1 Corinthians 13:12 8/30/2022*

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”

Some time ago, I had a discussion with a young man about the evidence of God. He finally said, “I have read the bible, and if God is real, I don’t agree with Him.”

Less than twenty years earlier this young man couldn’t change his own diaper, yet now he was confident that he could evaluate God and reject His ability to reign.  

We are not qualified to judge the Judge … You cannot  appraise what you do not comprehend, and you lack the ability to understand the Power that created you. 

We barely glimpse God’s Magnificence. We see it as though through a dark glass…because we wouldn’t survive seeing the entirety of His Glory.  God gives us freedom of choice, but it is ludicrous and dangerous to believe that God is on the auction block while we stroke our chins trying to determine His worth. 

Our arrogance has made us believe that it is His value that is in question – instead of ours.  

We are the accused…He is the all-powerful judge, so we should carefully approach Him and the way He has allowed us to approach is by faith.

When you step on the brakes -your car stops. You may not be able to explain why but every day you risk your life based on the faith that it will.

God exists … but trying to explain His omnipotence with human wisdom is like asking a kindergarten class to evaluate plans for the Space Shuttle. We are woefully inadequate for the task. 

If He reveals Himself to you – fall on your face and worship Him - It is the only logical response. 

There is a God…It is not you and He does not need your approval to reign. In fact, it will take your entire life for you to comprehend even a tiny fraction of His Power…and yet you matter to Him, He loves you.

Be joyful that the God you serve is too big for you to fully understand …if He wasn’t He would not be deserving of your worship. 

“Sooner or later, man has always had to decide whether he worships his own power or the power of God.” - Arnold Toynbee

Genesis 40:6-7 8/23/22*

“When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so sad today?” 

Joseph was bullied, human trafficked by his brothers, forced into slavery, falsely accused of attempted rape, and wrongly imprisoned.  

He had a trauma filled past, and his present wasn’t much better… yet he cared enough about other people to observe that some prisoners were dejected and ask what was wrong. 

That question launched Josephs ascension from “inmate” -  to “Egyptian royalty” …His unselfishness set into motion a plan that would deliver him from prison - and place him in a position of power. 

Had Joseph been busy with self-pity he may not have noticed or cared that the other men were despondent. Had he been consumed by the unfairness of his situation he would have been unaware of their suffering.

In our culture we are taught to be self-centered. Society enables and encourages us to be hypersensitive to the slightest offense. It has become normal for us to be so self-engrossed that we believe we must be protected from any perceived insult. 

We are bombarded by the mantra that we must love ourselves, express ourselves, be ourselves without reservation….And yet the bible says to die to our self. 

That is quite a contrast…

The contrast is created  by who sits on the throne of your life. If you are on the throne – then all the self-absorbed foolishness makes perfect sense.  But if God is on the throne of your life - you will be so consumed by His glory there will be little time to worry about yourself. 

As a child of God your value has been established. His unimaginable love for you will so solidly define your self-image, that it will be anything but fragile.

The world tells you to be self-focused which is depressing.  But if you choose instead to be God-focused He will bring stability, and contentment to your life.

So, you have two choices…One leads to a shallow, self-centered existence while the other leads to a life full of love and usefulness…

Selfishness seldom makes you content or effective, while selflessness seldom fails to do both….you choose. 

“God creates out of nothing. Therefore, until a man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him.” - Martin Luther

Luke 12:29…31 8/16/2022*

“And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying.... But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”

When did we decide worrying is helpful? When did fear become our national pastime?

It has become our practice to wake up each morning expecting disaster. We blame the media for our paranoia, but the media is only a mirror. They sell fear because we buy it. 

For some reason purchasing toilet paper and gasoline have been deemed the  proper response to every threat. Logic has been abandoned and we choose anxiety every time. Prepare if you deem it necessary, but don’t  be obsessed and fearful. 

Time after time the manufactured predictions of disaster pass unfulfilled…Yet we continue to irrationally choose fear instead of faith.

And make no mistake, fear is a choice, and it does not come from God (2 Tim. 1:7). Each morning we have options…We can nervously approach the day standing in the quicksand of apprehension….Or we can stand on The Rock of faith and live joyfully. 

