Category: Christian Living

Wearing God’s Glory

Opening the door, the student aide walked in with a message from the school office. Furrowing her brow, she scanned the classroom before turning to me and asking, “Where’s the teacher?” Grimacing and willing my face not to turn red, I snatched the note from her hand and replied, “I’m the teacher, I’ll take care of that, thanks.” 

I was a few weeks into my first year teaching and trying desperately to command the respect of my high school pupils. At twenty-three years old, it had only been five years since I’d graduated from their ranks. After a few embarrassing run-ins like this one, I was determined to differentiate myself from the teens on campus. So, I headed to the mall to buy some clothes that were more tailored and less youthful. Until the students got to know me, I knew what I wore needed to set me apart from them. 

Although it happened years ago, I remembered this season in my life as I read the instructions about the clothing for the priests serving in the Tabernacle. What they wore showed they were different; they’d been set apart by God to perform sacred duties: “For Aaron’s sons you shall make coats and sashes and caps. You shall make them for glory and beauty. And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.” (Exodus 28:40-41, ESV) Covered with precious gemstones, the ornate priestly garb displayed the Lord’s glory, beauty, dignity, and honor (“glory and beauty” are used in the ESV, “dignity and honor” are used in the NIV).   

Today we might be tempted to view this as interesting but irrelevant information. Because of Jesus, we no longer need priests to make blood sacrifices on our behalf. However, the New Testament clarifies that every follower of Jesus now serves in this role: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV) 

We too, are a royal priesthood called to live set apart from the world around us. Instead of sacrificing animals, our charge is to tell people Christ made the sacrifice for them. We get to help others move from the darkness of sin and death to the light of God’s love and mercy.

While we’re no longer required to wear elaborate clothing like the priests serving in the Tabernacle, Scripture still emphasizes the importance of adorning ourselves with glory, beauty, dignity and honor: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV) 

Through the Holy Spirit, followers of Christ display character qualities that set them apart from the world. Let’s consider each piece of “clothing” and how wearing it honors the Lord and reveals Him to others.

Compassion is “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.”1 Demonstrating compassion gives us an opportunity to show the Lord’s love and concern for people in difficult and vulnerable situations. If you’re not naturally compassionate, consider asking the Holy Spirit to increase it in you. Then, invite Him to lead you to people who would be blessed by receiving it.

Kindness is being benevolent, considerate, and helpful to others. Kind people look outward beyond their own needs and desires to notice others. Through kind words and actions, we reveal the fruit of the Spirit and become the hands and feet of Jesus. Try praying for the Lord to fill you with His kindness, then be on the lookout for someone who needs it today.

Humility is “not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”2 C.S. Lewis said a truly humble person “will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.”3 Pride and self-absorption stand in opposition to humility. It may be challenging, but consider asking the Lord to humble you and to help you to think of yourself less frequently.

Gentleness is the quality of being free from harshness, sternness, or violence. It is being docile, soft, and delicate.4 Scripture explains, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV). Gentleness diffuses tension and softens defensiveness. Do others feel soothed by your words or stirred up by them? Ask the Lord to give you more of this fruit of the Spirit if it’s lacking in your character.

Patience is “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.”4 This vital fruit of the Spirit is in short supply in our world today, so demonstrating it to others makes believers stand out from the crowd. If patience is a struggle for you, ask the Spirit to pour it out on your life to bless you and those in your presence.

Forgiveness is releasing resentment for wrongs and offenses committed against you. It means letting go of grudges and relinquishing your hurt to the Lord. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV) The world tells us to stoke the fires of resentment and to hold fast to grudges. However, remembering God’s forgiveness should compel us to offer grace and forgiveness to those who sin against us.

Clothing ourselves with the characteristics of Christ reveals God’s presence in the world. Like the priests of ancient Israel, we bring the Lord’s glory and beauty to those around us. Dan Bremnes’ song “Fingerprints” will inspire you to remember the important part you play in shining God’s light into darkness. Click here to listen.

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 8.

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1. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/compassion

2. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, Zondervan, 2002.

3. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Geoffrey Bles, 1952.

