity. Here, we struggle with difficulty all around us, one day we will be received into heaven. As God’s child, you have a promise for your future. The certainty of being in heaven with Jesus, propels us to move forward through life following His guidance.

“Afterward. After all our toil in labour and duty, after all our crosses and afflictions, after all our doubts and fears that we should never receive it; after all the hiding of his face, and clouds and darkness that have passed over us; and after all our battles and fightings for it, oh, then how seasonably will the reception of this reward come in: Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. O blessed afterwards; when all your work is done, when all your doubts and fears are over, and when all your battles are fought; then, O then, ye shall receive the reward”. John Spalding.

The Psalmist had the assurance of being in God’s presence forever. This understanding was a powerful tool in his determination to keep on keeping on even in the midst of struggle. We can easily see that sometimes those who follow evil seem to prosper, and those who seek to do good seem to suffer. The Psalmist was disturbed with the prosperity of the wicked around him; he was concerned to see that they seemed to have an abundance of good things, even in their pride and sin. Yet, he was reminded of God’s perfect knowledge and power and chose to set his sights on God’s word. In Psalm 73:23, the verse preceding the one we are studying, it says, “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand”. So even though it seems that some people are prospering in their sin, we need to remember that our true reward is in Heaven, and we need to live accordingly. Never mind the state of others, instead be mindful of what you are to do as God’s child and the future He has promised.

Do you have the same assurance as the Psalmist? Are you able to claim, “With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory”?

One commentary puts it this way, “All doubts are silenced in confidence of divine guidance and future glory”. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown.

1Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

We are unable to fully understand God’s thoughts and ways. What we do know is that God is perfectly loving and just in all things.

“And afterward. "Afterward!" Blessed word. We can cheerfully put up with the present, when we foresee the future. What is around us just now is of small consequence, compared with afterward.” Treasury of David.

John 14:3 "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

2Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

1Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Psalm 73:24 With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.

God will guide His children; we have a certain hope for our future. All praise, glory, and honor to the One who loves us far beyond anything we might imagine.

Extending God’s Love

1Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Above all other exhortations or more important than anything else. Peter is putting a special emphasis on his statement. It might well be like us saying, ‘this is important, make sure you get it right!’. We see the same phrase used in James 5:12.

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

Also, in Paul’s words to the Colossians, 3:14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Live for the will of God rather than the desires of the flesh; be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer and pay particular regard to keeping fervent in your love for one another.

The Apostle placed a special value on loving one another. Sound judgment, a sober spirit, and prayer (1Peter4:7) are not less important than love but without love none of these things is possible. All our motivations for living according to God’s will, must come from a heart yielded to Him. The basis of loving one another, is God’s love for us.

Think! If we love others only when they are lovable, then the success of our love for others will be sorely limited. Are you always lovable? The answer is ‘of course not’! The love we have for others is based on the unconditional love God has for us. He loves us even though we are unworthy; when we are disobedient, God still loves us; when we fail, when we choose to follow sin, when we forget – God remains faithful in His love for us. If we can remember these truths, then our love for others will never be based on what they deserve but rather on our understanding of God’s great love for His children.

John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Keep, in 1Peter 4:8, is translated from the Hebrew word echo. Think! What is an echo? It is a repetition – again and again. We are to love one another repeatedly and fervently; intently, without ceasing, with devotion.

Why are we to keep fervent in our love for one another?

Because love covers a multitude of sins. Consider those you have a deep affection for. When they err, you are more patient with them, desiring to turn them from their sin towards righteousness. Rather than focusing on their faults, we are willing to overlook imperfections. The encouragement is to love one another for the purpose of leading others to live for Christ.

“He commends charity towards one another, because it buries a multitude of sins, and therefore preserves and maintains peace and harmony: for they who love one another easily forgive one another their offences”, 1599 Geneva Bible Notes.

“A loving disposition leads us to pass by the faults of others, to forgive offences against ourselves, and to excuse and lessen, as far as is consistent with truth, the transgressions of men”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.

1Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus *said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Proverbs 17:9 He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.

Are we quick to point out the faults of others? We are to be patient in our spirit, slow to retaliate or express resentment, as we seek to quickly forgive offenses. This makes me think of the verse in Matthew.

Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Leviticus 19:18 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.

We are to be more concerned with helping each other live in righteousness, than we are with condemning one another for faults. I think of my mistakes and the decisions I made as a new believer that were less than stellar. Those around me poured their love out on me and encouraged me, not by pointing out the wrong things I had done, but by pointing me to God’s righteousness. This took patience and long-suffering from those who loved me as they waited for God to work in my life.

Notice, the verse says love covers a multitude of sins. A large number, many. There is no limit to the number of times we are to excuse others. Doesn’t Jesus cover our sins multiple times a day?

Philip Doddridge N.T. notes say, “love will cover a multitude of sins; it will cause us to excuse them in others, and it will entitle us through divine mercy to the expectation of forgiveness for numberless slips and failings”.

1Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

1Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

The Apostle reminds the church to always be ready to share, to be welcoming and ready for guests. This was especially important at that time when Christians were unwelcomed in their own homes because of their conversion. These struggling believers were no longer accepted so it was necessary for them to find shelter and food elsewhere. There wasn’t a motel or restaurant on every corner, so it was up to others to provide strangers with necessities. Hospitality was also an important part of furthering the Gospel from one place to another as individuals were sent out to start churches and encourage the brethren.

Romans 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Peter’s encouragement is to be hospitable without complaint – not grudgingly, without murmuring. This speaks of the right attitude we are to have when helping others. Hospitality was not to be practiced simply because it was commanded but was to be extended out of love for one another.

Consider the preparation and added expense of having guests in your home. It takes extra time and effort. They were not to focus on the work involved in being hospitable, but were to serve with a cheerful heart, truly welcoming those who stayed with them.

Matthew 25:35 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;

Hospitality is not only for those ‘who are good at it’. Each of us is to willingly share what we have to encourage others. Think! Are you quick to use the gifts God has given you for the benefit of others? Or do you hold back waiting for someone else to respond to a need? Are you willing to inconvenience yourself to serve others? In 1Peter 4:9, the church was reminded to use hospitality in serving one to another. This was important to the encouragement of believers and those who were seeking to minister to the early churches. Now, in verse 10, Peter continues to remind the church that hospitality was only one of many diverse, spiritual gifts, which had been bestowed upon them to use for the benefit of others and the good of the church.

1Peter 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

First, everyone has received special graces from God.

Second, each one is to use what they have to benefit others.

Third, we are stewards of these gifts, not owners for self-use but distributors for God’s use.

The words special gift means an endowment meant to be used for others. When Peter wrote this Epistle, there were gifts present that we do not readily see today. Jesus sent out the twelve with instructions to go to the lost and preach. Along with His orders, He gifted many with the ability to perform miracles in His name. Matthew 19:8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

Every gift and grace is to be used to contribute to the blessing of others. Although these gifts differ, each is equally important in ministering to the church body as a whole. “The word minister here would refer to any kind of ministering, whether by counsel, by advice, by the supply of the wants of the poor, or by preaching. It has here no reference to any one of these exclusively; but means, that in whatever God has favoured us more than others, we should be ready to minister to their wants”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary. This is the opposite of keeping to oneself. How are we engaged in service to one another? Are we seeking to edify the church with whatever God has given us? Have we allowed ourselves to be excused from serving because we are too tired, or too old, or feel we do not have anything to offer?

Recall the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The servants who used what had been given them to increase their master’s wealth were rewarded. The one who hid what was entrusted to him was condemned. Our Master is Jesus. We are to contribute to His Kingdom using the gifts He has given.

Everything we have is a gift from God – it all belongs to Him. Everything seen and unseen, all that is in our physical possession and all that makes up our physical person, including our strengths, and abilities.

Romans 12:4-8 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Think! Are you able to influence others for good? Do you have something tangible to share? How about wisdom and experience? Can you pray for others, make phone calls, write notes of encouragement?

All we have and all we are is to be disposed for His Kingdom – we are merely stewards of God’s grace. This is the opposite of being an owner; a steward is a manager. This word is translated from a Greek word meaning an overseer, or an employee in that capacity; a fiscal agent or treasurer. Figuratively, it means a preacher of the Gospel. Think! How do our lives and how we use our blessings, promote Christ? A good manager oversees the use of resources.

Think of embezzlement for a moment. Each of the following excerpts are taken from the Associated Press. “An election commissioner in Mississippi’s largest county has pleaded guilty to fraud and embezzlement charge related to misuse of pandemic relief money …”. “A Catholic priest is accused of stealing more than $800,000 from three retired priests …”. “The former clerk for a small northeast South Carolina town has been charged with embezzlement of public funds”.

Embezzlement is the “fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted to your care but actually owned by someone else”. We can readily see the improper use of money in the stories above.

Each child of God has His grace poured upon their lives; the gift of the Holy Spirit residing within their soul; the promise of glory far beyond imagination; and a plethora of undeserved blessings. Are we using these things entrusted to us for the benefit of God’s kingdom?

1Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

“Whatever gifts or endowments any man may possess, they are properly speaking, not his own; they are the Lord's property, and to be employed in His work, and to promote His glory”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Read Paul’s words: Ephesians 3:8-12 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

Lord, help us to use Your blessings, through Your grace, in Your strength, for Your glory.

Purpose

Looking at our own application of these verses, we are to live in sincere holiness, desiring to follow God’s word at any cost. We are to honor Him and keep our focus towards our life with Him in the future – no matter the obstacles we might face in the present.

Continuing in 1Peter Chapter four we read the exhortations from Peter, written to the Jewish and Gentile converts, to live according to the example of Christ in doing God’s will. It is enough that they had been following sin; they were to turn from their former life even though there was pressure from others to continue in sin. Their sights were to be on God with whom they were ultimately held accountable. The apostle persists in assigning reasons to these Christians why they should live according to the will of God.

1Peter 4:6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to [the will of] God.

Recall, in 1Peter 3, we were referred back to the time of Noah and the opportunity that was given for all to believe while he was building the ark. Noah was ridiculed for his belief, and so too would these new converts be reproached for their faith. Christians may be judged wrongly according to men but regardless, must live according to the word of God.

1Peter 3:19-20 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits [now] in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through [the] water.

It is important for us to remember that God’s judgment is perfect, and all will be judged. This is motivation to live according to His will. Through faith and obedience those who lived before Christ were saved.

How often do we make decisions based on what others might expect or think rather than what God says? We can become too concerned about the judgement of others when we truly ought to be considering the will of God instead.

Spurgeon says this in his commentary, “Our departed brethren heard the gospel to this end that, though condemned to die by their cruel persecutors, they might win the immortal crown and glorify God as his witnesses”.

Are you living in the Spirit according to the will of God? Give an example of how this might change your thinking or actions.

Romans 8:9-10 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Ephesians 2:3-5 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

1Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober [spirit] for the purpose of prayer.

This letter goes on to encourage the recipients in their purpose of living for the will of God. The ‘end’ means the point aimed at, the goal, or the conclusion. A few years after Peter wrote this epistle, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. This marked “the end of the temple, the end of the Levitical priesthood, the end of the whole Jewish economy”, (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

However, in a more general sense, and keeping with the Apostle’s encouragement to live in holiness, looking toward that final judgement, these words seem to point either to physical death or the prophetic end of Christ’s return. Each follower of Christ is to live in a manner which has more regard for what is to happen rather than focusing on the difficulties that weigh heavy in the present – because the end is near.

Perhaps a good question to ask ourselves is, ‘what are we living towards?’. Consider what direction you are headed. When you drive, you cannot go in opposite directions at the same time. You must choose one way or another.

Matthew 3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 24:13-14 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.

Matthew 26:41 "Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Luke 21:34-35 "Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.

James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

2Peter 3:10-11 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

Revelation 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward [is] with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.

This is our charge to live in holiness while we await the day of Jesus’ return. He alone has the “power and authority to recompense every man according to what he hath done”, Poole. Are you prepared?

Be of sound judgment and sober [spirit] for the purpose of prayer. “Serious; thoughtful; considerate. Let a fact of so much importance make a solemn impression on your mind, and preserve you from frivolity, levity, and vanity”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

1Thessalonians 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

1Thessalonians 5:8 But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

2Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

To be sober in spirit is to be of sound mind, to watch, to be aware. Our salvation is not to be taken lightly. Christ suffered and died for us; we are to live for Him.

“How strongly are vain and sinful men attached to the amusements and interests of this mortal life, and to the gratification of their lusts! But the important end of all things is at hand, when this earthly globe, and all things which are therein, shall be burnt up, when the eternal state of all its inhabitants shall be determined, and immutable happiness or misery shall be their final portion. Be sober, therefore, and watch against all occasions of intemperance and of impurity, and endeavour to preserve your souls in so divine a posture, as that you may be habitually qualified for joining in prayer and those other exercises of devotion, which have such an influence on our whole conduct”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

Does this mean we do not laugh or enjoy things around us? Where do your greatest affections lie? What are your goals, your motivations? One commentary reads, “Be ye therefore sober, temperate in all things, not inordinately pursuing nor immoderately using any thing in this world knowing how short the time is”, Thomas Haweis.

Mark 14:38 "Keep watching and praying, that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Romans 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

For the purpose of prayer. We are here to worship God, to give glory to Him in all things. Back up to 1Peter 4:6 and recall our purpose is to live according to the will of God.

Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

The KJV reads “and watch unto prayer”. Keeping close to God keeps us covered in His protection so that we do not fall into the temptations of the world. On our own we are weak and frail in our fight against sin. We need His power and strength to live worthy.

Even with the understanding of our need and the seriousness of our calling, there is an excitement of what is to come. There is joy to be had in the knowledge of our future in heaven and Christ’s return to earth. So, this is not a call to walk around in sackcloth and ashes; rather, it is a call to take your faith and your purpose seriously. God’s children have been appointed to live in holiness according to His will, and in His strength.

The Delight Of Truth, Psalm 119:9-16

Dear Friends and Family,

Often, we find ourselves in an area we could not have imagined. God used others to guide me through the unknown world of publication with my first book released in 2019. Since then, my desire to write of God’s truths has only strengthened. 1Peter 4:10 reads, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”. My prayer is to serve Him well in whatever capacity He provides.

Please help me celebrate the release of my 6th book titled The Delight of Truth: Psalm 119:9-16. This is the second book in a purposeful walk through the longest Psalm in the Bible, originally shared as a Bible study in our women’s group at church. Full of scripture, definitions, and questions to spur on your own personal application, it is available through the Amazon Book Store as an eBook, and in print as a paperback book. I write, not as a scholar, but as a child of God, saved by His grace alone, desiring to know and understand my Lord and Savior.

I appreciate and welcome your feedback. My desire is to encourage those I know to dig into the beauty of God’s word, to grow in understanding, knowledge, and application together, as we await our eternal home in His presence. May you be blessed, challenged, and renewed in your soul by the delight of God’s truths.

Focus Heavenward, Sharyn

Wholly Devoted

Hope Replaces Fear

We are to offer our praise to God alone who is deserving, our prayers to God alone who is able, our service to God alone who is the embodiment of love, and our gratitude to God alone who has saved us through His Son.

Look at the last phrase of 1Peter 3:14, ‘AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED’, taken from Isaiah 8:12-13, "You are not to say, 'It is a conspiracy!' In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, and you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. "It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread.

Let’s be reminded of the context in which this was written. The Apostle Peter was writing to encourage the dispersed Christians to keep moving forward in the truths which had been revealed to them even though they suffered because of their transformed lives.

This encouragement of moving forward in truth is easily applied to modern-day believers. Think of all the things that allow you to be distracted from what is truly important. Our natural desires cause us to want to fit in, to be liked, to be comfortable, and to have positive experiences. We avoid trouble, criticism, and the thought of being different. Others around us may become easily bothered by the injustices they see in their communities, government, and the world. They may feel that a personal call to action is necessary to right these wrongs. And when you do not jump on their bandwagon, you may be ridiculed, or ostracized, for not caring about their passions. However, if we follow the example of Jesus, we will stand firm in truth, yet promote peace for the purpose of sharing the Gospel.

So how do we not succumb to the fear and intimidation of others?

