How We Learn to Pray – Pt. 2

Some of us regard prayer as a mystical activity beyond our capability and reach – a unique gifting which GOD dispenses to special people, like pastors and a few chosen saints. We seek out these people when we have a need for prayer since we think that they alone are capable and GOD listens only to these chosen few. Not so!

JESUS, the GOD MAN prayed; He also encouraged His disciples to pray frequently (Luke 18:1, 21:36). The Apostle Paul’s most urgent instruction to Churches and congregations of his time was that they pray always and continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2). 

All GOD’s children must pray. We must learn to pray for our own personal concerns as well as for those of others – like JESUS did and as GOD’s WORD commands us to do.

“….pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16

Our good and faithful Father never asks us to do something and then leave us ill-equipped to do it. As He tells us His will for our lives, He simultaneously gives us tools to perform it. We overcome our prayer-shyness and intimidation by using what we already have – GOD's WORD. This is how we will build confidence in our prayers and know that we are making sense when we pray.

“The best we can say to God in prayer, is what He has said to us.” – Matthew Henry. 

The following are but a few of the verses in GOD’s WORD that speak to and about prayer, and the prayer life a child of GOD ought to have:

• …if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins…2 Chronicles 7:14
• “….when you pray, I will listen.” Jeremiah 29:12
• And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14
• And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:15
•  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18
• Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. James 5:13
• “….you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
• “I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:44
• “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41
• I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Psalm 17:6
• He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas. Psalm 102:17
• Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12
• Answer me when I call to you, O God…. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1
• The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29
• One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.  Luke 18:1
• ….we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us…. Romans 8:26
• Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
• Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2
• pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 1 Timothy 2:8

Meditation on these verses will acquaint us with what GOD’s WORD says about prayer, praying and the power of prayer!  But how exactly do we use them in prayer?

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Abba Father, YOU are our LORD and KING, Our GOD Holy and Righteous.  We are so grateful that YOU always provide exactly what we need, so we can do your will. Teach that when we pray we draw closer to you and you draw closer to us. Remind us that YOUR chief desire for us is that we make delight in YOU and glorify your NAME. So Father, may we never seek our own desires but humble ourselves before YOU and allow YOU to lift us up in honor. Remind us that we need not be anxious about our needs since you know them all before we even speak them, so we cast our cares on YOU with confidence, knowing that YOU care about everything that concerns us.  To YOU belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ our LORD, the NAME above all names. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

How We Learn to Pray – Pt. 1

You may as soon find a living man who does not breathe, as a living Christian who does not pray. 

This quote from well-known Bible commentator and author Matthew Henry (1662 – 1714) is more than adequately supported by Scripture. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to,"Never stop praying."

A Bible search on prayer produces several dozen verse results that encourage us to pray. The Bible also records many instances of JESUS praying – since a child of GOD must imitate the life and behavior of CHRIST, we too must pray.

Prayer is the method by which God’s people communicate with Him. As with Bible reading, talking to GOD teaches us to love Him more, and recognize the positive impact of His favor on our lives – so our faith in Him grows.

We pray for our benefit –pray draws us closer to GOD and His power; prayer increases our knowledge of GOD and our intimacy with Him.

Many of us, however, find it hard to pray so we avoid it – this is unfortunate, since prayer is the thing that sustains us in times of crisis. We ought to first know how to pray during times of ease and prosperity so that when trouble comes, as it will, we are prepared. Then we ought to feel at home before GOD’s throne of mercy and grace and not estranged, inadequate, and fearful.

A child of GOD should never be fearful and uncertain before the Father, or worry about being rejected because of an undeveloped relationship due to lack of intimate prayerful fellowship. We ought to have an indisputable history with GOD by which we know Him as our Father in Heaven who loves us and would help us. Prayer-shyness should never be the thing that limits our knowledge of GOD’s will and our access to His amazing power, when we need it most. GOD is always available to us!

Many of us have interests and hobbies to which we devote a lot of time and energy. For example, we play musical instruments, run marathons, and make and design pottery and crafts. Things we have a passion for we educate ourselves about and practice to be the best at it. We also form relationships with people with similar interest.

