in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8 NAS)
It was running late, and Tricia was feeling a little stressed. While on a busy boulevard, she tailgated a car, apparently driven by a very cautious man. When the light suddenly turned yellow, the man stopped at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
Tricia immediately hit the roof and the horn, screaming in frustration on missing her chance to get through the intersection. While she was still in mid-rant, a serious looking police officer tapped on her window and ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. The officer then took her to the police station where Tricia was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. Tricia was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
“I'm very sorry for this mistake,” said the arresting officer. “You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder of your vehicle, the 'What Would Jesus Do' and the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper stickers, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car.”
That was a fictional story adapted from the article ‘Mistaken Identity’ written by Henry W Farkas for NetFunny.com. Although intended for humor reading, the story illustrates true to life what can happen when we do not handle our behavior, stress or temper properly. Momentary lapse of composure during situations such as this can have adverse repercussion, especially if someone who is about to receive the Lord sees our not so nice behavior.
Like Tricia in the story, do we sometimes flare up when things are not going smoothly or according to the way we want it? Does our behavior reflect our faith in Christ even when feeling stressed? Are we exemplary of what it means by bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in patience, kindness, goodness and self-control, or are we a stumbling block to others (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 8:9)? Is our lack of knowledge of the Scriptures or the power of God the reason we are doing the wrong things or in error at times (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24)?
If our answers are uncertain or indicating a weakness in living out Christ in our lives, then we should be careful how we exercise our freedom, that we may not become stumbling blocks to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:9). We should determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in another person's way (Romans 14:13). Since we belong to Christ Jesus, and our flesh with its passions have been crucified, we should live and walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25). Above all, we should in all things show ourselves to be examples of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech, and beyond reproach, having nothing bad others can say about us (Titus 2:7-8).
Let us who are weary or weak therefore come to God, and He will grant us strength, power, love, and self-discipline (Isaiah 40:29; 2 Timothy 1:7). Wait upon the LORD and He will renew us, that we may soar on wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:31).
Dear Lord, forgive us for the times we fail to respond correctly when under stress, and for causing others to doubt the faith because of our not so nice behavior. Guide us therefore Lord by Your Spirit that we may be careful how we exercise our freedom. Help us not lay any obstacle or stumbling block in the way of another person, especially the ones who have yet to believe in You or have just received You. Remind us Lord to always consider what You would have done in a situation we may be facing now, that we may wisely choose the right path and glorify Your name.
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NAS)
Stress often prevents us from relaxing, and many of us know what it is like to be distressed. Causes of stress can come in many forms—pressure at work, finances or other personal problems. Not all stress is bad, however. Stress is good when it pushes us on to reach intended goals. Whether we crumble or excel under stress depends very much on how we handle and perceive the things we face. If we do all things to our very best as for the Lord and the people we care (Colossians 3:23-24), or for the interest of others (Philippians 2:3-4), we do well and should not feel stressed.
Proverbs 16:26 (NAS) states, "a worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on." This in essence means hunger can help provide the necessary stress and motivation for people to work hard, although earthly desires can also do the same. Stress in itself is not evil. What we deem as stress, however, may not be a stress to another. Similarly, what helps us to de-stress may not help another.
Some months ago, I heard a sermon preached on the topic 'Managing the Stress of Life.' The speaker mentioned that stress can be driven by fear or material wants, and there is no need for us to be judgmental as to who or what is causing our stress. How we respond is what really matters because distress or eustress is subjective. While distress is the negative effects of stress, eustress is a stress that is healthy, and gives one the feeling of fulfillment or other positive feelings.
The top five distresses in life, according to the speaker, are death of spouse, divorce, relationship separation, jail term, and death of a loved one. Some suggestions on how to manage stress include:
Avoid stress inducers. Learn to stop saying "yes," and start saying "no." If we cannot meet the deadline for a task requested, just say "no" or negotiate for a later date. Control the environment and do not spend too much time on the things that stress us. Rushing, for example, is stressful, so control and manage the time we have and try to eradicate rush altogether. Avoid things or people that upset us (Proverbs 13:20), and walk only with the wise, not with the fools, for bad company corrupts and can cause undue stress (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33).