In order to answer the question above, we need to understand why we are intimidated. I think we can easily be caught off-guard; we forget that we are to expect those who do not know Christ to think we are different and perhaps a bit weird. We sometimes allow ourselves to be surprised that others may not think the same as us. We become intimidated when we think others speak wrongly of us, when we are misunderstood, or when others have the power to make our life miserable.

Our security must come from Jesus alone – we are His children, purchased by Him for His glory, justified through His sacrifice. Whenever our security comes from men, doors of doubt will open.

We need to be reminded consistently of who we are in Christ and remember our mission in Him is to share His gospel to those who are unsaved, and to encourage those who are like-minded. We need to fight the temptation of wanting to be accepted by everyone. We should not be intimidated by those who disagree with God’s word. We should also not be intimated by those who do claim to be Christians yet disagree with us. The reality is that we are all different; we see circumstances differently, and we think differently. God is the one whom we serve and follow. God shall be our fear; God shall be our dread.

Matthew 10:28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 12:4 "I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!

Pray for a heart of humility – remembering we are saved only because of God’s grace, not because of anything we have done or deserve;

Pray for true compassion for those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior – their end is eternal suffering;

Pray for gentleness and boldness in sharing the truth of God’s love for all mankind and His coming judgement of all who refuse Him.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Let’s read our text again. 1Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,

Troubled means to be stirred-up, or agitated. Most of us know others who are easily angered; perhaps even you struggle with this. These are the individuals we typically avoid because they are ready to explode at any moment. We tip-toe around them for fear that something will set them off!

Think! What often causes an individual to become agitated? Perhaps things don’t work the way they think they should, or people don’t respond the way they want them to. People can become anxious when they realize they are not in control, or they have made an error, or caused a problem – maybe the right words were not used to convey thoughts. Also, anxiety ensues when there doesn’t seem to be enough time to accomplish what is expected. You can probably pinpoint several situations where you lose the ability to remain calm and peaceful in your soul. 1Peter 3:14 is clear, it says we are not to be troubled. Remember, this was specifically written to those Christians who were being persecuted because of their faith. Most of us will never experience a direct threat to our physical body as a result of our faith. It seems then, our concerns are but a mere trifle in comparison, and the test to remain at peace and trust God in all things should be easy. But we are weak, and our sin nature produces a challenge for us. God is gracious to give us the solution to our negative responses.

“… the Gospel gives the believer a heart assured of God's favor, and therefore unruffled, amidst all adversities. Not only be not afraid, but be not even agitated”, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary.

“If we are true Christians, we have really no reason to be alarmed in view of anything that can happen to us. God is our protector, and he is abundantly able to vanquish all our foes; to uphold us in all our trials; to conduct us through the valley of death, and to bring us to heaven”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

“A most certain counsel in afflictions, be they never so terrible, to be of a steady mind and to stand fast. But how shall we attain to it? If we sanctify God in our minds and hearts, that is to say, if we rest upon him as one that is almighty that loves mankind, that is good and true indeed”, 1599 Geneva Bible Notes.

Consider Isaiah 8:13 again, “It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread”. If we are truly God’s children, then we know He is mightier than any foe, He is supreme above all forces from without and within, He is our perfect peace and protection, He is holy and righteous in all His ways, He is merciful and extends forgiveness to those who love Him. There is absolutely no fear in any difficulty if we fear Him. God always knows better, always acts in pure holiness, He is stronger than any foe, sees every situation perfectly clear, understands each heart motivation, and holds all in His hands for His glory.

We are unable to always see things clearly, which means quite often we do not fully understand. We do not need to understand everything in order to function with a heart set on eternity. We do need to trust in God’s strength, His plan, and His faithfulness. In those areas where you feel anxious or stifled, take the 5th – choose to be silent and not add your thoughts, instead pray that God will clear your thinking of what is not important and give you peace that He is in control of all things.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? – No one!

If you do suffer for the sake of righteousness, consider it a blessing.

There is no reason to fear intimidation; nor are you to become agitated.

How can you apply the above truths?

Look at verses 15 and 16, which offer a solution to how we are to respond to those who are against us.

1Peter 3:15-16 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Being fearful or angry requires energy! Concerns and bitterness can eat up our time and thoughts. Instead of being fearful or angry, spend your time and thoughts in ways which are pleasing to God.

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.

We are to always be ready to share the hope of the Gospel with an attitude of humility.

What does it look like to sanctify Christ in our hearts? How do we do this? What does it look like to be ready to share our hope?

How do we respond to others in humility?

How does showing reverence relate to gentleness?

Are you able to explain your hope?

“Such a sanctifying of the Lord in our hearts will save us from fear. We dread danger, we dread sickness, we dread death, we dread the eternal world. We are alarmed when our affairs are tending to bankruptcy; we are alarmed when a friend is sick and ready to die; we are alarmed if our country is invaded by a foe, and the enemy already approaches our dwelling. The sentiment in the passage before us is, that if we sanctify the Lord God with proper affections, we shall be delivered from these alarms, and the mind will be calm”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Keep a good conscience.

It is God who has saved us. We are to be certain we are above reproach, remembering we are witnesses of Jesus. The reality is we cannot take care of everyone else. we are only messengers, witnesses for Jesus. We are not the ones who effect change in someone. God is the One who changes hearts and lives. So we are to be focused on living for Him. We are to pray for others to be enlightened. We are to be an example of God’s grace, looking for opportunities to share the truth of the Gospel.

Think! There is no room or purpose for argument or insult when speaking of our hope. We can only be thankful that God has, in His great mercy and grace, saved us, and share the reasons for our hope, and evidence of our faith.

Does your life speak of Jesus? Are you a defender of the Truth? We can lose our focus and spend our time and energy defending ourselves, but this is not what we are to defend. We are to make a defense of our hope.

Psalm 119:46 I will also speak of Thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be ashamed.

2Timothy 2:24-26 And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses [and escape] from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“Ever remember that he has wisdom without error, power, without limits, truth without falsity, love without hatred, holiness without evil, and justice without rigour or severity on the one hand, or capricious tenderness on the other. In a word, that he neither can be, say, purpose, or do, any thing that is not infinitely just, holy, wise, true, and gracious; that he hates nothing that he has made; and has so loved the world, the whole human race, as to give his only-begotten Son to die for them, that they might not perish, but have everlasting life. Thus sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and you will ever be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you to every serious and candid inquirer after truth.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

We have hope because of Him. Our thoughts, actions, and words should esteem God as holy.

“No man ought to entertain opinions for which a good reason cannot be given; and every man ought to be willing to state the grounds of his hope on all proper occasions. A Christian should have such intelligent views of the truth of his religion, and such constant evidence in his own heart and life that he is a child of God, as to be able at any time to satisfy a candid inquirer that the Bible is a revelation from heaven, and that it is proper for him to cherish the hope of salvation”, Albert Barnes NT Commentary.

For Richer

New Beginnings

You are not the same, you are no longer bound to this earth and worldly thinking, but instead you are heavenly minded. You have a new nature quite different from anything you were before.

2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

This verse begins with the words, ‘if any man is in Christ’. What does it mean to be in Christ?

Being in Christ means you are a genuine Christian, that your heart and life has been changed. It does not matter what ‘religion’ you call yourself, or what church you attend, or even if you have been baptized in a certain church. It is not what you have done, or how good you are, or what your parents taught you. It is what Christ has done and His love for us. It is having Christ dwell in your heart by faith. Being in Christ means you are joined with Him; united to Him in faith because of God’s grace.

I love to work in my garden. In February, you will find me outside pruning our two dozen fruit trees and grapevines. Once branches or limbs are cut off from their source, they are thrown away because they are no longer useful. Instead of being attached, receiving all their nourishment and support from the tree or vine, having been solely sustained by it, they are removed. This is a good picture of not being in Christ. There is no attachment, there is no union, no life to be had; there is no strength, and no purpose that will last. In the same way, anything someone does outside of Christ, or in their own strength, has no real lasting value.

John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither [can] you, unless you abide in Me.

Consider your relationship with Jesus. If you are abiding in His truths and trusting in Him, then you are alive in Him. All your strength comes from Him. You have a position with Him, being part of His family. You are His child, and you have been freed from the power of sin, and freed to the pursuit of holiness. You have been renewed to think upon heavenly things rather than earthly things. This is what it means to be ‘in Christ’.

If you are in Christ, your heart has been changed, along with your thoughts and feelings. What differences do you see in your thinking and behavior? There must be some difference – our verse goes on to say, ‘he is a new creature’.

This literally means new or fresh. You are not the same, you are no longer bound to this earth and worldly thinking, but instead you are heavenly minded. You have a new nature quite different from anything you were before.

“That a change is produced so great as to make it proper to say that he is a new man. He has new views, new motives, new principles, new objects and plans of life. He seeks new purposes, and he lives for new ends … There is a change so deep, so clear, so entire, and so abiding, that it is proper to say, here is a new creation of God--a work of the Divine power as decided and as glorious as when God created all things out of nothing. There is no other moral change that takes place on earth so deep, and radical, and thorough, as the change at conversion. And there is no other where there is so much propriety in ascribing it to the mighty power of God”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

When I consider my motivations and thoughts before I was saved, I hardly even recognize myself. I used to seek approval of others, getting my worth from their reactions. I was afraid of not doing what was expected because others would be upset with me or show displeasure. I tried to follow a set of man-made rules in order to please those around me. I really didn’t even know what I believed or what my goals were. I was fearful of rejection, so I learned to please people. Now, I am much more concerned about pleasing God in my thoughts, actions, and words. My value is in being His child. My strength and purpose is in doing God’s will, rather than being accepted or approved by others. I truly am a completely different person. This is the testimony of God’s work in my life – because of Him, I am a new creature.

Being a new creature in Christ, is more than being mended, or putting a band aid on a problem. It is removing the problem altogether. Love of self, love of sin, love of the world, prejudices, opinions, habits, pride, and selfish ambition, are being transformed to love of God, hating my sin and the sin in the world around me, learning to see others through the lens of Christ’s love for them, growing in the knowledge of God’s will, seeking to please Him in all things, confessing my own sin, and desiring to live for God’s glory.

‘the old things passed away’

This is marvelous, perhaps the best rejuvenation recipe ever to be found! Your ‘old self’ is gone and has been replaced by a new self! Literally, your former ways of thinking in regard to spiritual things has changed. You now look to the future. One commentary writes, “All the old, out-worn conditions of our sinful nature … are now gone and past”, (Hall’s Explication of Hard Texts).

Think! Something cannot be new and old at the same time. We used to be controlled by sin – now Christ controls us. We used to live for ourselves – now we live for Jesus. This is a 180° turn in our thoughts and actions. You were headed in one direction, now you have been turned towards the opposite direction.

Ephesians 4:21-24 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

For example, my name is still Sharyn, and on the outside, I look the same. I even have the same soul, but I am characterized by new qualities, new understanding, new thoughts, and new goals. And all are centered on Jesus and what He has done for me. My old way of thinking ended when God touched my heart, opened my eyes, and allowed me to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Now my life is in Christ – my affections, my motives, my thoughts, and my hopes have been placed in Him. The purpose of my life, the feelings in my heart, the reasons for my actions, have all changed.

“All is new. There are new views of God and of Jesus Christ; new views of this world and of the world to come; new views of truth and of duty; and everything is seen in a new aspect and with new feelings … The Bible seems to be a new book; and though they may have often read it before, yet there is a beauty about it which they never saw before, and which they wonder they have not before perceived. The whole face of nature seems to them to be changed, and they seem to be in a new world. The hills, and vales, and streams; the sun, the stars, the groves, the forests, seem to be new. A new beauty is spread over them all; and they now see them to be the work of God, and his glory is spread over them all, and they can now say--- "My Father made them all." The heavens and the earth are filled with new wonders, and all things seem now to speak forth the praise of God. Even the very countenances of friends seem to be new; and there are new feelings towards all men; a new kind of love to kindred and friends; a love before unfelt for enemies; and a new love for all mankind”, Albert Barnes NT Commentary.

William Burkitt’s New Testament commentary says, “Old things are passed, or passing away daily, the old carnal inclinations of mind are wearing off, the old will is changed, the old life is reformed; and in a word, whatever was old and carnal, is now become new and spiritual” … “the change of the new creature consists in a new mind, a new will, a new judgment, new affections …”.

Notice the text again, it says, “the old things passed away”. This means they have gone; not been set aside or had something added to them, but gone, ceased in their existence. Have you heard someone say, “Well, this is just how I am, I can’t help it”? In Christ, there is nothing further from the truth. God can do anything, He can change anyone, and certainly, He will fulfill His promise of making His children more like Himself. We may not be very successful in changing ourselves, but God never fails. In our own strength we absolutely fall into sin; in His strength we are free to choose holiness.

Everyone who is ‘new’ in Christ should think upon heavenly things rather than earthly. Think! What occupies your thoughts most often?

Ezekiel 11:19-20 "And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances, and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God.

Strength to Stand

Beautiful, Glorious, Savior

Today, in this calendar year of 2023, is recognized by most Christians as ‘Good Friday’. It marks the Friday before Easter Sunday when Jesus was crucified. We cannot fully understand the significance of His suffering and death unless we recognize our depravity and need for a Savior. We are sinful. In fact, the power of sin is so strong in our humanity that it condemns us to eternal damnation – forever without the presence and protection of our Holy God. The only way to avoid this separation from God is through a perfect sacrifice – the payment for sin. We must acknowledge the price paid for our transgressions against God – the suffering, betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is perfect, God’s only Son, part of the Triune Godhead. He willingly was born to this earth in human form and lived as a man. He was perfectly holy, without sin, yet, He was tempted, felt pain, cried, and in every way understood our human condition. Because He is perfect, He never succumbed to the power of Satan’s lies. Instead, He always followed His Father’s will in obedience.

Jesus is our perfect sacrifice, our key to heaven, the proof of God’s love for us, our perfect example of obedience, the certain and only hope for our future. Without His death, we face condemnation for eternity in hell, a place of torment and unceasing pain, separated for all time from our holy God.

Contemplate what God has done for you through the sacrifice of His only Son. This gift is available to everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus is LORD – the one whom we follow in obedience. Jesus is Savior – the only one whose bloodshed offers payment for sin and salvation from sins power to destroy.

Thank you, God for saving me. Amazing, Powerful, Transforming, Eternal, Protector, Glorious in Heaven, Beautiful, LORD. My heart is full of gratitude in the knowledge of what You have done for me, an undeserving sinner, saved by Your grace alone, through faith alone, in Your Son’s death and resurrection. There is no need for striving to get something; only the need to accept what has already been given.

For Better or For Worse, God is Faithful!

The Blessings of Being God’s Child.

The Proposal and Acceptance

Happy Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day. In our culture today, it marks the recognition of that someone special in your life. Flowers, chocolates, hearts, cupids, and love letters are all part of this celebration. We confess undying love to those who are important to us, relating to them that we would do anything for them.

So consider those who are special to you. Picture their faces and the relationships you have with them. Each of them has been created by God who loves you immensely – more than you could begin to imagine. Today, as you remember those you love, thank God for His many blessings of friends and family. And most important, remember the One who gave His only Son so that you could have eternal life – all because He loves you!

Does God have your whole heart?

Psalm 119:10a With all my heart I have sought Thee;

The heart encompasses the will and the intellect. All my heart means exactly what is says – everything in me strives to know God.

One commentary says we “must seek God; make earnest prayer and supplication to Him for Divine light, for a tender conscience, and for strength to walk uprightly”. All the while, with a whole heart – all our affections, (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

Think of the difference between being fully committed to something and just somewhat supportive. The first means you are all in and ready to use your time, energy, and resources towards the fruition of a goal. The second is a bit sketchy. Maybe you will avail yourself to the cause if it works in your schedule or it does not take too much effort or sacrifice on your part. Often ‘lip service’ is the extent of a shallow commitment. There are examples and warnings throughout God’s word of those who lack a whole heart devotion to God. Consider the nation of Israel as they flopped backed and forth in their faithfulness to God.

Psalm 78:37 For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant.

Their whole heart was not engaged in worship and prayer to the God who loved them. God does not want only a portion of our heart; He requires our entire being.

