1 Timothy 4:7-8 2/22/2022*

“But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.”

About 185 million American’s will attempt to diet this year. We will spend 30 billion dollars on gym memberships and will purchase countless nutritional supplements in pursuit of physical health. 

That’s good. However, this verse says there is something better. 

Let’s compare our vigilance regarding physical health - to our attentiveness monitoring what our soul consumes, and our daily spiritual training. 

Isn’t it odd that we count calories and micromanage every meal, while consuming junk media, starving ourselves from scripture, and allowing toxic, immoral images into our mind each day? 

How have we arrived at a point where we are hypersensitive about GMO’s in our national diet, and yet tolerate our children being fed dishonest and illogical information in the classroom?

We are fanatical about our physical wellbeing and have disregarded our souls. It is as if we have become obsessed with the paint job of the car while utterly ignoring the condition of the engine. 

What if you changed that and began looking inward?  How would your thought life be impacted by eliminating pornographic communications? Would your mood change if your entertainment wasn’t filled with violence and depravity?  What would happen to your anxiety if you stopped binging on news designed to frighten and control you?

We have been lulled to sleep… Not making these changes is the spiritual equivalent of eating every meal at Krispy Kreme and thinking we’re going to lose weight. 

God’s word instructs us to reject harmful input. Open your Bible and meditate on scripture focusing on “whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy” (Phil 4:8). Think about the impact on your life if you actually did that.

Eating right helps your body become healthy, fight off illness, and function at a high level.  Your soul responds the same way.

Begin your spiritual training today. Watch what you allow into your soul and exercise your spiritual muscles with prayer and Bible study.  That will not only be beneficial for this life – but for the one to come as well. 

“You are what you eat.’ And that fact applies infinitely more to your soul than it does your body.”

― Craig Lounsbrough

1 Peter 3:14…16 2/15/2022*

“And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone ….”  

“…and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” 

When the writer tells us not to fear, he is referencing actual physical danger. What persecution will you face today…how will you respond? 

In 1536, William Tyndale was burned at the stake for translating the bible into English that the common man could read. His martyrdom makes my hesitancy to talk about Jesus in some settings seem pathetic. 

Being “prepared to make a defense” means being ready to be ridiculed…It also means being ready to be in danger for the gospel. 

That opportunity is approaching faster than we think. Today in Canada, you must choose between speaking truth about God’s plan for sexuality- and going to jail. In other countries the choice is silence about Jesus -or death. Christ said that serving God would be dangerous…and He was talking about much more than being “canceled”.

We must not only speak up –we must also live with integrity. 

“keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” 

Is this true of you?  Does your behavior shame those who slander you?  

Does the church have integrity? Do we love those who don’t look, or think like we do?  Those are the people who will disparage us, and unfortunately our conduct sometimes gives them the right to do so. We occasionally forget that we are fighting FOR them…not WITH them. 

Our consistency is what gives our message credibility. Keeping a clear conscience, and living authentically, won’t happen by accident, but it is crucial.

The message we carry is literally a “life or death” situation…we cannot be lulled into thinking this is a game… Hell is real, and no one was clearer about that than Jesus. Our mission is to stop people from going there. 

Determine the value of eternal life for yourself, and those you love.  Then feel free to be frightened, intimidated, or distracted by anything more valuable than that.

“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”

― John Wayne

Nehemiah 8:10 2/8/2022*

 “Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

The people of Israel were weeping because the book of the Lord had pierced their hearts. Nehemiah told them to smile…He told them to celebrate, because the joy of the Lord would make them strong. 

The same is true today. Joyfulness in the Lord gives us power. Yet somehow the church has become the most somber place on earth. Our sharing of the gospel is ineffective because we do it out of duty – not joy. If you ask people what traits they associate with Christianity you will probably hear stuffy, judgmental, boring, maybe arrogant…but you will seldom hear Joyful …and that is one reason the church struggles today.  

If we pursue faith, love, and wisdom and we seek courage, peace will result. And that peace will generate unquenchable joy that is impossible to hide from those who don’t have it. 

I should be that person who is always smiling…Not because nothing ever goes wrong - but because one amazing thing went right – Christ rose from the dead and because of His grace, I will spend eternity with Him. 