4 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentle

5. https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=definition+of+patience&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Spreading Christ’s Aroma

Clenching a pipe between his teeth, my grandpa would light sweet-smelling tobacco and stand puffing away in our garage. This is one of my most vivid childhood memories. Every year he would travel from Philadelphia to California to spend two weeks with the family of his only child, my mom. His visits included a few predictable elements: he would always bring mint bark from his favorite candy shop on the Jersey shore and rye bread from a Jewish deli in Philadelphia. At some point during the visit my grandpa would bake a Philadelphia cheesecake (he eschewed the “lesser” New York cheesecake with a crust that he considered too sweet). But the thing I remember most about my grandpa’s visits is the spicy, pungent scent of tobacco that would permeate our garage long after he’d flown back to Pennsylvania. I don’t smell pipe tobacco very often, but when I do, it makes me smile.

That sweet fragrance of my grandpa’s tobacco came to mind as I learned about the outer court of the Israelites’ Tent of Meeting in Exodus recently. I never realized the important role fragrance played as an element of worship. Outside the Holy Place, a powerful mix of acrid smells wafted through the courtyard; the comingled scents of livestock, urine, manure, and blood were probably overpowering as the people brought animals to be sacrificed. 

In contrast, a sweeter scent met the nostrils of any priest entering the Holy Place. The Lord gave Moses a specific recipe of spices to combine and explained: “Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.” He instructed Moses to consecrate all objects inside the Tent of Meeting by anointing them. Additionally, the Lord told Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons, consecrating them as priests. He concluded by explaining, “This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.” (Exodus 30:25 & 31-33)

The smell the people would detect on the priests would be uniquely associated with the Lord. It was sacred and signified what Scripture reiterates numerous times: “The Lord is God; besides him there is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:35b, NIV)

Here’s the part that’s most inspiring, though. Each element of the Tent of Meeting pointed the way to Jesus and has corresponding facets in the Christian faith. When it comes to the aroma of God, here’s what the Apostle Paul explains in the New Testament:

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16, NIV)

“Paul’s metaphor would be readily understood by his audience, with the apostle and his co-laborers portrayed as victorious soldiers in a triumphal procession. During these Roman military parades, captives of war would be marched through the streets as garlands of flowers were carried and incense was burned to the gods. The aromatic perfumes wafted on the air as spectators and those in the procession breathed in their fragrance. At the parade’s finale, many prisoners would be put to death. Thus, the aromas were pleasing and life-giving to the victors, but they were the smell of death to those who had been defeated.”1

Unlike the Roman processions, every person now has the option to side with the victor by accepting Christ. The truth of the gospel causes people to face the reality of their sin. Those who smell the aroma of life recognize they need the blood of Jesus to atone for their sins. Those who smell the aroma of death hear the truth and reject it—preferring to ignore sin or re-frame it rather than admitting it. Jesus states this clearly in John’s gospel: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” (John 3:36, NIV)

The New Testament declares that followers of Jesus are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9)  So, just as the priests came out of the Tabernacle emitting the smell of the sacred oil and incense, followers of Jesus give off the scent of Christ through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

We have the privilege and responsibility of spreading the aroma of the knowledge of Christ wherever we go. The smell of Jesus is always good, right, and true, but that doesn’t mean it’s always nice, easy, or pleasant. Some people will be drawn to it and others will be repelled by it. Jesus told His disciples: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” (John 15:18-19, NIV)

If you’re walking with Jesus, you’re going to smell like Him. Sometimes people are going to like this about you, and sometimes they’re not. Don’t be tempted to veer from the truth, even when it’s not popular. True life and freedom are found only in Christ: “Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31b-32, NIV)

Envisioning Jesus leading a triumphal procession in victory over death and sin inspires celebration in me. Click here and “smell” the aroma of victory as you listen to Phil Wickham’s “Battle Belongs.”

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 7.

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1. “What does it mean that Christians are the aroma of christ?”gotquestions.org.

Shining God’s Light

Howling winds whipped through the trees; branches shuddered and crashed into one another as rain pelted the ground. Then, with a loud pop and a flash of sparks, the main electrical transformer in my neighborhood shut down. Powerful gusts had pulled the lines out and left them sizzling in the intersection below. A fire truck blocked traffic at the entrance to my neighborhood and kept curious people like me from getting too close to the live wires. 