A common scenario we might see today is a couple having dinner or lunch with either one or both on a phone, talking, texting, or searching the web. One might wonder if they are really spending time together. I remember a specific instance when my husband and I were in a small café and a family walked in with three teenage children. They sat at a table near us, and we were immediately transported to a time of nostalgia when our children were about the same age. The conversation around a table at that time in our lives was often filled with laughter as each family member engaged in one other’s recall of a latest adventure. This interaction was an important part of growing close in our understanding of each other. As my husband and I glanced back at the group near us, we were disappointed to realize that although they were physically in each other’s company, each had in their hand an electronic device. There was deafening silence emitting from this family of five. They were physically present but their minds elsewhere.

Think of your relationship with God. Are you engaged with His truths, seeking to understand His word with ears that listen, fully devoted to His worship? Or is your mind elsewhere as you give only lip-service to His name?

Treasure the commitment and love you have with others. Hold them close and seek to be an encouragement. Recognize them as God’s blessings, and bow before Him in thankfulness for the gift of His great love. Offer your whole heart to His name for His glory.

Be hopefully devoted to Him – having the certain hope of a future in heaven with Him and a zealous commitment to do His will on earth.

Until Death Do We Meet

Proverbs 16:9

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Glory to God in the Highest!

The Israelites saw the glory of God.

Exodus 16:10 And it came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

Isaiah 60:1 "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

Glory – splendor. Honor.

The sight of God’s glory was like a consuming fire.

Exodus 24:16-17 And the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.

Gods Glory: Consuming. Overwhelming. Brightness. Shining. Light.

Ezekiel 43:2 and behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.

Revelation 21:23 And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

When Paul saw God’s glory, he was blinded.

Acts 22:6,11 "And it came about that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, "But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

Jesus is God’s glory.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Hebrews 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;

The name of God is glorious.

Deuteronomy 28:58 "If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God,

Nehemiah 9:5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, "Arise, bless the LORD your God forever and ever! O may Thy glorious name be blessed and exalted above all blessing and praise!

Gods Glory:

Radiance. Power. Majesty. Splendor. Honor. Strength. Exalted.

Job 37:22 "Out of the north comes golden splendor; around God is awesome majesty.

Psalm 93:1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

Psalm 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with splendor and majesty,

Psalm 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Thy name in all the earth, Who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens!

God’s glory gives Life. Everlasting Life.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

The heavens and earth speak of God’s glory.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Isaiah 6:3 And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory."

God’s glory will last forever.

Psalm 111:3 Splendid and majestic is His work; and His righteousness endures forever.

Psalm 104:31 Let the glory of the LORD endure forever; Let the LORD be glad in His works;

God’s Glory: Holy. Forever.

God’s glory demands a response.

Psalm 145:5 On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate.

Psalm 145:11-12 They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power; To make known to the sons of men Thy mighty acts, and the glory of the majesty of Thy kingdom.

1Chronicles 16:24 Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples

Isaiah 59:19 So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west and His glory from the rising of the sun, for He will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives.

Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name; and deliver us, and forgive our sins, for Thy name's sake.

Psalm 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with splendor and majesty

Meditate. Speak. Revere. Pray. Bless. Sing Praises the risen King!

1Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Accept the greatest gift of all – God’s gift of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection as the payment for your sin. Faith alone through God’s grace alone in Christ alone – the Gospel – is the most precious, valuable gift. It can only be given by God, and can only be accepted because of His grace.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Glory, to God in the Highest!

Captivated by Christ

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We deck our halls with boughs of holly; we purchase a few gifts to give those we love; and we prepare food - all in anticipation of one singular event. Christmas. Literally, Christ’s Mass. This is a special day set aside in many cultures and traditions to celebrate the Messiah or The Anointed One - Jesus. Preparation indeed! I can think of no better thing to celebrate than Jesus!

But what about our heart? How much time, effort and concentration is placed on preparing our heart to seek out the word of God? Why do you celebrate Christmas? Your home may look like it is ready for something special; the tree is up and decorated, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. How about your heart, your soul – it is captivated by Christ?

In Malachi 3:1, the coming of the Christ was foretold. The messenger, John the Baptist, was to prepare the way for the Messiah.

Malachi 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

And … it happened just like God said it would!

Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.

Luke 1:76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

John 1:29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Jesus was born to this earth, 100% God, 100% man. He willingly laid aside His deity to be born, suffer, and die; to fulfill His Father’s plan of redemption. God purposed this plan because He loves us. And we have a promise –

He will come again. It will happen just like God says!

Acts 5:31 "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 9:28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without [reference to] sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

What a glorious day that will be for those whose hearts have been prepared! Think upon the effort, time, and energy you are putting into the preparation of your soul for the return of Christ. Does the Gospel fill you with wonder and delight?

You may have heard the term ‘refiner’s fire’. One website says, “A refiner's fire does not consume completely like the fire of an incinerator. A refiner's fire refines. It purifies. It melts down the bar of silver or gold, separates out the impurities that ruin its value, burns them up, and leaves the silver and gold intact. (desiringgod.org)

The earth and its inhabitants will be purified, the dross swept away, leaving only absolute holiness to stand before God.

Malachi 3:3 "And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.

Proverbs 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests hearts.

Consider. When the decorations are taken down, the gifts have been opened, the celebrations have ceased, and friends and family have left, what will remain, what will be left? Will your heart and soul continue in its diligent preparation for Jesus to return? Or is the ‘reason for the season’ put away in a box until the same time next year?

I pray hours and hours of preparation will continue to polish my heart as I yield to God’s refining fire from within. Let each of us celebrate Jesus continually as we ready for His return! It will happen.

Luke 21:36 "But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Revelation 22:7 "And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book."

The most precious gift you can give to Jesus is your heart; the most valuable gift you can give to those you love is the Truth of the Gospel.

December 25th will come whether you are fully prepared or not; Jesus was born according to scripture, some were ready to receive Him, some were not.

Christ will return again according to the scripture – is your heart prepared?

Christmas

God is Faithful

Thanksgiving

Psalm 91:11

Follow His Steps

Consider taking a walk at the beach in the wet sand, leaving footprints behind and someone following your exact steps. This is the conveyance of ‘follow Me’.

1Peter 2:21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

Verse 21 continues to give a reason for the behaviors Peter is assigning to believers. We are to love one another, we are to fear God, we are to submit to authority even when it is unreasonable, we are to be patient when wronged, because it is acceptable to God that we follow His example.

Christians have a purpose. We have been called to imitate Christ, to follow in His footsteps.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Read Philippians 2:5-8.

Matthew 10:38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

1John 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

We are to seek to follow Christ precisely. Consider taking a walk at the beach in the wet sand, leaving footprints behind and someone following your exact steps. School age children often play ‘follow-the-leader’ in which everyone behind the leader seeks to copy the behavior of the one leading. This is the conveyance of ‘follow Me’.

1John 3:16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Jesus patiently endured under undeserved suffering. People speak of having a profession. They associate with a chosen profession and with that association comes certain expectations and responsibilities to fulfill. As a professed child of God, you have a pattern to follow, a purpose to fulfill. Christ not only suffered as an example to follow after, He suffered for us or for the sake of us. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says this “imposes an everlasting obligation on us to please Him”.

1Corinthians 6:20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Do you emulate kindness and forgiveness and a willingness to sacrifice self in order to serve others?

1Peter 3:8-9 To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 2:21 reads “leaving you an example”. In the Greek translation this literally means a written copy from masters to their students. We have the testimony of Jesus’ life written in His word so that we might closely follow Him. There is an exhortation for us, a requirement –

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

“And I would particularly urge this meek and patient temper upon you; for to this you were called, when you were brought into the profession of the Christian faith; because Christ himself, pure and spotless as he was, suffered not only buffetings and stripes, but deep and mortal wounds, for you, leaving you an example and copy, that you might with certainty trace, and with constancy and diligence follow, his footsteps, and by observing them as his, be charmed to an imitation, even where it was most difficult and painful”, Philip Doddridge.

William Burkitt New Testament notes, “You must bear the cross, before you wear the crown”.

We are encouraged to imitate Christ’s example of holiness in obedience and patience.

Ephesians 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

1Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1Peter 2:22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;

Perfection – this is Christ. Although He was man, still He was God, perfect in all His ways. Accused of sin, He was put to death and suffered for sin, all the while with no murmuring of sin in thought, word, or deed.

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

2Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as [we are, yet] without sin.

We suffer because of sin in our lives. Even though we may be ill-treated for a moment, we still deserve whatever suffering we incur because of sin. “We should so live, as the Savior did, as not to deserve to be punished, and thus only shall we entirely follow His example. It is as much our duty to live so as not to deserve the reproaches of others, as it is to bear them with patience when we are called to suffer them”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

1Peter 2:20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer [for it] you patiently endure it, this [finds] favor with God.

Hebrews 7:25-26 Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

Jesus is holy. Not merely blameless in actions but pure in heart, completely and perfectly holy. No other could have offered to pay the penalty for our sin. Only through Christ are we forgiven and cleansed from sin. What is our response to this undeserved gift? We are to be humble, seeking righteousness in all circumstances. This is our act of service; this is our example to follow. Christ was perfect in all things yet suffered willingly and humbly. Should not we who are sinful be willing to suffer whatever befalls us, whether deserved or undeserved at the moment, with a quiet and grateful spirit? Obviously, we cannot arrive at perfection, however we ought to seek to follow Christ as closely as possible.

As a people group, we have claimed rights to so many things. In the U.S., we have been given rights through our government in our constitution. It is an incredible blessing to live with the freedoms we proclaim. But let us not lose sight of our purpose in seeking to preserve our freedom. Our purpose in Christ is to proclaim His Gospel, to glorify His name. Jesus willingly gave up His rights in obedience to His Father, for our redemption. Are you standing for Christ or for yourself when you proclaim your ‘rights’?

Jesus did not die for our rights –

He died so that our righteousness may be found in Him.

He died for our sin so that we might die unto sin.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.

Luke 23:38-41 Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." And one of the criminals who were hanged [there] was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? "And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."

“Christ was most shamefully reviled, having the dirt of a thousand scandals, slanders, reproaches, and blasphemies, cast upon him, yet he reviled not again not giving them one ill word for all. And when he suffered all manner of injuries and indignities at once, being buffeted, spit upon, crowned with thorns, and crucified, though he had power sufficient to look them into nothing, to frown them into hell, yet he threatened them not with the least revenge, but prayed for his murderers, and committed his cause to a just and righteous God: He threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”, William Burkitt New Testament .

Psalm 91:4

God’s Promise/God’s Judgement

Happy Birthday Blessings!

So today marks the gift of sixty-four years of life given by my Savior! Because of Him I breathe, because of Him I have certain hope of eternal life in Heaven. I truly cannot imagine a more precious gift than God’s grace and forgiveness. God extended His arms of grace to me thirty-three years ago and He has showered His patience, love, and mercy upon my life as He has taught me to follow His truths.

As I count my blessings, my heart swells with gratitude for my Lord. Because of Him –

Each of my children have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord,

Their spouses also love and follow God,

I have six grandchildren, the oldest was baptized by her dad, my first-born, as she responded to God’s call last year,

Our family knows one day we will meet our three sweet grandbabies who are in heaven now,

My Dad, although departed from this earth, is enjoying his rest in Heaven in the presence of our Savior,

My Mom, ninety-six this year, knows Jesus as her Lord and Savior and I have heard the sweet words of Truth from her mouth as she shares with others what is most important.

I could go on and on with blessings of my dear husband, faithful friends, an incredible church family, God’s hand carrying us through some really difficult times, His care during illness and recovery, His guidance and strength in times of uncertainty, His provision for all things needed and more.

He is the one celebrated! I pray you recognize His blessings in your own life. Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, your sin is forgiven. God offers His gift of salvation because He is gracious. It is only by His grace, through faith, in Christ, that you are saved. His grace allows a sinner like myself to believe in Him, to fully place my trust in the work of Jesus on the cross. My boasting can only be of His love and faithfulness.

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Thank you, God, for life. Thank you, God, for being my Father in Heaven. I pray my days shine for you through all circumstances for all time. It is a joyful day filled with blessings of remembrance and future hope.

Proverbs 2:16-19

Following Jesus’ Example of Humility and Love

My moral conscience is not the line I use to make decisions, it is what guides me in applying the knowledge of God’s teaching and commands.

Our study on 1Peter 2:19 must be built upon the previous truths in 1 Peter 2. Verse 18 reads, “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.

Why? Our answer follows in verse 19 –

1 Peter 2:19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.

Look carefully at the words above, “if for the sake of conscience toward God”. This means I am willing to seek righteousness, according to Jesus’ example of humility and love, because I want to be obedient to God. My ultimate loyalty is to follow His commands and act in a manner worthy of His calling. This is not “I am going to stand my ground to defend my beliefs”. It is, “I am determined to follow God’s teaching no matter what”. We are not submissive to authority because we agree, or we support their values. We are submissive to authority because it pleases God when we are obedient to those in positions of authority.

As a people group, we are quick to pursue a cause we believe in. We are free in this country to demonstrate that cause and give reason for our commitment. Sometimes these special interests are based on what we think is best and they have no moral right or wrong attached to them such as remaining on daylight savings time or where street signs should be placed. We have been given a conscience to help guide our thinking.

A believer has been given the Holy Spirit to guide them in understanding and truth based upon God’s word. Conscience means with knowledge. In this case it is with the knowledge of God’s truths upon which my speech, thoughts, and actions are based. My decisions, actions, and thoughts are not regulated by my conscience; rather, my conscience is regulated by God’s truths. In other words, I cannot form my opinion and then find support in God’s word. I am required to know God’s word and let that knowledge form my beliefs. Relying upon the Holy Spirit will affect our message and representation of God.

John 14:16-17 "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; [that is] the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, [but] you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.

John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Paul was careful to explain to the Corinthian church the importance of following truth given by the Spirit working in a believer’s life, rather than wisdom based on the thinking of man.

1Corinthians 2:12-13 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual [thoughts] with spiritual [words.] Continue reading through the end of the chapter.

Notice the words in the preceding verse, 1Peter 2:15, “he who is spiritual appraises all things”. This means to scrutinize, and implies that we investigate, ask questions, discern, examine, and search in order to seek to understand God’s ways. The only way this is possible is by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. There is diligence expected on our part to study to be certain we are following God’s truths and not our own desires. Think of having self-control. This is the act of restraining my behavior. I might want to respond harshly to those who have treated others or myself unfairly. I might be ‘right’ in my assessment of another’s bullying or unfair treatment, but this never justifies marring my witness of Christ.

We are not going to find a directive on what kind of flowers to plant or if we should raise chickens! However, we do need to be certain than in those things where our witness of God is affected and our obedience to Him is in question, we are careful to seek His guidance. This means we are not determined to find a way to follow our own thoughts but instead we are determined to understand God’s direction. According to 1 Peter 2:18, we are to be willing to submit to others, even if it is difficult or I do not agree or I am treated poorly, because it is what Jesus did and it honors God. I may be right in thinking something is unfair or could be done more effectively but I am still to submit because it is God’s command. This is a fitting example of ‘I might want to act one way, but God directs me to act another way’. Now, instead of being a question of understanding or agreement, it is a question of obedience and honor to God.

Our perfect example is to follow is Jesus. The words he spoke to His Father describe the heart attitude we should embrace. “Not my will, but Thine, be done”, (Luke 22:42). Let’s break some of the words down in 1 Peter 2:19. I think it will give us a clearer understanding.

The first phrase is “For this [finds] favor”. Favor is translated from the Greek word charis, meaning graciousness, of manner or act. Especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude.

Read again 1 Peter 2:18, Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable – (19) For this finds favor … Because this is grace. “This is graceful indeed” (Doddridge). Meaning it is acceptable to God. Because of God – and His work in our lives – because we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us understand God’s truths, we can choose what is right.

Our sole/soul purpose is to glorify God out of gratitude for who He is and what He has done. Think! Who or what do your thoughts and actions point towards? How can we know what glorifies God? The answer is simple to express with words, right? However, to fulfill this charge in our actions, it takes a determination to respond in humility. We seek truth from His word. God has graciously given us a manual for living, a testimony of His great love for us. Yet, however clear the answer may be to what glorifies God, putting His truths into practice, having them embedded in our soul, takes concerted desire and effort.

