​Life can heat up in a hurry.
You and I know this all too well!
Stress. Pressure. Change. Challenges. Setbacks. Sudden illness. Financial reversals. Tests. Trials. Heartbreak. Loss. Misunderstanding. Conflict. Opposition. Suffering. Persecution. All these life events will raise the temperature of our emotions and our spirit, testing our resolve to respond with faith as God guides us through the fiery trials.
In the Bible, the Apostle Peter writes in I Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing as though some strange thing were happening to you, but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.
Peter’s word to Christians: fiery ordeals (trials) will come because you serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not be surprised when they show up. When your faith is tested by fire, rejoice because you are sharing in Jesus’ suffering. When the Lord is revealed in His glory, you will rejoice with extraordinary joy for having passed the fiery trials tests.
Peter’s bottom line: fiery trials test and purify our faith.
One of the most inspiring, uplifting and encouraging examples of trial by fire is found Daniel chapter 3. Here we are introduced to Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. I remember first learning about the faith of three young Hebrew men when I was a little boy in Sunday School. They were thrown in a fire pit because they refused to worship a false God.
My friend, if you need some zip in your faith, a boost in your spirit, an adjustment in your attitude or a bounce in your step, read the whole chapter. If you are like me, you will jump out of your chair and give praise to God for such tremendous, immovable, inspiring faith under fire.
Highlights of Daniel 3

• King Nebuchadnezzar, an evil king, erected a false idol and ordered all his subjects to fall down and worship the golden image. If not, a trip to a “blazing furnace of fire” awaits you.
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego said no thanks. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But even if He does not, let it be known to you O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up. “Daniel 3:16-18.

 
Their bold response: No way king. Our God will deliver us and if He does not, we will not fall down and serve your gods and worship your golden image.

• The enraged king, full of wrath, ordered the furnace to be turned up seven times hotter. The three defiant, faith-filled men were tied up and tossed into the blazing inferno. (Be sure to read verses 24-30 and chapter 4:1-3).
• Nebuchadnezzar peered into the pit and saw four men in the fire. One looked like a god. The surprised, confused king pulled them from the fire. The young men’s clothes were not burned, their hair was not singed, and they did not smell like smoke!
• Nebuchadnezzar’s response: “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego , who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the King’s command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God.” Daniel 3:28.
• The king acknowledges the God of the three young men. He is converted to the Jewish most High God. He makes a decree that no one will stand against the Hebrew God without penalty.

Oh my! Spiritual goose bumps are popping up all over me! What faith! Our God will deliver us, and even if He does not, we will not abandon our faith in Him.
Faith under fire, literal and spiritual, carried the day. The young men’s faith stand was a powerful witness to an unbelieving king and nation.
****God stood with Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego because they took a stand for Him.
How about you? How about me? When the heat is on will we take a stand boldly and firmly in faith for Jesus Christ? Will we trust in the Lord no matter how hot fiery trials become? Will we believe in Him even if His deliverance is not the way we think it should be?
I know I am searching my soul after reading about Shadrach, Meschah and Abed-nego’s faith. My faith could be tested like theirs in my lifetime. Jesus said His followers would be hated and persecuted for His name’s sake. Would I stand tall like the three Hebrews? I pray to God I would.
Life heating up? Turn up the thermostat of faith. Meet life’s trials head on with trust in the Lord.
“I am with you to deliver you says the Lord.” Jeremiah 1:8
“That the proof of your faith being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:7
A Word For Your Week: You and I can manage life’s heat because Jesus is with us.

​Tragedies happen.
A tragedy alters life. What was, no longer is, because something horrific has happened resulting in people’s lives being turned topsy-turvy, inside out and upside down.
Tragedies shock. Stun. Break hearts. Wrench guts. Crush spirits. Boggling minds. Tragic events shatter the peace, stability and security of our lives. A tragedy is a surprising, unwelcome event.
Heinous crimes, natural disasters, senseless accidents and unexpected death happen suddenly and are seldom, if ever, predictable. Tragedy catches us off guard and throws us into an emotional tailspin.
Sadly, tragic events occur every day and in many ways.
Media personalities sensationalize and dramatize tragedy to get the most bang out of their warped obsession with breaking news. Tragedy is no longer something that happened way over there. Human tragedy is up close and personal, in our face, whether we like it or not.
As a pastor for over forty years, I have witnessed and come alongside good, godly, precious people who have experienced unimaginable tragedies in their lives. Each time my heart has been shaken to its core. I have wept with those who were weeping. I have held those close who were stunned in disbelief. I have sympathetically listened to the anguishing emotional outbursts and the unanswered questions as to how this could have happened and why.
In the chaos of tragedy, I have done my best to ask the Lord what do the victims need most and how can I minister to them in Your name.
How should Christians respond to horrific tragedies that invade our and others lives? What do shocked people need in a personal crisis?
First, they do not need a sermon or pious platitudes that make you, the caregiver, feel better. They do not need to be ignored. They do not need to feel bad that they are emotionally upset. Do not try to answer the “why” questions. Do not feel you have to speak for God.
Secondly, they need people with caring hearts. Listening ears. A shoulder to cry on. A word of comfort. A word of assurance. A simple prayer for God’s assistance. They need to be asked what I may do for you and then you do it. They need to know that you will be there for them in the days ahead when the grief will be heaviest.
When the Lord put this topic on my heart to write about, the Holy Spirit directed me to II Corinthians 1:3-4.
“Blessed be the Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our affliction that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
The context of verses 1-10 is dealing with suffering, depression and even despair. Paul lined out a comforting process in verses 3-4.