Adapt to the stress. Our mental frame of minds should be opened to changes and adjust to expectations. Stressing ourselves and others does not help, and although expecting high standards is good, perfection is seldom possible so long we are here on earth. Do not be an absolute perfectionist without giving room for unexpected or occasional mistakes. Some of us may feel life is a battle, but even so we need to learn to defocus on the negative and change our perspective to see things differently and positively.
Accept the things we cannot change. Come to terms with whatever is changing or happening or have happened. Be still and acknowledge God is supreme and sovereign (Psalm 46:10; Jeremiah 29:11).
Add joy and laughter to life. A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22). Do things that give us joy, and we will be able to manage our stress better.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Give ourselves a break regularly and eat healthily. We need to rest and stay healthy if we are to present our bodies as living and holy sacrifices acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).
Assess ourselves and the situation honestly. Sometimes it is our own fault or mistake. Take responsibility, confess and get help to address the problem (John 1:9), and then move on.
Apply God's word. Lay our foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:25; Luke 6:48), and meditate on God's word (Joshua 1:8). Commit all situations to the Lord (Philippians 4:6). Stop worrying (Matthew 6:27). Cast all our cares and problems on God (1 Peter 5:7). Rely on God's strength and fear not (Psalm 27:1). Have a peaceful and good sleep (Psalm 4:8).
Anticipate the future. For most assuredly there is a future, and our hope will not be cut off or be in vain (Proverbs 23:18).
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Dear Lord, You know how frequently we are stressed over so many things. Calm us therefore Lord and grant us Your peace amid the distress we face. Help us not to be overcome by the stress of this world, but grant us the strength to prevail. Teach us to say "no" when no is needed, rather than always take what is given without thought. We know Lord all things are in Your control and within Your plans for us, therefore, we need not be afraid or feel distress, but with cheerful hearts do all things as for You rather than for men.
O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1b NAS)
It was two years ago that the neighboring city near where Laura lives started a tradition of setting off fireworks to kick off the Christmas season. By the time she realized what the noise was, it was too late. Laura's pet dog Suzy, a border collie mix, was nowhere to be found, frightened by the sounds of fireworks.
Alone with her nearly one-year-old daughter, Laura drove around in the darkness through the neighboring streets calling out Suzy's name out the window. It was very cold, and Laura knew she could not keep her daughter out all night. Feeling her stomach in a knot as she reached home, Laura tried to settle down so her daughter could get some sleep. Just before laying her daughter down in bed, the phone rang.
"Hello, do you own a dog named Suzy?" the voice at the other end asked.
As it turned out, Suzy had run about one and a half mile east through woods, neighbors’ yards, and even across a fairly busy roadway and intersection. The man who found her said he had let his dog out to go to the bathroom and when he let him back inside, Suzy had followed. Laura guessed the cold night may have helped in the quick recovery of Suzy. The man had found Suzy's ID tag around the dog's neck and called Laura immediately.
That was the story shared by pet owner Laura Best with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Many of us know what the feeling is like to lose something and find it back later. What a joy we receive when something we have been earnestly searching is found! This sentiment is illustrated very clearly in Luke 15 through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (Luke 15:3-20), exemplifying what it means to earnestly seek the lost.
About 850 years before our Lord shared to the world through parables, God through the prophet Jeremiah also shared to the exiles in the Babylonian captivity about what it means to be in earnest.
‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’ (Jeremiah 29:12-14 NAS).
Our Lord will be found by us when we earnestly seek Him with all our hearts. This is God’s promise to us. If we have strayed or are feeling far away from the Lord, or have lost something we desperately need, Jesus is able and willing to restore to us what we have lost (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9). If we seek Him earnestly with our souls thirsting, and our flesh yearning for Him, He will quench our thirst and satisfy our souls (Psalm 63:1b, 5). For our Lord’s lovingkindness is better than life, and He will uphold us with His right hand when we cling to Him (Psalm 63:3, 8).
