THE LORD SPOKE (June 30)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 19-20

"The battle is not yours, but God's" (II Chron. 20:15). Is that true? How do you know? Does it make a difference? For Jehoshaphat and his army on that day it sure did! He knew he was out-classed and out-gunned. There was no hope of victory using his own resources. If we are really going to have the Lord on our side (or shouldn't it be, if we are going to really be on His side?), what must happen?

• acknowledge your own limitations - "we have no power to face this...we do not know what to do..." (II Chron. 20:12)
• make sure you're fighting the right battle, that it is indeed the Lord's and not your own
• seek a word from the Lord (II Chron. 20:15) - Did you notice? "The Lord spoke." For us, this is not some mystical or charismatic statement. It means going to the Scriptures for guidance.
• do your part - go to the battlefront - show up! - be at the place where confrontation is expected and then expect the Lord to work (II Chron. 20:16)
• take a position, stand firm, and then watch the Lord do what He does best (II Chron. 20:17a)
• don't be afraid and don't get discouraged (II Chron. 20:17b) - Ever notice how often the Bible tells us that? I wonder why?
• keep your face bowed to the ground and your heart lifted up to heaven (II Chron. 20:18)
• start praising the Lord before victory comes (II Chron. 20:21-22)
• enjoy the results (II Chron. 20:25)
• drive in a stake and make it a memory post; tell the story frequently (II Chron. 20:26)
• make sure God gets the glory; capitalize on His greatness (II Chron. 20:29)
• enjoy the peace that passes understanding (II Chron. 20:30)

It really works. Just ask Jehoshaphat.


New Testament: Colossians 3

“Rules for Holy Living”

That’s the title for this chapter in the NIV and how appropriate it is! The opening verses remind us of the strong link between the doctrinal (chapters 1 & 2) and the practical (chapters 3 & 4) aspects of our lives. Starting with “since, then” (equivalent to “therefore”), we’re enjoined to set both our minds and our hearts on spiritual things. Living in the nitty-gritty it’s so easy to get caught up with earthly things. It takes a conscious decision to rise above that.

Right here is where we’re told how to do it. There are two basic steps: “put off” and “put on”. Putting off “our old self with its practices” is further described as “putting to death” and as “ridding yourself” of certain things. Paul even gets a good list started for us. Begin with that list and compile your own. What is it that you need to get rid of? What baggage do you need to cast off? Like Pilgrim in his spiritual progress, what is the burden you need to release at the foot of the Cross?

There is a certain tension here. Yes, you need to trust the Lord to remove that heavy load. But this passage is filled with imperatives. There are several things you must do - and keep doing - to obtain and maintain that kind of walk with the Lord. After detailing that relationship, Paul concludes by saying, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Col. 3:23).

Simply taking things off or getting rid of bad habits and evil practices isn’t enough. They need to be replaced with something positive. We need to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Col. 3:12). This will bind us together in perfect unity. Do you ever wonder why we don’t have unity? There’s the answer.

It’s when the word of Christ dwells richly in us that we will experience the peace of Christ. There will be at least two evidences that will be publicly visible: thankfulness and a song in our hearts and on our lips (Col. 3:15-17). It that “word of Christ dwelling in us richly” which qualifies us to “teach and admonish one another”.

Don’t you long for that kind of God-honoring experience? Put your heart into it!

THE LORD SPOKE (June 29)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 17-18

Going against the flow! Micaiah already had a reputation for not going along with the crowd (II Chron. 18:17). When all the other prophets, including some big names in Israel (II Chron. 18:9-11), were preaching a "positive" message, he wasn't afraid to pronounce an unpopular word of doom because he was certain it was from the Lord. The pressure was on him (II Chron. 18:12) to be "p.c." He even appeared at first to have learned his lesson to not rain on the king's parade (II Chron. 18:14-15). But King Ahab grew suspicious and then got everything he didn't bargain for.

The big wigs of the Prophets' Guild weren't happy when one of their members didn't follow the union guidelines (II Chron. 18:23). Crossing the line and upsetting the status quo could be detrimental to their comfortable positions in the king's court so they made sure it was detrimental to any young up-start who might think he could dare to do so (II Chron. 18:25-26). Micaiah didn't bend (II Chron. 18:27) so they tried to break him. When his word came true (II Chron. 18:34) at least one person was profoundly affected. King Jehoshaphat, for the remainder of his life (20:32), was quick to remind the people to "have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful" (20:20b).

We like it when we can clearly discern something and say, "the Lord spoke". But there are some occasions where we can say with certainty, "the Lord has not spoken" (II Chron. 18:27). Micaiah could have just remained silent and thought, "they'll find out soon enough". But to remain silent when we have a clear statement from the Lord is no better than to invent a false statement in the interest of maintaining a positive approach. Gray is a convenient place to blend in or hide but the Bible more often paints in broad strokes of black and white.

How are you doing on that one? Are you willing to "tell it like it is" when you're convinced it's in Scripture? It's not enough to believe it but then to remain silent about it. We love to be loved and we hate to be hated, but God's passion for truth is a higher calling.


New Testament: Colossians 2

The Colossians were dabbling in what later became a full-blown heresy. Second-century Gnosticism was a dangerous philosophy of dualism - all matter is entirely evil and all spirit is good. Paul’s vocabulary indicates that he was already combating this wrong thinking in its various forms.

“fullness” (Col. 1:19) - The Gnostics used this term to refer to the sum of supernatural forces which controlled fate; Paul used “fullness” to speak of the power and attributes of God.

“knowledge” (Col. 2:3) - The Greek term for knowledge is gnosis (thus, “Gnosticism”) and for the Gnostics it constituted a special wisdom that allowed them to understand truths which others couldn’t see; Paul used “knowledge” to describe the believer’s understanding of and relationship to Christ.