1. God is a God of mercy and comfort. His great love for us moves Him to extend mercy and comfort to those who are hurting when tragedy strikes.
2.  God comforts Christians (you and me) in all our suffering. I am so thankful that my Father in heaven comforts me when I need comforted. His comfort is comfort indeed.
3. God comforts you and me so we can comfort others with the comfort we have received from Him. God is THE BIG Comforter and Christians are LITTLE COMFORTERS.

In John 14:7-15 Jesus told His disciples He would send another Comforter, a Helper, the Holy Spirit when He returned to heaven. The word Comforter means “one who comes alongside to help.” Spirit-filled believers can comfort people hurt by tragedy by coming alongside and sharing the love and comfort of Christ with them.
Tragedies are opportunities for Christians to comfort hurting people with God’s comfort.
When I was called upon in emergency situations, as I drove to the scene of the tragedy or the hospital, I prayed my socks off! With all the faith I could muster up, I called upon my Heavenly Father to send the Holy Spirit right now to comfort these hurting, devastated people. Lord, please fill me with your Spirit that I may love them with Your love to minister to their needs compassionately and wisely.
The Lord always came through in timely, wonderful ways to comfort those who needed comfort. Isaiah 53:3 says of the Messiah, (Jesus) He would be “A Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” Jesus knew sorrow and grief, therefore, He can understand and minister to those sorrowing and grieving.
When tragedy strikes your life, a loved one’s life, or the lives of people you know, do not shrink back from helping because you feel inadequate or ill-equipped. God will use you just as you are to be a conduit of His love.
Listen with your heart to a person’s hurt.
My friend, do you know someone who has experienced a tragedy? Pray for them. Ask the Lord how you can be a minister of God’s love, comfort, mercy, peace, strength, encouragement and hope. Serve them in whatever they need in Jesus’ name.
Tragedy does not have to triumph when we trust God to heal our hearts and help us move forward with faith in His goodness and faithfulness in times of difficulty.
“This is my comfort in my affliction that Your Word has revived me.” Psalm 119:50        
  A Word For Your Week: When tragedy strikes ask Jesus to comfort the hearts of those affected.

​(Author’s note: I first wrote this piece in 2010.)
 
It is always time to pray. Especially on the heels of our Independence Day celebration.
 
Now my friends is the time to pray for our nation.
 
America is on the fast track to destruction. Our moral train has derailed. Moral and spiritual erosion is leading to a national implosion of a country once known for its lofty standards of moral virtue, spiritual stability, resilient strength and indomitable courage because our Founding Fathers founded our Constitution upon Christian truth and biblical principles.
 
 A tsunami of anti-Christian and anti-Constitution sentiment is subtly yet swiftly sweeping over “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”  
 
Our verse for this week is an incredible promise from God.
 
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. “II Chronicles 7:14
 
It is a proposed. An if, then conditional invitation. In other words, if we meet certain conditions, God will do something on our behalf.
 
The “If” is our part. Our part as Christian people is to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. The “Then” is God’s part. God’s part is to hear from heaven, forgive our sin and heal our land.
 
Instead of complaining and whining, Christians should be on their faces worshipping, weeping, waiting and calling upon the Lord to heal our land and save us from destruction.
 
 Are we too proud to pray? What ever happened to humility? Are we too comfortable to turn from our wickedness? Has complacency and compromise rocked us to sleep spiritually? Are we too ashamed to seek God’s face? Are we embarrassed and think our Heavenly Father is all out of mercy and grace? Have we become so sin-tolerant that we have forgotten what it cost our Savior to save us from sin?
 