Our prayer life deserves the same type of attention and passion as other life interests – even more so, since nothing ought to be of greater importance to a child of GOD than our relationship with our Creator.  Improving our prayer life requires the same dedicated approach and energy we expend on mastering our hobbies – education, practice, and relationships with like-minded people. 

First, education – learning what to say in prayer

Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.” Luke 11:2-4

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Father, you are LORD and KING, Holy and Righteous; YOU are CREATOR of the universe and the ONE true GOD – and YOU are available to your children whenever we need YOU. We thank you for the unbelievable gift of prayer and petition – the privilege of communicating directly and personally with the GOD of the universe. Thank you for confirming in YOUR WORD that we can approach YOU with confidence; that we may ask anything according to YOUR will, and YOU hear us; that since we know that YOU hear us—whatever we ask—we also know that we have what we ask for. ABBA, you tell us, in no uncertain terms, that YOU love us and will help us in time of need. We praise YOUR wonderful NAME! We acknowledge that to YOU belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ our LORD, the NAME above all names. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Serving in Peace Versus Preoccupation – Conclusion

Much has changed in the two thousand years since the events recorded in the Gospels about Martha and Mary. However, our God and Father is the same GOD today as He was then and His desires for His children – that we honor and believe in the finished work of His SON; that we own and live in the fullness of life and power that comes from HIM – are the same today as they were then. 

God does not change.

To ensure that we are never deprived of  His goodness and favor for living and service, the Father gave us the WORD and the Holy Spirit to enlighten us through it. By meditating on it and putting it into practice daily, we will learn what the LORD requires of us as we live and serve His people – how to do His will with joy and gladness. 

We will be able to serve in a posture of peace, with JESUS always beside us and not off on the sidelines somewhere for an occasional notice every now and then; and we do all things to the glory of God the Father.

Know that any confusion or disorder in our lives is not of GOD.   

• For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Ask GOD for help and guidance in everything – we do not depend solely on our feelings and intellect. Feelings are not reality and can deceive us into making bad decisions.

• ….do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take….Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-8
• O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Psalm 71:1

GOD designed each of us uniquely and for a specific purpose; we must ask Him what His plan is for us and work towards perfecting that. Outside our designed purpose we are less likely to enjoy what we do.

• You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. Psalm 119:73
• You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16

Pride and selfish gain ought not to be our motive in serving GOD’s people; GOD alone must get glory from our service and He does not share with anyone. We should be grateful and humble that we have been chosen to serve.

• I will break your proud spirit by making the skies as unyielding as iron and the earth as hard as bronze. All your work will be for nothing, for your land will yield no crops, and your trees will bear no fruit. Leviticus 26:19-20
• Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Our work should never be more important to us than the Creator who gives us work and strength to work.

• All craftsmen who make idols will be humiliated. They will all be disgraced together. Isaiah 45:16
• Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle… Psalm 144:1
• God is our refuge and strength.. Psalm 46:1
• The Lord gives his people strength. Psalm 28:8

Fear and intimidation causes undue anxiety and stress. We have no reason to fear – GOD is with us always, we are never alone.

• For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
• “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
• Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Abba Father, we thank you that all your promises are yes and amen! We have YOUR gift of peace and fullness of life, and YOUR steadfast love and mercy is always within reach. YOU are our FATHER and our GOD who say to us, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” and in that we rest in perfect peace. You are for us and not against us; you give us a future and a hope; with you on our side we have victory, power and life everlasting. To YOU alone belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ our LORD, the NAME above all names. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Serving in Peace Versus Preoccupation – Pt. 3

The WORD of God commands GOD’s children to do everything in life heartily and with joy. 

Whether we are working at our jobs, in our homes, doing church ministries or on the mission fields, without exception, our attitude ought to suggest to any observer that we are working for or serving the LORD JESUS CHRIST Himself.

  

The Message Bible (MSG) translation of Philippians 2: 14-16 reads: Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.

Grumbling, complaining, peevishness, fretfulness, resentments, irritation, anxiety, frustration and other like attitudes that define our daily lifestyle are sinful and unacceptable behaviors for a child of God. Our role in the Kingdom of God is similar to that of a country’s ambassador – the definition of which is: a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by a government to represent it on a temporary mission, an authorized messenger or representative (Dictionary.com).

