For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11, KJ21)

Have you ever known someone who has had a near death experience and survived? Perhaps it was a serious disease or perhaps a narrow escape from death. Most people who have such an experience comment that they guess the Lord wasn’t finished with them yet and had something else in store for them to do.

I recalled such an experience at an early age, when recently I read about the tragic loss of life from a flash flood on the Caddo River in Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Dozens of campers were victims of a nighttime flash flood when the river rose at the rate of eight feet per hour. Many saved their lives by scaling up the steep embankments and unfortunately many did not survive.

It made me recall a time when I was a teenager and with five others drove to Colorado to camp there for a week and then camp the following week in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Shortly after arriving in Colorado one of our group became seriously ill and required medical treatment, causing us to spend the entire two weeks in Colorado. It was much to my disappointment, as I wanted so much to see Yellowstone, where we had campground reservations for months in advance.

It wasn’t until we were on the way back home when we found out about the big earthquake, so strong that it reversed the flow of a river and obliterated the campground where we had reservations. Dozens of campers perished and certainly we would have been among them but for the illness that kept us in Colorado.

I was not a practicing Christian at the time, but I remember wondering what kind of adult life I had ahead of me and what I would have missed if I had been camping at Yellowstone. It was a sobering thought that had a deep and early impression on my life.

Sometimes God saves our life in ways we never know about. Sometimes we do. I have a friend who was flying from Chicago to Detroit and got to the gate just as the plane pulled back. He was angry that he was going to miss a meeting he felt he could not miss. But when he found out that the plane went down over Lake Michigan killing all aboard, suddenly his attitude changes from anger to thanks. He thought that the meeting wasn’t so important after all.

The truth is that every day we live and survive is through God’s mercy and grace. He saves our life daily so we can serve and praise Him tomorrow. Truly, our days are numbered and when we will begin eternity, we know not. But one thing we do know is that each day is a gift, to be lived for His glory and mission each day. Live today as if it were your last and then be thankful when you wake up tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

So how are you doing? Are you continually encouraged by the good news that we have been delivered from darkness and conveyed into the Kingdom of the Son of His love? That you are a new creation and that, for you, all things have become new? Are you rejoicing in what it means to be a child of the King, as you live in this world but do not have to be a part of it?

As we go into the coming year we will undoubtedly continue to be faced with a lot of bad news reflecting the circumstances and the everyday realities of the world around us. Even though we live in a dark world, God’s promise to us is that we do not need to be afraid, He comforts and protects us, He prepares good things for us even in the presence of our enemies, our cup runs over with abundance and His goodness and mercy are always with us (Psalm 23:4-6). Let us be those who continually receive from the table the Lord has prepared for His children, letting our joy be full, ever ready to answer the reason for the hope that is in us, demonstrating through our peace and joy to those around us the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Come to the Lord’s table and have a Happy New Year!

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupt flesh.” (Jude 1:21-23)

Mercy – a beautiful word – means showing compassion, pardoning an offence, refraining from enforcing due punishment.

Jude reminds us of the incredible gift of mercy available through Jesus. Because God views Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death as payment for our sins, He has mercy on us and gives us eternal life.

Jude encourages us to remain in God’s love and gives us three instructions about mercy. He tells us to:

• wait for mercy
• be merciful to those who doubt
• show mercy mixed with fear

Wait for mercy – Though we have been saved through Jesus, we don’t experience the fullness of our salvation until we die or Christ returns. Here on earth, life brings trouble, sorrow and pain. Yet, we humbly look forward to the day when God will wipe away our tears and usher us into eternal life with Him.

Be merciful to those who doubt – Some people find it difficult to trust. Abandonment, abuse, rejection or betrayal, all provide ample reason for doubting. Be compassionate and gracious with everyone who doubts, just as Jesus shows mercy to you.