Do we really think that our nation can heal itself? Can man save himself from sin? The answer is a resounding no! That is why we must pray. Elections are not the magical, medicinal elixir we need. Economic upturn is not the cure for our national ills. Seeking the face of God for personal revival and renewal is.
 
It Is Time To Pray for the United States of America….
 
            …. When the One True Living God of the Bible is blasphemously mocked; His faithful followers are openly and shamelessly ridiculed, belittled, derided and marginalized while our biblical roots are savagely and gleefully uprooted in the name of humanism, secularism and religious diversity.
 
            …. When a nation chooses death over life, leaving unborn babies unmercifully unprotected in their mother’s womb.
 
            …. When perverse, abominable sexual immorality is promoted, flaunted and accepted as the new normal and sexual predators are granted license to stalk the land and steal our children’s purity and innocence.
 
            …. When political correctness is extolled as worthy of worship while common sense wisdom established by our Creator is disdained and those who propose it are demonized.
 
            …. When our Constitution is pillaged and ransacked by arrogant, ego-centered, self-absorbed elitists whose fundamental goal is the transformation and ultimate destruction of all that is godly, moral, decent and socially redeeming.
 
            …. When the innocent and poor are exploited by power mongers who deceive unsuspecting people into believing that the anointed ones are their deliverers and saviors.
 
            …. When greed runs rampant, and money and materialism replace “In God We Trust.”
            …. When comfort, convenience, and complacency supersede commitment, character and courage.
 
            …. When avowed, bloodthirsty enemies of the United States who are committed with demonic zeal to the complete annihilation of our nation as we have known it are admitted, welcomed and accommodated in the name of chicken-hearted diplomacy.
 
            …. When good is called evil and evil is called good. When right is wrong and wrong is right. When indecency supplants decency. When rudeness, crudeness, crassness, prejudice and hatred is the order of the day. ……….. IT IS TIME TO PRAY!
 
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray…” is the paramount issue of our day.
 
If we are not praying, we are playing. If we are not seeking God to revive America spiritually and morally, we will continue to sink into a stinking abyss of moral destruction from within from which we will never recover.
 
Pray or perish is our choice.
 
As a Christian who loves the Lord Jesus Christ and this great nation that I am privileged to raise my family in, I implore you to join me in praying fervently for the salvation of our nation before it is too late.
 
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
 
This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony borne at the proper time.”                                                 I Timothy 2:1-6
 
A Word For Your Week: Pray now or pay later.

​Life can be draining. Stress can weigh us down.
 
Spiritual, emotional, and physical energy levels run low from time to time, needing a boost.
 
Jesus knew that. The Lord understood living in a fallen, sinful world would drain the souls of men. Compassionate and sympathetic to our plight, He graciously provided the way for us to be redeemed and regularly renewed.
 
In John 12:32 Jesus foretold the type of death He would die. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Myself.” The audience He addressed knew being “lifted up from the earth” meant crucifixion. Jesus’ agonizingly painful, sacrificial death on the uplifted Cross reveals His great love for us.
 
In dying there is drawing. The Cross is a magnet for our souls. Love at Golgotha draws us to the very heart of God.
 
Obviously, salvation is the first priority of Jesus drawing all men to Himself. He died to save us. Jesus is the focus of this life-changing truth. Note the emphasis in the Lord’s words on Himself. He uses personal pronouns three times. He, being lifted up above the earth on a cruel wooden Cross, is the agent of salvation. His promise is clear: “I will draw all men unto Myself.”
 
Thank God His death was followed and vindicated by a glorious resurrection three days later! (Matthew 28)
 
In resurrection there is renewal. Resurrection provides renewal and restoration for weary believers. When life needs a lift, the uplifted, Resurrected One draws men to Himself, renewing them with His resurrection life and power. Resurrection power flowing through Jesus’ glorified body draws us to the renewing and restoring energy of the Holy Spirit.
 
When we feel drained, we need to draw near to Jesus. James 4:8a reads “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Through dying on the Cross, Jesus draws men to Himself. Through faith in Him, we draw near to God.
           
Life gets a lift when we look to Jesus who was lifted up.
 
Three Steps To Giving Life A Lift
1. Take your eyes off your problem. Spinning our wheels trying to solve our problems by ourselves drains energy. Turn negative energy into positive energy by looking to the PROBLEM SOLVER. His name is Jesus.
 
 Stop focusing on what ails you. Start focusing on the One who prevailed for you! Jesus Christ is the answer to every challenge you or I will ever face.
 