We are the Father’s “highest” ranking, best qualified agents on temporary assignment here on earth with a mission to take the message of hope, peace, and love to the world, exactly as the Father and Son equipped us to do: 

• Be living proof that John 3:16-17 is a light-giving Message – flesh and blood evidence to the world that what the invisible GOD has done through His Son wasn’t for nothing. Any behaviors, values and attitudes on our part that do not exactly mirror the AUTHORITY we represent corrupt and compromise our message and give the world a false vision of the Messenger.

The Gospel narrative of Martha and Mary, demonstrates that our obsession with misplaced obligations and a worldly vision of working for the LORD can cloud our vision to what the LORD really requires of us and cause us undue hardship

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Jesus’ loving reprimand to Martha is meant to refocus her attention to what is truly priority in the life of a believer – being in the presence of CHRIST Himself and letting HIM pour into us, the one thing worth being concerned about. More important than the many details involved in our doing for CHRIST is His doing for us. The favor of God is needful to our happiness; the salvation of Christ is needful to our safety. Where this is attended to, all other things will be rightly pursued. (Excerpt from Matthew Henry’s commentary on Martha.)

Our days ought not to be centered on the details of serving but on continually deepening our relationship with CHRIST, our Oasis of peace and contentment in a world of chaos and confusion. In HM alone do we have the peace that passed understanding – Shalom, health and wholeness of spirit and mind. “I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” John 14:27 (MSG)

When our relationship with CHRIST has the right order of place in our lives, we will find that:

• Our lives and service happen with CHRIST beside us instead of with HIM as just the object of what we are doing.
• With CHRIST as our Kingdom serving companion we would never suffer feelings of abandonment, or be bereft, upset and distraught.
• In all situations we will have peace within ourselves and with others.
• Our transformation would add credibility to our message of the Good News – that CHRIST JESUS died to set free the burdened and battered so they could have the fullness of life and power that comes from God our Father. (Ephesians 3:19)  
• Then would we be the type of ambassadors of whom the Father would have good cause to be proud on the day that Christ returns.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, YOU are the ONE Eternal and Living GOD and King. Thank you for giving us CHRIST JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT to work alongside us to bring your message of peace and hope to the world. Help us to always represent you faithfully in presenting the gospel message of goodwill, peace and liberty to all men. Forgive us for ungodly behaviors and attitudes that present you to the world as a hash task Master when your desire is for us to enjoy fullness of life and power that comes only from YOU, our God and Father. Truly YOU deserve all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ our LORD and SAVIOR. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Serving in Peace Versus Preoccupation – Pt. 2

It seems almost impossible to not experience seasons in life where we are too busy and, naturally, more stressed out and irritated than is healthy for a child of God.

Is there a lesson to be learned from the events reported in Luke 10: 40-42, Jesus’ visit at the home of Mary and Martha?

Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 40-42

It is easy to sympathize with Martha and agree that she has a good reason to complain that she is being treated unfairly - She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work?”

• Based on the total chapter narrative there would have been a considerable number of people at the house to feed –Jesus, His twelve disciples, and others from the neighborhood who knew Jesus by reputation and would have showed up to hear Him, once they knew He was at Mary and Martha’s.
• Mary on the other hand is behaving like one of the guests; she is oblivious to what is happening in the kitchen and has not lifted a finger to help. Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
• Martha is overwhelmed by the work of the big dinner she was preparing and is rightfully, you would think, irritated with her sister’s lack of caring and irresponsible behavior. So she appeals to the one person that Mary greatly respected for help – “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

 Given all these facts, Jesus’ response is unexpected: But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about...” Martha’s response to Jesus has not been recorded but I could only imagine that it would have been a hard pill for her to swallow – that she would not have been very happy.

These process of events are difficult to understand so I searched out commentaries written by some of the most learned minds and found a common theme concerning Martha among them – that her doing was not from a perspective of worldliness but a heightened sense of responsibility to provide suitably for the Lord Jesus which caused her to become anxious, lose perspective and act in a hasty and fretful manner in speaking to Jesus about Mary.