“body” vs. “spirit” (Col. 2:9-15) - The Gnostics taught that all matter was evil and contrasted it with God who is wholly spirit and therefore good; Paul stressed the truth that God became man and took on a body in order to redeem us (“all the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form”).

“putting off the sinful nature” (Col. 2:11) - Since the body was considered evil, it was treated harshly and the Gnostics practiced strange forms of asceticism. On the other hand, this led to licentiousness. If matter is evil already, breaking God’s law with your body would have no additional moral consequences; Paul emphasized the circumcision of the heart. Rather than being “dead in our sins”, Christ “forgave all our sins” and made us alive in Him.

“shadow...reality” (Col. 2:16-17) - Observance of ceremonial laws and ritual was both insufficient and unnecessary; Paul taught that the written code was canceled when it was nailed to the cross.

“false humility” - (Col. 2:18) - One who had this inner track to wisdom would “go into great detail about what he has seen” but Paul says “his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions”.

Most of the errors of Gnosticism are still with us today in one form or another. “Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Col. 2:23). The Devil is still using his old tricks - you’d think we’d learn! “Sensual indulgence” is the root of nearly every sin. We must “not lose connection with the Head”. Remembering that we “died with Christ”, let us press on.

THE LORD SPOKE (June 28)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 14-16

Can you command someone to seek the Lord? That's what King Asa did. He actually "commanded Judah to seek the Lord" (14:4). If you're in a position of authority you can do just that but the secret of Asa's success was that he (initially, at least) did it himself and therefore was leading by example. "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God" (14:2).

A prophet named Azariah clarified that idea of seeking the Lord when he told Asa, "The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you but if you forsake him, he will forsake you." (15:2). That's pretty simple math. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out. So, why do we fail so often?

The result this time was that the people assembled at Jerusalem and "they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul.... They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them" (15:12,15). That's what it takes - a covenant, a commitment, a promise to God himself! The results were amazing but years later Asa left off his former commitment and everything changed again. Now God forsook him and the people suffered for it too. Oh, the importance of a leader's personal example! God brought another prophet to remind Asa that "the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (16:9).

When God's eyes range in your direction today, what will He see? Is your heart fully committed to Him? Is it making a difference in how you act and react? Is it evident enough that others can see it too?


New Testament: Colossians 1

“The dominion of darkness.” It’s a strong thing and very real. There are two worlds and they constantly fight against each other. One is characterized by darkness, doom, disease, death, and is controlled by the Devil. The other is represented by life, light, liberty, love, and is ruled by the Lord. The two are at constant enmity. There is an on-going battle between them.

Knowingly or not, we are often pawns in this encounter. God has, through Christ, rescued us from the dominion of darkness. But the Devil has not given up and, because of our sin nature, we may be sucked back in. When we toy with sin, the danger is there. When we let down our moral guard, the demons are ready to give us more fodder. When we grow tired of the struggle, the Devil is more than glad to pick up the slack.

God has done His part in providing the redemption. He also helps us in our part - prompting, reminding, strengthening , and constantly equipping us for the battle. All the necessary power is there available to us but we must access it. There is, by God’s own design, a divine-human cooperative that must be activated and maintained. Paul outlines a series of actions that require effort on our part:

1. hear and understand (vs. 6)
2. be filled with the knowledge of His will (vs. 9)
3. live a life worthy of the Lord (vs. 10a)
4. bear fruit in every good work (vs. 10b)
5. grow in the knowledge of God (vs. 10c)
6. be strong in endurance and patience (vs. 11)
7. give thanks with joy (vs. 12)

The result is nothing less than our redemption. This is explained as “being brought into the kingdom of the Son” (vs. 13). Whereas we were previously “alienated from God and enemies in [our] minds because of [our] evil behavior”, we can now be reconciled to god, “holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (vs. 22).

No wonder Paul calls this a “mystery” and defines it as “glorious riches”. It is “the hope of glory”. Christ in you!

THE LORD SPOKE (June 27)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 11-13

The following chapters will have a lot to say about a theme which is expressed in II Chronicles 11:16. That theme has to do with those who "set their hearts on seeking the Lord". Here in chapter twelve, there is an interesting development in Rehoboam's life. Verse one tells us that when "he had become strong...[he] abandoned the law of the Lord." Actually, not just he, but all of Israel with him! That's the great responsibility of anybody in leadership. While it's always true that we never sin alone - my sin always affects other people - it's all the more true of any person who is in a position of leadership and influence. Rehoboam's unfaithfulness to the Lord (II Chron. 12:2) brought His wrath upon all Israel in the form of an attack from King Shishak of Egypt. The destruction came right up to the doorstep of Jerusalem (II Chron. 12:3-4).

But when the king and leaders of Israel humbled themselves (II Chron. 12:6), God relented and removed the threat of destruction. However, He did still allow Shishak to subject them "so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving...[anything or anyone else]". In this case it was serving Egypt, a country that already had a 500-year history of being a hard taskmaster for Israel.

Why did this situation come about? Scripture tells us that "he did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord" (II Chron. 12:14). That's it! It takes a conscious and sustained determination to follow God's way. That commitment can sometimes grow weak due to...

Passage of Time. Sometimes our vision grows dim just because we have moved so far beyond that moment of encounter with the Lord that we've let the flame go out. We need to walk with Him daily, even hourly, so that doesn't happen. We need to remember where we left the Lord's presence behind and go back there once again. We need to go back and plead with him, like Jacob, "I'm not leaving, if you don't go with me."

Presence of Troubles. Sometimes we let the problems of life blur our vision because we don't stay focused on His presence and power to overcome our momentary crises. We need to keep our eyes on Him, the author and finisher of our faith, so we don't fall into that trap. We need to return to our source of strength and tap into His resources. We need to rise above the momentary difficulties and say, like David, "Shouldn't someone be doing something about this?"