After talking with the fire crew and watching them reroute a line of cars, I headed home and discovered my house was cold and dark. I assumed we’d have power back within a few hours, but as the sun sank low, electricity still hadn’t been restored. So, my husband and I found flashlights, added blankets to our bed, and prepared for a cold, dark night. We were discouraged to wake up the next morning and find that the screens on our clocks remained numberless. Ultimately, the power outage lasted for fifty-six long hours. When the lights finally flickered back to life on the evening of the third day, I’d never been so grateful for the electricity I usually take for granted. 

Ironically, the power outage happened the same week I was learning about the construction of the Sanctuary in Exodus. Not surprisingly the description of the lampstand in the Holy Place caught my attention: “Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them.” (Exodus 25:31, NIV) Further study revealed this significant detail: “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually.” (Leviticus 24:1, NIV)

The Lord instructed Moses to make the Sanctuary’s exterior from animal skins and heavy fabrics, which would shroud the Holy Place inside in utter darkness. So, God told Moses to make a lamp that would be continually burning. As the high priest, it would be Aaron’s job to tend to the lamps every morning and evening so that they would burn without ceasing. They would be a visible reminder of what Scripture tells us: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5b, NIV)

The theme of light and darkness threads throughout the Bible, starting in Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:1-4, NIV)

John’s gospel opens by describing God’s choice to send His son to earth: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4, NIV) Jesus took this a step further by making a bold statement followed by a promise: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, we receive the joy, hope, and peace of salvation. God’s light not only shines on us with His blessings, it also shines through us. Jesus explains this in the Sermon on the Mount when He says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

During the power outage, my husband and I were fortunate to have good friends nearby who shared their electricity with us. Thanks to them, our food stayed cold in their refrigerator, our computers charged in their outlets, and our bodies were cleansed in their hot shower. It would have been a much harder week without these small luxuries. And just as our friends shared their power with us, we are called to do the same with God’s light residing within us.  

Imagine a sunset over the ocean. The rays of light affect everything they touch so that the glow of the sun shines on the water and reflects off the wet sand, creating vibrant hues and stunning shades of color. In the same way, the warmth and light of the Lord’s love affects everyone who encounters it. As we receive God’s love, it changes us so that we color the atmosphere around us by radiating His love, grace, and peace. As conduits of His light, we reflect the Lord’s glory and become sources of hope for a world that is mired in spiritual darkness.

If you’ve never thought about it before, start inviting God to let His light shine through you. Ask Him to fill you with His presence so you shine brightly wherever you are. Pray that He’ll connect you with other believers so you can build community that radiates the warmth of God’s love outward. Draw strength and confidence from Christ’s light within you and let it bless others wherever you go.

Take a moment right now to worship Jesus by enjoying “Light of the World” by We the Kingdom. Click here to listen.  

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 6.

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Bringing Your Firstfruits

Do you remember your first paycheck? The thrill of earning your own money felt exciting and full of possibilities. Maybe it seemed like a huge amount, but as soon as you started spending it, you realized how quickly the funds could slip through your wallet. 

My parents modeled faithful and generous giving while I was growing up, so when I got my first paycheck, I wanted to follow their example. As soon as I deposited the funds, I carved out a portion to give away before I spent it on anything else. I knew if I didn’t do it immediately, I would be more likely to forget. The spending patterns we develop in youth affect our finances throughout adulthood, so I’m grateful to my parents for teaching me to prioritize giving from the start. 

I thought of that first act of financial obedience as I read the Book of the Covenant, found in Exodus 20:22-24:18. At first glance many of the laws that expand on the Ten Commandments seem obsolete or inapplicable for us today. However, with a bit of context and clarification, we’ll find there are still practical ways to apply them in modern contexts.