The word “Gospel” is the combination of the Hebrew words for “good” and “message”.  So, if we carry God’s good message, how are we not beaming? 

We are not oblivious to the trouble in our lives; however, we are more aware of the deliverance the cross has provided - so joy shines out of us. 

Nehemiah told them to celebrate because the day was holy.  When you are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, every day is holy…and every day should contain Joy. 

If you want more power in your walk and your witness, try smiling. Try focusing on the amazing gift God has given you.  Joy, like peace, is not dependent on circumstances – It is dependent on the fact that God saved you from your sin …That produces joy - and that kind of Joy is unshakeable. 

Once you have the faith, love, and wisdom to know what God wants you to do…if you will do it with Joy, you will be unstoppable.

“Never learn doctrine from someone who doesn’t have a sparkle in their eye” – Anonymous

Philippians 4:9 2/1/2022*

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

The fifth word in our life plan is “peace”.  This verse tells you how to get it – and teaches an important principle. Paul didn’t just say “do what I say” – he said “do what I do” … Can you say that?  That is your target, because obedience produces peace.

Peace is not the absence of difficulty – We need more than that …Mark Twain said “I am an old man and have known many troubles. Most of which never happened.” His point was that even without difficulties we destroy peace with anxiety and worry. 

Peace is not a natural characteristic; it must be acquired. That’s problematic since it is what we need most. Peace is the golden ring of life. It is what we all want when our head hits the pillow at night. 

The world constantly offers peace, but never delivers. Men chase money, drugs, sex, fame…all in a futile attempt to find serenity but there is no source for it on earth. 

The God of peace is its only resource. Psalms says: “He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.” This beautifully illustrates the contentment and tranquility of a lamb that is guarded by The Shepherd…. That is peace, and whether you are aware of it or not – it is the thing you desire most. 

But how do you get it?

This verse says to obey the gospel…put it into practice.  Seek faith, love, wisdom, and courage - and the God of peace will BE WITH YOU. 

It’s a lifestyle…a state of calmness that comes from a relationship with your creator. Not the absence of trouble but the presence of God. Which makes peace not a fragile condition dependent on circumstances, but a permanent state dependent on the power of The Almighty. That is why we can have peace even when we don’t understand…because it is not based on us but on God.

Persistently obey His Word. Choose faith over fear - and rest in the green pastures and still waters that the presence of your loving Shepherd provides.

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.” - C.S. Lewis

Deuteronomy 31:6-8 1/25/2022*

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

We are halfway through the life plan of Faith, Love, Wisdom, Courage, Peace, and Joy.

Today’s word is “Courage”, which is challenging if you have not mastered the first three components. However, if you are walking in faith, love, and wisdom it will produce stability and understanding which eliminates fear in your life. 

God is never frightened or anxious, and He does not expect us to be either. Scripture says, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” That is our source of courage … not our own power, but the strength of Christ who lives in us. 

Any other type of bravery is a paper tiger. Like a Chihuahua barking at a Doberman – what some call courage, is simply fear hiding in bravado. 

True courage is quiet and calm. It does not ignore danger it simply sees it in context. While we may feel fear – it is dwarfed by the power of God and His promise to never leave us. Bravery is focusing on His power and promise – instead of our problem.

Not acknowledging danger is foolishness. But a man who realizes that fear is not from God – can disregard the dread and continue down the path God has set before him. 

There is no need to search the web for reassurance. We don’t require others to agree with us. The source of our courage comes from the faith we have in God who loves us and is in complete control. 

Everything I face today must pass through God’s hands before it gets to me.  If I believe that, no response other than courage makes sense.

Courage is not a feeling; it is a decision. You choose to trust God and share the gospel. Courage is not ordinary, and it will make you stand out like a beacon in a dark world of fear and anxiety. 

You have chosen to be called a Christian, but as William Wallace said: “men don’t follow titles, they follow courage”.  So, stand on scripture, and live courageously in the power of God - and men will follow you to Christ.

“You always need divine protection, and believer in Christ, you shall always have it.” – Charles Spurgeon

Proverbs 3:13 1/18/2022*

 “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.”

Our six-word life plan is Faith, Love, Wisdom, Courage, Peace, and Joy. 

