THE CALL OF REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

ROMANS 8:29-30: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: What does it mean – “…All things work together for good to those who love God…”? What place does suffering have in my life as a follower of Jesus Christ? Is my Christian walk a life of blessing and victory or battle and disappointment?

As I read Romans 8 it becomes clear. The call to walk after the Spirit is both. It is a life filled with victories and struggles. It is a life filled with things we do not understand and things revealed to us by the Spirit. It is many times three steps forward and two steps back.

Why would the Spirit, writing through the Apostle Paul, find it necessary to assure us of our eternal outcome? It is because it is so easy for us to misunderstand the process. We have been crucified with Christ. Yet, as Paul points out in Romans 7, there is a very real struggle between our new and old man (our spirit and our flesh).

Our new nature, the spirit born of God, delights in the law of God and desires to do His will. However, the old man never changes. It is dealt a death blow through the cross of Christ yet it tries to usurp the new man every day. We are engaged in this battle and there is no escape from it. We will either be overcome by it – or we will become overcomers as we walk after the Spirit in the power of His grace.

“For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Rom 7:22-25 NKJV)

We do not grow from our victories. We grow from our struggles. During the struggle, it is easy to forget the purpose of God in all that we are experiencing. So, the Holy Spirit reminds us.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

There is a purpose in our suffering. There is a goal for our struggle. It is not our defeat – it is our sanctification. We are called according to His purpose, yet our old man stands in the way. As we encounter the cross daily we are called to die to ourselves and to live in Christ. During this process, it is easy to become discouraged if we take our eyes off God’s eternal purpose.

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

Life is not merely a haphazard set of circumstances with no purpose. Even the enemy of our soul’s attacks is brought into submission to the calling and purpose of God. We are called to become like Jesus! For this transformation to take place we must daily die to our old nature and live in the power of the Spirit. This does not happen automatically. It happens as we face the mountains of our old nature and surrender them to Jesus at the cross.

Our suffering brings us to Christ!

God’s ultimate goal is to allow us to share in His glory. The wonderful Hymn, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand”, proclaims this glorious day.

When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

The Christian life is one of disrobing our old man and his worn-out clothes and being clothed in the righteousness of Christ. I don’t want to give up my favorite T-shirt and jeans (an analogy to my old man). Yet, I cannot be clothed by His righteousness if I hang on to them. The suffering of this life helps me see the worthlessness of my old rags and I run to the cross to be clothed in Christ!

So, Paul closes this wonderful chapter with these words of assurance. Every believer who trusts in Christ will experience this transformation. We will see God’s good hand in everything we suffer. Our suffering will not pull us away from God – it will draw us closer and closer to Christ! And, in the end, we will proclaim…

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:35-39 NKJV)

In Jesus’ Name!

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AM I GOOD ENOUGH?

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

ROMANS 2:6-11: “…Who “WILL RENDER TO EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: What will happen when I die? This is the question that everyone faces as they consider their mortality. As one grows older this becomes a growing consideration. When the days that lie ahead of our lives are less than what is behind, we begin to weigh the accomplishments of our lives and ask the question…

AM I GOOD ENOUGH?

Most people who do not profess faith in Jesus Christ rely upon the scale of personal accomplishments. They look over their life and trust that as long as the scale of the good outweighs the bad they will be ok. When asked if they will go to heaven when they die most will reply – “Yes, I believe I will go to heaven. I have lived a good life!” Yet, there remains this question that will not go away…

AM I GOOD ENOUGH?

When we read Paul’s Epistle to the Romans it seems Paul agrees with this point of view. In the second chapter, he writes,

“…Who “WILL RENDER TO EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality…”

Is Paul saying, that as long as I strive to do good, seek the benefit of others, and show honor and respect, I will gain eternal life? If we pull this verse out of context and isolate it, it would seem so. Yet, we can never base our understanding of Scripture on simply one verse. Yet, I will concede that Paul is suggesting that if one could live a perfect life and never break God’s commandments – one could attain immortality.

YET, IS THIS POSSIBLE?