We glorify God by acknowledging who He is, His greatness, His power, all He has done and all He will do.

1 Chronicles 16:23-36

We glorify God by honoring Him with our life, in everything we do.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Psalm 37:31

We glorify God through submitting to His commands in humility of heart.

John 14:15

We glorify God with our thoughts.

Psalm 1; Psalm 119:11

In what other ways can you glorify God?

We certainly should not look to be persecuted or cause our own mishaps, yet if honoring God means being submissive to those who treat us unfairly, then we can choose to endure discomfort and grief.

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 13:5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

We hear the word conscience used frequently. Choosing to do or not to do something is often supported by the idea of following your moral conscience. In Romans 13:5 above, the word conscience, suneidesis, means co-perception or moral consciousness. It is a form of the word suneido, meaning to see completely, to understand or become aware, to be informed of, and to know.

This bears repeating, we need to be careful that our moral conscience is regulated and supported by the truths in God’s word. My conscience needs to be directed by the knowledge of God. I cannot and should not decide for someone else what their conscience or convictions should be. I do need to encourage and uplift others as they seek to determine what God would have them do in areas that may allow for different interpretation. However, this particular verse in 1 Peter 2:19 is clear –

I am to be in subjection to authority not only because there will be consequences from authority if I choose to disregard them, but most importantly because I have the freedom to obey God, and I am expected as God’s child, to act according to the knowledge God has given me in His word.

Choosing what is right because God says so always trumps feelings based on man’s knowledge and keeps us from misguided interpretation. My moral conscience is not the line I use to make decisions, it is what guides me in applying the knowledge of God’s teaching and commands. Understanding Biblical truth does not require formal scholastic education in Biblical studies. It does require a humble heart which seeks to know God, is filled with His Holy Spirit, and has a desire to apply His precepts.

You can immediately understand the need for each individual to seek guidance from the one true source – God – rather than follow what sounds right or what is thought or even what someone else may think. Even a highly respected person can be wrong in their personal conviction; God’s principles and commands, however, are always right. God has given man a conscience to help us determine right from wrong. As a follower of Christ, the basis for my convictions should be the Bible.

1Peter 3:14-16 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always [being] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Instead of choosing to ‘suffer’ the loss of our ‘rights’, we can choose to focus on the opportunities to represent Christ and share the Gospel in every situation. We are to be careful not to bring our own suffering upon ourselves because of unrighteous behavior. Read the above scripture again. Is it my responsibility to defend the church or to defend the Gospel? Defense means to give answers. Are you equipped to give answers for what you believe? Is it possible that we find ourselves in conflict with others because we are seeking to prove our thoughts more than God’s teaching?

The motivation for our action is to honor God. Self, other than the witness of God in my life, should never be in the picture.

1 Peter 4:14-16 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.

Read Adam Clarke’s Commentary on 1 Peter 2:19. “For this is thankworthy. If, in a conscientious discharge of your duty, you suffer evil, this is in the sight of God thankworthy, pleasing, and proper; it shows that you prefer his authority to your own ease, peace, and emolument; it shows also, as Dr. Macknight has well observed, that they considered their obligation to relative duties not to depend on the character of the person to whom they were to be performed, nor on their performing the duties they owed to their servants, but on the unalterable relations of things established by God.”

“To suffer meekly, and without blame, and to do this out of a sense of the resignation due to the will of God, is a virtue which He kindly accepts, and will not fail to reward”, Dean Stanhope 1800’s.

If for the sake of conscience toward God. Meaning, “consciousness of God”: from a conscientious regard to God, more than to men. (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary)

Our conscious toward God is led out of our respect for God and a sincere desire to please Him – it is based upon His commands and our knowledge of them. “But the conscience is not an infallible guide and acts according to the light that it has. The conscience can be contaminated”, Robertson’s NT Word Pictures.

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our proud confidence is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled [clean] from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

A man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.

Read how David responds to unjust treatment.

Psalm 119:86-87 All Thy commandments are faithful; they have persecuted me with a lie; help me! They almost destroyed me on earth, but as for me, I did not forsake Thy precepts.

Psalm 119:23 Even though princes sit and talk against me, Thy servant meditates on Thy statutes.

Psalm 119:78 May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; [but] I shall meditate on Thy precepts.

What is the example set before us when we feel we are treated unfairly?

2Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

I want God’s divine truth to regulate my conscience. I want His divine influence to control my heart. Then my actions will be guided by His will and be a reflection of His saving grace in my life.

Proverbs 2:13-15

Proverbs 2:12

Proverbs 2:11

How Do We Find Wisdom and Understanding?

Pointing Towards God

God’s care and providence are highlighted throughout the book of Ruth. As we sincerely follow God, He will care for us and guide us along a path that will honor His name.

Ruth 4:14-22

The last verses in this book are compiled of the blessings given to Naomi upon her family’s restoration, and the genealogy of Ruth and Boaz’s first son, Obed. In verses 14 and 15, we read an account of the women in Naomi’s life rejoicing with her for God’s blessings.

Ruth 4:14-15 Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel. "May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."

This response is similar to when Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist in Luke 1:58, “And her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her”.

Notice in both these instances, rejoicing is a result of recognizing the goodness of God, “Blessed is the Lord” and “the Lord had displayed His great mercy”. There is no attribution to any deserved conclusion from a person’s actions, for instance ‘look at what I have done’, only glory to God for His mercy and kindness.

Psalm 34:1-3; Psalm 103:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How is this different from many reactions we might see today of ‘good’ results?
In your own life, do you attribute blessing to God or do you act as though you deserve His favor?

We may often hear words of encouragement that sound like, ‘you worked hard’, or ‘you deserve this’. While these statements might hold some credence, the real fact is all good things come from God’s hand. The women involved in Naomi’s life encouraged her. There are several scriptures that affirm our support of one another through both the pleasant and difficult circumstances of life.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

1Corinthians 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if [one] member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

What does it look like to rejoice in the blessing of others?
How might you be able to sorrow with another?

Blessings were given to Boaz upon acquisition of Elimelech’s land and Boaz’s marriage to Ruth. Ruth had been on quite a journey. Roughly fifteen years earlier, the thought of all that had happened to her would have been inconceivable. Her marriage to Mahlon from the land of Bethlehem, his early death, her faithful relationship with her mother-in-law, her conversion to the Jewish religion, leaving the land of her birth and traveling to the hometown of her husband’s family, her acceptance into a foreign culture and working as a poor widow in the fields, meeting Boaz, trusting the advice of Naomi, and approaching Boaz as the redeemer of Elimelech’s family name and property, are the elements of a story that could only be written by God’s hand.

Take a moment to recognize God’s direction of your life.

Do you see His blessing in circumstances you might not have chosen for yourself?
Are you thankful for the times He caused you to turn right when you wanted to turn left?
How has He used the more difficult times in your life to cause your trust in Him to grow?

Naomi had lost all and now the future that had seemed bleak is full of hope and promise. We can hardly imagine the devastating loss of a husband and two sons, yet, God gave Naomi a daughter-in-law who loved her and showed kindness and care through difficulty. Often, we do not understand the circumstances God allows. In His perfect time, He bestows a path that is so much better than what we could have hoped. This leads us to the necessity of following Ruth’s example to trust in God for all things, even when the path is unclear or undesirable. It is not about what we want, it is about how God will use our life to glorify Himself.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Ps 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Recognize that the above scriptures do not state that God might sustain or might direct. Rather, God will care for those who sincerely follow Him. There is no question of His faithfulness in our lives.

Read this encouragement in Isaiah 58:10-11, “And if you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom [will become] like midday. "And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail”.

We have choices. We can either be discontent and bemoan our circumstances, wishing things were different, spending our time sorrowing for what we no longer have or how things might have been, or we can walk forward in trust, asking God to show us where we can be used as we fill our days with serving Him.

Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death. (KJV)

As long as we are still here on Earth, God has a plan for us. We are to continue to be committed to serving Him in whatever capacity we are able, remaining joyful for His care and guidance. He will carry us through. Find joy in this truth!

Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear [you!] I have done [it,] and I shall carry [you;] and I shall bear [you,] and I shall deliver [you.]

Ruth 4:16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her lap, and became his nurse.

We are given a glimpse of Naomi’s broken heart and spirit in the first chapter of Ruth. She had encouraged her daughters-in-law to forge ahead with their own lives in Moab as she was contemplating her loss of husband and sons. Now, in this final chapter of Ruth, we see God has a very direct plan for Naomi’s involvement in her grandson’s life. She has a significant role in his upbringing as was the custom in this culture. Naomi had a part in teaching her grandchild, showing him her affection and caring for him. According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary, in ancient times, the position of a nurse, wherever one was maintained, was one of much honor and importance. This position is akin to being a foster-mother or guardian.

In a way, God had given to Naomi a son – meaning a builder of the family name – to restore what she had lost.

Ruth 4:17 And the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi!" So they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, became the grandfather of David. Here is the conclusion of this book, the genealogy of Christ, from the line of David. Consider this picture of redemption. Boaz did not reject Ruth because of her low estate. Instead, he chose to give her honor by marriage. Likewise, God has not rejected us because of our sin, rather He sent Jesus to redeem us so that we might have a position in heaven with Him. We are wholly undeserving yet fully blessed.

Ruth 4:18-22 states the genealogy of our Savior, sent from heaven to be born of man. Commentaries agree that some names are omitted in the genealogy. More complete lists are found in the book of 1 Chronicles, Numbers and Matthew. What is written is what we need to know, God used a Gentile woman from the land of Moab to fulfill His promise of a Messiah.

This is only an account that God could have written. Read this excerpt from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, “The distress of Naomi; her affectionate concern for her daughter-in-law; the reluctant departure of Orpah; the dutiful attachment of Ruth; and the sorrowful return to Bethlehem … the account of Ruth’s industry and attention to Naomi; of the elegant charity of Boaz … the care of Divine Providence over those who sincerely fear God, and honestly aim at fulfilling His will, the circumstance of a Moabitess becoming an ancestor of the Messiah seems to have been a pre-intimation of the admission of the Gentiles into his church. It must be remarked, that in the estimation of the Jews, it was disgraceful to David to have derived his birth from a Moabitess … This book, therefore, contains an intrinsic proof of its own verity, as it reveals a circumstance so little flattering to the sovereign of Israel …

Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s kindness are themes in this book. What does your life say of your loyalty to God? How do you express kindness to others?

Do you trust God in all circumstances, remaining patient for His answers? How is trust exemplified in your life?

Consider Ruth’s example of humility. How will you apply this example in your present circumstances?

God’s care and providence are highlighted throughout the book of Ruth. As we sincerely follow God, He will care for us and guide us along a path that will honor His name. Take a moment to think about the ending of this book.

Who does it point to?

“All the Scriptures are intended to lead us in faith to the great Redeemer. God grant that they may not miss their design in our case”. Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

God’s Sovereignty

Consider God’s direction in your life. Pause for a moment and look back to His guidance and His protection. Often, at the time circumstances are happening, we do not clearly see the full picture ahead. God sees completion, every detail from beginning to end. He will use His children for the praise of His name.

Ruth 4:9-13

We continue with the account of the exchange of property from the nearest kinsman to Boaz. Looking back in Ruth 3:13, Boaz told Ruth that he would redeem her if the nearest kinsman was unable to do so. He then immediately went to the city gates to inquire of this relative and take care of the matter. He was given his answer and in verses 9 and 10, it seems he announced his purchase of the land and his wedding.

Ruth 4:9-10 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. "Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased may not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his [birth] place; you are witnesses today."

Boaz lets the elders of the city and those present that he is now the rightful owner of all that had belonged to Elimelech and his sons. In this public announcement, Boaz states his intention to marry Ruth, the widow of Mahlon. This marriage would continue the name of Elimelech’s family. Recognize this transaction required Boaz to lay aside his own name in order to raise an heir for Elimelech’s family name.

Once again, we must step back and consider our redemption at the cross of Christ. Christ looked upon us with mercy and purchased our inheritance in heaven. Even though we were undeserving and poor, He willingly laid aside His riches to acquire us for His Father. Christ did this publicly for all to witness. There is no question of His great love for us.

“Thus hath our God, our divine Redeemer, when we were poor and destitute, and none were either able or willing to purchase the inheritance, which we by sin had so deeply mortgaged, yea, utterly forfeited, paid down the price, even at the expense of marring his own inheritance; having left the realms of bliss and glory for our sake, and then espousing us to himself, hath made us sharers of that glory, to which the Father, as the reward of his sufferings, hath exalted him”, Thomas Haweis.

The words recorded for us in Ruth 4:10 give us a reminder of Ruth’s background. She was a descendent from Moab, a land that was considered detestable because of its idol worship. However, Ruth had fully embraced the Jewish faith as she answered God’s call. Recall Ruth 1:16, “But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you [or] turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people [shall be] my people, and your God, my God”.

After Boaz made his intentions clear to all those who were congregated around the city gates, the people responded with great blessings toward him and Ruth for many children.

Ruth 4:11-12 And all the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, "[We are] witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel; and may you achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem. "Moreover, may your house be like the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring which the LORD shall give you by this young woman”.

A similar blessing was given to Rebekah in Genesis 24:60, “And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, "May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousands, and may your descendants possess the gate of those who hate them”.

Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they shall not be ashamed, When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary says this about the mention of the house of Perez: “This was very appropriate; for from Pharez, the son of Judah, by Tamar, came the family of the Beth-lehemites and that of Elimelech”.

Ruth 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went in to her. And the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

Following a public declaration and the blessing of others, Boaz and Ruth are husband and wife. God then enabled them to conceive a child. This child would be in the lineage of David, and the Messiah.

“He that forsakes all for Christ shall find more than all with him; it shall be recompensed a hundred-fold in this present time…. Boaz had prayed that this pious proselyte might receive a full reward of her courage and constancy from the God of Israel, under whose wings she had come to trust; and now he became an instrument of that kindness, which was an answer to his prayer, and helped to make his own words good. Now she had the command of those servants with whom she had associated and of those fields in which she had gleaned. Thus sometimes God raiseth up the poor out of the dust, to set them with princes”, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible.

Looking back to Chapter 1, remember Ruth’s marriage in Moab to Elimelech’s son, Mahlon. Verse four states a period of about ten years transpired. In that time, Ruth did not conceive a child. This would have been unusual since marriage was intended to build a family name. Think about God’s perfect plan and timing in using Ruth.

Who ordered the famine?
Who allowed Elimelech to transport his family to Moab?
Who caused Ruth to meet Mahlon?
Who determined the deaths of the three men in the family?
Who orchestrated the end of the famine and Naomi’s return to Bethlehem?
Who intended Ruth to respond to God’s truths?
Who put in place the timing of the harvest and the need of a young widow to supply for her mother-in-law?
Who softened a wealthy landowner’s heart towards a Moabitess?
Who planned the nearest kinsman’s refusal to redeem Ruth in order to open the way for Boaz?

It is impossible to read this account of Boaz and Ruth and not recognize God’s sovereignty. As you read the detail orchestrated by God’s hand, it is almost too much for a mind to grasp and appreciate His power over all.

Deuteronomy 4:39 "Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

1Chronicles 29:12 "Both riches and honor [come] from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone.

Psalm 135:6 Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.

Daniel 4:35 "And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And [among] the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?'

Do you see His hand in your life?
Do you trust His direction?

Recall the qualities displayed for us in Ruth’s character. She responded to God’s call and was willing to follow His direction (1:16). She was loyal and courageous (1:17-1:18). She did what was necessary (2:2). She was a hard worker (2:7, 17). She was humble; she expected no special treatment (2:10, 13). Her works proved her faith (2:11-12). She took direction from others (2:22, 23; 3:5, 14-15). She was virtuous (3:11). She was patient (3:18).

God used her life to glorify Himself. He will use your life also. Respond to His call, follow His direction, be willing to go forth courageously in His strength, work hard, remember your need for His sacrifice, live out your faith, listen to the wisdom of others, strive to be morally excellent, and wait upon God.

Where did all of this lead in Ruth’s life?

Blessing!