2. Lift your eyes to see Jesus. Believers look to Jesus and are saved. Hebrews 12:2a exhorts us to keep “Looking (fixing your eyes) unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” Why? Because life drains us and we need our faith revved up on a regular basis.
           
The Lord is not finished with you and me. The Cross is indeed a done deal. But Christian maturity and perfection in Christ is an ongoing process. The redeeming and renewing power of Christ’s death on the Cross lasts eternally. By faith, we can draw upon Him daily to find relief and be renewed from life’s drain.
 
3. Lift up the name of Jesus. Looking for a surefire way to get out of the dumps and lift life to another level? LIFT UP JESUS! Lift Him up through personal praise. Lift Him up through sharing your faith with unbelievers. Lift Him up through serving others in His name.
 
Lift somebody else up and you will be uplifted. Focus your heart on the harvest of souls that is ripe for the taking. Lift up the uplifted Christ to people in your life….and He will draw them to Himself!
 
Jesus is our load lifter.
 
I do not know what load or loads you might be carrying today. They may be light or could be very heavy. You know what they are. You have tried to lift the load by yourself. The load is still pressing in on you and stressing you out. Take a moment right now. Look to Jesus. Surrender the load to Him. Let the load go into the hands of the One who was lifted up for you.
 
When life needs a lift, remember to look to Jesus who died for you and rose again that you might have abundant and eternal life. This glorious truth is a life lifter!
 
“Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; for you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light.”                  Matthew 11:28-30
 
A Word For Your Week. Life’s load lifts when we lift up Jesus Christ.

​Today’s thoughts come from the depth of my heart.
I am speaking for myself and hopefully many others who feel the way I do.
I love my country.
I am a red, white, and blue patriot through and through. I proudly served in our military. I hold dear the Constitution of the United States, Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights that clearly lay out the freedoms and principles our nation has stood and fought for nearly two hundred and fifty years.
I am seventy years old. I have witnessed our nation soar to astronomical heights of glory as a bright light, a shining example to the world of how a Bible-based Christian nation can bless humanity. I have also witnessed a frightening, free falling, perilous, shameful ever-darkening descent into evil by a man-based, secular society that rejects the Word of God and all things holy, sacred, truthful, moral, pure and decent.
My spirit is saddened and deeply grieved as I peer across our moral landscape. Satan, enemy of our souls, is winning in many quarters.
I have asked the Lord what can I do to influence my country to return to its Judeo-Christian roots?
The Holy Spirit has directed me to continue to pray, intercede, stand in the gap for America as I have done for fifty years. I sense an urgency to be more fervent than ever before.
Two scriptures are and have been on my heart for the United States.
“If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14.
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for their salvation.” Romans 10:1.
Note the verses are for the restoration of a nation.
The II Chronicles scripture is conditional. IF man does his part, THEN God will do His part. The Lord is ready to hear, forgive, and heal our land. First, we must humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways.
I believe Satan and hell trembles when Christians pray. Heaven goes to bat on behalf of those who pray.
Oswald Chambers wrote “The real business of your life as a saved soul is intercessory prayer.”
Prayer should always be the Christian’s first resort, not the last. Intercession, standing in the gap for individuals and our nation is the most important thing you and I can do.
I am not calling for a prayer meeting. I am calling for individual Christians to intercede for our nation regularly with fervent faith for spiritual revival in our land.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray for America every day as part of your daily devotions. Ask God to forgive us of our sins. Weep for precious souls who have lost their way. Pray for the Lord to watch over our nation and deliver us from opportunistic enemies who would take advantage of our moral weakness.
Stand in the gap for those who walk in spiritual darkness.
Pray that their blind eyes will be opened to see the light of Jesus Christ who is the Savior of the world. Ask God to heal the brokenness in our nation’s heart and restore America to love, serve and obey our Creator and Redeemer.
The church corporately must pray for the restoration of our nation. When is the last time your local church prayed for America? God’s people must fall to their knees and seek the Lord. There is tremendous power when believers gather to pray for each other and our nation. Never forget, where two or three are gathered, Jesus is there!
What To Pray For

• A repentant return to righteousness as revealed in the Bible.
• A recognition, reverence and obedience to Almighty God.
• Protection of the innocent and helpless from the womb to the tomb.
• Moral integrity to be the rule, not the exception, in our conduct.
• Return to sexual purity in our relationships according to biblical standards.
• Respect and support for lawful authority and law enforcement.
• Integrity, accountability, honesty and transparency at every level of leadership across our nation.
• Cessation of prejudice and hatred for others because they are different.
• The church of Jesus Christ to make winning lost souls its top priority.