Are there dangers out there? …Sure. There always have been. Does worrying about them make them go away? …No, so stop worrying. 

Faith is the only road to peace.  

So, choose…. Do you want to be suspicious and fearful today or do you want to be faithful and have joy?  It is literally your choice… and it should be an easy one. 

Pessimism and fear will not change tomorrow, but they will ruin today.  Faith and Joy will not only improve today – they will also put you in the presence of the God who can change tomorrow.  

Refuse to worry for one day…Don’t allow fear in your mind and actively reject it when it appears …Try it today and see what happens…It will enhance your day with a refreshing calmness – and it will bring light and peace to those around you.

Tomorrow is in bigger hands than yours… and those hands have nail scars on them that prove they love you. God made today …so make the decision to trust Him and rejoice and be glad in it.

You and God can face tomorrow, tomorrow.

“You do not know the gospel, dear friends, if you have not obtained peace through it; peace is the juice, the essence, the soul of the gospel.”
– Charles Spurgeon

Joshua 4:8…9 8/9/2022*

 “Thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan” … “and they carried them over with them to the lodging place and put them down there. Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing....” 

Joshua, the Commander, and chief of Israel, walked back after the people had crossed the Jordan and set up twelve more stones where the priests had stood holding the ark.  

Why?

The water would soon cover them, so they were not to serve as a reminder…There was no order from God to create a second monument,   and it didn’t focus attention on Joshua. 

I think it was an act of admiration for the priest who held the Ark as a million people crossed. I also think it was an act of worship for God stopping the water, and an acknowledgment that it was The Lord who made the crossing a success not Joshua’s ability.

He was preparing to lead Israel into battle, yet the calm, unselfish reflection of Joshua led him to venture back into the river and perform an act honoring his teammates and praising his Lord.

Love of God and Love of people is what creates great leaders. But many today are too busy securing their own power to give honor to others.  Consumed with their own image, they are hesitant to shine a light on their people. It is a self-centered, stressful, and ineffective way to lead.

What about you…do you celebrate the success of others? Do you highlight their accomplishments, or are you threatened by their success? Rooting for others is one of the most important attributes of a leader and a sure way to enjoy and excel at your job.

We are all leaders at some level. You may be a Military General, Manager,  Husband, Parent, Uncle, a Little League Coach, or Friend… but God’s approval must be your goal and your love for others must be your motive.  

So, enjoy the success of those around you and let them know it. Seek good for others and seek approval from God. That is the biblical recipe for leadership.

A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd. - Max Lucado

Mark 10:20-21 8/2/22*

“And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 

Religion is a dangerous thing. In this passage the rich young ruler leans heavily on it, and it fails him. 

This wealthy young man wanted to add eternal life to his portfolio. “Religion” offers that option, God does not… Religion is an “add” transaction – But God only offers “relationship” which is an exchange.  You give all you have in exchange for all He did. You must pursue Christ alone - or not at all… 

Religion lies to you and says YOU can do this on your own…and YOU cannot. It doesn’t matter how many Sunday School classes you teach, Young Life trips you lead, Bible studies you host…you cannot earn salvation 

The cross is not a part of your redemption formula it is the entirety of it. Christ has offered to be your King…not a consultant.

If I find the greatest Olympic swimmer in the world - hand him a 50-pound barbell and drop him in the ocean, he will have a decision to make…drop the barbell – or drowned.  That is the decision Jesus gave the young man and it is the same one He offers us. Drop everything you are doing that you think will save you and follow Him.

Acknowledging God, working for God, talking about God – are all good – but the requirement is “following” God. You must abandon your reliance on prideful “religious” work and obediently pursue Him as your only means of salvation. 

Drop the weight of religion– and with both hands cling to a relationship with God. Your money, your reputation, your intellect, your possessions…are all meaningless when it comes to eternity.  

Cling to the cross.  Obediently follow His scriptures entirely . Don’t try to add God to your life – Give your life to Him to do with as He pleases. Die to yourself and live through Him. He is not offering to fix you – He is offering to make you new.