Let us therefore come to God with faith, believing that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Seek the LORD while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near. Return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on us, and will abundantly forgive us (Isaiah 55:6-7). Like water that quenches thirst, our yearnings shall be filled when we earnestly seek the LORD our God (Psalm 63:1, 5). Like the lost that was found, great will be the rejoicing in heaven when the strayed is restored (Luke 15:7).
Forgive us Lord for the times we stray, and when we feel You are far away. Return to us the joy of salvation Lord, and restore us to a close relationship with You again as we earnestly seek You. Quench our thirst O God and uphold us with Your right hand, for Your lovingkindness is better than life.
The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. But there's only one thing you need. Mary has chosen what is better, and it is not to be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42 ISV)
According to an article 'Death by Church Activities' published on June 27, 2011 at ShareFaithBlog.com, program-heavy churches look pretty awesome to many people because they are big, bustling, active, and energetic. There are events for almost every single demographic in the church with plenty of activities for everyone. Members give their time, effort, talent, and money to maintain the programs. By and by, however, instead of thinking of church as a body of believers, people tend to think of programs, services, activities and the like, which eventually can lead to major spiritual decline.
Many Christians today spend a great deal of time keeping activities going instead of meeting the needs of people around them. Consequently, these people become disillusioned because their needs are not being met behind all the activities. Even if we feel we have done a great job serving the Lord, we need to regularly check ourselves to be sure we are not too busy spending time doing things till we forget Who we serve. Suppose our Lord visits us today, can we be sure we recognize Him or will we fail to receive Him (John 1:10-11)?
Busying ourselves in worthwhile Christian activities and causes is perfectly fine. However, if we become too distracted with all the preparations like Martha when the Lord visited her or too bothered by the many things and activities that need to be done, then all our efforts would be in vain. Martha, in her busyness, asked the Lord why He does not care that her sister has left her to do all the work by herself. Jesus in reply said, "Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. But there's only one thing you need. Mary has chosen what is better, and it is not to be taken away from her" (Luke 10:40-42 ISV).
That one thing Martha needs is what we need as well, especially if we, like her, are too busy serving till we forget the purpose and the One we serve—Jesus Christ. Like Martha, we need to stop spending too much time busying ourselves, and like Mary, we should choose to spend time with the Lord to build a closer relationship with Him. Unless we spend time with the Lord to learn from His word and talk to Him regularly, we can gradually lose our focus in our busyness serving Him and His people. We can also become spiritually dry if we fail to recharge and renew our minds (Romans 12:2).
Let us therefore while serving the Lord, consciously be aware Who we serve and for what purpose. Rather than keep ourselves too busy in activities or programs, let us remember always to do all things for the Lord, to build up, train, grow, solve problems, and meet the needs of the people. Without much ado about nothing or fussing over trivial things, let us do the needful and fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Dear Lord, help us to stay focus on You in all we do that we may amid the many activities, and in our busyness, not neglect to spend meaningful time with You. Keep our focus fixed on You Lord and draw us close to You that we may build up, train, grow, and meet the needs of others in leading them to a closer relationship with You. Thank You for renewing our minds and strengthening us Lord as we serve You willingly and joyfully without fuss or much ado.
Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Matthew 25:45-46 NAS)
“On one count of theft, the Court imposes upon you a fine of one thousand dollars,” said the district court judge.
“But Dad,” said the defendant, a teenager. “You’ve always forgiven me when I did wrong; why are you punishing me now?”
“Son, you have broken the law, and the law requires that you pay for the wrong you did, regardless who you are or who you are related to.”
The enactment of the courtroom proceeding was a scene from a slide show presentation on the big screen of a church gospel event some years ago. Voiceovers by different people representing the different characters in the story were used, and I was the one providing the voiceover for the district court judge. The defendant teenage boy was the main character of the story.