Almighty God hears and answers our prayers. Faithful, fervent, expectant prayer in the name of Jesus really does change things!
Join with me daily to pray for the people of the United States of America to humble themselves and turn to the Lord.
For the sake of our people, our children, and our grandchildren pray fervently to the Lord to spare America and restore our nation.
Revival and renewal through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is our only hope.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
 A Word For Your Week: Pray for America before it is too late.

​A spirit of fear is swiftly sweeping across humanity.
Worry, anxiety, fearfulness and paranoia exist in many people who are mistakenly looking to men to be their saviors. Fearful folk’s “faith” and “trust” in mere mortals is terribly misplaced. The last time I checked in the Bible no man is the Messiah.
 Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, is.
If you do not think people are fearful, take a look at Facebook. People’s comments are heavily laden with fearful thoughts, words and concerns. Even some professing Christians confess their fears about the present situation and the future instead of speaking words of faith in God.
You name it, people fear it.
Fear of the economy. Fear of dictatorial leadership. Fear of disease. Fear of supply line shortages. Fear of civil unrest. Fear of terrorists. Fear of world events. Fear of war. Manmade and man-managed things can be scary and often terrify people. Media outlets excel in selling fear when reporting agenda driven, breaking news.
So, what are godly, good, righteous people to do while living in an emotionally charged atmosphere of fear?
The writer of Hebrews helps us out.
“For He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” So that we confidently say” The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and yes forever.” Hebrews 5b,6,8.
Here is how God wants you and me to manage fear when it stalks us and seeks to cripple our faith in Christ.

1. Almighty God cannot and will never desert or forsake you and me. My friends, it is not in our Heavenly Father’s character to take a hike on His sons and daughters. Not possible. People will desert, abandon, forsake and leave us on the side of life’s road. God never will because He says He never will!
2. Because God will never take a hike on us in this fearful world, you and I can be confident in our faith. We can declare without reservation He is our helper. So, if God is with us and helping us, what can itty-bitty, helpless, little men do to us? Chew on that thought for a while.
3. Jesus can be counted on to be Jesus every day of our life. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He was yesterday, is today, will be tomorrow and for eternity. Wow! What man can stand against the Lamb of God who has taken away the sin of the world?

Jesus is unchanging. He is who He says He is, does what He says He will do now and forever. That is that!!! You and I can take that to our spiritual bank!
No need to fear. GOD SAYS SO!
Why would a born-again, Spirit-filled follower of Jesus Christ fear any man or anything when God will not forsake, desert or fail us, the Kingdom of God cannot be shaken, and Jesus is the same every day in our life?
Let’s Get Real
I have asked these questions of myself and pose them to you.

• Do you really believe God cannot and will never forsake or fail you?
• Do you really believe the Kingdom of God is unshakable and immovable?
• Do you really believe there is nothing any man can do to harm you?
• Do you really believe Jesus is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow?
• Do you really believe that God is for you, with you, and working on your behalf?
• What are you going to do the next time the spirit of fear invades your space?

With the help of the Holy Spirit I will do my best to do the above and I hope you will choose to do the same.
You and I will be tempted to fear. When apprehension and anxiety strike, strike back with faith. Be courageous. Confident. Determined. Kick fear in the britches! Christian faith is the antidote to fear. Belief in Christ Jesus the Lord produces peace and power that will send fear packing down the road!
Bottom line: No need to fear because Jesus is near. The Lord will always be here for all who choose to trust in Him.
Do you trust Him today to deliver you from any and all fear?
“I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
“In God, whose word I praise, in God, I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid, what can man do to me?” Psalm 56:4
“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life, whom shall I dread?” Psalm 27:1  
A Word For Your Week: No need to fear man when you fear, reverence, respect, obey, rejoice and trust God.

​Everything in life costs something.
Sorry folks, there is no such a thing as a free lunch!
Free sounds wonderful. But the only free thing in life is the free gift of salvation in Christ. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23. Eternal life is absolutely free to you and me though it cost Jesus everything. The price for our sin was Christ’s death on the Cross.
The Son of God counted the cost before He voluntarily died on a cruel Roman Cross.
Jesus did not shrink back from the immense, unimaginable suffering He would experience in becoming sin for you and me. He knew it would cost Him His earthly life. In the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) Jesus counted the cost of the Cross, then decided “Not my will, but Yours be done Father.”
Jesus left the garden, headed to Golgotha and before He breathed His last breath cried out “It is finished.