Perpetual Tasks. Sometimes the busy-ness of life clouds our vision because we don't lift up our heads to see beyond the immediate job that is clamoring for our attention. We need to focus on why we do what we do, so we don't miss the main point of it all. We need to spend time with Him and access His sustaining grace. We need to, like Mary, "choose that better part, which will not be taken away from [us]".

Rehoboam lost it. But then he regained it through submitting himself once again to the Lord.

Do you have 20/20 vision right now? It is time for a check-up and maybe a new set of lenses?


New Testament: Philippians 4

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.... (Phil. 4:11-12)

That’s not easy to say. It’s harder yet to do. Elsewhere Paul elaborates on this a bit more by saying, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (I Tim. 6:6-8).

Therein lies the secret. Contentment is the result of godliness. It is great likeness to God that brings balance to life. It is seeing things from His point of view that adjusts our own value system. It is through knowing Him that we know ourselves and see everything else in the proper perspective.

It’s worthy of note that Paul also speaks of contentment in the midst of plenty. It’s not just the man who has to do without that needs to learn contentment. In fact, it’s more often necessary for the man who has everything. Having lots of stuff does not naturally produce contentment. On the contrary, it’s generally true that the more you have, the more you “need” or, as wise Solomon discovered, “as goods increase, so do those who consume them” (Eccl. 5:11).

We’re back to godliness as the key. In whatever state you find yourself, the secret of being content is your constant walk with God. When you consistently seek Him you experience that sweet fulfillment that does not come from things.

So let us develop and maintain a constant walk with God. Do it through daily Bible reading, through prayer, and through fellowship with others who have the same desire. You might also want to sing about it, making a melody in your heart will accompany you throughout the activities of the day. Here’s one that might help:

O to be like Thee! blessed Redeemer;
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th' anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing;
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.

O to be like Thee! While I am pleading
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love.
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit for a life which Thou wouldst approve.

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee!
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

THE LORD SPOKE (June 26)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 9-10

Moses warned the people against a king who would act inappropriately and drag down the nation (Deut. 17:16) in three specific areas. He would:

• "acquire great numbers of horses"
• "take many wives"
• "accumulate large amounts of silver and gold"

Solomon's record is painfully on target:

• II Chron. 9:25, 28 - "Solomon had 12,000 horses...imported from Egypt and from all other countries"
• I Ki. 11:3 - "he had 700 wives...and 300 concubines"
• II Chron. 9:13-20 - "the weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was [25 tons]...[and] silver was considered of little value"

How could someone who started so right go so wrong?? How? Solomon nurtured a love for dominating everything and everybody throughout his entire life. His wealth and place in life gave him a position in which he was always in the front, the object of deference and respect from all others. He had total liberty in devising and shaping policy and it went to his head. Read Ecclesiastes! He had the means to try every possible avenue of human experience and, in doing so, he missed the road to genuine, sustained, spiritual growth. His soul withered. He stooped to the lowest imaginable extremities and was accountable to no one.

Thankfully, it does appear that Solomon came back to his spiritual senses before dying. The chronicler doesn't tell us anything about this but some of Solomon's last written words were, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.... Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man..." (Eccl. 12:1, 13). Jesus said, "It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." We may not be anywhere near as rich but, like Solomon, we will ultimately be judged not so much for how we used our resources but for what we didn't do that we could have done with them. That's why it's of no value to compare your output with someone else's. The standard of judgment will be different. It will examine what you could have done for the Lord with what you have. He has given you abilities and resources to use for His glory. How well do you rate on that scale?


New Testament: Philippians 3

He went from being self-centered to being centered in Christ. Paul’s pilgrimage began on the road to Damascus though most would have thought him a spiritual man long before that. To be sure, he was on a religious journey but it was in the wrong direction. He describes that in Philippians 3:5-6.

But he came to recognize that it was a “righteousness of [his] own” (Phil. 3:9). Though he could say it was “faultless” (Phil. 3:6b), he also had to say it was extremely shallow. The trajectory would never reach up to God. He needed more than a transfusion; he need a transformation. And he found that in Christ.

It means “sharing in His sufferings” and “becoming like Him in death” but that only turned out to be greater gain. In fact, everything that Paul had previously thought of as most valuable and important was really only “rubbish” (Phil. 3:8). It was the pursuit of Christ that put him on a different plain.

Switching to athletic imagery, Paul likened it to a race. Fixing his eye on the goal, he began his kick. At sprint speed he pressed forward to the finish line, not looking aside or back (“forgetting what is behind”). What was/is the goal? It is our “citizenship in heaven and the moment when, through resurrection, Christ will “transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Phil. 3:2-21). We eagerly await the resurrection from the dead. This is “the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).

Twice Paul speaks of the awesome power that will bring this about. In vs. 10 he expresses his desire to know/experience “the power of his [Christ’s] resurrection” and again in vs. 21 he anticipates the power that “will transform our lowly bodies” to be like His. This will be the greatest “rush” known or knowable to man. What Hemmingway and others have foolishly sought in their own power, is promised to every believer. “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

THE LORD SPOKE (June 25)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 6-7

Though it was especially "crafted" for a specific occasion, Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple is in many ways a model prayer for us. His introductory remarks to the people gathered (II Chron. 6:4-11) incorporate the five main points of Old Testament biblical theology in an anthem of praise:

PRESERVATION (II Chron. 6:5) - "out of Egypt"

POSSESSION (II Chron. 6:6) - "I have chosen Jerusalem" (and all that relates to Eretz Israel)

PROMISE (II Chron. 6:10) - "the Lord has kept the promise that he made"

PRINCE (II Chron. 6:10) - "David...sit on the throne"

PEOPLE (II Chron. 6:11) - "the covenant of the Lord that he made with the people of Israel"

(Note: The fact that these five points invariably appear at such defining moments in Scripture is a confirmation of their importance as a synopsis of biblical theology.)