This portion of Matthew Henry’s commentary on Martha’s dilemma explains the correctness of Jesus’ response best and to my understanding (bold font is mine for emphasis…): 

        

      Worldly business is a snare to us, when it hinders us from serving God, and getting good to our souls. What needless time is wasted, and expense often laid out, even in entertaining professors of the gospel! Though Martha was on this occasion faulty, yet she was a true believer, and in her general conduct did not neglect the one thing needful. The favour of God is needful to our happiness; the salvation of Christ is needful to our safety. Where this is attended to, all other things will be rightly pursued. Christ declared, Mary hath chosen the good part. For one thing is needful, this one thing that she has done, to give up herself to the guidance of Christ. The things of this life will be taken away from us, at the furthest, when we shall be taken away from them; but nothing shall separate from the love of Christ, and a part in that love. Men and devils cannot take it away from us, and God and Christ will not. Let us mind the one thing needful more diligently.

We too can become encumbered and distracted with “much service” in the name of the Father. So how can we serve His people and maintain a posture of peace with ourselves and others – without leaving Him out of the equation and all His goodness and favor?

“Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, Eternal and Living King. Thank you for the Son who is our righteousness. Thank you for revealing to us the one thing that is the most needful for a good and productive life – abiding always in your steadfast LOVE from which nothing can ever separate us. Help us to understand that our works are of no value if we neglect to spend time with YOU, learning of YOU. Father, we are nothing if YOU are not the center of our lives. YOU are our good, good Father. Teach us to always lean on your everlasting arm. The Only True God, to whom belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ our LORD, the NAME above all names. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Serving in Peace Versus Preoccupation - Pt. 1

But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:40-42

Distractions! The world today is full of them. Even God’s children can become too preoccupied by the world’s many diversions which steal away too much of our time, obstruct our vision and focus from our true purpose in life – to live in peace with God and enjoy His favor.

Distractions cause us to neglect important aspects of our Christian life – prayer, bible study, and worship – activities that enrich and strengthen our relationship with God and increase our faith. Even the world of science agrees that these practices enhance both mental and physical health, and give the most meaning and satisfaction to our lives. 

This Christian quote I read recently further confirms this principle: “If you find yourself a bit irritated or overwhelmed, it’s a sign that you’re spending less time with God and more time with this world.” (Anon)

Children of God do have a responsibility to maintain our place in the world – to work diligently at our jobs; care faithfully for our households; raise our children on godly principles; give sacrificially of our time, resources and talents; and etc. We ought to do these activities in ways that glorify our Father

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If, however, we feel constantly burdened, overwhelmed and frustrated in our daily lives, we are lacking peace and are missing out on being complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God our Father. (Ephesians 3:19)

God the Father is the author of our peace which He made available to us through JESUS CHRIST, the Son and Prince of Peace. Before JESUS returned to the Father in Heaven, He willed to the Father’s chosen the gift of peace of mind and heart:

• ·         “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

God’s gift of peace is meant to make our lives full and productive instead of tension-filled and stressful. To not have access to and utilize this gift is to fall outside of God’s will and influence so we become weak and ineffective people; this is not glorifying to our Almighty Father.

To get back our peace, (or to access it initially,) we must go to the Source of Peace – look at how we are managing our time with GOD.

Recovering our Peace to Honor the Father and the Son

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, you are the Eternal and Living King. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus our Prince of Peace. Thank you for loving us so completely, so relentlessly even in our fallen state. Thank you for providing all that we need for a productive and tranquil life. Thank you Father, for goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives. You desire so much more for us than we can ever imagine for ourselves. Thank you for being a good, good Father whose love is without boundaries. To you Father belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ our LORD, the NAME above all names. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

How We Lie

On Wednesday March 1 (Ash Wednesday) Christians everywhere began celebrating Lent – the 40-day period leading up to Easter. During this season we reflect more deeply upon matters of our faith – we remain more conscious of our actions, thoughts and general behavior, holiness and acts that please our Father are our highest priority.

Some years ago my Pastor preached a sermon titled “How We Lie.” I looked back at my sermon notes recently and thought that I would share the ideas for others to examine during the Holy season of Lent.