“Thus was her self-denying faith rewarded. She left behind her both relatives, country, and prospects, to cast in her lot with the Lord's people, and the Lord not only blessed her, but blessed distant generations through her. Those who follow the Lord at all hazards shall be no losers in the long run. To increase Ruth's joy and crown her happiness, the Lord gave her a son, which son was also a joy to Naomi.” Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

The pursuit of God will transform your character and you will be blessed as He uses your life for His glory. The first chapter of Timothy records Paul’s words to Timothy on being a faithful worker of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.

1Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. KJV

Evangelism and Covid

Choosing to believe God does not exist and that you do not need Him does not change the reality of God’s existence and your dependence upon Him.

Last Saturday, we were blessed to be able to gather as a group of women for the first time in over a year. Masks on and appropriately distanced, we enjoyed a special time of worship, gleaning from God’s word, and sweet fellowship! I think most of us in attendance would have been happy to sit and sing together for hours. It is truly a blessing to be encompassed around those who are like-minded and striving to serve Christ in all things. There is a genuine love among this group of ladies I call my sisters in Christ. Saturday was a beautiful picture of a church family ready to jump in with every unique strength to provide an opportunity for growth and encouragement. We even had a delightful individually packaged lunch. I am certain I do not speak for myself when I say my heart is filled with gratitude to everyone involved in providing a ray of sunshine as we begin to recover from a turbulent storm. Most of all, my heart is filled with gratitude that God has placed me in a fellowship that desires to function according to God’s truths. Following is a copy of our study in the word together. I pray you are encouraged to grow in your understanding of God’s desire for His children to praise Him in all circumstances by sharing the message of His great love.

We would all agree we are living through a unique time in history. Who would have thought one year ago that we would be donning face coverings and keeping a distance of six feet from individuals not in our family? We have adjusted to doing things differently, and have learned to appreciate our outside spaces more than ever.

The Women’s Conference was among the first events to be cancelled in our church body last March. The focus was to be how we are equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work”. God’s word, His Truth, prepares us with everything necessary to carry out the plans He has for us to bring glory to His name. What does this mean? Each of us has at our fingertips all that we need to do His will. You might see the word adequate translated as perfect or complete in your Bible. Through God’s word, we are perfectly suited for every good work.

One of the breakout sessions at the conference was to be how each of us is equipped to evangelize, which is a commission from God to all believers. In John 15:16, Jesus states, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit …”

Matthew 22:37-39, … ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind’. ‘This is the great and foremost commandment. ‘The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’”.

Look at the words above – God chose us, we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, and we are to love others as ourselves. The only way to love God with our whole being is to obey His commands. And He clearly says that we should go and bear fruit. The best way to genuinely love those around us is to share the message of salvation. Although many things have been altered within the last year, Truth remains constant. God’s word does not change, it is not interrupted by a pandemic, and God’s commands do not adjust to fit the world’s thinking.

We will address the subject of evangelism and consider what it looks like even as we continue to move through the lasting effects of Covid 19. Right now, you are either smiling behind your mask and excited to hear about sharing the Gospel, or you are squirming a little in your seat because sharing the Gospel is something other people do.

But, consider how you were saved. Did someone open their mouth and talk with you? Perhaps a person’s actions, kind words, and care of others attracted you. When you felt your worst, did another individual share the hope of Jesus? Remember the excitement you felt when God chose to open your heart to His Truths. Like many of you, I can picture exactly where I was, there is a defined moment, a snapshot in my mind of when God opened my eyes. I remember how in an instant the weight of the difficulties surrounding me were no longer suffocating me. The circumstances did not change but my focus did. It truly is incredible, and it is undeniable when God transforms a soul.

When we think of going out to share the Gospel, we often picture meeting individuals we do not know. This type of interaction involves a smile and a handshake. Well, for the past year, we have been wearing face coverings, no one can see our smile and our words are muffled with our mouths covered. We have had strong encouragement during the spikes of this virus to stay at home as much as possible, which puts a damper on meeting people, and we have been asked to avoid physical contact which practically eliminates the use of a handshake.

However, few of us are completely isolated. Weather permitting, we can spend time outside. We shop for groceries and put fuel in the car. We use phones and social media. We have friends, family members, and neighbors. There are opportunities!

People are struggling as they deal with uncertainty in the world. Unexpected deaths, the loss of work, weddings either cancelled or guest lists cut to a minimum, and young moms balancing their children’s education at home along with other responsibilities, are circumstances that many can relate to. The answer to every concern and every struggle is Jesus. When you focus on your future in heaven, your perspective changes from being overly concerned with your own circumstances and the current problems in the world, to being consumed with the blessing of your salvation in Christ and your purpose in Him.

Certainly, just being able to gather today as a unit of women who love God and desire to serve Him and each other, is a wonderful blessing. But there are a few goals for our time together.

1st – That you would be greatly encouraged, reminded of your value in Christ and God’s plan for you to be His ambassador. As you grow in your own understanding of the Gospel, your excitement to share the hope you have with those around you will increase.

2nd – That whatever fear you may have of sharing the Gospel would be replaced with boldness so that you would be ready at any moment to share how God is working in your life, and to speak of the peace and certainty He offers.

Many of us share opinions freely yet we become timid when talking about the Gospel. This is interesting because the Gospel is the only thing we can be 100% confident in. Opinions change; the Gospel does not. Opinions are often short-sighted; the Gospel provides a clear view of our future. Opinions can be wrong; the Gospel is 100% Truth.

3rd – That you embrace your responsibility of stewardship in being called a child of God.

The first step in evangelism is the need for your own understanding and acceptance of the Gospel. You are unable to share what you do not possess.

Listen again to 2 Timothy 3:17, which says, “that the man of God may be adequate”. There is a condition – Paul, in writing to Timothy reminds him of his position as a minister of the Gospel – being a man of God. Only those who are righteous before God, who derive their purpose from Him, who are under His instruction, who are united to Him and approved of Him, are complete or adequate for every good work. We can read and learn about many things. Knowledge is literally at our fingertips. But, until information is acted upon, it remains speculation. Real understanding involves comprehension and evidence. Genuine salvation is more than knowledge or memorized scripture or a one-time prayer. It is a heart change orchestrated by God. It is imperative that you personally understand what it means to be saved. Think carefully about the following questions – questions many of you have heard before – and take a moment to write your answers down.

Do you know for certain that when you die you will go to heaven?

If God were to ask you why He should let you into heaven, what would you say?

These questions are important because they help determine the basis of your trust.

Heaven is a free gift – it cannot be earned, and it is undeserved.

It cannot be earned because it is free; it is undeserved because we are unworthy. We are unworthy because we are sinners. This is no surprise as it is not extremely difficult to recognize sin. During the last year, it appears that man’s ability to sin has become magnified in hostility. Rioting at one point was almost expected in many major cities as individual rights were demanded. Although we may not be looking to break windows and damage property, each day we all fight the desire to act selfishly. How often do you fail to do the right thing, to act in a pleasing manner, to say words that encourage, to think thoughts that are uplifting?

Man is unable to save himself from the grip of sin. The best individual we might think of is still imperfect. God alone is perfect.

God loves us, but He is also just. Because He is just, He must punish sin. Sin is anything that goes against God’s perfect will or neglects to do His perfect will. God is perfect and holy and our sin acts as a chasm that will separate us from God for eternity.

We need to stop here for just a moment. Eternal separation from God is huge and needs to be clearly explained. Choosing to believe God does not exist and that you do not need Him does not change the reality of God’s existence and your dependence upon Him. I could choose to believe that Covid 19 does not exist but that would not change the reality of over 2 million deaths worldwide, (collective numbers from CDC, WHO, updated 03/06/21). People may think they are okay without God, so it seems no big deal to talk of separation from Him for eternity. But then, God’s power is not fully understood. He is at this very moment holding the world together, patiently calling His children to Himself. Those who do not recognize their need for God, and even those who reject Him, are the recipients of His general blessings. The air we breathe, the atoms that hold all things together, the sun which provides warmth, and everything good in our lives is from God. He will one day, release those who have denied Him to the full fury of sin and evil. Separation from God is a horror unimaginable. Without forgiveness of our sin, we are destined to this horror.

God is the source of all blessings, all that is good. Consider the fruits of the Spirit listed for us in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The opposites are hatred, sorrow, war, anxiety, cruelty, distrust, pride, and unrestraint. Add to this list, complete and unrelenting darkness in heart, mind, and soul. We are nothing without God and we can do nothing without God.

Man has an incredible dilemma! However, man has an incredible God! God chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to die for the sin of all mankind. Jesus is the only solution to our problem of sin. Through faith in Jesus, we are promised eternal life in the presence of God. Our penalty has been paid in full through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. The power of sin’s control no longer reigns in a believer’s life. Instead, Christ reigns, and in Him we have the ability to push off sin and put on righteousness. Knowing the intellectual facts of who God is and what He has done for mankind does not save. Saving faith is not a box of Band-Aids that temporarily fixes things when we lose our way. Saving faith is not one of the puzzle pieces that assures our future in heaven – it is the single key that opens the door. It is not something we combine with our title or accomplishments. Often, God will strip away any identity or trust we have in this world so that we focus on Him alone. Think! How do you desire others to know you? Is it with a title earned on earth or the title given to you by God in heaven as His child?

Saving faith requires a heart of humility, and recognition of need. Saving faith places complete trust, at all times and in all circumstances, in the work of Christ alone.

This is the gospel. This is what we need, and this is what others need to hear. Although it is God alone who saves, we are commissioned as His children to share the gift we have received in Him. We can have complete confidence in God - He is who He says He is; in Christ He has done what He said He would do, and He will fulfill every promise He has made. The result of being called by God to understand and accept His free gift of salvation is absolutely life changing – it is a miracle! When you genuinely understand God’s plan of salvation and its significance to your own eternal destination, you will be compelled to tell others. You will be excited to share your hope.

Psalm 96:2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

Mark 16:15 … Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Most of us get notices for different sweepstakes that offer a variety of prizes including money, mansions, and travel. Consider for a moment if you were to win one of these sweepstakes. Would you tell others? I surmise your excitement would be difficult to contain. If given the opportunity, you would likely be more than willing to publicize your story to all who would listen. Why? Because it is exciting! It is unexpected! It is completely undeserved since you did nothing to earn it!

Think about what you have In Christ – purpose, peace, and the promise of an eternal home in heaven. It is impossible to comprehend the full extent of our blessings. Because of God’s mercy, we have been saved from wrath and showered with unmerited favor. Talk about exciting! Talk about undeserved! How much of your conversation is about the unfathomable riches of Christ? (Ephesians 3:8).

Some of you may hesitate to share the Gospel because you anticipate a negative reaction from others. We readily speak of our families, work, the weather, and even politics, because everyone talks about these things. These things are acceptable points of conversation. But religion, or faith – now we are getting into a touchy area! People who are talkative and friendly will quickly shut down or may even become agitated when the subject of eternal destination is mentioned. Why? Because it is a concern that reaches deep into the mind and heart of man. It is often easier to ignore a problem, pretending it does not exist, than to address it. Do you hold back from proclaiming Christ out of fear of the response you may receive, or because others may think you are strange? This is a valid thought!

If you heard the sermon a few weeks ago, you will remember that Paul was accused of being crazy – literally out of his mind – because he preached the message of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 26:24). Paul’s answer to this accusation is recorded in Acts 26:25; 29, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. … I would to God that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am”.

If you are saved you are strange! The world is not going to embrace you. You may be labeled crazy! The Bible says you are an alien, not belonging to this world! (Ps 69:8, Phil 3:20). Rewind over forty years ago. I was working back office in a medical practice. The office manager was a young woman a few years older than me. She was nice. Always considerate, spoke positively, never took part in gossip, bad language, or complaining. I was a bit uncomfortable around her because her conversation always reverted to God, her involvement in church, and invitations to join her at some event in her fellowship. (At that time in my life, I distinctly remember thinking what the heck is a ‘fellowship’ – some group in the desert gathering to sing and talk about God? … and here we are!) She was one of those people you hear about who are weird enough to actually knock on doors and speak with strangers about Jesus! (And this I have also done!) Her whole life centered around God. In my mind, she was a ‘religious freak’. To my unsaved soul, she went way beyond personal boundaries. Now I look back at this and think of her testimony. She was one of the first people that God used to begin peeling the blinders off my eyes. Aliens have often been illustrated as little green figures with large bulbous heads and teardrop shaped eyes. I think this is all wrong. I worked with an alien in that office. I suggest that aliens look a lot like you and me. So what do we do with this fear of others thinking we are strange? Choose to embrace who you are in Christ, set apart for His purpose. The KJV of 1 Peter 2:9 calls us “a peculiar people”. You should be markedly different from those around you who do not know Jesus. If someone thinks you are strange or crazy because of your faith, receive it as a compliment! Pray as Paul did, that they join you!

Perhaps we will encounter roadblocks, even hostility when we speak of Jesus. Perhaps relationships will feel strained, perhaps doors will close, but where we see hindrances, God provides opportunities. How can we not share the only real hope available to a world that is fearful, turbulent, and sinking under the weight of sin? We can leave the details to God as He will supply a way for us to follow His charge to evangelize.

The Gospel is the accurate account of who God is, what He did, who man is and what he needs, who Christ is and what He offers. The Gospel does not need to be wrapped up in a pretty package to attract people to its value. It stands on its own. Jesus was not wrapped in a pretty package in order to attract sinners, nor was His message.

If you are God’s child, saved by His grace through faith, you are fully equipped to share the Gospel.

Consider what it means to be equipped for something. Being equipped means you are provided with what is necessary, useful, or appropriate, (WordWeb). All of God’s children are equipped for one purpose – to bring glory and honor to His name. Often, evangelism is thought of as the gift others have, or that special training is needed. I pray you are challenged to think otherwise. You might feel you are too shy, but ponder this question – How many words each day do you speak and how many of those words are about Christ? Evangelism is simply the enthusiastic speaking and advocacy of the gospel. Your words and actions are the vehicles God uses to extol His praise.

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me”.

Living for Christ includes telling others of His blessings and forgiveness. We readily speak about those we love, and we promote the things which are most important to us. Nothing is more important than the power of the gospel which is able to save a person from an eternity of evil, suffering, pain, and turmoil in hell. There are programs such as Evangelism Explosion which use an effective outline and in-class training for sharing the Gospel. These classes help build your confidence, but the message is not that you must take a course to speak of Christ. You are absolutely qualified to share the truth of God’s word and you are expected to share it, because you are God’s child. You were created by God’s hand to glorify Him, to share the good news of His grace and mercy in a fallen world.

Every believer is able to speak of the change God has wrought in their life through His Son. This is your testimony. How did God open your eyes and heart to know Him? How has your thinking and purpose changed? Your testimony is irrefutable and can be shared with complete confidence. It is your personal statement of firsthand evidence of God’s work in your life. It is unique to you and carries the value of a saved soul. You do not need a certificate or a specialized degree from a college or university in order to speak of God’s amazing grace. Before the foundation of the world was formed, God chose you to be an heir of His promised kingdom, (Ephesians 1:3-6; 1 Peter 1:3-5). He has gifted you with His Holy Spirit and empowered you with His Truth.

Are you willing to speak about God? We are commanded to share the Gospel, so perhaps a more correct question would be are you willing to obey? When we sincerely pray for God’s will to be carried out in our lives, we can expect His answer. Since God’s purpose is for us to proclaim His glory, He will provide what is needed to fulfill His command. Take a deep breath, trust God’s direction, open your mouth, proclaim His goodness, and be blessed in your obedience. Sharing the hope you have is the greatest offering of love you can give to another individual.

We should be ready at any moment to talk of our testimony, how God is working in our life, and the peace and certainty He offers in an ever-changing world.

Listen to Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, “…preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. … do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry”, (2 Timothy 4:1-2,5).

To “be ready in season and out of season” literally means when it is convenient and opportunities are present, and when opportunities are not present. This includes when it is inconvenient, unfavorable, unseasonable, and untimely. We can affirm that during this pandemic it is inconvenient, the conditions are unfavorable, and the timing is not the best – at least in our thinking. However, where we might see limitations, God has no boundaries. We are to be ready, literally in an instant, to stand for the Gospel, to respond to opportunities handed to us and to create opportunities with those around us.