Solomon's public prayer continues with adoration (II Chron. 6:14-18) and moves to confession. In this case it is thoroughly mixed with supplication. He defines the proper occasions for approaching the throne of grace:

• when we have sinned against another person (II Chron. 6:22-23)
• when we have been defeated because of our sin (II Chron. 6:24-25)
• when we are distanced from God because of our sin (II Chron. 6:26-27)
• when we face natural disasters or disease (II Chron. 6:28-31)
• when we are distanced from God's people (II Chron. 6:32-33)
• when we are doing battle with an enemy (II Chron. 6:34-35)
• when we are captive to anyone or anything because of our sin (II Chron. 6:36-39)

Just look at what this prayer teaches us about our need to repent and the promise of God's forgiveness and restoration:

• "when they turn back and confess" (II Chron. 6:24)
• "forgive the sin...and bring them back" (II Chron. 6:25)
• "teach them the right way to live" (II Chron. 6:27)
• "deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men)" (II Chron. 6:30)
• "so that they will fear [= reverential awe] you and walk in your ways all the time" (II Chron. 6:31)
• "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 and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chron. 7:14)

Those words were addressed to Israel (note the context carefully) but they are forever applicable to any people whose God is the Lord - people group or individual.


New Testament: Philippians 2

It’s hard to read Philippians 2 - or even to think about it - without your mind sticking on vs. 5-11. That great passage about the self-emptying (Greek: kenosis) of Christ dominates the landscape. The explanation of how He voluntarily suspended the independent exercise of His divine attributes will captivate your thought for a long time. This amazing Christological gem will make you love Him even more every time you think about it.

But there’s much more in the same chapter. From the pristine statement on Christian unity (vs. 1-4) to the positive examples of Christian friendship (vs. 19-30), the chapter rings with hope and encouragement. If we would follow Paul’s Spirit-directed advice, what a difference it would make: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

If we would follow the examples of men like Timothy and Epaphroditus, what a difference it would make. Paul’s relationship with Timothy was like that of a father and son, happily joined together in the family business (Phil. 2:22). Paul could trust him implicitly and often leaned on him for encouragement and strength. Consider the evidence of this in the first and second epistles of Timothy.

Epaphroditus too. As an emissary from the Philippian church (Paul calls him a “messenger” but the same word is translated as “apostle” elsewhere), Epaphroditus had ministered to Paul’s needs. We’re not told the exact nature of that situation but Epaphroditus got sick (vs. 27) and almost died (vs. 30) in the process. What a friend!

But we’re back again to the supreme example of our Savior. The Lord Jesus did die for us (vs. 8). He came down - oh, what meaning there is in that phrase. He left heaven’s glory to take on human flesh and all its weakness. He “humbled Himself” for sinners such as I. As a result, His name is above every name and God has highly exalted Him. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. I gladly do so now.

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace.
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

THE LORD SPOKE (June 24)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 4-5

It was still a pretty diverse company. Though David had done a lot to bring them all together and give them a common cause, all the priests and all the Levites (II Chron. 5:11-12) still had some divisions among themselves. And they weren't all just of the nature of job descriptions and work schedules. Even without details we can easily imagine it because they were ordinary people. You can count on it: whenever you put people together in a temple-building type project, you get something that looks like hydrogen-peroxide on a wound. Even when a common spiritual project should unite them. Especially when a common spiritual project should unite them!

Why is that? Why do we often squabble at the very moment that unity should be the most natural and evident thing? Because we're people. Because we feel strongly about what we're involved in. Because we're each put together differently and have our own preferences and ideas about how things should be done.

So, how is it that, at least for this brief moment, the priests and Levites "joined in unison, as with one voice" (II Chron. 5:13)? Okay, it specifically mentions the trumpeters and singers but, the more you read, the more you realize that there was a vast crowd there that day (even those who were off duty - II Chron. 5:11) and they all "raised their voices in praise to the Lord" (II Chron. 5:13).

That's it! They focused on the Lord and sang, "He is good; his love (hesed) endures forever." That phrase appears repeatedly in Scripture. For example:

• I Chronicles 16:34 - back when David brought the Ark to Jerusalem and started this whole process
• II Chronicles 7:3 - again, here, after Solomon's dedicatory prayer that was the peak of the process
• II Chronicles 20:11 - when King Jehoshaphat was faced with impossible odds and put the choir in front of the army
• Ezra 3:11 - when the Temple was rebuilt after Babylonian Captivity
• Psalm 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136 (take a look at that one! need I say more?)
• Jeremiah 33:11 - just before the O.T. statement of the New Covenant when God promises to "restore the fortunes of the land as they were before"

The result on this occasion was a magnificent out-pouring of the glory of the Lord (II Chron. 5:14). We too need a fresh vision of the goodness of God. We need it anew every day. Like nothing else, it will keep us on track and will bring us together with His children who have also experienced His loving-kindness (hesed). What grace (hesed) from God have you experienced recently? So, praise the Lord, for He is good. Tell others about it!


New Testament: Philippians 1

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Phil. 1:21)

If your grandparents had the same plaque on their wall, you too have some happy memories of reading these words each time you passed:

Only one life, ‘t’will soon be past.
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Paul says that Jesus is his obsessive-compulsive reason to live. How about you? Can you say that? Does He mean more to you than life itself?

Do you remember those last few months before you got married. You never actually said it but you thought it: “Please don’t come until after I’m married.” Or maybe it was waiting for Christmas when you were little? Or a big Alaskan fishing trip? Something was so significant to you that you just didn’t want life to end too soon.

Paul was to the point that he wished life would end so he could be with Christ. It wasn’t a morbid desire nor was it some sort of escapism. He realized that there was important work yet to be accomplished and his remaining time on earth held a greater value than any personal desire to move on. So he dedicated himself to doing God’s will in the time that remained.