First, my own true confession! Before I heard the How We Lie sermon I thought I was a consistent truth-teller. But half-way through the sermon that day I was doing some serious character self-examination and came to the conclusion that I didn’t always speak the truth. I was a liar – a thought that truly alarmed me since I knew that lying is one of those sins that God says, in no uncertain terms, He “detests”.

• There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue,… Proverbs 6:16
• The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22
• I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. Psalm 101:7

How Do We Lie?

Dictionary.com defines the word lie as a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood (noun) and to express what is false; convey a false impression (verb).

Using these definitions in context, we will observe seven instances that people lie, with little or no thought:

1. Slander – ill-speaking against a person or situation, often with little or no supporting facts. “I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.” Psalm 101:5
2. Tale-bearing – giving information about someone/something that could be repeated. “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets.” Proverbs 20:19
3. Insinuation – saying just enough to form an impression in someone’s mind that may or may not be the truth. “…laying aside all malice,…” 1 Peter 2:1
4. Flattery – when the words spoken are insincere. “…do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” Proverbs 20:19
5. Half-truths – leaving out part of the response to deceive “…laying aside all deceit,…” 1 Peter 2:1
6. Exaggeration – making a situation seem better than it is actuality “…laying aside all hypocrisy…” 1 Peter 2:1
7. Excuses – for committing to something and then not doing it. Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Children of God may never deliberately set out to tell lies but when we consider this list with the definitions above, we may be guilty of using speech that are “falsehoods” – lying.  Scripture confirms that each of these behaviors is a sin in God’s eyes.

It is safe to say that at one time or another, we have been guilty of “falsehood” due to inattentiveness to what came out of our mouths, especially when we spoke “in jest.” The truth is, if what we say is not strictly true, we have offended God by saying it – even when we say it in jest it is still a lie.

   

Living a holy and righteous Christian life leaves little room for error and can seem so difficult and straight-laced – but we must decide if the promised end of eternal life with Christ does actually justify the means.

Revelation 21: 8 says in part, “…ALL liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” There is no wiggle room here for a child of God – all means all and this is not the eternity we are striving toward nor the end we envision for ourselves.

Thankfully, we have a Father who faithfully promises that none of His chosen would perish and provides for us a way out, if we are willing to take it. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” John 1:9

Since we devote the Lenten season to growing closer to God and focusing on spiritual preparation for the Easter celebration, let us use this opportunity to include mindfulness of speech and the motive behind our words.

It’s possible to be totally unaware of our failing in this area of our lives so we must bring our doubts to God in diligent and sincere prayer and the Holy Spirit, the revealer of Truth, will show us where we are falling short. Then, we can make use of the special privilege promised to every child of God – the cleansing power of the blood of Christ Jesus in repentance:

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin…Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:1-2, 10-11

In our fallen state, it is impossible to recognize all the sins lurking in our hearts, but our Holy Father with His sanctifying Spirit will help us to achieve what is impossible to do on our own; make every word we utter pleasing to Him who loves us.

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy God and Father, You are grace and truth – the God who cannot lie. During the season of Lent we strive to love you better, to be holy as You and Your Son are Holy. Thank you for revealing to us what is in our hearts so we can be cleansed even from our hidden faults. Keep us your servants from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control us. Then we can be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. And then the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts will be pleasing to you. Thank you Lord! You are our rock and our redeemer to WHOM belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and LORD. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Kindness Pleases GOD

From Genesis to Revelation, the WORD of GOD is a recounting of the Father’s kindness to His children. God is kind not only to those who love Him but also to those who are unthankful and wicked. Luke 6:35.

Since God’s children are a reflection of His nature, all who claim this special kinship with Him ought also show kindness to others.

By God’s continuous love and undeserved kindness to His children, we are privileged to call Him our Abba Father and claim eternal life with Him. We can do nothing on our own to warrant having such priceless benefits; our Father’s kindness alone opened up a way for us to share in His glory, through His Son.

• In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 5:10
• Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4
• He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8

We too have the spiritual gift for showing kindness to others and must do it gladly. (Romans 12:8) 

Just as the kindness we received from God the Father is undeserved, we must show kindness to people whom we may think of as undeserving. We must offer acts of kindness to all without fanfare or expectation of return, and do it with love.