John 20:21 – You are God’s ambassador, His representative.
1 Peter 3:15 – You are to be a defender of the faith, making a plea for the gospel.
Matthew 4:19, Luke 5:10 – You are a fisher of men, seeking to take others captive for the gospel.
1 Corinthians 3:9 – You are a laborer for the gospel, a fellow worker for Truth.

Each of these descriptions requires effort, active involvement in sharing what you have because of God’s great grace in your life. There are no exceptions, we are to be bold in our speech concerning Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:12 reads, “Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness in [our] speech”. The translation of boldness means we are to be out-spoken, honest, and straightforward, having confidence in the Truth. Think of your blessings in Christ. The motivation in sharing hope with those around us is a grateful heart desiring to speak of God’s glory!

Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Thy name give glory because of Thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth.

Our lives are not about us, but about Him. We are not here to focus on ourselves, Christ has called us to care for others. Covid is not an excuse to hide in a corner and forget our purpose. If you are using it as an excuse now, once it is passed, you will replace it with another. In all circumstances we are to be actively sharing Christ.

1Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, [let him speak,] as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, [let him do so] as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

A feeling of dread, hopelessness, and anxiety has settled in many minds during the time of this pandemic. The world offers no concrete solutions. There is a loss of confidence in leaders. We see unrestrained behavior in those who are discontent. But you have the solution – the only solution to calm unrest.

What is more important?

Your friendships on earth or your friend’s eternity in heaven?
Someone thinking you are ‘weird’ because you speak of Jesus, or someone wondering why you did not care enough about them to share about Christ?
Keeping silent because you fear you will not say the right words or choosing to honor God with your best efforts of sharing His Gospel?

1Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;

You have been called by God to proclaim His excellencies – His unconditional love, mercy, wisdom, power, goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Isaiah 43:21 "The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare My praise.

Consider all the things that fill your mind, the people and circumstances you speak of freely. Your family, work, travel, interests, and the many things that comprise your daily life, are all subjects of conversation. In a study published by Scientific American, it was estimated that the average words spoken in a day, is around 16,000, (Gender Jabber, Nikhil Swaminathan, 2007). Out of all the words you speak in a day, how many are about God and what He has done?

Recall the changes in your own life that God has produced as He faithfully reveals Himself to you. The contrast of how you used to think and what used to guide your actions should be as different as night and day. In Women’s Bible Study a few weeks ago I asked the ladies to share two words – one which described them before they were saved and one which describes the change they have seen. We were all encouraged as we heard contrasts like fear turned to peace, and having no direction changed to having a purpose. This transformation of your soul is not of your own doing but a result of God’s love. Because of God‘s choice to seek you, your eyes have been opened to truths you were unable to see beforehand! (Colossians 1:13-14)

Say you were born physically blind. Others could describe a bright afternoon to you, yet if you had never seen light, your ability to understand the true beauty of a sun-drenched sky would be impossible. Then, the most trustworthy and knowledgeable physician in the world chose to perform a procedure on you which gave you sight. You would tell everyone about this great miracle! You would not hesitate to speak of the incredible gift you had been given. Your life would be changed forever, and you would live in gratitude to the physician who had given you the ability to see.

God is our great physician! (Mark 2:17). You were in total darkness – engulfed in the power of sin and destined to a life of misery. You have been delivered to light – the understanding of who God is and what He has done. Sin has no dominion over you. Your life is now filled with trust, faith, comfort, promise, blessing, purpose, and certain hope, because of God’s grace and mercy.

Ephesians 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

Each of these verses speaks of evangelism: Walk as light, let your light shine, and appear as lights in the world.

If you now walk in the understanding of who God is, and your need for Him – you are His possession, He has called you to receive His mercy and favor – not because of who you are or what you have done but because of who He is and what He has done. This understanding should invoke a heart of gratitude. True gratitude, having a right appreciation for something given, leads to action.

Look back to your answers to the questions I asked when we began. Do you have assurance of your eternal future in heaven? Is your soul trust in Christ alone? If none of this has made sense to you and you are bored out of your mind, looking at how you might quietly be able to leave, perhaps your heart is not yielded to Jesus. There is a remedy – admit your need, and humbly ask Him to accept you as His child. Jesus will take your burdens and give you peace. If sin is keeping you from Him, confess your sin, ask His forgiveness, and move on in His grace. There are no magic words to say, only a sincere desire to know and please God. If you do pray that God would enter your heart, please tell someone so we can rejoice with you and encourage you.

If you are saved, your witness is a heart devoted to God, words that proclaim His praise, and a life that testifies of His power. You have been entrusted with the message of the Gospel. Paul tells Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to [you]”, 2 Timothy 1:13-14. The Gospel is the most valuable thing you can possess, and its integrity needs to be guarded. It is not to be kept to oneself, but it is to be represented correctly. As a steward of the Gospel, you have a responsibility. Your words and actions are a powerful message. They can either draw others in to know more about God or push them away.

Right now, at this time in our history, what is the testimony of God’s power in your life? How are your reactions, to a stressful situation, speaking of God’s blessings? As businesses and schools begin to open up again and life begins to return to a sense of normalcy, reports of individuals feeling apprehensive and anxious are surfacing.

You have, in your possession, the news of the most valuable gift available to mankind. It is the only solution that offers true hope – a glorious future, strength to overcome adversities in the world, a calm assurance in the midst of difficulties, and peace that surpasses understanding.

You have been saved, not for your own benefit, but for the purpose of praising God, not for yourself, but to share the miracle of your salvation with others so that they too might sing of God’s glory. The gift of your salvation is not to be hoarded!

Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

You have the incredible privilege of sharing the Gospel. When you move forward in faith to speak of God, you become the recipient of joy and blessing, knowing you have followed your Lord and Savior in obedience.

In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul says, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Often, I feel inadequate to perfectly explain the precious truths in God’s word. My understanding and delivery are lacking. The things I could have said, or should have said; what I did not explain well and what I forgot, can easily act as a personal discouragement, and tempt me to be silent. Perhaps you can relate. In spite of ourselves, God will use us. It is His power, His truth and His work that transforms a heart. God will take our meager efforts and use them for His glorious intention. 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as [coming] from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God”.

There is a section of scripture that comes to mind most every time I have the opportunity to speak of God’s gift to mankind. Beginning in Exodus Chapter 3, God called Moses to deliver the Israelites from their oppression under the hands of the Egyptians. Moses questions God’s choice of being able to use him (Ex 3:11). God assures Moses He will be with him. Throughout Chapter 3 and 4, Moses continues to focus on his own weaknesses instead of God’s power. Finally, even after God continually displays His power through miracles, Moses almost begs God to release him of the task set before him. Moses reasons that he is not a good communicator, it is difficult for him to talk. God then reminds Moses that He is well aware of Moses’ deficiencies. Listen to Exodus 4:11-12, And the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes [him] dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? "Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say."

One reason we choose to overlook the command of sharing the gospel is we focus on our inability to know all the answers. We will never have all the answers! But we do have everything we need.

God’s Word – His undeniable truths, which is His complete testimony to mankind of His love, forgiveness, and faithfulness,

The Holy Spirit – who gives us understanding of God’s word, and direction in what to say, and

Our Testimony – the irrefutable and continued evidence of God’s work in our life.

You might feel you do not have the gift of evangelism. However, God calls each of us to share His Gospel. He calls us to trust in His work and His strength as He uses us for His glory. We need to reach out to others, to build friendships with the hope of sharing Truth, and encourage those who are struggling, to set their eyes on Jesus. When we say we can’t, we are relying on ourselves. In Christ, we can.

Colossians 4:5-6 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, [as it were,] with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.

1Peter 3:15 But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always [being] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

We can allow the fear of how men perceive us to dictate our actions. Rather, we need to have our words and actions guided by our reverence and fear of God. (Isaiah 8:13)

Jesus proclaims in John 14:16, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me”.

Those you love and those you come in contact with, need to hear about Jesus. The world is so desperately lost in its sin and selfishness. I pray that the majority of our 16,000 words each day are about God’s excellencies. You are fully equipped in God’s grace to evangelize. Use your words to testify to His glory. Live your life to bring Him honor. Let the excitement for what God has given you in Christ, fill your heart with gratitude which compels you to share the hope you have with others.

If you are confused, in Christ you will find clarity. If you are hurting, in Christ you will find hope. If you are uncertain, in Christ you will find confidence. In an ever-changing world, Christ remains constant.

“The Gospel is a fact, therefore tell it simply; it is a joyful fact, therefore tell it cheerfully; it is an entrusted fact, therefore tell it faithfully; it is a fact of infinite moment, therefore tell it earnestly; it is a fact about a Person, therefore preach Christ”, Archibald Brown, Spurgeon’s successor.

Righteous Decisions

I am reminded again of the importance in total honesty when disclosing information. It may be that we are led to leave out just a small bit of information for fear that things may not go the way we would like. We may stretch the truth to make something seem more desirable. We are used to ‘wheeling and dealing’ in many of our transactions today. It is important however, to hold honesty as a priority.

Ruth 4:1-8

The end of Ruth, Chapter 3:16-18, reminded us of the necessity to rely completely on God’s direction. We are to choose to trust God, we are to find our delight in Him alone, and we are to commit to His perfect plan, having confidence that He is in control.

Now we come to the last chapter in this incredible true story of redemption. Ruth, a Moabitess, having trusted in God, is awaiting to hear from Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. Will he be able to save her late husband’s family’s name and inheritance through marriage? We have witnessed through this account, Naomi’s faith in God, her teaching of His ways to her daughter-in-law, and her wise instruction to Ruth. Ruth has obediently followed instruction, humbly accepted her position and trusted in God’s direction. Her actions have been noticed and her character of virtue applauded. Boaz, described for us as honorable, has been an encourager to all those with which he is in contact. He has placed the law and doing what is right over his own desires and shows us his care for Ruth in leading her in a righteous way. Ruth has been told to wait for the response of Boaz as he approaches a member of the family who is a closer relative, with the right to redeem Ruth and the inheritance of the family’s land. Now we will continue with Chapter 4.

Ruth 4:1 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, "Turn aside, friend, sit down here." And he turned aside and sat down.

Boaz went to the city gate. This was a place for public deliberation, administration of justice or of audience for kings and rulers or ambassadors (Smith’s Bible Dictionary). Matters of great importance were decided upon at the city gates. Boaz chooses to bring the matter of redeeming Elimelech’s inheritance to the public. This again speaks of his character. Perhaps, he could have just assumed the closer relative was uninterested since there had been no movement that we know of from any other direction. However, being upright in all things requires every action to be completely honest before God who knows all things. Think how this example might be applied to yourself.

Have you tried to ‘get away’ with something, thinking no one would find out?
Have you purposely ignored information that might change what you would like?
Do you avoid taking a stand because you will be unpopular with family or friends?

We can assume we know what someone else’s response may be to a situation that involves them. We can even make decisions for another, thinking we are acting in their best interest or that they will not care or have a preference. Making an important decision with these assumptions leaves the consideration of someone else’s desires to our own interpretation and personal benefit. Is this approach truly honest? Do we manipulate circumstances for our own profit?

There may be a personal cost of being careful and deliberate in our decisions. Consider the account we are studying. It seems Boaz had developed a heart for Ruth. He had been attracted to her virtuous character. He is perhaps anticipating a union with her. He is now taking steps that could take his opportunity away. Yet, he is proceeding in a righteous direction.

We may find there is a different explanation for something or a better way to proceed. Are we open to a direction we may not have thought or appreciated? Sometimes exploring all the possibilities will lead us to a more difficult answer. It might even seem that we will miss out on something. However, the end result of being careful and righteous in our decisions is always honoring to God. Think carefully, we can ignore doing the right thing before God in order to preserve a relationship or not cause any waves, but then, who are we honoring?

Do you make promises you are not sure you can keep in order to avoid flack?

Rather than making a promise to Ruth that he righteously was uncertain he could fulfill, Boaz sought complete honesty and justice in redeeming Elimelech’s land and name. We are told Boaz sat at the city gate. Recall this is where all public transactions took place and usually a council of leaders was present. As people moved in and out of the city, business was arranged, and deals were made. When Boaz sees the srelative, he needs to address, he greets and stops him. "Turn aside, friend, sit down here."

Boaz recognizes the one who is a closer kinsman to Elimelech’s family than himself and tells him he has business to conduct with him. Boaz was an important magistrate or leader in the village, and he was able to gather men together to hear the transaction.

Ruth 4:2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here.” So they sat down.

It is interesting to note how simple it was to make a legal transaction at that time. Compared to our court system now, it would take months just to gather the people involved with all their witnesses and evidence! Notice the wisdom also in conducting business with others present to hear the decision. This way there would be little chance for misunderstanding, or as it is in our courts, to contest the verdict.

Boaz presents his case to the closest relative and to the elders in the city:

Ruth 4:3-5 Then he said to the closest relative, "Naomi, who has come back from the land of Moab, has to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. “So I thought to inform you, saying, 'Buy [it] before those who are sitting [here,] and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem [it,] redeem [it;] but if not, tell me that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem [it,] and I am after you.'“ And he said, "I will redeem [it.]" Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance."

Boaz states the first order of business – Naomi was in need and there was land of Elimelech’s to be redeemed. The purchase rightfully belonged to the next of kin. Initially, the closer relative agrees to purchase the land, to buy back his relative’s property. Then Boaz informs the relative that purchasing the land also means acquiring Ruth and having a family with her so that he might continue the family name. This bit of information was a game changer!

2Corinthians 8:21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

In order for the relative to purchase the land, he must take Ruth as his wife. He was to redeem all or nothing. His response changes as he contemplates the full cost.

Ruth 4:6 And the closest relative said, "I cannot redeem [it] for myself, lest I jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem [it] for yourself; you [may have] my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem [it.]

According to several commentaries, the kinsman may have had a previous marriage and children. The addition of children with Ruth would affect his own inheritance and family name. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge gives this insight, “The Targum seems to give the proper sense of this passage: ‘I cannot redeem it, because I have a wife already; and it is not fit for me to bring another into my house, lest brawling and contention arise in it; and lest I hurt my own inheritance. Do thou redeem it, for thou has no wife; which hinders me from redeeming it’.” I am certain I do not understand Jewish law to give any explanation for the refusal so we will just go with what we know. The closest relative gave up his right to purchasing Elimelech’s land and this opened the door for Boaz to redeem the land and Ruth.

Let us pause for a moment and consider Christ as our Redeemer. Jesus fully paid the price to redeem us for His Father. Christ willingly suffered an undeserving, horrific death for the redemption of mankind. Because of Christ, our inheritance in the kingdom of God has been restored. We have been ransomed from death to life. This picture of Ruth is much like our own. We are unworthy, we have a sinful nature and rebel against God. Yet God chose to remove us from the control of sin and place us in His care and protection. He gifted us with hope for the future through giving us His Son, Jesus Christ as our Redeemer.

Consider this thought. If you say Jesus Christ is your Savior, claiming you understand the need you have to be redeemed from sin, yet, do not follow Him as Lord, you have not accepted the fullness of God’s grace. Many desire the assurance of heaven without wanting to live for Christ. Your life needs to be completely surrendered to God. This means He is the ruler of your life, He has jurisdiction over all you say, think and do – whether you like it or not, whether it is easy or not, or whether you agree or not.

The closest relative in this account wanted the land; he was ready to jump at increasing his property. However, when he realized there was more attached to the deal, and it might make things difficult for him, he bowed out. He wanted part but not all.

Is your life completely surrendered to God? What is your proof?
Is Jesus your Savior and your Lord? How does your life testify to this?

“This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world”. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Ruth 4:7-8 Now this was [the custom] in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange [of land] to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the [manner of] attestation in Israel. So the closest relative said to Boaz, "Buy [it] for yourself." And he removed his sandal.

These next two verses give us the legal exchange of redeeming land and resigning the rights to inheritance.

“The manner and ceremony of conveying over a title and estate amongst the ancient Israelites was this: the person who sold or conveyed over his title pulled off one of his shoes, and in open court delivered it to the purchaser, thereby signifying that he had full right to walk, enter into, or tread upon the land, &c. as his own proper and entire possession”. British Family Bible

The closest relative resigned his right to redeem the property of Elimelech’s family and take Ruth as his wife. The transaction of removing his sandal and giving it to Boaz, allowed Boaz to take possession of the land and marry Ruth.