You don’t have to be in some sort of “full-time service” for that to be true. What about that committee you serve on at church? Isn’t there so much more you’d like to see accomplished there? What about those people next door? Couldn’t a little more effort and time with them make a difference? What about those grandchildren [or the kids in AWANA]? Isn’t it too soon to stop building into their young lives?

For whatever purpose or reasons He has, God has granted us more time on this earth. We need to occupy until He comes. We need to be about our Father’s business. We need to “stand firm...contending for the faith” (Phil. 1:27).

O God, let me die in the traces.
Allow me to see joy on the faces
Of those You allowed me to help.

Keep me faithful and always serving,
In the end to be deserving
To hear Thy, “Well done!”

Lord, I want to remain true,
Independent of what any others might do.
For “to me, to live is Christ”.

THE LORD SPOKE (June 23)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 1-3

"The temple I build must be large and magnificent." (II Chronicles 2:9b)

Why have men throughout the ages sought to build ostentatious temples and magnificent cathedrals? Haven't they gone a little overboard? And haven't they ended up creating monuments that usurp God's glory and actually detract from true worship of the Holy One?

Indeed they have, but take a look at this biblical example and observe the splendor of Solomon's construction:

• over-laid inside with pure gold (3:4b)
• adorned with precious stones (3:6)
• carved and sculptured decorations (3:7, 10)
• luxurious curtains (3:14)
• elaborate exterior decor (3:15-17)
• even down to gold nails! (3:9)

David did tell us during his own preparations for this building that we should "worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness" (I Chron. 16:29; c.f. Ps. 29:2 and 96:9). You would probably be quick to observe that it's the splendor of God's holiness that is emphasized here, not some man-made building. But then I'd have to tell you that it looks like that in our English translations. In fact, the Hebrew syntax is closer to saying we should "worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness" and that didn't really help much did it? What exactly is "the splendor of holiness" and how may it be used to worship the Lord? Now do you see why man has often tried to build splendor as a context for worshiping the Lord? Has maybe such construction sometimes served as an escape to avoid weightier matters of the heart's relation to Him? a sort of contented religiosity based on externals?

But does that mean we ought to worship only in a clap-board basic structure? We've not thought long enough or hard enough about the concept of sacred space. Remember, "sacred" simply means "dedicated" or "devoted to". Our buildings are certainly, in some sense, set apart for the service of God, i.e. they constitute sacred space. Much more thought needs to be given to expressing biblical doctrine and values through church architecture. Our age has largely moved beyond church bells and steeples but does a low, florescent-lit, fire-proofed paneled ceiling in our modern "worship centers" really best express the transcendence and majesty of God?

We are (rightly) critical of those who place idols and statues of virgins or other distracting paraphernalia in their buildings. The truth is, anything which distracts attention from God and His Word is flat-out wrong. Mankind has always disagreed over iconic worship because it seems to lead to worship of the icons rather than God. But isn't it equally possible that the architecture and decor of our church building and auditorium is distracting and even destructive of true focusing upon the Holy One? Can't we use the building itself to portray how awesome is our God?

Ahh, this topic needs some more attention!


New Testament: Ephesians 6

It seems that the preceding sections on wives (Eph. 5:22-24) and husbands (Eph. 5:25-33) get most attention. Even the part on children (Eph. 6:1-4) gets more. But since we’re not really “masters” and no one has slaves any more, this passage (Eph. 6:5-9) often gets passed over rather quickly.

True, the master-slave relationship is similar to our boss-employee arrangements today and there is much here that will apply. Ideas like mutual respect and an honest dollar for an honest day’s work receive strong emphasis here. But this text also has much to say about our relationship with the Lord. The work and respect we render our earthly boss is a reflection of that which we owe our Master in heaven.

• “obey” - A boss has the right to expect us to do his bidding. Paul’s words (“just as you would obey Christ”) assume that we do the same with God. Is that true in your practice?
• “respect” - No employee will last long if he’s dissembling, grumbling, and talking behind his boss’s back. Do our words for God and about God demonstrate respect? Do our actions?
• “fear” - In the bible this also refers to respect or “reverent awe”. It might even be an equivalent of “true religion” since it defines our relationship to God.
• “sincerity of heart” - Even man can usually tell when you’re not genuine. Certainly God, who doesn’t look on the outward appearance but sees what’s in our hearts, knows when we’re sincere.
• “win their favor” - It isn’t a matter of apple-polishing. It’s authentic service. It’s a desire to please. It’s an honest effort to do what’s right.
• while they’re looking and while they’re not - Whatever you would do if you thought nobody was looking or would find out, it’s as if you’d already done it.
• “doing [his] will” - When our will is conformed to His will, this is easy to do. Don’t be conformed to this world but be transformed with a desire to do His will (Rom. 12:1-2).
• “serve wholeheartedly” - You can have a false heart, half a heart, a bad heart, a broken heart, a soft heart, or a weak heart. What God wants is your whole heart. No halfway measures are adequate.

Our Master in heaven is the Master of the Universe. He both expects and deserves our best.

THE LORD SPOKE (June 22)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Chronicles 29

Besides the royal resources which David had amassed and budgeted for the construction of the Temple (I Chron. 29:2), he gave generously out of his own pocket (I Chron. 29:3-5). In addition, he consciously used his personal example to challenge the other leaders to give (I Chron. 29:5b) and they too contributed liberally (I Chron. 29:6-8). This then served as catalyst to all the people who, in turn, gave willingly (I Chron. 29:9, 17). Isn't that fantastic!