What was finished? Salvation for you, me and all who choose to believe in Jesus was paid for in full. God’s only Son, counted the cost, paid the price and sits at the right hand of the Father waiting to return for His bride the church!
Jesus taught a powerful truth about counting the cost in Luke 14:27-30.
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying “the man began to build and was not able to finish.”  
Jesus is a master of illustration. Picture a man (could be you or me) desiring to build a building. Great idea. Obviously it will come with a price tag. It will cost a lot of money. So, the man sits down to run the numbers. Before constructing the building he must be confident that he has enough finances to complete the project.
If he builds without enough money to finish the building, people will ridicule, mock, point fingers, make fun of him and never hire this guy to build a building for them. What a fool some might say. He built a building he could not finish.
Jesus’ point of the parable: Count the cost so you can finish what you start.
Discipleship, following Jesus Christ, is costly. The price tag is my full surrender to the Lord.
“And He was saying to them all ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
The Christian life is a faith race that is to be run daily and to be finished. (II Timothy 4:6-8)
There are professing Christians who start well, but do not finish well. They fail to understand that to follow Christ they must die daily to themselves and be fully committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Immature Christians attempt to build a building without paying the freight!
Self-denial. Surrender. Self-sacrifice. Counting the cost always includes a cross.
Counting the cost for Christ means:

• Are you willing to pay the price of dying to self and living for Jesus?
• Are you willing to pick up your cross, whatever that may be, and follow Jesus every single day?
• Are you willing to pay the price for taking a bold stand for Jesus Christ?
• Are you willing to pay the price for being ostracized from a politically correct culture?
• Are you willing to pay the price of losing some “friends” because of your beliefs?
• Are you willing to pay the price to serve the Lord if it means standing alone?
• Are you willing to pay the price for your faith if the whole world shouts you down?
• Are you willing to pay the price every day of your faith walk with the Lord?
• Are you willing to pay the price for Jesus if it means suffering and maybe losing your life for Him?

Jesus counted the cost and paid the price for you and me when He died on the Cross. Certainly, if we say we love the Lord, we can count the cost and pay the price for Jesus by taking up our cross and faithfully following Him.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, willingly and joyfully pay the price of serving the Lord who paid the ultimate price for you.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20
A Word For Your Week: Count and pay the cost of being a faithful follower of Jesus.

​Does God love you and me no matter what is going on in our lives?
Without a doubt, I believe He does!
How do I know? Romans 8:31-39 tells me so.
Here is a simple synopsis/summary of Paul’s thoughts in this beloved, biblical passage.
VERSE 31. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” could be translated if God is for me, everybody else might as well be! Amen to that!
VERSE 32. God loved us so much that He did not spare His only Son. No matter what is going on in our life, He freely gives you and me all things because He did not withhold His Son Jesus.
VERSES 33-34. Jesus died, is risen from the dead, seated at the right hand of God and intercedes (prays) for you and me. Jesus loves us and prays for us. What a prayer partner we have in Jesus!
VERSES 35-36. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” No matter if tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword, or if Christ’s followers are like sheep to be slaughtered (not a good thought) none of these things will separate us from Jesus’ love!
VERSES 37-39. “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Jesus’ love causes us to be super-duper conquerors, victors, champions no matter what happens in life. You and I always win and win big in Him!
Paul personally declared “I am convinced, persuaded, that neither death or life, or angels, or principalities, or things present, or things to come, or powers, or height, or depth or any other created things SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.”
Did you catch what Paul said in this passage? The apostle of grace was convinced that God is for us. God is with us. God takes care of us. Nothing, absolutely nothing, no matter what happens in life, can separate us from God’s love.
John tells in I John 4:16 “GOD IS LOVE.” One word, love, describes the nature and character of God. He loves because He is love. Our Father in heaven loves us period! No conditions or circumstances in life can separate you and me from His love. That is good news!
God’s love is a “no matter what” proposition. His love is unconditional. “No matter what” means whatever circumstances we may face, God’s love is inseparable to us. Constant. Ever present. Ever reaching. The same. Always ministering to our needs.
Jeremiah writes “The Lord appeared to Him from far away, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jeremiah 31:3. Everlasting, never ending love from God, even when we feel He is far away, is His promise to us. The Lord  draws us to His heart of love no matter what is happening at the time in our life.
Oswald Chambers wrote “An extraordinary thing happens to a man who holds on to the love of God when the odds are all against God’s character. Logic is silenced in the face of every one of these things (Romans 8:31-39). Only one thing can account for it, the love of God in Christ Jesus.”  
So, what are you going to do when “no matter what” comes knocking on your door?
May I suggest the following.