Naomi’s faith in God results in her family’s name being restored. Ruth’s obedience, faith and trust will place her in a position to be used for God’s redemptive plan. Boaz’s righteousness is blessed by God’s perfect provision.

How has your trust in God changed the direction of your life?
How do you see His hand in moving you towards His purpose?

Steeped In God’s Grace

I am excited to announce that the second book in the Focus Heavenward Series is now available through Amazon! Seriously my brain hurts as I have been stretched to learn more than I thought possible about editing and formatting. Perhaps there is some truth in the saying, ‘You can teach an old dog new tricks’!

Here is a link for a free sample, https://a.co/aOY2rkK For now, ‘Steeped In God’s Grace’ is available as a digital read on Kindle, tablets, phone and other electronic devices. It will be available as a print copy also – as soon as I get the cover formatting figured out!

I pray you are blessed by being drawn ever closer to your Savior.

Focus Heavenward,

Sharyn

Happy New Year

Do you trust in the abundant grace He has extended towards you through His Son?

The challenge – can you look at the past year and praise God for His faithfulness? Amidst illness, death, unemployment, and uncertainty, (and even a shortage of toilet paper!), God remains faithful. When we do not look with eyes that are focused on His sovereignty and perfect plan, we miss clarity.

If you have been to an optometrist, you may recall the process of looking through different lenses as the doctor asks you if 1 or 2, or 3 or 4, is better. The ability to see clearly is valuable – both as we navigate the physical world we live in and as we grow in our spiritual understanding of God. Any eye doctor is able to correct our vision through prescriptive lenses. Only God is able to cause the eyes of our heart to focus on His truths.

Jeremiah penned the book of Lamentations. It is an account of the sorrows of the Jewish nation, of their suffering and misery because they turned from God. Jeremiah also recounts the nations repentance and submission, their prayer and hope of God’s future promises for deliverance. A section in chapter 3 of this book reads, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. [They] are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion’, says my soul, ‘therefore I have hope in Him’. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him”, Lamentations 3:22-25.

Thomas O. Chisholm wrote the words to the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, in 1923 as he contemplated God’s faithfulness over his lifetime. The lyrics were then set to music and almost 100 years later the tune and words are still widely recognized.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,

Morning by morning new mercies I see,

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,

Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me.

We have absolute hope! God is faithful. He shows mercy and compassion towards those He loves. Do you trust in the abundant grace He has extended towards you through His Son? As you seek Him you will be blessed – even through difficulty.

Has your trust in God grown this past year? Have you witnessed souls turn towards His truths? Sometimes we must lose the blessings we have in order to recognize their value. Has your gratefulness increased? Perhaps those things we once expected are now treasured more fully. Difficulty has produced a new endurance and a higher level of thankfulness in many households and relationships. In all this, praise God. He is faithful!

Focus Heavenward.

Obedience –> Holiness

As we seek to know God and follow Him, our actions on the outside will reflect the change God has wrought on the inside. The inside transformation of our soul will show in the outward actions of our life.

1Peter 1:14-15 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts [which were yours] in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all [your] behavior.

Obedience demands that we do not follow worldly ways. Instead, we are to live holy in all our behavior (v. 15-16).

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;

What does it mean to be holy?

We are to be physically and morally blameless. We are to strive to be like Jesus. This is only possible through His redemption of our soul. God is holy, He is perfect and pure. He is the One who called your name as His child. He is the one who has called you into understanding and faith in Christ. As His child, receiving all the benefits of His salvation, you also receive the means to be like Him, to imitate His character.

Specifically, what is mentioned is behavior, or all manner of conversation (KJV). People aptly take on the persona of those they admire. Look around and notice that styles of dress, speech, and even food begin with following someone’s example that another thought highly of. If you profess to follow Jesus, it is imperative that your entire life points to His holiness. We need to learn about Him so that we can imitate Him. We have examples to follow throughout the word of God. Read what Paul tells the Corinthian church, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). It is impossible for us to be perfectly holy, yet we are to endeavor to follow the pattern set before us and practice holiness in every area of our life. We are holy because we belong to God; our actions should increasingly speak of our inward salvation. Our thoughts should be held captive by Truth, and our words should honor God. As we seek to know God and follow Him, our actions on the outside will reflect the change God has wrought on the inside. The inside transformation of our soul will show in the outward actions of our life.

2Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Notice the word all in 1 Peter 1:15. All means everything, it is inclusive to your whole behavior. Matthew Poole’s Commentary has this explanation of all, “with whomsoever ye converse, believers or infidels, friends or enemies, relations or stranger; and in whatsoever condition ye are in, peace or trouble, prosperity or adversity”.

How are you seeking holiness?

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:12-16 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for [His] good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Focus Heavenward.

Psalm 19:1-2

the limit of our observation is opposite to the realm of God’s infinite time and grand creation.

Psalm 19 is a song of praise to God. It gives us insight to David’s life and faith. The first six verses proclaim the majesty of God seen in His work of creation. Then follows the description of God’s perfect law and its purpose in verses 7-11. In verses 12-14, David requests forgiveness and protection from sin, and calls on God’s grace with a request that his life honors God. This short section of scripture gives us a picture of David’s devotion to God and his desire to live faithfully being conformed to God’s holiness, leaning upon God’s power.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

What is referred to when we read about ‘the heavens’?

According to Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, the heavens <shamayim> refer to the sky, perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move. It also refers to the entire celestial universe which we cannot conceive. When we speak of something being ethereal it is intangible and immeasurable.

Consider your reaction on a clear night as you look upward to the starry sky, are you able to see its boundaries? It goes on and on, so much farther than our human eye is able to focus. In great contrast, the limit of our observation is opposite to the realm of God’s infinite time and grand creation.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God”. The heavens declare God’s glory. The verb used is an intense announcement, a record or numbering of the stars, a celebration of God’s glory. The sheer number of heavenly bodies in the sky above, point towards our Creator God.

Genesis 1:16-17 And God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; [He made] the stars also. And God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,

Jeremiah 10:12 [It is] He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom; And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.

The heavens, although beautiful, have no mind or intelligence. Yet, they set forth God’s glory for all to see. God made the heavens, He holds the stars in place, His wisdom and power is on display as we look above. God’s glory is clearly seen in His creation.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him?

God’s glory is magnified in His heavens. Consider that which we see and then realize it goes beyond what is visible to our eyes. God’s existence and power is undeniable as we look to His creation.

Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.

Ps 148:3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, and the waters that are above the heavens! Ps 148:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.

Read Psalm 19:1 again, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God, and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands”.

What is your response? The heavens are God’s creation and speak boldly of His glory. You are God’s living creation, formed by His artistry and hands, made for His glory and purpose. Do you shine for Him? Are others drawn towards His truths through your life?

Psalm 19:2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

We become excited about certain events that have happened and events we are looking forward to in the future. However, once they pass, their significance dwindles and eventually is lost to the next circumstance approaching. In contrast to our human experiences that ebb and flow, each day and night continues in their succession to glorify God. As day turns into day and evening into evening, the sun rises and the moon sets, all according to God’s plan set in motion at the beginning of time. God’s hand in ordering the days and nights speak of His power and give us knowledge of His greatness and goodness.

Did the sun rise today? Praise God. Did the moon give light to our evening? Praise God. How often do we take the time to consider that God is directing the day to happen and the night to take place? God holds all things in place and determines all time – every moment in each day and night. Do we see God’s glory in the sunrise of the morning, the sunshine of the day, the moon light at night? Each day is a testimony of God’s existence and authorship of the world.

Psalm 74:16 Thine is the day, Thine also is the night; Thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

Psalm 136:7-9 To Him who made [the] great lights, For His lovingkindness is everlasting: The sun to rule by day, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, the moon and stars to rule by night, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Genesis 8:22 "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."

“The original has in it the thought of pouring out or welling over, with speech; as though days and nights were but as a fountain flowing evermore with Jehovah's praise. Oh to drink often at the celestial well, and learn to utter the glory of God! The witnesses above cannot be slain or silenced; from their elevated seats they constantly preach the knowledge of God, unawed and unbiased by the judgment of men. Even the changes of alternating night and day are mutely eloquent, and light and shade equally reveal the Invisible One …” Treasury of David

Psalm 19:1-2 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

Are we led to praise God for all things day and night, continuously? The heavens speak of God’s glory. Do our lives shine for His honor?

God is in Control

We live in a world that seems out of control. No matter how powerful words or knowledge or position may be, man is unable to direct his cause. We see this evidence all over the world. The year 2020 has proven to be devastating in areas of health, natural resources, the economy, violence, and fear. Our nation is now entering into the additional uncertainty of a presidential election which is forecast to lead to civil unrest no matter the result. People are confused and angry. So how do we respond? What can we do? We use the inerrant word given to us from God rather than relying upon the wisdom of men.

First, focus on the truth that we know – man is out of control; however, the world is under Divine control. Nothing takes place without the knowledge and allowance of God.

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is [like] channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He watches all his paths.

Jeremiah 16:17 "For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes.

Jeremiah 32:17-19 'Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee, who showest lovingkindness to thousands, but repayest the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The LORD of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

Second, there is one certain solution for each of us –

Personally respond to God’s grace given, declaring Christ as your eternal King.
Choose to live in obedience to His commands, and
Seek the peace that comes from knowing God is in complete control.

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.

Romans 14:19 So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

Third, recognize that nothing will happen or has happened without His perfect knowledge and plan. Our understanding of His plan is not required. However, we are to accept His sovereignty over the earth. This response brings peace in the midst of an unsettled heart and nation.

Deuteronomy 4:39 "Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

Psalm 93:1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

Finally, there is much we can do after we respond in faith through God’s grace to His perfect plan.

Be a light in darkness. Have empathy and compassion for the lost.
Share the hope you have in Christ to those who will listen.
Pray for God’s intervention and mercy in a world that does not seek Him or recognize Him as King.
Live in peace with all men as far as you are able. Put self last and Christ first in all your interactions.

2Corinthians 1:12 For our proud confidence is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment,] that it may give grace to those who hear.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, [as it were,] with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.

God knows all, God understands perfectly, and God has a plan which will lead to His glory in His time. God loves you and sent His Son to pay the price for your sin. Because of this, confusion and anger will not be your response. Instead, peace will reside in your heart no matter what may come.

1Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Slay Anxiety

It is then no longer I who is scrambling to solve a problem, it is God who is sovereign over all things, knows all things, and can do all things.

How do you respond when your own personal concerns about friends, family and life circumstances begin to creep into your joy? My response when I notice my heart is beginning to feel heavy and overwhelmed, is to dig into a well-known section of scripture once again. It is incredible how a child of God can repeatedly visit the same verse through the years and be encouraged by new and different insight. It is not that the Word has changed, but our experiences of God’s faithfulness, and hopefully our own spiritual growth, causes us to see more. God has lovingly placed in our hands His inerrant Truths. His warnings and promises in the Bible are His historical guidebook on how He works, who He is, what He has done and what He will do. The Bible is our manual on how we are to live – who we are in Christ and without Christ, what we have because of Christ and what we forfeit when we reject Him. For the umpteenth time I have needed to reset my sights on what is genuinely important and valued, giving less regard to worldly concerns. I am so thankful to my Lord and Savior for His tender care for my soul. Grab a cup of coffee and let us unwrap the priceless package of God’s word together.

Focus Heavenward, Sharyn.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Notice the action in Psalm 55 – cast your burden, meaning to throw out, down or away. Picture casting a fishing line into the water. However, in this case you would cut the line having no desire to retrieve it. We are to get rid of our burdens, placing them in the hands of God who is more than willing and capable to handle them. It is then no longer I who is scrambling to solve a problem, it is God who is sovereign over all things, knows all things, and can do all things. This truth creates a sigh of relief and peace in God’s children.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Again, we see action in Proverbs 16 – commit. We are to remove, literally roll, our burdens to the Lord. When all of our concerns are placed in Christ’s hands, we can take a deep sigh of relief. I will share part of my testimony here for sake of illustration. Years ago, I was unfamiliar with any specific scriptures in the Bible. However, when God determines it is time to open the eyes of one of His own, He orchestrates the circumstances. I was alone late one evening, my children were upstairs sleeping, and I was literally at the end of my rope. I had done everything I could possibly think of to change the direction of where we were headed. Nothing had worked. My life was in shambles, I had three children depending on me, I was scared, alone, felt hopeless, worthless, and ashamed by failure. As hot tears and silent sobs filled the dark night, I was led to take the blanket off the back of the sofa and lay it out on the floor. I then threw in my burdens, all of them, crying and telling God that I could not go on – it was all His. I was too weak to carry the load. I am sure if anyone had seen me talking to what looked like no one and pantomiming the placement of things in the middle of a blanket on the floor, I would have been carried off for evaluation. I rolled up the blanket and held it with both hands as high as possible and asked God to take all that was within and help me. In that moment of giving up of self and rolling my burdens to God, relief poured over me. A quietness I had never known settled in my soul and the peace of God’s care assured me that somehow, we would be okay.

Matthew 6:25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, [as to] what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, [as to] what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. [Each] day has enough trouble of its own.

Luke 12:22 And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for [your] life, [as to] what you shall eat; nor for your body, [as to] what you shall put on.

1Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Do not be anxious for your life, do not be anxious for tomorrow, do not be anxious for what you shall eat, do not be anxious for what you shall wear – Be anxious for nothing!

Be Anxious <merimnao> to be anxious about, take thought; through the idea of distraction.

When we are worried or bothered about something, it is what we think about most. In fact, just listen to others. Most often, they talk about what is bothering them. It does not take long to find out what is troubling to any of us as we are usually ready to share with those who will listen. Consider how you might mull over a situation again and again in your mind. When this happens, we find it difficult to concentrate on other things, even those things that are most important. We can become distracted; our attention can be drawn away from God rather than towards Him when our focus is diverted.

Is your soul distracted or troubled?

When Jesus sent the twelve disciples, He told them they would have difficulty, yet they were not to be anxious about all the details. Matthew 10:19 "But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak.

When Martha was complaining about the things that needed to get done, Jesus addressed her, Luke 10:41-42 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but [only] a few things are necessary, really [only] one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Read an account of what the interaction between Martha and Jesus may have sounded like, written by Philip Doddridge in his New Testament notes, “But let me tell thee, my dear friend, that there is one thing absolutely necessary, and of infinitely greater importance than any of these domestic and secular cares; even the care to have the soul instructed in the saving knowledge of the way that leads to eternal life, and to secure a title to it: and Mary is wisely attending to that; therefore, instead of reproving her, I must rather declare that she has chosen what may eminently be called the good part, which as it shall not be finally taken away from her, I would not now hinder her from pursuing; but rather invite thee to join with her in her attention to it”.

For nothing <medeis> not even one, anything, none at all.

In nothing be anxious, in other words, stop being anxious. Not that we do not care spiritually for one another. We need to exercise what is right, being diligent in our responsibilities. This is not license for a carefree, slothful life.

Romans 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

2Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.

2Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.

We are to work hard, making the most of our time, using our resources for the encouragement and service of one another. We are not to be distracted and anxious for worldly cares. Picture a squirrel running to and fro, easily distracted by every noise, breeze, smell, and sound. This is the opposite of what our focus should look like. We often try to figure out that which is not ours to care for. For some reason, we quickly take the burden of fixing those things which are God’s to fix and direct. We constantly need to remember that we are not the ones in control. Then our focus can become what it should be – a life honoring to God, taking care in all things to give glory to His name. Sometimes quick action is required, certainly service to one another is necessary, but frequently prayer is the answer as we wait upon God and trust in His work.

Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved [even in his] sleep.

But – instead of being anxious and distracted

In everything <pas> including all the forms of declension (downward slope, worsening, decline); all, any, every, all manner, whatsoever, whosoever.

Even when circumstances seem dire, like they will never be resolved, or it seems that things are getting worse and we begin to feel fear rise up in us. Even when we are certain we cannot go on – God can.

All the big things, all the little things, great and small – God cares! In necessity, in prosperity, in adversity, in everything, every time, every condition and every occasion. (cf. Matthew Poole’s Commentary)

Do you trust all things to God?