This is the question that every moralist must consider. Anyone who takes comfort in the scale of their life’s achievments needs to weigh them against the true scale of God’s righteousness. God does not grade on a curve. If I decide I want to be judged by what I have done, I must score a perfect 100% to enter eternal life through my merit. This is where I am faced with the same question all over again.

AM I GOOD ENOUGH?

Paul answers this question in the very next chapter with these revealing proclamations.

“As it is written: “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS; THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS AFTER GOD. THEY HAVE ALL TURNED ASIDE; THEY HAVE TOGETHER BECOME UNPROFITABLE; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, NO, NOT ONE.” (Rom 3:10-12 NKJV)

The reality is that no one hits the bullseye when it comes to being good enough! When we measure ourselves against other people it is easy to find those whose lives are broken beyond ours. Yet, in reality – we are all broken. All of our good works are canceled by our sins. We give money to a worthy cause and then we harbor resentment and unforgiveness towards another. We take pride in our moral lives yet our minds are filled with envy, lust, and every evil thought. Paul goes on to say,

“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Rom 3:19-20 NKJV)

Let’s apply this principle to driving. To attain immortality based on our good works we would need to drive perfectly all of our life. We would have to drive without ever speeding, running a stop sign, going through a red light, going down a one-way street, making an illegal u-turn, or getting into a fender bender. When I use this analogy I realize the sobering truth…

I AM NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

So many ask – “Why do I have to believe in Jesus to have eternal life?” THIS IS THE REASON! Without Jesus, we are all facing a life of suffering when we die.

“…but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;”

Jesus is the only one who hit God’s bullseye! Jesus never missed a stop sign, went over the speed limit, made an illegal u-turn, went down the wrong way on a one-way street, or got into a fender bender. Jesus is the only man who lived a perfect life and satisfied God’s standard of perfection. Jesus, having fulfilled all righteousness, gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins so that we could be reunited with God the Father and obtain what we all strive for – Immortality! ETERNAL LIFE!

JESUS WAS GOOD ENOUGH!

This is the Good News! This is what separates Christianity from all other world religions. We do not strive to be good enough, we trust in the one who is good enough! As we trust in Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins, given the promise of eternal life, and we are filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit to do good works. As we trust in Christ, His life begins to change our lives. We are no longer striving to be good enough. We are trusting in the One who is Good!

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;” (Rom 3:21-22 NKJV)

As I trust in Jesus Christ, He changes my heart. I find the capacity to love, forgive, and change. The things that were hidden – He lovingly brings out into the open to transform and heal. The good that I do is no longer to impact the scales of my life. Rather, the good that I do is out of love for Jesus and love for others. It is the love of God transforming me as I trust in the completed work of Jesus Christ! The reality is –

I WILL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH!

JESUS, ALONE, IS MY RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Thanks be to God that Jesus was good enough! Thanks be to God that my mortality meets His immortality when I place my faith in Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God that I no longer have to face death with fear or uncertainty. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift through Jesus Christ my Lord!

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” (Rom 3:27-28 NKJV)

In Jesus’ Name!

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DON’T MISS GOD’S PROTECTION!

Posted on May 5, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

I SAMUEL 25:32-34: “Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed is the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand. For indeed, as the LORD God of Israel lives, who has kept me back from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, surely by morning light no males would have been left to Nabal!” NKJV

OBSERVATION: Have you ever done something you regretted because you were acting through overcharged emotions rather than spiritual discernment? This is what almost happened to David as he decided to seek vengeance upon a scoundrel named Nabal!

Yet – David did not miss God’s protection!

David and his men were weary and in need of supplies. Nabal was a very wealthy sheep rancher with great resources. David sent an emissary of men to Nabal to ask for supplies. David felt he had the right to ask for these supplies as he and his man had protected Nabal’s men while they were in the fields. David had protected them from harm and loss all the time they cared for Nabal’s sheep.

David, God’s anointed, makes a reasonable request. Nabal’s response was not only the opposite of what David had asked but was filled with ridicule and disdain. When David received this report from the emissary he sent to Nabal he was filled with rage. David did not take time to pray over the matter. Rather, in the heat of his emotions David strapped on his sword and led his men to take vengeance on such an unworthy man.