• Read Romans 8:31-39. Meditate upon it. Confess it over your circumstances. God’s Word is powerful and will send doubt down the road.
• Keep the door of your heart locked. Do not let anything that tempts you to doubt God’s love for you to trouble your heart, mind or spirit.
• Tell your negative circumstance to go away. Rebuke and reject them. In the name of Jesus, back off, get off the porch of my heart. Be gone right now and do not come back!
• Rejoice in the Lord! Give Him thanks for His overwhelming, overcoming love for you in your no matter what situation.
• Tell someone about God’s unconditional love. Especially a person who is going through a difficult time in their life. Encourage them with the victory you have in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What could you or me be facing today that could in anyway separate, alienate, or cut us off from God’s love in Christ? According to God’s Word, the truth, nothing!
Nothing includes stumbling, fumbling life’s ball, tumbling because of sin, setbacks, failures, disappointments, embarrassment, guilt, shame and any other “no matter what” thing we may experience in our personal life, God’s love has us covered. I love what Peter says about love in I Peter 4:8 “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Love covers (never is a cover-up) because it is God’s love.  
Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate you and me from the love of God in Christ Jesus!!!!!!
Are you personally persuaded like Paul that absolutely nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ?
“I love Thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:1-3
A Word For Your Week: “No matter what” God loves you, yes you, today!

​January 9, 1973. I enlisted in the United States Navy.
I spent four years as a Hospital Corpsman, caring for the medical needs of sailors and Marines during the Viet Nam war. -
First stop of my all expenses paid journey with Uncle Sam: boot camp. The Naval Training Center was in San Diego, California. Upon arrival, I and other fresh recruits were unceremoniously welcomed by a meaner-than-a- snake, screaming at the top of his lungs drill sergeant, calling us things I cannot repeat here!
Civilian clothes were quickly confiscated. 1960-70’s style mustaches, beards, long hair and anything else that looked hippy-ish was shaved off. Bald as a billiard ball and in shock, I and my new GI buddies looked like aliens from a galaxy far, far away!
Then, accompanied by more yelling about our mothers, each of us were assigned guard duty. Our names were put on a watch list for two hour shifts in the middle of the night on a watchtower. Intimidated to the max by our new “mother” I and my shocked wanna-be-sailors wondered what in the world are we going to guard?
San Diego of course. Boot camp for sure. Really? Me, with a fake rifle, was going to hold off an enemy invasion? Who in the world would want to conquer boot camp anyway? I remember thinking as I walked around watching for the enemy from my watchtower post, struggling to stay awake, “What is the purpose of this exercise?
Military. Guard duty. Watchtowers. Being on watch is vital to security. New recruits like me ts could very well be in a warzone soon. Vietnam was still a raging, dangerous battle zone. Right up front we learned the importance of being watchmen on watch towers. Watching. Observing. Guarding. Warning the troops if the enemy was preparing to attack.
A soldier on guard duty is protecting himself, fellow soldiers, his country and his loved ones from enemies. Guard duty, being on watch, is not just about the individual soldier. It is about standing guard against evil that seeks to destroy everything the soldier on guard duty holds dear.
In the service, if a soldier slept on guard duty, he could face the death penalty. Staying awake on watch to keep fellow soldiers safe was not taken lightly.
Biblically, Christians are watchmen on watch towers, on guard duty, looking out for themselves and the people they love.
So, what are Christians watching for, guarding?
Peter helps us out. He writes in I Peter 5:8-9 “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert (guard duty). Your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”
Note Peter says to be” firm in your faith.” Faith in Christ is always under assault. Believers in Jesus are to be on constant, vigilant alert from attacks of the devil who is a murderous, lying thief who steals, kills and destroys. Satan is the chief foe of our faith. His strategy is to convince Christians to stop believing in Jesus and to keep non-Christians from coming to Christ.
Observations from I Peter 5:8-9

1. Stay sober in spirit. Do not be intoxicated with a spirit of unbelief or doubt.
2. Be on the alert. Wide awake. Watchful. No sleeping on spiritual guard duty!
3. Watch out for the devil. He prowls about like a roaring, stalking lion. Satan is always on the prowl to take out non-Christians and Christians.
4. Satan seeks someone to devour. Do not be devourable. Stay close to the Lord. Put your spiritual armor on every day (Ephesians 6:10-20).
5. Resist the evil one. When you see the enemy of your soul coming, RESIST! James 4:7 “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
6. Be bold in your belief. Stand firm, immovable in faith. Do not be shaken. Watch for the enemy and repel him with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who has conquered the devil!
7. Never forget other brothers and sisters in Christ are under attack and suffering for the Lord. Pray for them. Be an example for them to take courage from in the faith fight.