“Atonement by the blood of Jesus is not an arm of Christian truth; it is the heart of it”. - Charles Spurgeon

Colossians 3:23-24 7/26/2022*

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

This was my moms’ favorite verse… at least her favorite verse for me.  I had it quoted to me numerous times in various forms…and eventually the truth sunk in that if you’re going to do something … do it right.

As a youngster my goal was often to do things “good enough” …. good enough to pass inspection, or to go unnoticed.  But “good enough” is not God’s standard…and God notices everything. 

The word “whatever”, and the phrase “working for the Lord” removes all loopholes which would allow compromise.  There are no small jobs just small people. You should only do something if it is what God directs you to do…If He does, you must do it correctly…. And the end of the passage explains why.

God is your audience.  He is the only opinion that matters ….There is no need to google the mob’s view … instead search the scripture and move forward. Our downfall is that we seek directions from those who are lost…We are lemmings concerned about what other lemmings think as they plunge off the cliff.  

When I was a coach the phrase “Audience of One” was on our pants, Jerseys, and other equipment as a reminder of who we play for…. 

This made our job clear,  and that was to do whatever we did as if we were doing it for God. We were to play and coach as though there was only one person in the stands who saw every play, heard every word, and could read every thought. If you approach a job in that way – it will change your performance. 

God sees your heart.  He made life a team sport, so go out today and fight for your brothers.  Seek good for others, and don’t worry about what men think. If God said it, that settles it. There’s only one person you need to please. 

That sounds like a clear, simple pre-game speech. One I need to hear this morning before kickoff, so I don't get distracted.

“Work Hard. Do your best. Keep your word. Never get too big for your britches. Trust in God”. — Harry S. Truman

Isaiah 6: 2-3 7/19/2022*

“Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  And they were calling to one another”

The prophet Isaiah is given a glimpse into the Throne room of Heaven and attempts to describe what he sees. The angels around God are referred to  as “Seraphs”, which translates into “fiery ones”. They are fearsome beings, ablaze with purifying fire.  

Their six wings are used to protect their face from the raging glory of God, cover their feet out of respect for His holiness, and allow them to hover for immediate deployment as the most intimidating special ops forces of all time. 

To say the least - these ain’t your Christmas tree angels. These are the creatures that caused battle tested Roman Soldiers to faint in fear outside the tomb on Easter morning.  Scripture describes them as warriors engaged in combat against evil. These were the forces I imagine pressing at the gates of Heaven during the crucifixion, desiring to annihilate a world of humans who would disrespect their King. 

Terrifying, intense angels, yet even with their power, they must shield their eyes and bow before our magnificent God. 

So why today do we depict God as an elderly grandfather on the auction block for our consideration? Why do we pretend we are judges instead of those to be judged? 

Simply because it feeds our arrogance.  It makes us feel powerful…It is an absurd position to take when even these servant angels are more powerful than we can comprehend

Consider who you worship.  God’s glory should be terrifying and comforting at the same time. If you get just a glimpse of who you pray to, you suddenly understand the power of prayer. If you get a glance at the Holiness of God, it illuminates your sin, and reveals your desperate need of grace. 

We serve an omnipotent, all-powerful God.  He is incomprehensible an unapproachable - except for one thing…He loves you and has paid an incredible price to redeem you as His child. 

That is the most important statement you will ever read. 

“A necessary pre-cursor of any great spiritual awakening is a spirit of deep humiliation growing out of a consciousness of sin, and fresh revelation of the holiness and power and glory of God.”

- John R. Mott

Colossians 3:5 7/12/2022*

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”

Read that list again. Isn’t it odd how we treat sin that is inside our “accepted circle”, compared to sin that is not? Some churches have ranked sins and deemed some more excusable than others, and “greed” sometimes falls into the “excusable” category especially if you provide funds for the church. 

But God’s list is pretty clear – It starts with sexual immorality – impurity – lust – evil desires…all of which most would say are not OK… These sins fall outside of the accepted circle and are usually worthy of negative attention. 

But then at the end of this list “greed” is dropped in - which to be honest is not really outside my circle … I mean, if you asked, I would say it is wrong - but it doesn’t cause me to recoil or be concerned about you.