One of those commands is: “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.” (Exodus 23:19, NIV)

“The Hebrew word for first fruit is bikkurim—literally translated to ‘promise to come.’ The Israelites saw these first fruits as an investment into their future. God told them that if they brought their first fruits to him, he would bless all that came afterward.”1 

Although most of us no longer live in an agrarian society, the idea of giving our first and best to the Lord still has relevance today. “What started as a specific instruction for bringing crops to the temple priest was expanded on later in Scripture. It no longer refers to literal fruit—first fruits means any income, wealth, or blessings that a Christian has received over the course of the year… Whenever you decide to make a first fruit offering, the important thing is that you do it freely, with no guilt or obligation. This is supposed to be a celebration of all that God has done for you. It’s a kind of worship that you can use to support the work of others.” 1

Making a firstfruit offering invites God to work in our lives. When we approach the Lord with open hands rather than clenched fists, we’re in a posture to give and receive freely. Honoring God with our firstfruits reminds us that He is our ultimate provider. It shows Him that we are obedient to Him and we can be trusted with more, if He chooses to give it. Additionally, being generous with what we’ve received demonstrates that we’re grateful for all the Lord has given to us. 

If we take an expansive view of obedience here, we can apply the concept of giving our first and our best in other areas of our lives as well. For example, we can give God the firstfruits of our time by prioritizing prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in worship in the regular rhythms of our schedules. Similarly, we can use our skills, talents, and spiritual gifts for God’s kingdom purposes at church and in other ministries. Instead of squeezing these practices in around other priorities, we can build our time commitments around them. We honor the Lord by giving to Him first, not dishing Him our leftovers—whether it’s our finances, our time, or our talents.

God has done for us the very thing He asks us to do for Him; He gave us His first and His best:“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22, NIV) 

Jesus represents the ultimate firstfruits: “He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” (Philippians 2:5-8, The Message) God didn’t hold back on giving us His first and His best. He sent Jesus, who willingly became a human for our sakes. He set the ultimate example of offering the most precious thing He had—His life. So how could we ever hold back from Him?

If you’ve never learned about giving the Lord your first and your best, there’s no need to feel guilty. Shifting how you use your time, talents, and material resources may not happen all at once. It will require thought, prayer, and possibly some hard conversations with others in your family. But if these are areas where you’d like to grow, commit to praying and asking the Lord to guide you. Let Him speak into how you prioritize your time, talents, and material resources. Trust that God has good in store for you and that as you give Him your first and your best, you’ll experience His peace, joy, and fulfillment in abundance.

Honoring the Lord with your firstfruits is not a practice commonly embraced in our world today. Re-ordering your priorities to align with Scripture requires thought, prayer, and intentionality. If you’d like to ask God for help, listen to “First Things First” by Consumed by Fire and let it become your prayer today. Click here to listen.

1. “A Short Guide to Understanding Firstfruits Offerings”, Jesse Wisnewski, August 6, 2020, Tithe.ly website.

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 5.

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Addressing Anger

After years of enslavement in Egypt, the Israelites needed clear and definitive laws from the Lord to function effectively as a new nation. Moses delivered the Ten Commandments to them at the base of Mt. Sinai. The first five establish the authority of God and the importance of honoring Him. The second five clarify how God’s children should relate to one another. Delving into these commandments shows their timeless wisdom for us today. For example, the sixth commandment seems easy for most of us to follow: “You shall not murder.” However, Jesus raises the bar on this commandment in the Sermon on the Mount:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22, NIV)

Being angry isn’t a sin, but it leads to sin when we handle it poorly (see Ephesians 4:26 in point #2 below). Murder seems like a much bigger offense than anger, but Jesus shows us that both come from the same root within us. Anger influences our feelings when we stew on it in our minds. Soon it reaches a boiling point and we overflow with resentment. If this pattern continues, our attitudes are flavored with bitterness and our relationships are tainted. 

In His teaching on anger, Jesus explains how to keep ourselves in check and to prevent anger from taking over: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24, NIV)

Jesus calls us to seek reconciliation when we’re at odds with others rather than avoiding them. In a modern context, “offering your gift at the altar” could be any activity involving the Lord: praying, reading your Bible, making a financial donation, volunteering, serving, leading a Bible study, singing a worship song, attending church, etc. This teaching encourages us to reach out and make things right before engaging in spiritual activities. It echoes the prophet Samuel’s words to King Saul: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NIV)

Scripture has many wise words on anger. If you’d like to grow in handling it biblically, try applying these principles next time your blood begins to boil:

-Recognize and admit if you’re being prideful or handling your anger sinfully. Sometimes our anger is justified, sometimes it isn’t. Pause and ask yourself if your anger is something you need to process only in prayer or if you need to address it with the one who offended you. Confess it to God and to anyone who has been hurt by your anger: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13, NIV)

-Leave room for God’s wrath. This is especially important in cases of injustice, when people abuse those who are innocent.  The Lord is righteous and all-knowing; we can trust Him to act justly in His timing, not ours. We cannot control how others behave or respond, but we can make the changes needed on our part: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19, NIV)

-Return evil with good. We can transform our feelings toward adversaries by empathizing with them as fellow humans. Recognize their brokenness instead of viewing them through the lens of anger: “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21, NIV)

When you’re ready to address your anger, keep these principles from the book of Ephesians in mind: 

1) Be honest and explain what caused your anger. People cannot read our minds; we must speak the truth in love: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”  (Ephesians 4:25, NIV)

2) Keep short accounts. Don’t be a peace-faker by avoiding your anger and letting it build up. Deal with it before it reaches a boiling point. Be mindful of what triggers your anger and set healthy boundaries with those who don’t bring out the best in you: “‘In your anger do not sin’ Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26, NIV)

3) Attack the problem, not the person. Talk to the person, not about them: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:29 & 31, NIV)

4) Don’t react on your first impulse or let your anger lead you. Pause and ask the Lord to show you a godly way to respond. De-escalate the tension instead of adding to it: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Cooling a hot temper is not accomplished overnight. But through prayer, Bible study, and reliance upon the Holy Spirit, ungodly anger can be overcome. Seek to glorify God and watch your thoughts and relationships change for the better.

Portions of this post were adapted from “What Does the Bible Say About Anger?” on got questions.org. Click here to view the full article.

This post was also inspired by Week 4 in Jen Wilkin’s God of Freedom, Lifeway Press 2022 and Tyler Scott’s sermon “Sermon on the Mount Part 4.” Click here to access the sermon.

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Revering God’s Name

After living under the rule of Pharaoh and his slave drivers for 430 years, the Israelites needed to learn how to live free. To function effectively as a nation, they had to understand how to relate to authority and to one another. So, God established commandments that would free them to have right relationships both vertically and horizontally. Moses delivered these commandments to them at the base of Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 20. 

The first five commandments focus on relating to the authority of God: “You shall have no other gods before me…You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below…You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name…Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:3, 4, 7, 8, 12, NIV)

Times are different, but these commandments still have relevance for us today. I could write multiple posts on each of them, however I’d like to focus on the one sandwiched right in the middle. Breaking it has become so commonplace that even devoted followers of Jesus do it without a second thought. There are numerous ways to misuse the Lord’s name, but let’s explore one that’s most obvious and easiest to correct when we’re intentional.

Do you remember the first time you read an abbreviation in a text message? Maybe it was “LOL” (laughing out loud) or “FYI “(for your information) or “BTW” (by the way). I’ve incorporated several into my texting vocabulary, but there’s one that I’ve never added and never will: OMG (oh my God). Even writing it here makes me cringe a little. 

From the time I was a child, my parents were emphatic about their kids not saying this common exclamation. For them, it was on par with using forbidden swear words. This confused me because I heard other kids use the phrase regularly with no reaction from adults. My parents had a similar stance about using “Jesus Christ” to express frustration, anger, or disgust—it was definitely not ok, ever. I followed these rules without thinking much about them, mostly because I didn’t want to get in trouble.

As I grew older those two phrases became more and more common among my peers, in popular culture, movies, and TV shows. Even people I knew and respected used them. But as I studied the Bible more, my negative reaction to hearing God’s name misused began to match my parents’ feelings about it.

 One commentary explains: “The third of the Ten Commandments forbids taking or using the Lord’s name in an irreverent manner because that would indicate a lack of respect for God Himself…The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honor His name as we revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.”

In the New Testament, Jesus models the most fitting way to treat God’s name in the opening lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9b, KJV) The word “hallowed” here is a transliteration of the Greek “hagiazó” meaning “to make holy, consecrate, sanctify.” When a name is hallowed, it’s set apart as holy and treated with special honor and care. 

In Scripture, God’s name represents His nature, attributes, and entire being. His name reflects His glory and commands awe, wonder, and praise, as we see in these psalms:

 “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.” (Psalm 8:1, NIV)

“He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever–holy and awesome is his name.” (Psalm 111:9, NIV)

By hallowing His Father’s name in the opening 0f the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus shows us that honoring and praising God should be the first thing we do when we engage Him in prayer.  One commentary explains, “Too often we barge into God’s presence with presumptuous ‘to-do lists’ for Him, without being mindful of His holiness, His awesomeness, and the vast chasm that separates our nature from His. That we are even allowed to come before His throne is due only to His gracious, merciful love for His own (Hebrews 4:16). We must never take that grace for granted.”

Like God the Father, the name of Jesus also deserves to be handled with reverence and awe. Between the book of Acts and Revelation, the New Testament invokes the name of Jesus thirty times to bless and heal people. Using Jesus’ name enabled His disciples to perform miracles and to speak with authority. One of the best New Testament passages that shows the power of His name comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”(Philippians 2:9-11, NIV)

Knowing that all people will one day bow at the mention of Jesus’ name should cause us to feel humility and awe. How could we ever debase it by using it as a cuss word? And why would we want to use the name of His Father as a careless exclamation in conversations or text messages?

If “Oh my God” or “Jesus Christ” are phrases you misuse, please don’t feel judged or criticized, but do consider asking the Lord if you’re showing Him the reverence He deserves. If you’re feeling convicted, confess it and ask Him to tame your tongue (and your typing fingers). Let your intentions mirror David’s: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NIV)

Marvel at the power of Jesus’ name by listening to Natalie Grant’s “Your Great Name.” Click here to listen.

Commentary quotations from:  https://www.gotquestions.org/Lords-name-vain.html

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 3.

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Preparing for Worship

They’d been trekking in the desert for three months after a terrifying flight from Egypt. Tired and dirty, they made camp at the foot of Mount Sinai and awaited instructions from their leader. The Israelites carried gold, silver, and fine fabric given to them by their captors, but no one would’ve guessed the riches they possessed looking at their chapped skin, matted hair, and dusty clothing. 

Despite the weariness of travel, Moses must have felt reassured arriving at Mount Sinai as he thought back to when he first met the Lord. God had spoken from the burning bush, calling Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and providing reassurance: “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12, NIV) Now, they’d arrived at the mountain and were preparing for their first worship service before the Lord.

Moses climbed up and down the mountain several times receiving instructions from God to share with the Israelites. There were many tasks to complete before they would be ready to worship: “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.’” (Exodus 19:10-11, NIV) For the next two days all of their efforts were focused on preparing for worship. Perhaps during the time spent washing their sweaty bodies and filthy clothes, the people pondered the majesty and holiness of their God.

We’ve come a long way from that today, haven’t we? I remember helping one of my sons pack clothes for a weekend event at his prospective college a few years ago. Looking at the information letter he’d received, I reminded him they’d encourage him to wear his “Sunday Best.” With a dramatic flourish of his hand, he gestured toward his tattered hoodie and jeans and said, “Done!” Clearly, I’d stopped fighting the battle of asking him to dress up for church.

Preparing for worship isn’t just about clothing though, is it? It’s about the state of our hearts. Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 13 about a farmer sowing seeds in a field. Some seed falls on a hard path where it’s eaten by birds; other seed falls on rocky places where it springs up quickly but withers because it has no roots; other seed falls among thorns that choke out the plants as they grow. Lastly, some seed falls on good soil where it produces a bountiful crop. Jesus’ parable illustrates different situations that affect a person’s ability to receive the gospel. It’s also a reminder to prepare the soil in our lives as part of readying ourselves for worship. 