As the story progressed, a message began to unfold of One who paid with His life for our sins—the just for the unjust—once for all and for all eternity (1 Peter 3:18). This message still stands today. Regardless who we are or who we are related to, rich or poor, ruler or commoner, the fact remains that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The price we have to pay for our sins is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23). If we confess with our mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9). For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth confesses, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:10). Whoever believes in the Lord, the Scripture says, will not be disappointed (Romans 10:11). For our Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world (1 John 2:2).
As Christians, we know the message of the gospel very well, and we know the price our Lord paid to save us all. Our Lord was pierced through for our transgressions, and crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). Will we then be the ones to deprive the unsaved from coming to the Lord? We know it is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Can we with sanctified eyes see how the end will be for someone we know to come before the judgment throne and be sentenced to eternal death?
The Lord had said that when the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them from one another as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-33). In that day, the unsaved, even those who may have heard of Christ or attended church, will come before the Lord and say, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.” Then our Lord will say to them, “I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from me, all you evildoers” (Luke 13:26-27).
For to the extent we do not do what is right to one of the least of these, we fail also to do it for our Lord, and the consequence for them who are yet unsaved is eternal punishment (Matthew 25:45-46). Let us therefore not hesitate or neglect to do our part to bring the unsaved to the Lord.
Direct us in Your paths O Lord and make us know Your ways, that we may not stand ashamed before You for failing to do what is right. Lead us in Your truth and teach us Lord, for You are the God of our salvation. Help us not cast a blind eye on the yet unsaved, but steer our hearts and move within us that we may cry out to You for the salvation of these who are lost. Open our eyes dear Lord that we may see with sanctified eyes the consequence the lost will face if we do not reach them for You.
And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43 NAS)
In a 1967 episode of the sci-fi TV series Star Trek titled ‘This Side of Paradise,’ a story was told of starship USS Enterprise arriving at a planet called Omicron Ceti III, a Federation colony. The mission was to evacuate all the colonists from the planet, which has been bombarded by cosmic rays for several years. What the starship crew discovered, however, was a thriving community in perfect health with no desire to leave their home. Unknowingly, they were actually under the influence of plant spores which were keeping them in good health and in a placid state of happiness and contentment.
Under the spell of the spores, starship first officer Spock, a half extraterrestrial humanoid known for not expressing emotions, responded to the love of an old friend, Leila. All the starship crew members eventually became affected by the plant spores as well, except for James Kirk, captain of the starship. In his attempt to return his crew members to sanity, Kirk provoked and stirred up strong emotions in Spock to restore him to his senses. Once Spock recovered, he created a device to send subsonic frequency through the crew’s communicators, which irritated them enough to end the spores’ influence.
Like the Star Trek's story of a paradise that promises happiness and contentment, the Bible also mentioned of a place where there shall be no tears or sorrow (Revelation 21:3-4). The word ‘paradise’ according to an article at Keyway.ca is derived from the Greek word paradeisos, which originated from an ancient Persian term meaning wooded park. This word is found only three times in the New Testament in most Bible translations (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7), referring once to God’s abode in heaven, and twice to the future Kingdom of God on earth.
Where exactly is the paradise mentioned in the Bible had been discussed by many people with varied conclusions. Some suggest it is not where God dwells, but a place in the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:3-4). Others say it is the Garden of Eden or one like it since ‘paradise’ in Hebrew means a fenced garden (Genesis 3:23-24; Revelation 2:7). What is important to know, however, is simply this—paradise is where our Lord is present. So long as we are in His presence, we need not fear where we will be. The only way to get to paradise is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Luke 23:42-43; John 14:6). For as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name (John 1:12).
In the meantime, before we meet our Lord face to face, let us not forget there remains on this side of paradise a mission we have yet to fulfill. Who will be in the presence of our Savior depends on us bringing them to Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). Just as Captain James Kirk in the Star Trek story knew what had to be done while on this side of ‘paradise,’ as believers of the Lord we ought also to know our mission here on earth. Like Kirk who provoked Spock to stir up strong emotions, let us also seek to challenge our fellow believers and ourselves to do our part in the Great Commission. Unlike the device which sends subsonic frequency to irritate the crew into recovery, however, let us not irritate but gently encourage and nudge one another to action by showing the right direction.