So now you know my opinion - but read on, and you will get God’s.…

God not only doesn’t minimize greed… He equates greed with worshipping another god. He sets greed apart from the other sins, but in the opposite way …It appears, if anything, He makes it worse than the preceding list by deeming it idolatry.

In our culture we struggle with that. We measure so much of ourselves by what we have, compared to others.  At the microphone many thank God for their success, but few seem content or satisfied. 

We teach things that easily morph into greed…Things like drive, ambition, determination…all good things - until they lead to discontentment. Until they become how we define ourselves…Until they become our gods. 

Greediness is Idolatry.  It is as destructive as any depravity. We must see ALL sin for what it is …deadly disease that put Christ on the cross.  There is no “accepted circle” of sin. I need to treat anything that is not of God, like a snake and get away from it.   

If you’re not killing sin, then it is killing you. God doesn’t place degrees on death….there is light and there is darkness….Greed is darkness – it is a noose that slowly tightens around your neck…do not tolerate it, or it will own you. 

“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”

― Socrates

PSALM 91:11-12 7/5/2022*

“For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. On their hands they will lift you up, so that you do not strike your foot against a stone.”

You might want to read that first sentence again.  It says there have been “Orders” given in Heaven concerning you. 

Angels aren’t guarding me just because they like me …God has called them to the throne this morning and said, “Here is what Boyd will need today… protect him”.

God did the same thing for you too. This verse doesn’t imply that God gives vague orders about the church in general. It says He looked a powerful spiritual being in the eye and said your name this morning…. He discussed specifics and gave orders regarding situations you will encounter today.

If that doesn’t amaze you – you’re not listening. 

You have been the topic of conversation in Heaven. God has commanded (not suggested) His angels watch over you. How can that not impact Your confidence today?   

Years ago, when I was coaching a high school football team, I jokingly told the team one day that if anyone talked to my daughter who was a freshman, the whole team would run…. The next day two senior players shadowed her through the halls of school, shooing away anyone who approached her. Not one conversation took place that wasn’t approved by those two players first. 

I picture something similar to that as I go through my day today. There are incredibly powerful beings with a vested interest in protecting me – They have been given orders concerning me specifically…. And they are serious about fulfilling those orders. 

There are nearly Eight billion people in the world, but this verse says there are angels that have orders, from God – about you and me.

So, as the News Anchor tells you the list of things you need to fear today – remember that.  As the internet “prophets” describe why you must be prepared to hide in your house, read this psalm. 

You can choose to live in fear if you want to, but when fear tries to steal my peace today, I will remember that there was a very high-level meeting in Heaven this morning, and I was the only topic on the agenda.

“Safety comes in our nearness to God, not in our distance from our enemies.” ― Dillon Burroughs

Hebrews 5:12 6/28/22*

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the actual words of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.”

How long have you been a Christian? …Accepting Christ is your spiritual birth, after which you should start to grow.  But in our comfortable, unchallenging churches, we seem to be showing up every Sunday for our bottle.

Paul is frustrated with the lack of growth among believers. He says they should be digesting the meat of the gospel and teaching it to others.

How about us?  How often do we discuss difficult theology?  We speak of the love of God, as we should, but do we ever talk about Hell, repentance, consequences of sin?  Do we even call it sin? Or do we attempt to remove responsibility by calling it a condition, or alternative?

Paul is telling us to grow up.  We must understand and teach others a biblical world view.  It may not be popular, but it is the truth. 

Your first bite of solid food is to understand that there is no such thing as “your truth” or “my truth”. There is only one truth – it is static, nonnegotiable, and established by an omnipotent loving God.

Some truths are hard to swallow, but necessary for growth. The meat of the gospel should always be served with the milk, but it must be served.

If you speak truth without love, you will have theological BO and drive others away.  If you speak love without truth, you offer weak platitudes and help no one. The fact is, you can offer neither, if you don’t offer both.

A mother would never neglect to introduce solid food to her baby simply because it is harder to digest.  She would carefully include the nutrition needed to develop a strong body, because she knows her child must grow to fight off the germs and threats they will face in this world.

You and I must grow for the same reasons. Dig deeply into the scripture.  Tackle the hard questions and study to show yourself approved.  The fight is coming. Will you be strong and lean, or weak and full of milk?

“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” - Winston Churchill