This is where we see God’s faithfulness to protect David – from himself. We all need protection from ourselves. Often, in the heat of the moment, when we are in distress, what appears to be the right course of action is the exact opposite of what God would call us to do. In times of emotionally charged duress, we must be sensitive to God’s faithfulness and protection!

Paul writes to the Corinthians,

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 10:12-13 NKJV

This is not a suggestion, it is a promise of God!

There are two aspects of this promise that we observe in this account of David with Nabal. First, we will all face times of frustration and temptation. We will all be ready to make the wrong decision, blinded by our emotions. Yet, God is faithful. If we have an open heart to the voice of God and a teachable spirit –

God will send us a way of escape! God will protect us!

Abigail was David’s way of escape provided by the faithfulness of God! As ungodly as Nabal was, Abigail was godly and ready to do the right thing. She understood that David had every right to take vengeance upon her worthless husband. Yet, she also knew this would be an act motivated by anger that David would regret. So the Lord prompted Abigail to provide provision for David and to be his protection.

Abigail was God’s way of escape for David.

David, a man after God’s own heart did not miss God’s protection!

As I study the life of David, as I look over my life, it is clear that I do not always recognize God’s protection. Yet, it is always there. God always provides a way of escape. I must learn to stop and pray before I act – and then I will find it. Jesus warned his disciples,

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NKJV

Usually, when I blow it, I have not been watching or praying. When my emotions are charged, I am hurt or offended or am tempted in any way – I need to stop, quiet my heart, and watch and pray. God always has a way of escape. It is always there. Like David, I need to see it and embrace it.

God is more interested in my protection and victory than I am!

Lord, You gave David Abigail to protect him from a wreckless act of aggression that would be out of character for the anointed of the Lord. I pray that You protect me from my blind spots, weaknesses, and tendency to move forward before stopping, quieting my heart, and watching and praying.

Help me to watch and pray so that I do not miss Your avenue of escape and victory!

“Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed is the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.”

In Jesus’ Name!

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WHAT DOES GOD SEE?

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

I SAMUEL 16:7 “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: What does God see? Most of us are familiar with the story of Samuel anointing David to be King in place of Saul. When Samuel had anointed Saul, Saul was taller in stature than any other man. He looked like a King! Yet, Saul did not have a heart of obedience. God rejected Saul as King and called Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be King. After the Lord dismisses the first 7 sons of Jesse, Samuel inquires – “Are all the young men here?”

Jesse seems reluctant to tell Samuel about his youngest son, David. David is called, he appears before Samuel in all of his youth and exuberance, and the Lord says – “This is the one!” Samuel would not have picked him. Jesse, his own father would not have picked him. Yet, God, who looks at the heart, sees one who will obey His commands and is a true worshipper.

As I read this story once again I almost passed it by. It is so familiar that I kept reading and then the Holy Spirit kept pulling me back to verse 7. I would read a little and then reverse back to verse 7. It was like I was on a see-saw going back and forth, over and over again. So, I stopped and prayed – “Lord, what are you trying to speak to me this morning?” This is what I heard the Spirit whisper to my heart.

“How does God see you?”

These were not words of judgment. The Holy Spirit was not addressing my lack before God. I sensed that the Holy Spirit was addressing my sense of lack within myself. When I look in the mirror – what do I see? Do I see what God sees? Or, do I see what others see, what I have been told about myself, or what I have come to think of myself based on my own failures and disappointments?

“How does God see me?”

This is a question I never asked myself as I read this text. It is a question I feel will ever be in my mind and heart whenever I read this account. When God looks at me and when God looks at you, He sees our full potential in Christ Jesus! David was not fit to be King when he was called – but God saw his potential. I was not fit to serve the Lord when I was called – but God saw my potential.

I need to start seeing what God sees!

This is not so I can pat myself on the back or brag about my accomplishments. Honestly, the scale is tipped in favor of my failures and disappointments to ever do that. Yet, I must stop living in my lack. I must look at the potential of Christ in me, the hope of glory. Jesus lives in me through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead resides in me!

I need to see God’s power and potential in my life – and in every life that He has created!