Rather than be influenced by the ‘spores’ of enticement from this world, let us put to death our earthly entanglements and lay aside the love and draw of this world (Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 12:1). Remember always to take up the shield of faith to defend by the word of God against the ‘cosmic rays’ and bombardment of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). Be shrewd, that we may not fall prey or under a spell to vices created to mislead us (Matthew 10:16; 24:11-13).
Remind us dear Lord of our mission here on earth while waiting to see You face to face some day. Help us not be influenced by the ‘spores’ of this world that we may not be misled into believing the lies of the evil one. Stir our hearts Lord that we may encourage and challenge one another to fulfill Your call to the Great Commission.
but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:23 NAS)
All of us know what it means to derive pleasure and satisfaction from what we do for a living. Some of us however may never get the chance to do what we really like, and we know what it means to feel the drudgery of doing the things we dislike.
I have experienced both satisfaction and drudgery as a writer for a corporation. During the first five years with the corporation, I derived much joy and pleasure writing different kinds of technical and marketing documentation. The satisfaction of completing each piece of written work assigned was in itself a reward to me, and when the department received praise for the work I’ve done, I felt gratified.
Things changed however after I was transferred to another department in the sixth year working in the corporation. These days, I no longer get to see the final copy of my written work before it is published, by which time the content would have been completely modified beyond any semblance of what I had written. This shift of events and change in work process have since put me in a precarious position. With a new supervisor installed who is almost always dissatisfied with my work, writing has become a drudge more than a joy. All my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted in the past, behold all was vanity and striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
Perhaps, like me, some of us may be feeling the drudgery of doing the things we dislike or no longer like. Within us, we may feel it meaningless to continue doing what we have been doing and disheartened because of the precarious position we are in. A war may be waging inside of us even right now, calling us for a decision to give up and move on or to stay and learn how to derive satisfaction even amid drudgery. In our hearts, we may be contemplating or tempted to just continue doing the things we have been doing with a changed attitude that no longer give of our very best, but such is not according to the word of God.
The Bible teaches that in whatever we do, we are to do our work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord we will receive the reward of the inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24). We are also told to do all things without grumbling or disputing that we may prove ourselves blameless and innocent children of God, above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom we appear as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-15).
Understanding this, we should hold fast to the word of God and not give up easily. Though a war may wage within us to suggest we turn astray (Romans 7:23), yet we must not waver. The Lord is the One who leads the way; in His will we shall walk and prevail. Instead of feeling perplexed or anxious for anything, let us in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known to God. Let the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Rather than rely on earthly praise or accomplishment to feel gratified, let us be content and boast only of our weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in us (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Let us not live our lives in drudgery, but be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). These things the Lord had spoken to us that in Him we may have peace. In the world we have tribulation, but take courage, He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes living our lives in drudgery as if there is no God. We know Lord even amid our struggles, You reign supreme and know the plans You have for us. Help us Lord to do all things without grumbling or disputing, that we may prove ourselves blameless, innocent, and above reproach. Lead us in Your will Lord that in You we will prevail. Grant us Your peace which surpasses all comprehension that in our troubles our hearts and minds will be guarded in You.
“Stay focus and concentrate, Christian. Keep to the track and don't stray or we will all be lost! Remember, you were the one who chose this path, and we are now counting on you to reach the place.”
“Oh, cut it out Sue, you worry too much; a little sidetrack will not do us any harm. Look at what the other way offers. All our hearts' desires of freedom, pleasure, material goods, just about anything you want, and look at what we are facing now walking this narrow path? Nothing, but trouble!”
Christian, Suanne, Esmond and Lori have been walking the woods for several hours and were tired after climbing down the narrow valley with steep sides and rocks cutting through the hill. The path ahead offered two different ways, one to the left, and the other straight. The way to the left was a big city, brightly illuminated with joyful singing and festivity, and the people were enjoying themselves feasting, drinking, and dancing. The way straight, on the other hand, was a narrow path, seemingly endless and leading to nowhere with nothing of pleasure or interest to entice the four siblings to continue the journey.