My friends and fellow followers of Jesus, be a watchman at your post. Watch as you intercede for others. Watch as you study and confess the Word. Watch as you endure attacks. Watch to help Christians who need a faith boost. Watch for revival to come to the church, America and the world. Watch with expectation for the glorious coming of the Lord!!!!  
When you and I became a Christian we enlisted in the Lord’s army (II Timothy 2:1-4). Jesus is our Commander in Chief. You signed for as a watchman in God’s Kingdom. Are you alert spiritually? Obeying God’s orders? On guard duty? Watching and warning?
Whatever it takes, never drop your spiritual guard. Remain awake and alert at your faith post.
Be a spiritual watchman on the watch tower for yourself, your loved ones, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and people you would like to lead to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
Watch. Warn. Win in the name of Jesus!
 
“Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth, and give them warning from Me.” Ezekiel 33:7
“The Lord is faithful and He will keep you, strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” II Thessalonians 3:3
A Word For Your Week: Watch for God who watches over you and your loved ones.

​Get ready.
A familiar phrase you and I use when preparing for life events.
Ready means being prepared for what is going to happen. Readiness is an important, indispensable key to success in life. People who are ready for life reap its richest rewards. People who are not ready, well, you get the picture.
Matthew 26:36-56 records Jesus and His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, a pivotal point in Christ’s life and ministry. Read and meditate on this sacred passage of scripture. I will list key phrases of the Lord and make comments.
“The He said to them “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and watch with Me.” (Verse 38)
“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Verse39).
“And He cane to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said “So you could not watch with Me for one hour?” (Verse 40).
“Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Verse 41).
“Then He came to the disciples and said to them “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?” Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. (Verse 45).
“Arise let us be going, the one who betrays me is at hand.” (Verse 46).
I read this passage with deep, inexpressible emotions in my heart for Jesus and the disciples.
When the Lord needed the support, love, prayers and watchfulness the most, His followers went to sleep. Asleep at their most important post.
Jesus agonized about His coming death. Deeply grieved He sweat drops of blood. Three times He asked the Father if the cup of suffering could pass. Three times the Son of God surrendered His will to the Father’s will.
Three times He sought the support of His closest followers who were nodding off when they should have been lifting their Master up to the Father. The words “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?” and “So could you not watch with Me for one hour?” haunt my soul.
I call you My friends. I loved, cared for, ministered, taught and endured You for three whole years. I am all alone. Need your support. You cannot stand watch with Me for one single hour? Sixty minutes as I prepare to be crucified on the Cross? That phrase rips my heart.
Jesus said let us get up and get going boys (my paraphrase).
Jesus left the Garden of Gethsemane prepared, ready for the Cross. The disciples left the Garden unprepared, not ready for the Cross and what would follow. As Jesus walked toward the Cross, the disciples walked away from it.
Peter cut off a guy’s ear. The disciples fled and hid out when Jesus was crucified. Christ’s closest followers feared for their lives. Only John the beloved showed up at the Cross.
When the hour came for Jesus to be taken away and nailed to a cruel Roman Cross, the disciples were nowhere to be found. What if they had watched and prayed? Just asking.
Rest was more important to them then readiness. Initially they failed because their faith was not ready. Sleepy faith. Read the book of Acts to see what they learned about watching, praying and putting their faith in the Lord. With the power of the resurrected Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, they turned their world upside down!
Christian Readiness

• Wait on the Lord regularly. Get away and alone to your secret place to be with Jesus. Be still. Silent. Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 30:21)
• Read. Study. Meditate on the Word of God. Daily devotional reading prepares you for the day ahead. (Joshua 1:8-9, II Timothy 2:15).
• Put on your spiritual armor every single day. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
• Obey the Lord. Whatever Jesus tells you to do, do it! (John 2:1-11).
• Attend church services regularly. The fellowship of believers keeps us encouraged as we await the Lord’s glorious return! (Hebrews 10:23-25).
• Share your faith with other believers who need encouraged. Be like Barnabas! (Son of encouragement) (Acts 4:36).
• Praise the Lord! Give God thanks! Rejoice in His goodness to you every single day! (Philippians 4:4).

Readiness is a key factor in triumphing over life’s trials.
As Christ’s followers, let us watch and pray for we know from experience our spirit is wiling but our flesh is weak. I pray you and I will not let the Lord down by spiritually sleeping when we should be awake, alert, watching and praying.
May the Lord not find you and me sleeping when we should be watching and praying for His glorious return!
“Awake sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 4:14
 A Word For Your Week: Faith must be ready for what lies ahead.