Show mercy mixed with fear – Continue to demonstrate God’s forbearance to any who are trapped in sin and bound by Satan’s lies, without condoning their behavior. Real fear reminds us how easily we also can be deceived.  As we follow these instructions on mercy, we will find ourselves moving ever closer to the likeness of Jesus.

Heavenly Father thank you that I can rest in Your love while I wait for Your mercy. Show me how to be merciful to others. Amen.

Questions: Where do you need to show mercy? How does remembering God’s mercy to you, help you be merciful to others?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for October 5th, PM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” Mark 16:16

The pastor asked the inhabitants of the island of how someone must be saved.

An old man replied, “We will be saved if we repent, and forsake our sins, and turn to God.”

“Yes,” said a middle-aged female, “and with a true heart too.”

“I agree,” answered a third, “and with prayer.” And, added a fourth, “It must be the prayer from the heart.”

“And we must be diligent too,” said a fifth, “and keep the commandments.”

After each had contributed to the discussion, they felt that a decent creed had been compiled. They all turned and waited for the pastor’s approval. But instead they had aroused deep pity in his heart.

The worldly mind always tries to map out a way we can do works and become great, but the Lord’s way is just the opposite. Believing and being baptized aren’t deeds to be gloried in. They are so simple that boasting is impossible, and God deserves all the praise for the free grace He has given.

To believe is simply to trust, to depend, to rely on Christ Jesus. To be baptized is to submit to the ordinance which our Lord fulfilled at Jordan, to which the earliest believers submitted at Pentecost, and to which the jailer obeyed the night of his conversion. The outward sign of baptism does not save, but it encompasses our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus, and, like the Lord’s Supper, shouldn’t be neglected.

It may be that you are unsaved. What is the reason? Do you think Jesus’ singular path of salvation is unclear? But how can that be when God has given us His own word and His assurance of its clarity? Do you think it is too easy? Why, then, do you not accept and embrace it? Its ease leaves those who choose to neglect it without excuse.

If you are not a believer, then remember there is only one door, and if you will not enter by it you will perish in your sins. But if you do believe in Jesus, then my dear friend, dismiss your fears, for you will surely be saved.

Question: Do we sometimes put too much confidence in our own good works? How can we begin to focus more on God?

Please open your Bible and read John 14:21-24.

The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, He reminded His disciples of the important connection between love and obedience. In John 14:21, Jesus said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” In God’s mind, loving and obeying Him are inseparable. We need to think the same way.

What commands are we called to obey? Jesus said that the Law and the Prophets depend on two commandments: First, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Second, He commanded, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39). When we consistently and thoughtfully study the New Testament, the Holy Spirit reveals how to live out these commands. Every time we follow the Spirit’s instructions, we are saying “I love You” to God. When we release a selfish attitude and place someone else first, when we show forgiveness instead of anger, or when we demonstrate a thankful heart in the midst of difficult circumstances, we ex press affection for the Lord. But if we live in conscious, deliberate disobedience to Him, Jesus says we don’t love Him.

Jesus’ life on earth was one continuous expression of love for the heavenly Father (John 14:31). Following Christ’s example requires a heart that desires to please Him, an obedient will, and a mind that consistently seeks divine direction. Develop the habit of asking yourself two questions: First, What does obedience to God look like in this situation? And, second, What additional steps can I take to obey God more fully?

Question: How does God’s grace relate to our love and obedience?

“And the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’”  Luke 3:22

Today, would God say He is pleased with you? Would you say He is pleased with you? He wants to say that- and He is, if you have accepted Christ into your heart, life and soul. But there is more to that formula, isn’t there?

God said this at Jesus’ baptism, which at the time was only a cleansing act. Anytime a Jew felt they had sinned and were unclean, they went to be washed by baptism.  Today we must undergo mini baptisms and call upon the blood of Christ to wash us white as snow. How? Confession.