Christian author and Pastor J. R. Miller (1840 – 1912) wrote these very thoughtful insights on kindness in an essay titled, The Splendor of Kindness:

Kindness has been called the small coin of love. The word is generally used to designate the little deeds of thoughtfulness and gentleness which make no noise in the world — rather than the large heroic acts which all men note and applaud. One may live many years and never have the opportunity of doing any great thing — but one may always be kind, filling all one’s day with gentle attentions, helpful ministries, little services of interest and sympathy, and small courtesies. …Kindness is beautiful in its spirit and motive. It usually springs out of the heart spontaneously. The greater things men do are prepared for, planned for, and are done consciously, with intention and purpose. Kindness as a rule, is done unconsciously without preparation, without thought. This enhances its beauty. There is no self-seeking in it, no thought of reward of any kind. It is done in simplicity, prompted by love, and is most pleasing to Christ.

I especially like the last sentence – “There is no self-seeking in it (kindness), no thought of reward of any kind. It is done in simplicity, prompted by love, and is most pleasing to Christ.”

We are to be kind because it pleases Christ and because our Father tells us in numerous places in His WORD why a child of God must be kind:

• We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 2 Corinthians 6:6
• The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,… Galatians 5:22
• Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Colossians 3:12
• A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:24
• Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
• Kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. Philemon 1:7

Love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our God and Father, You are the very essence of goodness, gentleness, love and kindness. Forgive us for our shortcomings in the matter of showing true kindness, that which is motivated by love and not selfish ambition and pride. Increase our passion to love you as you have asked us to – with all of our hearts, minds, souls and strength, because when we do as you command, the rest would come easily to us, as it does to you. Thank you for your undeserved kindness that leads us to sorrowful repentance and causes us to do better each and every day. Our eyes are on you LORD, to WHOM belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and LORD. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Showing Others the Goodness of God

Every child of God is a priest in God’s Kingdom called to lead others to JESUS and the Father’s love.

“…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God…” 1 Peter 2:9

Miriam-Webster’s dictionary defines “priest” as one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God.

If we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD we are the Father's chosen people and His personal possession with a role to serve alongside both the Father and the Son to bring others into His kindness. This also means we agree to be a royal priests and holy nation; a people belonging to the King of kings (royal), set aside (holy) for service as mediators (priests) and God's representatives in the care and leadership of His people.  

To show others the goodness of God we need not be formally appointed to a ministry or leadership position in our churches. We are no less recognized by God in this role if we serve from the pulpit, at home with our friends and families, at our jobs, or perfect strangers we meet in the supermarket, etc. Daily living with Christ is daily showing off the Father.

Leading and caring for God’s people is a responsibility that we are not to take lightly. Since God knows the heart of man He does not leave us to our own fleshly devices to do the job right. God cares very deeply about matters involving the stewardship of His people, so He gives us exact instructions in His WORD on how He wants us to lead those that He entrusts to our care (1 Peter 5: 1-4):

• Not grudgingly and out of a sense of obligation.
• With a willingness that pleases Him.
• Honestly – not for what we can get out of it.
• Humbly – not lording it over anyone.
• By being godly examples ourselves – holy and righteous living.

We ought to be mindful always that it is only because of the Father’s goodness and CHRIST’s finished work on the cross that we are promised eternal glory with Him.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers on 1 Peter 2:9 states that, Every man that receives anything from God is thereby made a steward to impart it to others… One might almost say that that was a by-end. You were saved--shall I say?--for God’s sake; and you were saved for man’s sake. So we may say--and I speak now to you who profess to be Christians--’you were not saved for your own sakes.

Let us prayerfully seek to  obey God's WORD in our actions and attitude as we serve God’s people.

And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 1 Peter 5:4

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, you are the One Eternal and Wise King. We confess that we have not always done the things we ought to bring glory to  YOU and make YOUR NAME glorious before the world. We thank you that you are faithful to forgive us for our short-comings and we ask that you increase our passion and faith so we can serve and lead your people with love. Thank you for the grace and mercy you continue to lavish upon us and teach us to serve others with the same generosity of spirit, for your NAME’s sake. To YOU, Father belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus Christ YOUR Beloved SON, and our LORD. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile