Watch and Pray

Write From My Heart / January 3, 2021 / Watch and Pray

Luke 21:34-36 (NIV) Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.

            The 21^st chapter of Luke (vs. 5-28) contains Jesus’ response to his disciples concerning the description of things occurring at the end of the age sometimes referred to by Christians as the “the signs of the times.” It is interesting to read down through the list and note the many similarities between that description and the days in which we are currently living. However that is not the focus of this devotion. I would like to bring to the foreground a short passage I believe is tragically overlooked or downplayed by those focused only on the itemized list of events or those who errantly focus on date-setting.

            Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away,” v.33. Then immediately he warns the disciples to “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down…” v. 34. I know some versions use the terms carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life; but I do think dissipation may be worthy of note. While it is true dissipation can indicate a life of excessive drinking and self-indulgence, it can also be used to indicate a condition of having been scattered, dispersed, or separated and it is these latter terms that brings concern to my heart.

            I have mentioned before that I live in one of the states still enforcing many restrictions on its residents, particularly with regard to allowing citizens to be together. I do not intend to get bogged down in those details for it serves no purpose. Instead, my message is one of encouragement to every Christian who might be able to be reached through this devotion.

You are NOT alone!

            Whether you live in a state where you may freely meet with friends and loved ones, or in a state where gatherings are limited, you are not alone! There are nearly 205 million Christians in the United States and nearly 141 million of those are affiliated with Protestant churches. Data from 2015 reports an estimated 2.4 billion Christians worldwide. My heart tells me one of the greatest tactics of Satan will be to convince Christians they are alone as they face future troubles and struggles. Jesus Christ tells us to be careful, to be watchful, and most importantly to pray so that we may be able to stand up under the troubles of the coming days.

            What can we do to encourage others? Certainly praying specifically for individuals should be a priority. I also think simple tangible acts (e.g., phone calls, texts, cards, letters, emails) will also be critical in supporting one another and boosting one another’s spirits. Restrictions may come and go from state to state, but there are many forms of communication still available to us. Perhaps it is time to get creative. Check on your family. Check on your friends. Communicate. But most of all—PRAY.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We are not alone for you are always with us. Nevertheless, we understand there are many people dealing with feelings of isolation and loneliness caused by the arbitrary restrictions still imposed in many areas. Give us the passion to reach out to family, friends, and all fellow Christians and to communicate with them that they are not alone. May we be the tools for spreading your comfort to others.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.

A Time for Distinction

Write From My Heart / January 2, 2021 / A Time for Distinction

Malachi 3:16-18 (NIV) Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

            The word distinction refers to having a notable worthiness such as in the case of He was a man of great distinction. The more common usage is simply one thing being different from something else. It occurs to me that as Christians, we may have a greater opportunity this year to make a distinction “between those who serve God and those who do not.” Now I fully understand that we are commanded to live peacefully among others, (see Romans 12:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:13, and Hebrews 12:14 as just a few reminders), but my heart tells me the time for fading into the background and camouflaging our Christianity is definitely over. Christians of all faiths need to unite in our faith of One God, encouraging one another to remain steadfast and true to our basic Christian principles—creating a clear distinction between followers of Christ and those who follow the world and its principles.

            Even as I write this, I am thinking to myself, Okay, that’s a great goal but exactly how can we accomplish this and still remain peaceful? Perhaps the answer lies in both fear and commitment. I’m talking first of all about a righteous fear of the LORD and who he is—the kind of fear that let’s you know he means what he says and if he says he will destroy the wicked, he means just that! You have a choice to believe and follow, or the choice not to follow and receive the consequence of final destruction. I’m not sure about you, but that places a righteous fear in my heart to make sure I am continually choosing to follow the LORD God Almighty. He’s not messing around and I best not either!

            Another distinction I notice in the Malachi passage is commitment. A scroll of remembrance was written—physically, tangibly written. Think of how many forms you fill out for insurance, medical, license for driving, or travel. Think of what it takes to participate in social media, shopping, or other online activities, services, etc. We seem to have no problem filling out requests “to set up your account” for this, that, or the other. What about our commitment to God? What is it that holds us fast and true to our resolve to follow him? Perhaps the answer is as simple as the Bible—God’s Word. That’s a very tangible, physical contract between us and our Heavenly Father. Perhaps it’s time to take it off the shelf, dust it off, and use it.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Our choice to follow you should be evident to all around us in a way that draws them to you rather than to ourselves. Forgive us when we are weak and shrink in the times of adversity. Grant that we might be boldly steadfast in living a Christian example for others to follow.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.

What's in a name?

Write From My Heart / January 1, 2021 / What’s in a name?

Exodus 33:12-17 (NIV) Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If I have found favor in your eyes, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

            Perhaps this is my favorite story in the Bible because it covers so much that is important even today. Moses had a wonderful relationship with the LORD (and remember when LORD is used in all capital lettering it denotes the divine name of Almighty God). We are told just a few verses earlier: The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (v. 11). Moses could speak from his heart to the LORD in total honesty. Moses kept no hidden secrets.

            On this occasion, Moses knows that God wants him to lead the Israelites, but he has no clue exactly how that will happen. He remembers God has told him many times: 1) I know your name, 2) You have found favor with me. Important: Notice Moses’ actual request is not for material goods, health, welfare, or anything else! Moses’ actual request is teach me your ways so I may continue to 1) know you, and 2) find favor with you. Wow!

            As the interaction continues, God promises to send his Presence (Holy Spirit) with Moses, and Moses quickly responds that if God’s Presence doesn’t go then he doesn’t want to go either. Moses clearly recognizes that it is God’s Presence in his life that distinguishes him from all the other people on the face of the earth. So the question comes for us to reflect if God’s Presence in our lives is what distinguishes us from all other people on the face of the earth. Do people see the Lord through us? Do we have any distinguishes mannerisms or characteristics that would allow others to recognize we are Christians simply by hearing our name or knowing who we are?

            As the interaction concludes, God agrees to grant Moses’ request because as he reminds Moses… 1) I am pleased with you, and 2) I know your name. And this, dear friends brings us full circle to us today. As we begin this new year of 2021, can we say 1) God knows my name, and 2) God is pleased with me.

Proverbs 22:1 (NIV) A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Isaiah 43:1 (NIV) “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.

Revelation 3:11-12 (NIV, promise of Christ) I am coming soon.  … I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Names are important. You know my name, and the name of every Christian who has ever lived, who is living now, and who will ever live in the future. The question comes, when others hear our names, do they also hear yours? Grant that we might go with the presence of your Holy Spirit and that others might see you through our daily lives.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.