If someone were to ask, ‘Do you trust God’, many of us would quickly reply with an affirmation that indeed we do. But consider what is behind your most troublesome and heart-wrenching cares. We are to trust God with the impossible. I must admit, often it boils down to a lack of complete trust, I can lose hope and the word ‘quit’ enters my mind. I can readily forget where my sight needs to be centered. Oh Lord, give me a heart to immediately remember Your faithfulness in the past and build my trust in Your faithfulness for the future.

Matthew 17:20 And He *said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.

Matthew 19:26 And looking upon [them] Jesus said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

By prayer <proseuche> prayer, worship, pray earnestly,

The answer to solicitous care or anxiousness, is fervent prayer. To pray earnestly means to take prayer seriously. This is more than the quick obligated words you may hear at times. It is understanding the value of prayer and the One to whom you are praying. Coming before the throne of God is not to be taken lightly. When I think of who I am, who God is and what He has done for me in spite of my sin, my heart is clothed in humility and gratitude. Then I am prepared to worship and bring my requests before our Almighty God.

When the Amalekites raided Palestine and David was distressed, he found solace in God, 1Samuel 30:6 Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Luke 18:1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,

I have noticed a pattern in my life. Years ago, I spent time studying prayer as I was convicted of the need to develop a deeper, more complete time of praising God verbally, confessing my sins, thanking Him for countless blessings, and of bringing my own requests and the concerns of others before Him. I was intrigued by the stillness of the very early morning and the void of distraction and was challenged to ask God to help me seek Him through prayer when I awoke at these early times. Our God is faithful to answer the requests that cause us to rely on Him more deeply. I now often find myself wide awake in the wee hours of the morning and have come to treasure these sweet quiet times of prayer. I do not even question why I am awake any more, I just spend time in prayer. I am personally thankful for God’s faithfulness in developing a deeper time of prayer in my life.

Fervent prayer, which always pulls my focus back where it belongs, is the key to overcoming frequent worry. Sincere prayer causes us to remember who God is. When we focus on God, we cannot help but be silenced in our worry. Think of some of His attributes: He is light in darkness, He is without sin, He is everlasting, His strength is beyond comparison, He knows all things, He defines wisdom, He is holy and perfectly just. He loves us, He is good, gracious, faithful, merciful, patient, and compassionate.

I believe it is impossible to encompass my thoughts with the worship of God and be worried at the same time!

And supplication <deesis> a petition, prayer, request, supplication (asking God’s help, a humble request for help, plea)

Think of the scenario of a child needing their parent for something. You can hear the desperate sound of their voice as they plea for help. At that moment, only Mom or Dad have the solution to their call. We are to call to God, our heavenly Father, with the understanding that He alone has answers. Our plea to Him is one of dependence and trust in His faithfulness and power to overcome our trouble or see us through it.

When the king of Assyria taunted the people of Jerusalem, Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed, 2Chronicles 32:20 But King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven.

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.

It is no surprise that we need God! His intervention in our lives is the only reason we have hope for our future and success in the present. There is a popular saying, ‘Know God – know peace’. How true this is. Right now, during this world-wide pandemic, in which 2020 will be noted for in history, circumstances seem downright confusing. However, there is no confusion on God’s part. He has the answers, He is guiding His people, and His glory will prevail. We are reminded to be on our knees as we seek His help in this desperate time. I pray you see this as a blessing! God is at work in the world.

Things may not turn out the way we think they should, but they will turn out the way God has intended. We may not get what we want but we will get what God has planned. We may not receive what we think we need but we will be blessed with what God knows we need in order to grow in His likeness and glorify Him.

With thanksgiving <eucharistia> gratitude; grateful language to God as an act of worship.

Bottom line – we do not deserve one ounce of any type of blessing God has bestowed on us. What we do deserve is death – instead, we have life eternal. What we do deserve is confusion – instead, we have the promise of His direction. We have peace instead of chaos, hope instead of fear, comfort in the midst of sorrow, joy in all circumstances, and forgiveness rather than condemnation.

Thanksgiving to God for His answers means you are resigned to your need of His care. It is trusting that God’s will is best; it is relinquishing your plan for His. He understands and knows all things. He is in complete control of all things and has allowed all things for your good and for His glory. We are to pray with grateful acknowledgement of mercies given, benefits bestowed, and God’s saving grace in all circumstances. We are to be thankful for the growth that results from affliction, for God’s strength to be sufficient when we are tempted, for His faithfulness when we fail and for our future and certain hope in Him.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with [an attitude of] thanksgiving;

Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Let <gnorizo> to make known, give to understand

This is a small word with significant meaning. First, God wants to hear from us! He anticipates our dependence on Him and our desire to love Him. He wants us to voice our struggles and concerns to Him. He sent His only Son to suffer and die because of His great love for us. He wants us to have a relationship with Him. Second, we are to make known our concerns but then we are to give them to God for His understanding. We are unable to figure everything out, but God will allow us the information we need to honor Him. I like to know the beginning from the end, the expected result, the exact direction. But this is not my story, it is God’s. He will reveal to His children what is needed. The result is His to know.

Is your relationship with God hit and miss – there when you need Him but out of sight and mind when you believe you have things covered?
Do you lay your petitions and concerns at the feet of the cross – and leave them there, trusting in God’s direction and plan?

Earnestly seeking to know God day by day, moment by moment, and trusting in His knowledge and plan for all things, produces a heart of peace.

Your requests <aitema> a thing asked, petition

Does God care about my petitions, my thoughts, my cares, and concerns?

God tells us to bring our cares to Him. He desires our earnest need for Him. When we share prayer requests with others, we might struggle with what words to use or how it may sound. We may even hesitate to share certain things. God already knows our deepest thoughts, there is no surprise about our struggles, and He understands what we really need (which does not always match with our own thinking). Conversing with God in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving is the hallmark of our dependence on Him. It is the characteristic of an authentic relationship. Compare the idea of having the whole of your relationship at a facility where ‘church’ meets once or twice a week. God is not contained in a building. He resides in a believer’s heart and soul 24/7. Read the verses below. Notice the description of continually bringing your requests before the Lord.

1Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.

Be made known to God. (with generous, filial, unreserved confidence; not keeping aught back, as too great, or else too small, to bring before God, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary)

“They who by a preposterous shame or distrustful modesty, cover, stifle, or keep in their desires, as if they were either too small or too great, must be racked with care; from which they are entirely delivered, who pour them out with a free and filial confidence.” John Wesley’s Notes on the Old and New Testaments

Do you present your concerns to God?

We sometimes readily and even eagerly share our prayer requests with others. God desires us to come to Him, to kneel before Him and pour out our concerns no matter how small. When we acknowledge our need for Him, seeking His counsel, His peace and comfort, trusting in His ways, He is glorified.

Picture the time you might spend with a close friend. You readily share even the smallest details of circumstances to explain your thoughts, whether they are funny, sad, encouraging or challenging. God cares about the details. This is not that we go to Him with a light-minded attitude, but with an understanding that He absolutely loves us, cares for us, has created us, and desires us to desire Him.

Does God really care about all my concerns?

Luke 12:7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows. - every hair on your head is numbered.

1Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. – all means everything.

Go back to the beginning of Philippians 4:6 which says, - in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 139:1-3 O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known [me.] Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, And art intimately acquainted with all my ways.

1John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us [in] whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

“Resigning yourselves to the disposal of God, be anxiously solicitous about nothing; but in every difficulty, by prayer for what is good, and deprecation of what is evil, with thanksgiving for mercies received, make known your desires to God, who, if He see it fit, will grant your requests. Or if not, these devout exercises will enable you to bear with patience whatever affliction God allots to you.” Macknight on the Epistles

What is the result of practicing Philippians 4:6?

Thanksgiving results in prayer which replaces anxious thoughts with resounding peace.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Only a child of God can understand this peace. It cannot be explained. But when it is realized, it trumps all anxious thoughts as our soul is guarded by Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

“Both our bodily and spiritual interests will be safe when we place them in the Lord's hands, and, through the peace which will result from our faith, our thoughts will become steady, calm, resolute, and joyful”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

Wait…

We are to choose to trust God, we are to find our delight in Him alone, and we are to commit to His perfect plan, having confidence that He is in control.

Ruth 3:16-18

Ruth 3:16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, "How did it go, my daughter?" And she told her all that the man had done for her.17 And she said, "These six [measures] of barley he gave to me, for he said, 'Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'“ 18 Then she said, "Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today."

We have Ruth returning from the festivities at the end of harvest. She obediently followed Naomi’s instruction to attend the activities at the threshing floor where she secretly let Boaz know of her desire to have him fulfill his role as kinsman redeemer for her late husband’s name. Boaz reacted kindly toward her and sent her home with a gift of grain and a promise that he would indeed take care of the matter. Yet, only if the one who was next of kin was unable to fulfill his obligation.

Naomi was likely anticipating the return of her daughter-in-law since she welcomed her with the question, ‘How did it go, my daughter’. This question may have been one of surprise. Remember, Ruth got up before the morning light as Boaz had told her, then he had sent her on her way before anyone had the opportunity to speak poorly of them. It was likely that Naomi had not expected Ruth to show up so early in the morning. Perhaps she wondered what had happened and maybe thought things did not go as well as she had hoped.

Considering this response, how often do we have expectations of something going a certain way? When circumstances do not develop the way we think they should we are apt to think the worst or wonder what the problem may be. Sometimes, in fact often, we cannot see things clearly. God has a perfect plan. It is good for us to trust in His timing and His execution of the events of our lives.

Ruth then gave her account of Boaz’s response. She showed her mother-in-law the grain Boaz had sent with her. Naomi’s reply in verse 18 is an example for us to follow. She tells Ruth to sit still and wait until Boaz gives her an answer, Ruth 3:18 Then she said, "Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out. Remember in Ruth 3:12-13 what Boaz said to Ruth on the threshing floor, “And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than i. Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning”.

Boaz was going to make certain that neither of them acted too quickly without paying attention to facts. This may mean that decisions cannot be made right away. It may take time to sort things out to be certain all information is considered.

How often might we think to ourselves that we need to do something to fix a situation or to figure out an answer NOW?

Once we have taken care of our responsibility in a circumstance, we need to be okay with knowing it is not up to us to make everything right. Instead, we are to have the attitude spelled out for us in the Psalms.

Psalm 37:3-5 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Trust <batach> to hie for refuge, to be confident or sure, to put confidence, to (make to) hope.

We are to hie, or move fast, to safety. A refuge is something or someone turned to for assistance or security. Our confidence is to be in the Lord, Jehovah, the eternal God. We are to turn quickly to a heart that trusts that God is working.

Do you seek to act according to His will?
Do you believe God will not fail you?

Sometimes, we can choose to change direction because we do not see results or we do not get answers fast. We like to take matters into our own hands! Listen to this commentary, “To trust in the Lord, on his promises for support … persevering in the path of duty, however … discouraging it may appear” (Thomas Haweis).

We have a responsibility to place our trust in God even if circumstances are not what we think they ought to be. In fact, we are to be busy about doing the things God would have us do while we are trusting in His direction and care – “do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness”.

Be at rest right where God has you. Your security is in God, not in circumstances.

Are you able to find delight in the Lord?

Delight <anag> to be soft or pliable. Think about this for a moment. Perhaps your answers will not be God’s answers. That is okay. Our own determination for what should be can derail us from seeing something with different possibilities. God is in charge!

Are we open to a different direction than perhaps the one we have entertained?
Do we allow ourselves to consider an alternative that we had not thought of?
Are we able to trust in God when His direction does not make sense in our mind?

Consider anyone in authority. Their position means they make decisions for all those for which they are responsible. Parent/child, Teacher/student, Employer/employee, and Government/citizens, are all examples of these relationships. While these relationships are all subject to error because of human limits, we are still to move, even without understanding, in the direction we are told.

God, who is perfect in all His ways, and understands all things, and desires to bless His children, tells us to trust in Him and be flexible to His plan.

When we seek our joy in the Lord, through His word and promises, He will bestow upon us everything that is good. If our delight is in pleasing God, our desires will be for those things that glorify His name.

Psalm 43:4 Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; and upon the lyre I shall praise Thee, O God, my God.

Psalm 104:34 Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.

“Think what he is, and what you are; and at once, both wonder and yield. And what else have you to delight in? What thing will you name that shall supply the place of GOD, or be to you in the stead of him? Moreover, who should delight in him but you -- his friends, his sons, those of his own house? Think what life and vigor it will infuse into you, and that "the joy of the Lord will be your strength," Treasury of David

“The desires of God, and the desires of the righteous, agree in one; they are of one mind in their desires”. John Bunyan.

Commit <galal> to roll (literally or figuratively); roll (away, down, together), run down, seek.

“Roll thy way upon -- as one who lays upon the shoulder of one stronger than himself a burden which he is not able to bear”. William De Burgh, D.D., in "A Commentary on the Book of Psalms. Dublin:" 1860.

Think about what happens when you commit to something. You devote yourself to someone or something. You put all your efforts confidence and trust into the thing that you have determined is important. Seek God; commit your way to follow Him. This is an active choice to follow God in obedience – even if you are unsure of the direction.

Psalm 22:8 "Commit [yourself] to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Consider how well you do following your own wisdom.

Where do you place your concerns?
Do you fully expect God to take care of your circumstances, to fulfill your desires, to accomplish what is needed to grow you into His likeness?

He will do it! God will certainly cause His will for you to be done. This is not a maybe.

Luke 12:29 "And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“When thou hast any difficult business in hand, and art doubtful of the success; or when thou knowest not what course to take, for the accomplishing of thy honest designs; leave all to the Lord, and trust to him in pious and upright courses, that he will direct and assist thee, and bring things to a good issue.” Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary

“Commit thy way unto the Lord. Roll the whole burden of life upon the Lord. Leave with Jehovah not thy present fretfulness merely, but all thy cares; in fact, submit the whole tenor of thy way to him. Cast away anxiety, resign thy will, submit thy judgment, leave all with the God of all. What a medicine is this for expelling envy! What a high attainment does this fourth precept indicate! How blessed must he be who lives every day in obedience to it! Trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Our destiny shall be joyfully accomplished if we confidently entrust all to our Lord. We may serenely sing --

"Thy way, not mine, O Lord, However dark it be; O lead me by thine own right hand, Choose out the path for me."

"Smooth let it be or rough, It will be still the best; Winding or straight, it matters not, It leads me to thy rest."

"I dare not choose my lot, I would not if I might; But choose Thou for me, O my God, So shall I walk aright."

"Take thou my cup, and it With joy or sorrow fill; As ever best to thee may seem, Choose thou my good and ill."

The ploughman sows and harrows, and then leaves the harvest to God. What can he do else? He cannot cover the heavens with clouds, or command the rain, or bring forth the sun or create the dew. He does well to leave the whole matter with God; and so to all of us it is truest wisdom, having obediently trusted in God, to leave results in his hands, and expect a blessed issue.” Treasury of David

We are to choose to trust God, we are to find our delight in Him alone, and we are to commit to His perfect plan, having confidence that He is in control.

After Naomi tells Ruth to wait, she gives more insight into the character of Boaz, for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.

Determination. Follow-through. True to his word. Boaz can be counted on to take care of the matter as he said he would. He does not lay his responsibility aside for someone else to figure out. He is not idle, wasting time, hoping the matter will resolve itself. He does what is needed to follow through with his promise to Ruth.

Boaz’s actions remind us of his integrity and faithfulness. We see wisdom in waiting upon God’s answers and direction when we have done all that we could. We see wisdom in the necessity to be diligent to take care of the responsibility we have. Both of these things are necessary in our walk with God.

What is your response?

Patience, Faithfulness and Diligence

Ruth 3:16-18

How often might we think to ourselves that we need to do something to fix a situation or to figure out an answer NOW?

Trust <batach> to hie for refuge, to be confident or sure, to put confidence, to (make to) hope.

Do you seek to act according to His will?
Do you believe God will not fail you?

Be at rest right where God has you. Your security is in God, not in circumstances.

Are you able to find delight in the Lord?

Are we open to a different direction than perhaps the one we have entertained?
Do we allow ourselves to consider an alternative that we had not thought of?
Are we able to trust in God when His direction does not make sense in our mind?