We have discussed Faith as the engine of your life, and Love as the fuel. Today let’s look at “wisdom”, which we’ll call your compass.

In sports, even with athletic ability, you need direction. It doesn’t matter how fast you run if you don’t know where you’re going.  Life is the same way – even with faith and love, you need wisdom if you want to know what direction to move. There are two things that facilitate wisdom… improving your stance - and improving your vision.  

The power of an athlete is affected by his footwork.  The power in your life depends on the same. A proper base makes you wise and stable, and the only foundation that provides this is scripture. Your daily strength and steadiness depend on your knowledge of the bible. 

The second component of wisdom is vision.  How often do coaches say, “keep your eye on the ball”?  That’s because focus is crucial in achieving goals. In life if you are preoccupied by material things you will drift off course and be out of position. If you allow the urgent to distract you from the important it is the equivalent of taking your eye off the ball.

Wisdom is the ability to stand on scripture and see the goals God has given you.  Michelangelo said: “The greatest danger is not that our aim is too high, and we miss, but that it is too low, and we reach it.”  Wisdom perfects your aim allowing you to say, “Thy will - not my will.”

So how do you get wisdom?  

Proverbs 2 says, it’s a gift from God. Proverbs 4 says, “Acquire wisdom; And with all your possessions, acquire understanding.” In other words, God will give it to you – but you must pursue it at all costs. 

So, try this…. Proverbs has 31 chapters. That’s one for each day of the month. Pursue wisdom by reading a chapter a day. That’s a five-minute investment, that will have you reading Proverbs twelve times by next year. This will improve your stance and train your eyes, developing a compass that points true north and allows you to know what God expects you to do.

“Wisdom is looking at life from God’s point of view.” –Chuck Swindoll

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 1/11/2022*

“If I speak with the tongues of mankind and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

We have been discussing a life plan of pursuing Faith, Love, Wisdom, Courage, Peace, and Joy. 

We established that Faith is the mechanism that allows us to walk with God…But If faith is the engine, then love is the fuel, and the power of the engine is irrelevant without gasoline. 

Today’s passage states that it doesn’t matter how talented, rich, pretty, or popular you are…if you don’t love, it’s worthless. 

God is unimpressed by loveless acts- They are simply irritating noise. Even with positive traits such as eloquence, intelligence, and faithfulness …your efforts are meaningless without love. 

Scripture goes so far as to say if you don’t love- you don’t know God. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  That means, if you don’t love, your salvation could depend on you figuring out why. 

Love is our fuel, our proof, and our identity– it would be difficult to overstate its importance. 

How do you attain love? You fill yourself with its source. 

God is the only source of love in the universe, and He is standing at the door of your heart knocking. The only way to acquire the most powerful force in existence is to open that door and give Christ command of your heart. 

Love does not originate in you…You must decrease, and He must increase (John 3:30). God is love. So, to be more loving there must be less of you, and more of God.

If you give your heart to Christ …He will fill it with love, and it will show.  Love is a power you cannot fake, nor hide…If it is in you - it will splash out on those around you.  

You have been praying for faith, now give yourself over to love…and watch it transform everything you do, from meaningless noise into powerful actions.

“Love is the active, working principle in all true faith. It is its very soul, without which it is dead. Faith works by love.” - Jonathan Edwards

Galatians 3:26-27 1/4/2022*

 “So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

Last week we discussed a life strategy with six words, the first of which was “Faith”. Today let’s talk about why faith is “step one” and is required to please God. (Heb. 11:6)

Galatians explains the process that turns us into children of God. Anything less than accepting Christ’s righteousness as my own, will fail to elevate me to the required holiness. 

The entire plan is a non-starter without faith. You either acquire it or you stop here. Faith is the doorway to the perfection required to commune with Holiness

Thinking that your “religious acts” can earn your entrance is like offering pocket change to the surgeon who saved your life. Not only is it inadequate - it is offensive.

Faith does not fix you; it replaces you.  Faith clothes you in Christ…Your sin replaced by His righteousness. Only then are you able to fellowship with The Father.   So, faith is mandatory for salvation.

But faith also transforms your life. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says… “we live by faith, not by sight.”  That is a game changer. 