Tucked in the middle of David's dedicatory prayer (I Chron. 29:10-19) is an important comment: "I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity" (I Chron. 29:17a). Back in the last chapter David had made a similar statement (28:9). In fact, the same thought rings out in many passages of Scripture, including in the New Testament. Here in I Chronicles 29, the phrase is bracketed by the idea of giving generously. It seems to be saying in other words, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Indeed, if you want to know what really is most important to any person, look at the entries in his checkbook.

What you do with your money reveals most clearly what is in your heart. And did you notice? The Lord "tests the heart", not just observes the heart. He actually puts us to the test in this area. He's watching to see what we do with the resources He gives us. Recall Moses' words to the children of Israel:

He gave you...__________ [fill in your blank - in Israel's case it was water and manna in the wilderness]...to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth...." (Deut. 8:16-18)

Like Moses, David's request was that God would "keep this desire in the hearts of [his] people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to [him]" (I Chron. 29:18). Let this word go out: "Put your money where your heart is!"


New Testament: Ephesians 5

Godly people can smell the depravity of an act before they can explain why it is evil. - Jonathan Edwards

Just the hint of sin should be enough to set off a believer’s warning lights. Buzzers should sound at any form of “sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed” (Eph. 5:3). Alarms should go off at and “obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking” (Eph. 5:4). By the way, that would make watching TV rather hard, wouldn’t it?

These are all things which “are improper for God’s holy people” (Eph. 5:3). Paul goes on to say they’re “out of place” in the kingdom of God and we should “not be partners with them”. He calls all such activity “darkness”. Instead, we are to live as “children of light”, which are characterized by “all goodness, righteousness, and truth”. The “fruitless deeds of darkness” are to be exposed and rejected.

There follow several positive steps we should also take:

• “find out what pleases the Lord” (vs. 10)
• “be careful...how you live” (vs. 15)
• “understand what the Lord’s will is” (vs. 17)
• “be filled with the Spirit” (vs. 18:b)
• “sing and make music in your heart to the Lord” (vs. 19)
• “submit to one another” (vs. 21)

What a glorious difference this would make in our lives! Too much to accomplish? No matter - pick just one item on that list and make a conscious effort to do it today. Tomorrow keep going on that and add one more. You’ll be glad you did.

THE LORD SPOKE (June 21)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Chronicles 27-28

How well do you handle changes in your plans? Not the petty stuff like switching around your daily schedule but big things like a life-long dream? Or, how about seeing someone else realize your dream? Can you deal with that and do it in a way that honors God?

David "had it in his heart" (I Chron. 28:2) to build a Temple for the Lord in Jerusalem. When he had a hard time falling to sleep at night, that's what kept rolling through his mind. When he sat down at his desk in the morning he wanted to clear away all the other stuff he had to do so he could get at those Temple plans. When he walked through Home Depot, he was constantly evaluating and thinking, "Now that would look really good in the Temple I want to build."

But it wasn't meant to be. According to God's plan, the joy of seeing that project through was going to be given to someone else. So did David go and pout in the corner? Did he think, "Well, let's just see if he can come up with something that's even half as good as my plan"? On the contrary! After praising God for all He'd allowed him to accomplish (I Chron. 28:4), David encouraged the Temple Builder to do a good job and then he did everything possible to make him a success:

• he united the people (I Chron. 28:2) and encouraged them to get behind the project with a passion (I Chron. 28:21)
• he gave Solomon the plans for the building (I Chron. 28:11), which would be the equivalent of giving away the formula for Coca-Cola, times ten
• he gave Solomon clear instructions on how to best carry out the plan (I Chron. 28:13)
• he laid out the complete cost schedule for every detail of the plan (I Chron. 28:14-18) and then contributed a large part of the funds out of his own pocket (see 29:3-5)
• he headed up the capital campaign and raised all the remaining funds among the people (29:6-9)

Tucked into his instructions to Solomon is a wise note that also applies very well to us. After reminding him of his covenant responsibility to follow all the commands of the Lord (I Chron. 28:6-8), he tells Solomon that the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him he will be found by you..." (I Chron. 28:9-10).

Wise men still seek Him!


New Testament: Ephesians 4

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3)

How do you do that if others are working toward disunity? How should we act and react when it appears things are falling apart? How may we preserve that for which Christ died? This chapter gives several answers to those questions:

• “be completely humble and gentle” (Eph. 4:2a) - There’s no room for pride or a heavy hand; these only destroy and break down.
• “be patient” (Eph. 4:2b) - Remember Galatians 6:9? “At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
• “bear with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2b) - “Love covers a multitude of sins”, and helps us to forgive and restore.
• “make every effort” (Eph. 4:3a) - Have you really exhausted every possibility already? Try again!
• get involved in “works of service” (Eph. 4:12) - Notice that this is the very thing that builds us up and brings unity.
• “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) - The worst thing you can do is refuse to talk about it. Ventilation brings a fresh breath of air.
• do your part (Eph. 4:16b) - Don’t point any fingers; just do yourself what you know to be right.
• stop living like the world (Eph. 4:17) - Christians are called to be different; our lives shouldn’t look like what happens on TV (look at Eph. 4:18-19!).
• “put off your old self” (Eph. 4:22) - Say no to those “deceitful desires”.
• “put on the new self” (Eph. 4:24) - Say yes to “true righteousness and holiness”.
• “put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Eph. 4:25) - Lies and insinuations only aggravate the situation.
• “do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Eph. 4:26) - Keep short accounts; don’t keep a record of injuries.
• “do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph. 4:27) - Keep him off balance and guessing what’s next; don’t fight by his terms of engagement.
• “do something useful with your hands” (Eph. 4:28) - Pick someone you can help; there’s nothing like a project to take your mind off your own troubles.
• get rid of all “unwholesome talk” (Eph. 4:29) - Guard your tongue. It can be kerosene on a fire.
• get rid of all “bitterness” (Eph. 4:31) - Paul defines this as including rage, anger, brawling, slander, and every form of malice.
• “be kind and compassionate to one another” (Eph. 4:32a) - This is the opposite of the negative qualities of the previous verse.
• “forgive each other” (Eph. 4:32b) - That puts it all in a nutshell and it should be easy, for “God forgave you” didn’t He?