Imagine how the world would change if we started looking at each other through God’s eyes. We would not behold people who are worthless or marginal. Every person would be seen through the love of Jesus Christ and their value would be validated by the awesomeness of His sacrifice. We would begin calling people to be reconciled to God and to reach their full potential in Christ.

We would begin to see as God sees us!

Lord, give me new eyes to see my life as You see it. Help me see each person as a highly valued soul for which you have died. Give me a burning in my heart to call men and women to be reconciled to Jesus Christ and to reach their full potential. Open my eyes so that I can see Jesus in others and that they can see Jesus and open their hearts to Him as their personal Savior and Lord!

Help me see as You see!

In Jesus’ Name!

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BEWARE OF APPEARANCES…

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

I SAMUEL 10:20-24: “And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was chosen. And Saul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they sought him, he could not be found. Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD answered, “There he is, hidden among the equipment.” So they ran and brought him from there; and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?” So all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!” NKJV

OBSERVATIONS: Have you ever been deceived by appearances? Have your eyes been drawn to something that looked wonderful on the outside but was merely an inferior product with a fancy veneer? We think we are getting one thing and when we get home we find it is something else entirely!

The enemy of our souls works wonders with smoke and mirrors. He never tempts us with something gross and ugly. He tempted Eve with the wonderful appearance of the forbidden fruit and the false promise of its value. Today, the airwaves are filled with similar promises of health supplements and beauty aids that are guaranteed to revive our youth and our looks.

Do you ever wonder why they use young people to advertise products that target a much older audience?

Israel’s desire for a King was an exchange for something that they could not see for something visible and great in appearance. Israel was called to walk in faith – trusting the living God to rule over them. However, they rejected God and yearned to be like everyone else. They wanted a King they could see!

They yearned for the appearance of safety!

God has given us free will. God did not stand in the way of what they desired. He assured Samuel that they were not rejecting him but ultimately they were rejecting God Himself. So, God gave them a King. And, not just any King. God gave them a King who was someone to look up to and appeared to be all they ever wanted in a ruler!

God gave them appearance!

“So they ran and brought him from there; and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?” So all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!”

It is recorded that Saul was more handsome than any of his peers. He was also taller and strong in stature. From the outward appearance I could hear the crowd saying – “Now, that’s a King!” Yet, they never asked God for someone with a faithful heart. They never asked God for someone who would diligently follow God’s Word. They wanted someone grand in appearance and made them feel safe.

The king they beheld was not the King they needed!

Appearances will often deceive us. Saul quickly turned his heart from sincerely following the Lord and toward the end of his life he rejected God and consulted mediums. When we grasp for appearances we find we are sacrificing substance. The old saying – “It was just too good to be true” – was coined by people who had been deceived by mere appearance.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must look beyond the veneer and into the heart. God is calling us to be people of substance. We must resist the temptation to run after appearances and look behind every curtain. We must test the spirits to see if they are from God and look for the fruit of the Holy Spirit in everything we commit our lives to.

Aesop’s fable of the tortoise and the hare is a good reminder that substance always wins over appearance. It is the faithful believer who daily walks in the will of God, prays in the secret of his prayer closet, and gives his alms without drawing attention to himself, that bears the fruit of the Spirit. Those who are flashy, draw attention to themselves, focus on the sensational, and appear to be great men and women, are many times just another Saul.

God chose a small, rugged, eager shepherd boy to lead His people in Israel. It was not the choice that Samuel would have made or even this shepherd boy’s father. Yet, God does not look to the outward appearance. God looks to the heart, the substance, the potential of a life and heart that is surrendered in worship and obedience.

God chose David because he was a man after God’s own heart.

In this election year in the United States, we need to be careful of appearances. We must look behind the political promises and the money that is freely being printed and thrown around. We need to look for men and women of substance who stand apart from the crowd by their actions rather than their appearance. This is a time to walk in discernment. We must test everything by God’s Word.

We cannot afford to embrace a “Saul” when God desires to raise up another “David.”

Lord, give us discerning hearts in this day. Let us look beyond what we see and hear to discern the spirit and the heart of those speaking. Let actions that confirm the values of Your Word be what we look for in our leaders. Raise up an army of David’s who will seek Your will and Your glory over their own.

In Jesus’ Name!

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WHY DO I NEED THE JESUS?

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

JUDGES 18:7-9: “So the five men departed and went to Laish. They saw the people who were there, how they dwelt safely, in the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and secure. There were no rulers in the land who might put them to shame for anything. They were far from the Sidonians, and they had no ties with anyone. Then the spies came back to their brethren at Zorah and Eshtaol, and their brethren said to them, “What is your report?” So they said, “Arise, let us go up against them. For we have seen the land, and indeed it is very good. Would you do nothing? Do not hesitate to go, and enter to possess the land.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: Why do I need Jesus? This is the question so many people ask. They are usually moral people who are living a peaceable and quiet life. They enjoy their activities on the lake or the golf course on Sunday. They are not hurting anyone and take solace in the fact that they are generally good people.

One can understand someone holding this position when you look at the church and the world. There is not much difference when you look at the two. Just as many people are getting divorced in the church as in the world. There are just as many people who are angry and bitter in the church as in the world. So, it is natural for someone to ask,

Why do I need Jesus?

The book of Judges gives us a picture of what the world is like without Jesus. Over and over again this statement is made as you read this book – “And they did what was right in their own eyes.” It is hard at times to read this book and see how far people can go without Jesus. The corruption, the pain, and the horrific acts that people will do against one another are hard to see.

Then we read the story about a settlement of people that are only mentioned in the book of Judges. This was the town of Laish. We do not have any history of this town before this entry in the book of Judges or after. Yet, this town stands out as a perfect example of a people who were living a quiet and peaceable life on their own. They were not hurting anyone. They appeared to be good and moral. They got along with each other and did not even have a ruler over them.

Yet, they did not have Jesus!

In this story the contrast of the Danites compared to the town of Laish makes the Danites look like the villains. In reality, in this setting, they were. Neither the Danites nor the people of Laish were walking with God and obeying His commandments. One, a chosen tribe of Israel, had rejected God and was worshipping false idols and a false priest. The other, a people of unknown origin, was content not worshipping anyone or anything.

Neither had Jesus!

When the Danites attacked them the people of Laish were utterly destroyed. The account in Judges gives us this summary of this sad event.

“So they took the things Micah had made, and the priest who had belonged to him, and went to Laish, to a people quiet and secure; and they struck them with the edge of the sword and burned the city with fire. There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no ties with anyone. It was in the valley that belongs to Beth Rehob. So they rebuilt the city and dwelt there.” (Judges 18:27-28 NKJV)

What is the point of this story?

It illustrates the fallacy of living one’s life apart from Jesus. The Danites, living without Jesus, trusted in idols and destroyed an entire city of peaceful people. The people of Laish, without Jesus, had no one to call upon in their time of need and had no other support so they were utterly destroyed. The point of this story is that the same fate awaits all people who do not have Jesus. It is a fate filled with emptiness and destruction. The Apostle Paul summarizes in the book of Romans,

“What then? Are we better than them? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS; THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS AFTER GOD.” (Romans 3:9-11 NKJV)

And,

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NKJV)

The fate of the people of Laish, although they were living a peaceful life, was set because they did not have Jesus. The fate of the children of Dan would be delayed, but they would pay a price in the Assyrian captivity when, like Laish, their cities were destroyed by an enemy. It does not matter whether we live with a veneer of religion or appear to be good moral people. If we do not have Jesus we will meet the same fate.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NKJV)

I will always remember a Gospel song of long ago that spoke to my heart. It was called – “People Need The Lord (Jesus).” Here is a bit of that song.

Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where

On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?

Why do I need Jesus? I need Jesus to experience the forgiveness of sins and to be changed from within. I need Jesus to lead me in the pathway of righteousness every day. I need Jesus to enable me to love and forgive others. I need Jesus to enter into the blessing of eternal life when I die. Every moment of the day…

I NEED JESUS!

Lord, I don’t want to be like the Danites who lived with a veneer of religion but lived without Jesus. I don’t want to be like the people of Laish who quietly trusted in themselves until their final day approached and they were met with destruction. I want to be like those who have received the free gift of life through faith in Jesus Christ and who live in the power of His love and life each day! I pray that that every one will realize that…

WE ALL NEED JESUS!

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (II Corinthians 5:19-21)

In Jesus’ Name!

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WHO AM I GOING TO TRUST?

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

PSALMS 115:1-8: “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth. Why should the Gentiles say, “So where is their God?” But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: Each day is filled with unique opportunities and challenges. We view all of these from a limited perspective. I can only see what is immediately in front of me. I do not know what is around the corner or down the road. Every step I take is a step of faith. As I take each step in life the question I am faced with is…

WHO AM I GOING TO TRUST?

Faith is the Biblical word for trust. As I have already noted – we all live by faith. We all step into the unknown each day. The question is what is our faith focused on? Is it focused on idols of my own making or is it focused on the One who lives in the heavens and who created everything? This is the comparison the Psalmist makes as he contemplates who he will trust. Let’s compare the two.

AN IDOL:

  • This can be anything of our own making, or it can be trusting in ourselves or others.
  • An idol is made of silver or gold or can be placing one’s trust in silver and gold. Many today trust in their abilities or the wealth they have accumulated. They trust man’s wisdom and knowledge, science, government, or a host of other man-made things.
  • Science, wealth, government, or anything else man creates cannot see or know the future. Anything man creates is subject to chance and can be eliminated in one catastrophic event. We witness this each day as we watch the news around the world.
  • When a man trusts in accomplishments, wealth, wisdom, or knowledge, he will find that it is all limited at its best. At its best man’s wisdom and knowledge can only try to interpret the moment at hand and is like the weatherman, merely guessing at what is ahead. How often is the weatherman wrong?

ALMIGHTY GOD:

  • Our God, the Creator of all things, sits on His Throne above the heavens and has a full perspective of our lives – past, present, and future.
  • Unlike an idol, our God hears, sees, and speaks. He speaks to His children every day through His Word and the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.
  • Our God is the origin of mercy, truth, wisdom, and knowledge. Our God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient!
  • Our God is ready to be a help and a shield to all those who put their trust in Him. Unlike an unresponsive institution of man, our God is listening to the prayers and cries of all who call upon Him in faith.

Today I am facing a situation in my life that I have not faced before. I do not know where to turn. The focus of my faith will determine whether this situation has a good outcome or continues to deteriorate and move in the wrong direction. Like the Psalmist I am faced with the greatest question in life.

WHO AM I GOING TO TRUST?

“O Israel, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield. The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the LORD, Both small and great.” (Psa 115:9-13 NKJV)

And, like the Psalmist…

I AM GOING TO TRUST IN THE LORD!

In Jesus’ Name!

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I NEED TO BE OPEN TO MIRACLES!

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

ACTS 4:29-31: “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: Am I open to miracles? I am not asking whether I believe in miracles. I can believe that God is a miracle-working God and still not be open to miracles. It is easy for me to expect the process rather than the miraculous touch of God’s hand. The truth is that what we usually experience is the process. Yet, this does not negate the miracle-working power of God.

I need to be open to miracles!

God has worked miracles in my life. One miracle happened almost 10 years ago. I had open heart surgery in 2003 and had an artificial aortic valve replacement. This saved my life. However, it also began a long process of monitoring my heart, taking certain medications, and measuring an enlarged aortic root connected to my new prosthetic valve.

I had prayed for a miracle – but I experienced the process.

Each year one of the tests I had to do was to have a CT scan of the heart. This was to measure the size of the aortic root of my heart. My aortic root was enlarged when I had the surgery. I needed to have it measured each year to ensure that it was not getting larger (which would mean it was getting weaker and I could have an aneurysm). My base measurement was 4.8 (I don’t know the unit used to measure it). The only thing I knew was that if it reached over 5 – I would have to have a conversation with the surgeon.

I went for my routine CT scan and the results came back. They were not good. My aortic root now measured close to a 6 from 4.8. My Cardiologist informed me that the next step was to visit an Internist. From the Internist, I went to see a heart surgeon. He reviewed my scans, listened to my heart, and said I would need to have another open heart surgery to receive a new prosthetic aortic root and a new valve.

I was then scheduled to go into a hospital specializing in heart procedures. I would undergo three tests to determine the best course of action before the surgery. I was scheduled for two heart catheterizations (right and left) and one transesophageal echocardiogram (sending a camera down your throat). I was fully expecting to go into the hospital, undergo these tests, and then go into surgery. This is what happened the last time I was in the hospital for my heart.

The night before the procedure my wife and I prayed. We did not know what to expect but were prepared for the process. We rearranged our master bedroom for a long recovery having already gone through this before. A recliner was placed in the bedroom and furniture was moved to make access easy. We were trusting the Lord but to be honest, we were expecting the process.

We were not prepared or expecting God to break through with the miraculous.

The next morning we went in for the tests. My Internal Cardiologist was there. My wife, sister, and brother-in-law were there. And, I was there – prepared for a long haul. They did the heart catheterizations first. I was awake during these tests and I saw my Internist looking at the tests over and over again. Then I was put to sleep for the TE. I had given this all to God.

I believed in the miraculous, but I was not expecting a miracle.

When all the tests were done my Internist looked puzzled. All of the measurements for my aortic root were back to 4.8. There were no blockages in my arteries and they could not explain what had happened. Like a good surgeon, the surgeon wanted to proceed with the operation. However, the Internist said there was no reason to proceed. He recommended that we just continue monitoring the aortic root every year to keep an eye on it.

That was almost 10 years ago!

My last CT scan just a few months ago was between 4.6 and 4.8. It has stayed at this measurement from 2003 – except for that one CT scan. Was it just a faulty CT scan – or did God perform a miracle? I believe that God intervened and performed a miracle. My Cardiologist, a Christian man, believed the same. He gave me the picture on this post to remember God’s intervention.

The raw faith of the early church as they prayed together challenged me this morning to remember this miracle. No one experiences a miracle in every situation of their life. It is true that for most of our lives, we experience the process. However, we must always be open to God breaking through with His miraculous touch.

We serve a miraculous God who changes our hearts and lives with the miracle of the life of His Son Jesus Christ – each and every day!

If God can change my heart miraculously – He can also change any situation I face. So, although I cannot demand a miracle, I need to be open to God working a miracle. My heart needs to be positioned for God to work through the process and the touch of His miracle-working hand. I need to join in the prayer of the disciples as they earnestly prayed,

“…Grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

Lord, position my heart for Your miraculous touch! Grant me the grace and the faith to be – OPEN TO MIRACLES! I trust You in the process and in the wonderful moments You break through with signs and wonders through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus Christ, my Lord!

In Jesus’ Name!

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THE COMING SOLAR ECLIPSE…

Posted on April 6, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal
Proper eye protection is a must for anyone looking up at a solar eclipse. Eclipse glasses are far darker than regular sunglasses.

ACTS 1:6-11: “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: Are you ready for the upcoming Solar Eclipse? Everyone is abuzz over a rare experience that will take place on April 8, 2024. It is a total solar eclipse that can be viewed by over 30 million people in the United States. On this day people from Texas to Maine will put on special glasses to gaze up into the heavens and witness the moon in its orbit covering the sun creating a moment of darkness similar to when the sun sets.

I must admit that this is a pretty cool phenomenon. I must also admit that it will do little to change my life. The moment will come and go and do nothing in the overall scope of things. Yet, you cannot turn on the TV today without constant coverage of this upcoming phenomenon. There is something mysterious about gazing into the heavens to see something far off.

The disciples were caught gazing into the heavens. They were not looking at a solar eclipse but something far greater. They had just witnessed Jesus Christ ascending into heaven. Jesus had just spent His final moments with the disciples, giving them His final instructions, and now they were spellbound watching as Jesus rose into the heavens – until they could see Him no more.

Jesus rose into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.

Like a solar eclipse, this moment was over in a few seconds. Yet, the disciples kept gazing up into the sky. Perhaps they were hoping to get a glimpse into heaven. Or maybe they were so stunned at what they had just seen that they were for a brief moment – frozen in time. Regardless, it took two angels to awake them from their preoccupation.