I recall a time that I had done something I should not have done. For the life of me I can’t remember what that deed was, but to this day I remember how horrible I felt. If I told my mother, I knew I’d be disciplined. I didn’t want that. I was afraid she’d find out because moms always do, so I pulled away from her and avoided her the rest of the day.  I barely spoke to her the next day.

Each hour the fear and anguish grew. She paid attention to my siblings but I’d walk away. I actually became jealous that they were in good with her when I was not. I began to think she didn’t love me as much as she loved them. I became the victim instead of the offender. I stewed and stewed until it all burst out in tears. Once I’d confessed, my relationship with my mother was restored. Only then did I learn how much I had hurt her, and myself.

Where are you with God? Are you afraid to go to Him and confess your sins in fear He might discipline you?  Do you pull away because you know He knows? Are you stewing in jealousy of others’ closer relationship with Him?  Do you cry out “Please God love me” forgetting it is you who pulled away?

Ever hear of getting back in good graces with someone? It means to restore your relationship with them so they will think of you in a favorable way – they are pleased to be in your company. Each night, before we close our eyes, we should wipe the slate clean with our Lord. It is a good time to touch base with Him, receive His forgiveness, discipline and loving embrace.

To get back in good graces with God, i.e. receive God’s mercy and grace, we must be the ones willing to come forward and be cleansed. Once we do, He will say to us as He said to Jesus, “You are my child. I am pleased with you.” His Spirit will once again rule in us and we will be thankful.

Question: Do you feel the need to earn God’s love?

“And so I am giving a new commandment to you now – love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are My disciples” John 13:34, 35

When Jesus spoke these words, the entire known world was filled with hate, war and fear. The Jews and the Gentiles hated each other. The Greeks and the Romans hated each other.

But with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the day of Pentecost came a breath of heavenly love. Those who received Jesus, the incarnation of love, into their lives and who chose to obey His command began to love one another. The pagan world looked on in amazement and said of the believers, “How they love one another!”

Within a few years following this command to love one another, the gospel had spread like a prairie fire throughout the known world. The miracle of God’s love, His supernatural agape, had captivated multitudes throughout the decadent, wicked Roman Empire.

Tragically, today one seldom hears “How they love one another!” about Christians. Instead there is far too much suspicion, jealousy, criticism and conflict between Christians, churches and denominations. The unbelieving world often laughs at our publicized conflicts.

But those individuals who do demonstrate this supernatural love are usually warmly received by nonbelievers as well as believers. The churches that obey our Lord’s command to “love one another” usually are filled to overflowing and are making a great impact for good and for the glory of God. They represent a highly desirable alternative to secular society.

How does one love supernaturally? By faith. God’s Word commands us to love (John 13:34,35). God’s Word promises that He will enable us to do what He commands us to do (John 5:14,15).

Question: How does one love supernaturally?

How do I live in God’s presence? How do I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and his inaudible voice in my ear? A sheep grows familiar with the voice of the shepherd. How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here are a few ideas:

Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step out of bed, step into his presence. I have a friend who makes it a habit to roll out of his bed onto his knees and begin his day in prayer. Personally, I don’t get that far. With my head still on the pillow and my eyes still closed, I offer God the first seconds of my day. The prayer is not lengthy and far from formal. Depending on how much sleep I got, it may not even be intelligible. Often it’s nothing more than “Thank you for a night’s rest. I belong to you today.”

Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with him in silence. The mature married couple has learned the treasure of shared silence; they don’t need to fill the air with constant chatter. Just being together is sufficient. Try being silent with God. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Awareness of God is a fruit of stillness before God.

Give God your whispering thoughts. Through the centuries Christians have learned the value of brief sentence prayers, prayers that can be whispered anywhere, in any setting.

Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God. By giving God your whispering thoughts, the common becomes uncommon. Simple phrases such as “Thank you, Father,” “Be sovereign in this hour, O Lord,” “You are my resting place, Jesus” can turn a commute into a pilgrimage. You needn’t leave your office or kneel in your kitchen. Just pray where you are. Let the kitchen become a cathedral or the classroom a chapel. Give God your whispering thoughts.