The list goes on into the next chapter but this should give us something to work on!

THE LORD SPOKE (June 20)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Chronicles 25-26

It's not exactly a "why didn't I think of that?" situation. Who would normally have thought to combine the military leaders with the harp and lyre players? the special forces with the cymbal section? Yet that's exactly what David did (I Chron. 25:1). The mightiest of the Mighty Men was also "the sweet singer of Israel" (II Sam. 23:1 - by the way, that chapter also contains the list of David's mighty men). It's the "tough and tender" combination that gives real balance to life.

Music can alter heart beat and brain waves. Quiet and soothing sounds help us relax and actually lower our blood pressure and other stress factors. Contrariwise, some sounds can quickly make us mad or agitated. An old Israeli soldier, veteran of the Six-Day War, once told me that for two days prior to the first battle they played martial music to prep the troops. He claimed that it made his blood boil and once the battle started, the smell of gun powder and burning flesh took over. David's own experience with Saul (I Sam. 16:23) was similar, but opposite. The soothing sounds of his harp calmed Saul's agitated soul.

Good music does soothe the soul, massage the mind, inspire the intellect, and arouse the ambitions. I think I could go on. As I write this, I'm listening to Beethoven's Eighth Symphony and it seems written for the occasion. Without a doubt, God has made us in such a way that our inner chords respond with sympathetic vibrations to music - good or bad. How important it is that we use God's wonderful creation for His glory and to produce thoughts and actions that are pleasing to Him. David used music in just such a way - for Saul, for his sheep, for the people of Israel, and for himself. We too should sing and make melody in our hearts" (Eph. 5:19).

And don't forget to thank Him for the gift of hearing.


New Testament: Ephesians 3

What do you do when you’re knocked down, crushed, hurting, and terribly discouraged? You look to God, of course! And then you hear these wonderful words:

Out of his glorious riches he [will] strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your [heart] through faith...that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:16-19)

“Filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”? How can that be? It may be beyond our understanding (“surpasses knowledge”) but it is not beyond our appreciation. He comes in and restores that which is broken, fills that which is empty, and energizes that which is run down. New life surges through the system. We may once again “approach God with freedom and confidence” (Eph. 3:12).

Paul tells us that he “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”. Do you believe it? You should!

He is able, more than able,
To accomplish what concerns me today.
He is able, more than able,
To handle anything that comes my way.
He is able, more than able,
To do much more than I could ever dream.
He is able, more than able,
To make me what He wants me to be.

THE LORD SPOKE (June 19)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Chronicles 23-24

As far as we know, my Dad's last words on earth were, "I sure wish we could make it through II Samuel." Cancer had so sapped his strength that Mom held the Bible and read to him that last night at the hospital. By now he's had 32 years (in our time) to talk to King David and find out more about his story.

In our passage today we read about David's final concerns. When he "was old and full of years" (I Chron. 23:1) he gave his last efforts to organizing and providing for the Levites. "According to the last instructions of David..." (I Chron. 23:27) they were numbered and divided into groups (I Chron. 23:3-6). Then the many duties were distributed (I Chron. 23:28-31) and responsibilities established "for the service of the temple of the Lord" (I Chron. 23:32). Right up to the last minute David was thinking about:

• providing instruments for those who ministered through music (I Chron. 23:5)
• helping the smaller families and giving them a sense of their importance (I Chron. 23:11)
• maintaining the historical continuity with Aaron and Moses so people didn't forget their heritage (I Chron. 23:13-14)
• relieving people of outmoded jobs (I Chron. 23:26) so they could serve with renewed vigor
• restating the job description so that people could refocus on what was most important (I Chron. 23:28)

To what will you give your final days? Is it a job worth doing? Will it leave people remembering just you or thinking about the Lord more and serving Him better?


New Testament: Ephesians 2

Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, used the same phrase. Gentiles were called “those who are far off” (Acts 2:39) because the Promise was given to the Jewish nation. Here in Ephesians 2, Paul makes the distinction even more pronounced by making several other comparisons. In vs. 17 he speaks of Jewish believers as “those who were near” and of Gentile believers as “you who were far away”. Because of the shed blood of Christ both have access to the Father by one and the same means. The Spirit takes those who were dead (vs. 1) and makes them alive in Christ (vs. 5).

Paul uses several phrases throughout this chapter to illustrate our former condition (note vs. 11 and what follows):

Formerly we were “separate from Christ”, that is, not participants in the Messianic promise,
But now we are “brought near through the blood of Christ”.

Formerly we were “excluded from citizenship in Israel”,
But now we are being joined together and built up in the same “holy temple in the Lord”.

Formerly we were “foreigners to the covenants of the promise”,
But now we have been grafted in and made participants as Abraham’s spiritual children.

Formerly we were “without hope”,
But now we have reason for great joy and expectation.

Formerly we were “without God in the world”,
But now we have become His “workmanship” (Greek poiema = “work of art”, from which we get our word “poem”).

Formerly we were “uncircumcised”,
But now we have experienced the genuine “circumcision of the heart” which cleanses and marks us as belonging to Him.

Formerly we were on the wrong side of a hostile wall,
But now that wall has been broken down and we have free access to the Father.

Formerly we were at enmity, cut off, and utterly disconnected spiritually,
But now we have been reconciled to God by means of the cross.

Formerly we were “foreigners and aliens”,
But now we are “fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household”.

No wonder Paul calls this relationship “the incomparable riches of his grace”. This is not something we can pull off ourselves (“not by works”). It is entirely by God’s grace. Formerly we were dead but now we have been given life.