We must function differently than non-believers. Our blinders have been removed and now we see with spiritual eyes not just earthly ones… We don’t ignore physical sight, but we don’t depend on it either. We operate according to what we know is true even when we can’t see it.

If you struggle with faith pray for it…Ephesians 2:9 says it is a gift.  

Scripture also acknowledges that at times we wrestle with it …Like the Father of the sick child in Mark chapter 9 who said “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”  Jesus responded to that prayer - so admit your struggle and cry out to God…. Continue requesting and never relent. There is no “Plan B” so pursue it daily.

Faith is not a part of your life - it is your life source. It is your spiritual oxygen, and you will suffocate without it.

Faith is the vehicle God has chosen to save you, change you, and strengthen you. It is not a nice addition to your life…it is the required foundation.

“A little faith will bring your soul to heaven; a great faith will bring heaven to your soul.” - Charles Spurgeon

Proverbs 19:2 12/28/2021*

 “Desire without knowledge is not good —how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”

Do you have a plan… or just a desire?  You need a plan if you don’t want to miss the mark.

My 2022 plan deals with who I am going to be, not what I am going to do. 

It is comprised of six words which build on each other…. Faith, Love, Wisdom, Courage, Peace, Joy. 

It starts with FAITH…Faith has always been our path to God. Hebrews says it’s impossible to please God without faith. That is a significant statement that we sometimes ignore. Faith comes from God so I must continually pursue it in prayer.

The next ingredient is LOVE… Love identifies me as God’s child. Scripture says anything I do without love is irrelevant. Even great faith without love is meaningless.

Once these foundational pieces are set, I need WISDOM to see God’s plan.  Scripture says if I lack wisdom, it’s because I haven’t asked for it…So I will ask God for the wisdom to know what He wants me to do. 

Knowing what to do is different than doing it… God’s way is not always popular. So, it’ll require COURAGE to stick to His plan. 

Next, I need PEACE. I often have anxiety over problems that have not yet happened. Peace will allow me to stay focused on what is in front of me. Philippians says to stop being anxious and tell God my needs. If I do this, His peace which is beyond comprehension will guard my heart and mind and allow me to deal wisely with issues I face today.  

The final component is JOY. Nehemiah says the Joy of the Lord is my strength. I cannot dispassionately serve God – I must see life from God’s perspective and tackle life Joyfully…Doing so, will produce unstoppable enthusiasm and strength and will attract others to Him. 

So that’s the plan. Pray for FAITH, radiate LOVE, seek WISDOM, COURAGEOUSLY follow where wisdom leads, relax in God’s PEACE, and lean on His JOY.

Post these six words where you’ll be reminded to pray through them every morning.  Go “All In” this year and become a part of the victorious plan of God.

“God’s plan is to make much of the man… Men are God’s method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men.” – E.M. Bounds

Luke 2:11-14 12/21/2021*

 “… today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Mankind was lost – We had been given the requirements for righteousness and had failed miserably by rejecting God and rebelling against His law…We had no hope of redemption, and our eternal destiny was set.

Then out of nowhere - Christmas exploded into history.

Can you imagine the panic in the hallways of hell when this baby was born?  Can you fathom the terror that surged through the enemy at this proclamation from a throng of powerful angels?

A heavenly host appeared and said: Today changes everything! 

In that instant history pivoted and God proclaimed that His love would not allow us to get what we deserved…. Since we couldn’t save ourselves – He would save us…So on the first Christmas morning God launched the greatest rescue mission ever undertaken. 

The Commander of the universe sent His Son as a child – to go behind enemy lines, live a life of perfection, die for our sin, and rise again to set us free. 

This birth began the process of turning the jungle back into a garden.  It signaled an end to my slavery to sin, restored the relationship I had forfeited with my creator, and canceled the debt I had accrued. 

Don’t be confused by the commercial hysteria – The holiday we celebrate is an historical event that has nothing to do with Christmas trees and reindeer.  

Christmas was a tactical invasion by The Lord of Host to rescue His children…It provided us a path back to Him.  It restored peace with our maker, and brought hope to this broken world. 

Don’t get so distracted by the hype that you miss the only Christmas gift that matters … “there has been born for YOU a Savior, who is Christ the Lord … Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

“The Son of God became a man, to enable men to become sons of God.” - C.S. Lewis