"Christian, you know the instructions of the elderly man at the temple," said Lori, the youngest in the family, earnestly. "We are to continue our journey until we reach the palace or we will be denied our inheritance."
"No, I don't believe we have to follow the instructions of that elderly man too strictly. He never did specifically tell us when we are to arrive at the palace, so I think it will be fine for us to reach there a little later, maybe after dinner?"
"I don't think so, Christian," said the younger boy Esmond impatiently as he readied himself to continue the journey. "I believe the elderly man is telling us not to stop at anything that distracts us and to concentrate on reaching the palace."
"Esmond and Lori are right," Suanne insisted. "We should continue our journey till we reach our destination or we may fall prey to temptations and be disqualified."
"Alright, if all of you insist, I'll follow," Christian replied in an aggravated voice, expressing annoyance.
So the four continued on their journey as fast as they could as it was nearly sunset and the sky was becoming dark. Christian, who was no longer taking the lead, tagged along behind the three, and after a short distant paused to look back. What he saw shocked him.
The brightly illuminated city was raining brimstone and fire out of heaven, and all that surrounded the valley, the vegetation and the inhabitants of the city were up in flames. The smoke from the furnace was ascending to the sky, and everything in the land were completely burned and destroyed.
“Look!” Christian exclaimed. “The city—it’s being burned to the ground! This must be an act of God, a punishment similar to that of Sodom and Gomorrah! I was so foolish to have wanted all of you to visit the city!”
The three looked in the direction Christian was pointing and saw all that was happening to the city. Lori, deeply grieved at the lost of so many lives, wept. Suanne tried to console her.
“My brother and sisters, let’s not delay any longer, lest all of us perish like the inhabitants of the city!” said Esmond in great urgency. "Be quick and run to the palace as fast as we can to be saved!"
Christian, Suanne, and Lori became alert and immediately ran towards the path leading to the palace. From a distance, the four could now see in the dim light, a silhouette of a palace glowing brighter as they drew nearer.
When the four finally arrived at the palace, they saw hosts of heavenly angels standing at the gate. A voice like thunder spoke from the throne, “Well done, good and faithful servants! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!”
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Therefore ...
Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. (Proverbs 2:2 NLT)
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT)
You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT)
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a cock crows today, you will deny Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62 NAS)
Every time I read the Bible passage where Simon Peter denied the Lord three times (Luke 22:55-62), my heart would be deeply stirred. I have often wondered how Jesus and Peter must have felt during those moments. It must have been really heart wrenching and devastating. Peter must have been very disappointed with himself because he knew deep within him, he still loved the Lord, yet he has denied Jesus. Peter must have also felt himself like a betrayer as he looks at the eyes of Jesus, which must have pierced through his heart, knowing how the Lord must have felt then as well, betrayed by one whom He cared.
Despite the sense of guilt, Peter did not fall away or despair, probably because of two reasons. The first is, Jesus prayed for him (Luke 22:32), and the second, because Peter genuinely received the Lord from the start with a repented heart (Matthew 4:18-19; John 1:42-43). Judas, on the other hand, although has followed the Lord as one of the twelve, never really did repent or receive Jesus wholeheartedly (John 12:6; Luke 22:3).
On the night just before He was betrayed, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail, and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). But Peter replied, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” Jesus then answered, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me” (Luke 22:33-34).
The events thereafter became history with Peter heartbroken for denying knowing the Lord three times, his return to former trade as fisherman (John 21:1), his restoration after a conversation with the risen Christ (John 21:15-17), and his taking the lead to strengthen his brothers (Acts 1:15-17).
Unlike Peter, Judas felt remorse after seeing Jesus had been condemned, which eventually drove him to hang himself (Matthew 27:3-5). The reason for his despair is not because the Lord did not pray for him, but because right from the beginning, Judas did not genuinely receive the Lord. His remorse was not an indication of repentance but of overwhelming guilt. The fact that Satan was able to enter into Judas suggests the condition of his heart (Luke 22:3). Likewise, his evil intent revealed his true character when he objected to the pouring of costly perfume by Mary on Jesus' feet.
Judas Iscariot said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” This, he said not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it (John 12:3-6).
Judas’ unrepentant heart left him in desperation, which was why the word of God said, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 27:5).
The turning point for Peter came about when he met and conversed with the risen Lord at the shore by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1, 15-17). With a broken spirit and contrite heart, Peter confessed his love for the Lord three times when Jesus asked him “Do you love me?” That was what made the difference between the two ending of a broken faith, one of despair and eventual death, and the other of greater strength through acknowledgment, repentance, and eventual acceptance by the Lord.
Dear Lord, help us to respond like Peter when we at times fail You. Do not let us be in despair Lord, but bring us back on track as we confess and repent of our sins. Remind us Lord to always check our hearts to know our intents for doing the things we do. Restore and renew us Lord as we look ahead to draw closer to You.
My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. (James 2:1 NAS)
A story was told of a populist philosopher and wise man by the name Nasreddin who lived in Turkey during the 13th century. One day, Nasreddin was invited to a banquet. Not wanting to be pretentious, he wore his usual daily clothes to the place, but discovered everyone ignored him, including the host. Nasreddin then went home and put on his finest coat and returned to the banquet. This time, the host immediately came over, and Nasreddin was cordially greeted by everyone and ushered to a table with lavish food and drinks.
When the soup was served, Nasreddin dunked the sleeve of his coat into the bowl and said, "Eat, my coat, eat!" The startled host then asked Nasreddin to explain his strange behavior.
"When I arrived here wearing my other clothes," explained Nasreddin, "no one offered me anything to eat or drink. But when I returned wearing this fine coat, I was immediately offered the best of everything, so I can only assume that it was the coat and not me who was invited to your banquet."
Like the story of Nasreddin, the Bible also spoke about not judging a person by how he or she is dressed (James 2:1-9). If a man comes into our assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, do we pay special attention to him and say, "You sit here in a good place"? If there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, do we say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool" (James 2:2-3)? If we do, then we have made distinctions among ourselves and become judges with evil motives (James 2:4).
Regardless rich or poor, all of us who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are heirs of the kingdom. This is a promise from the Lord to all who love Him (James 2:5). We should therefore not dishonor the poor, nor give honor to the rich (James 2:6-7). We should also not judge a person by how he or she is dressed or hold our faith with an attitude of personal favoritism (James 2:1-4). Instead, we should love our neighbor—the ones who come to us or to our assembly—as ourselves (James 2:8). If we show partiality, we are in effect guilty of committing sin (James 2:9)!
Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with dressing up for special occasions. In fact, the Bible spoke of a special occasion by which inappropriate dressing can lead to getting ourselves thrown out. This is the occasion when our Lord as the Lamb returns to claim His chosen people as His bride (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:9). In that day, Christ will come as King, and if He sees anyone not in proper ‘wedding clothes,’ He will have that person thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:11-13). For the ‘wedding clothes’ required of the bride of Christ is the garment of salvation, given only to those who believe in Him. This is the robe of Christ’s righteousness—bright and clean—wrapped around us covering our guilt and sin, washed clean by His blood on the Cross (Isaiah 61:10; Romans 3:24-25; Revelation 19:7-8).
The day of our Lord's return shall come like a thief. Let us therefore be always prepared, for blessed are we who keep awake and remain clothed that we may not be shamefully exposed (Revelation 16:15).
Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes giving preferential treatment to certain people, while showing partiality to others. Cause us to remember Lord that regardless rich or poor, all of us who received You as Lord and Savior stand equal in Your sight. Help us therefore not to dishonor the faith to show personal favoritism or judge anyone by the way one is dressed. Prepare us Lord for your return and wrap us in Your robes of righteousness to stay white and clean in the garments of Your salvation. Cleanse us Lord from all unrighteousness that we may present ourselves to You blameless and without spot.
It was running late, and Tricia was feeling a little stressed. While on a busy boulevard, she tailgated a car, apparently driven by a very cautious man. When the light suddenly turned yellow, the man stopped at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