THE LORD SPOKE (June 18)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Chronicles 21-22

"I can't hear you - I've got a banana in my ear." Those silly words usually indicate more of a problem on the part of the communicatee than of the communicator. In today's text, David definitely has a banana in his ear. He does a lot of talking himself (to Joab, to Gad, to God, to the people), but he's not hearing the Lord speak directly to him any more. Did you notice?

• 21:9-10 - "the Lord said to Gad...'Go and tell David...'"
• 21:18 - "...the angel of the Lord ordered Gad to tell David..."

It's almost starting to sound like the last days of Saul when he didn't hear the Lord speak anymore and he sought out Samuel (even after his death) to hear God's voice. But the big difference here is David's response when he realizes what is happening:

• 21:8 - "David said to God, 'I have sinned...'"
• 21:17 - "I am the one who has sinned and done wrong"

Then we read:

• 21:26 - "he called on the Lord and the Lord answered him"
• 22:8 - "this word of the Lord came to me" (David recalls the past because it's back to the way it should be again)

Did you hear the Lord speak to you today? He does so through His Word, the Bible. Have you read it today? Were you really listening when you did? David told his son Solomon exactly how to do that best: "Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God" (22:19).


New Testament: Ephesians 1

When she said, “I have a headache in my tummy,” we knew exactly what she meant. At three years of age it made perfectly good sense. After all, the anatomy is connected.

When Paul speaks of “the eyes of your heart” he grabs our attention with another anatomical link. We see spiritual things with our heart. The Holy Spirit so moves in our hearts that we are given wisdom and revelation by which we can know God better (Eph. 1:17). The results are enlightenment, encouragement (hope), and a personal experience of God’s mighty power (Eph. 1:18-19).

Enlightenment. Our understanding is opened up by the Spirit of God in such a way that we can see the truth of Scripture. He doesn’t give new revelation anymore; the completed Scripture is sufficient. But He does give illumination. He reveals the meaning and enlightens our understanding of that which is written. And He guides us through the next steps of application.

Encouragement. He also brings joy and encouragement to our lives as we see spiritual truth. Hope turns to certainty. Faith becomes substance. It’s not a mystical wondering - it’s a steadfast assurance. Because it depends on God’s power and not our own, it produces an assurance. Hope turns to certainty.

Experience. When God begins to move, we feel His power. We recognize His authority and dominion in control of all things. We can experience “the working of his mighty strength”. Things happen which can only be explained as the power of God. We experience the pure joy of knowing God and seeing Him work.

Paul had spent three years with these people. He knew them well. He had high hopes and high expectations for them. Even a quick glance at the contents of this first chapter reveals the theological depth of the Ephesians. They were thrilled to receive a letter from their teacher and he wasted no time jumping in with a prayer that the eyes of their hearts might be enlightened, encouraged, and that they might experience the fullness of God.

Does that sound good to you too?

THE LORD SPOKE (June 17)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Chronicles 18-20

Any man who "defeated the Philistines" (18:1; 20:4-8) would go down in history forever as one of Israel's greatest heroes. Many before had tried and failed. Most lost their lives in the attempt. But David also "defeated the Moabites" (18:3) and "the Arameans became subject to him" (18:6). They were quickly followed by the Edomites (18:11-13) and a mop-up campaign against Saul's old foes, the Amalekites (18:11). As if that wasn't enough, when the Arameans tried to put together a coalition with the Ammonites, David trounced them all too (19:1 - 20:3) and, when the dust settled, "he and his entire army returned to Jerusalem" (20:3b).

What we're not told in the chronicler's record is recorded for us in II Samuel 12. It's subtly hidden in the words of I Chronicles 20:1: "In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab [the general, not the king] led out the armed forces...but David remained in Jerusalem." We too wish we could forget the vision of a conniving king, slouched on the couch in the royal palace, plotting adultery and murder.

Did you notice that twice earlier (18:6 & 13) the text said that "the Lord gave David victory everywhere he went"? The time he should have gone out (20:1) but didn't, he got in trouble. That thought probably shouldn't be pressed too hard, but this should: "Idleness is the devil's workshop." When David stopped fighting the Lord's battles, he opened himself up to the Enemy's attack and Satan is a master at finding the weak moment, the unguarded flank, or the dulled defense system. How are your defenses today?

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

New Testament: Galatians 6

Principles of Spiritual Farming

1. You get what you plant. If you plant tomatoes, you won’t pick zucchini. Spiritually, if you “sow to please [your] sinful nature” you will reap just what you sowed (Gal. 6:7-8). What you put into the ground is what you’ll get out; what you do in your life will return to haunt you or to bless you.
2. You get more than you plant. Farming would never work if it was just one for one. Again, this works both ways. A little evil will result in a lot of bad just as one little good deed will bring a lot of blessing. Once planted, whatever it is, the seed multiplies and you get back more than you had at the beginning.
3. You have to wait for the right time. Indiscriminately scattering seed won’t bring the desired results. Planting must be planned for the proper season. It must be done when the combination of soil, sunshine, and water is just right. Spiritually also, there is “a time to plant and a time to uproot” (Eccl. 3:2).
4. You can’t ever stop weeding. Ever since Adam’s sin, weeds have been introduced both in the ground and in man’s life. The Enemy delights in sowing weeds in good fields (Mat. 13:24ff). If allowed to increase and continue, they will eventually choke out all the good produce. The weeds must be continually uprooted and destroyed.
5. Pruning will produce more fruit. It seems painful at first, but cutting back the branches will eventually produce more fruit, not less. The same is true in our lives and God prunes unfruitful branches so that good branches may be more productive. It hurts but is for our own good.
6. The hard work is rewarding. “At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9). It’s perhaps nowhere more evident than in child-raising but it’s a principle of life. God is pleased with consistency and faithfulness.

Jesus once said:

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Lk. 6:43-45)