“And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Jesus had just given His disciples specific instructions. They seemed preoccupied with future details of the Kingdom rather than these instructions. Jesus told them not to concern themselves with these future things – for they were in the hands of God the Father. Rather, Jesus called His disciples to be concerned about the mission He had given them. This mission is what we call the Great Commission. In every Gospel we witness Jesus giving final instructions to His disciples. Although the settings are different the message remains the same. In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells the disciples,

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The disciple’s job, and ours, is not to be preoccupied with the future details of the Kingdom of God. It is not to put on white robes and gaze into heaven from a mountaintop waiting for the return of Jesus. It is not to be preoccupied with visions and speculations about the heavens. We have a job to do on the earth until Jesus returns. It is a specific job and it is our sole focus and calling! It is a job that we must be occupied with until we hear the final trumpet.

This job is to MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations!

As long as there is a person in our neighborhood, city, state, country, continent, or world who has not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ – our job is not done! The Holy Spirit was not poured out upon the church on the Day of Pentecost so that it could hold conferences on how to be blessed. The Holy Spirit was poured out upon the church so that the church could fulfill the Great Commission.

Perhaps we are more enamored with gazing at the stars than witnessing about Jesus. So many are preoccupied with the study of End Times that they are of little effect in changing our Present Times through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When you study the spiritual armor outlined in the Book of Ephesians you will not find a pair of star-gazing glasses. Yet, you will find shoes that are equipped with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

“Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace.” (Eph 6:15 GW)

I hope that everyone enjoys the upcoming solar eclipse. Yet, I pray that when it is over we will not be found gazing into the heavens but actively fulfilling the call of Jesus to be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth!

Let’s get our Good News shoes on!

In Jesus’ Name!

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THE CROSS IS ENOUGH!

Posted on March 30, 2024 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

JOHN 15:12-14: “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel? This is an old boxing metaphor for quitting the fight because it is just too hard to continue. Many times we feel like this in life. It seems like our prayers are not being answered. We are struggling to obey God with seemingly no benefit. And, while we struggle in our faith it looks like those who are living in the world are prospering and living the dream (Read Psalm 73 when you feel like this!).

Yesterday was Good Friday. It was the day when Jesus was crucified on the cross. Think about all that Jesus did prior to this event. He had healed untold numbers of people. He has preached the Gospel to the poor and brought deliverance to the captives. He had fed thousands. He had perfectly obeyed the Father and fulfilled the Father’s calling in His life. What did Jesus find at the end of His journey?

Jesus found the CROSS!

When I meditate upon the Cross, when I think of the sacrifice and price Jesus paid for my sins, when I gaze in my mind upon that lonely hill of Golgotha, I am humbled by my lack of faith and appreciation. While I struggle with my molehill – I forget that Jesus dealt with a mountain. When I look at my problems in comparison to the weight of suffering Jesus undertook for me I am speechless. It makes me realize this one important truth…

THE CROSS IS ENOUGH!

The Cross is enough to express the depth of love Jesus has for me. The Cross is enough to demonstrate the heart of the Father. The Cross is enough to answer the problem of my sin. The Cross is enough to break the power of sin and death. The Cross is enough to give my life wholly and unequivocally to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

THE CROSS IS ENOUGH!

If God never answered another prayer. If my life remained an uphill struggle without a breakthrough. If the entire world rejected me as I followed Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. If, as the prophet Habakkuk cried out in his closing lament,

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.” (Hab 3:17-19 NKJV)

Habakkuk, like the saints before and after him discovered the truth…

THE CROSS IS ENOUGH!

Jesus does not call us to obedience without the promise of blessing. Yet, if the blessing never came the Cross would be enough. It is the Cross that proclaims His great love and commitment to my life. It is the Cross that frames His command to love one another as He has loved us. It is the Cross by which the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world. In this world of instant everything I need to remember the call to faith and the eternal truth…

THE CROSS IS ENOUGH!

Father, thank You for the Cross! Jesus, thank You for surrendering to the Cross and dying in my place. Holy Spirit, thank You for opening my eyes to the power of the Cross in my life. As I look at the Cross and as I await Resurrection Sunday, help me to always remember…

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

THE CROSS IS ENOUGH!

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

(Isaac Watts, The Wondrous Cross)

In Jesus Name!

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