And last, give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God. Thank him for the good parts. Question him about the hard parts. Seek his mercy. Seek his strength. And as you close your eyes, take assurance in the promise: “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). If you fall asleep as you pray, don’t worry. What better place to doze off than in the arms of your Father.

From Just Like Jesus
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1998, 2001) Max Lucado
Used by permission

Questions: Have you given all you have over to God lately? What have you been holding back?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for August 17th, AM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.

“I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 (KJV)

Meditate on the mercy of the Lord.

It is tender mercy. With His gentle, loving touch, He heals broken hearts and wraps up wounds. He is not only gracious in what He provides, but also in the gracious manner He provides it.

It is great mercy. There is nothing little about God, and His mercy is like Himself: infinite. You can’t measure it. His mercy is so great that it forgives even the most terrible sins to the most terrible sinners, and then proceeds to give great favors and great privileges. His mercy raises gives us great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God.

It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be. Deserved mercy is only another name for justice, and we who are sinners have no right to the kind consideration of the Most High. As rebels, who were once doomed to the eternal fire we deserve, it is the sovereign love of God alone which saves us, for we have no such power ourselves.

It is rich mercy. God’s mercy is medicine to your sagging spirits; a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds; a heavenly bandage to your broken bones; a royal chariot for your weary feet.

It is diverse mercy. As Paul Bunyan said, “All the flowers in God’s garden are double.” There is no single mercy. You may think you have only one mercy, but you will find God’s mercy is multifaceted, reflecting and shining His glory.

It is plentiful mercy. Billions have received it, yet it is far from being exhausted. It is as fresh, as full, and as free as it has ever been.

And finally it is unfailing mercy. It will never leave you. If mercy is your friend, mercy will be with you in temptation. It will be with you in times of trouble to prevent you from sinking, with you to be the light and life of your life, and with you even in imminent death, to be the joy of your soul when earthly comfort is fading fast.

Question: As you meditate on how God has shown mercy to you, to whom that you know can you demonstrate mercy today in response?

Who would look at the cross of Christ and say, “Great work, Jesus. Sorry you couldn’t finish it, but I’ll take up the slack.”?

Dare we question the crowning work of God? Dare we think heaven needs our help in saving us? Legalism discounts God and in the process makes a mess out of us.

To anyone attempting to earn heaven, Paul asks, “How is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? ….What has happened to all your joy?” (Galatians 4:19, 15).

Legalism is joyless because legalism is endless. There is always another class to attend, person to teach, mouth to feed. Inmates incarcerated in self-salvation find work but never joy. How could they? They never know when they are finished. Legalism leaches joy.

Grace, however, dispenses peace. The Christian trusts a finished work.

Grace offers rest. Legalism never does. Then why do we embrace it? “Those who trust in themselves are foolish” (Proverbs 28:26, NCV). Why do we trust in ourselves? Why do we add to God’s finished work?

But the truth is, we don’t. If we think we do, we have missed the message. “What is left for us to brag about?” Paul wonders (Romans 3:27, CEV). What is there indeed? What have you contributed? Aside from your admission of utter decadence, I can’t think of a thing. “By his doing you are in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Salvation glorifies the Savior, not the saved.

Your salvation showcases God’s mercy. It makes nothing of your effort but everything of his. “I—yes, I alone—am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again” (Isaiah, 43:25, emphasis mine).

Can you add anything to this salvation? No. The work is finished.

Can you earn this salvation? No. Don’t dishonor God by trying.

Dare we boast about this salvation? By no means. The giver of bread, not the beggar, deserves praise. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).

It’s not about what we do; it’s all about what he does.

From It’s Not About Me
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, Inc, 2007) Max Lucado
Used by permission

Question: What is the only thing we can rightly boast about?