Many of us give little thought to the state of our hearts and minds as we come to worship. Sometimes we view it as a consumer experience; we expect to get something out of it but don’t consider what we’re bringing to it. Or we wedge it into a packed day and see it as just another event on our schedules. However, being intentional about preparing for worship will enable us to be joyful participants instead of passive spectators. Here are a few ideas:

Prepare your heart. Confess any sins that are hindering your connection to God and that will prevent you from engaging whole-heartedly in worshiping Him. Don’t be like the Israelites the Lord chastised: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” (Isaiah 29:13, NIV) Follow David’s example and invite the Lord to speak to you: “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11, NIV) Or personalize Paul’s prayer in Ephesians: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19, NIV)

Prepare your mind. If you know what Bible passage will be covered in that week’s sermon, read it in advance. You’ll absorb so much more if you’re already familiar with the text. If you don’t know the content of the sermon, choose a psalm to read that will set your mind on the Lord and help you to be open and teachable: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18, NIV) Ask the Lord to purify your mind so that you can receive godly wisdom: “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:21, NIV)

Prepare your body. Be well-rested so that you can participate fully in worship. The Israelites prepared through cleansing their bodies and washing their clothes. Tending to our appearance isn’t about impressing anyone else at church, but about showing reverence to the Lord. When we do that, it signals to our minds that we’re getting ready for something special: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)

Prepare your relationships. We can’t worship God sincerely while treating others poorly. Consider if there’s anyone you’ve hurt and pursue reconciliation with them: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24, NIV) Also, consider if there’s anyone you need to forgive: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV)

Prepare continually. Spend time with the Lord in prayer and Bible reading throughout the week. Let God speak to you in silence and solitude. Cultivate your relationship with Him consistently and you’ll find times of corporate worship to be even more meaningful and encouraging: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” (Hebrews 13:15, NIV) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV) “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:18, NIV)

Let “Here I Am to Worship” inspire you to maintain a focus on worshipping God throughout the week. Click here to watch.

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 2.

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Saying Yes

She was around twelve years old; not yet married but already betrothed, as was the custom for Jewish people in her time period. In a stunning set of events, an angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28, NIV) He explained that Mary would be the mother to the Messiah that had been promised since the time of Abraham, thousands of years earlier. Not surprisingly, she was troubled by the announcement. Despite being a virgin, under Jewish law, she could have been stoned to death as an adulteress for being pregnant out of wedlock. Even if she wasn’t accused of adultery, it would likely end her betrothal to Joseph. She would be doomed to a life of shame, ostracized from her family and her community. However, Mary responded simply, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38, NIV) She didn’t know how her story would unfold, but she trusted the One who was writing it.

Mary said “yes” to the adventure the Lord had planned for her. Kristi McClelland encourages us to be inspired by her example: “Think of all the times you were minding your own business and something came out of nowhere and grabbed your heart—something that changed the direction of your life.”1 She urges us to consider what opportunities God has for us to go on a “kingdom adventure.”

Maybe you’re feeling a bit confused or unsure about how to discern when to say “yes.” Or, maybe you’re a little scared about how God will mess with your life if you do.  Each “yes” has led me significant spiritual growth and has expanded my comfort zone. That said, every opportunity may not be our best “yes.” Over the years, I’ve used a series of questions to help me discern the right answer. Try using the questions and verses that follow next time you sense a new kingdom adventure may be afoot.2

1.  Does what I’m hearing line up with Scripture?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2, NIV

“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8, NIV

2.  Is what I’m hearing consistent with God’s character?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, NET Bible

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31, NIV

3.  Is what I’m hearing being confirmed through other messages? Do people with godly wisdom affirm this decision to say “yes”?

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21, NIV

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22, NIV

4.  Is what I’m hearing beyond me? Is this something that will require me to rely on God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance rather than just my own skills or gifts?

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” First Thessalonians 5:24, NIV

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26, NIV

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26, NIV

5. Would what I’m hearing please God?

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10, NIV

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” First Corinthians 10:31, NIV

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21, NIV

Once you’ve sorted out the biblical reasons for saying “yes,” it’s time to ask yourself about practical aspects of your current life situation:

  • Can I handle this request along with my current responsibilities?
  • How would this commitment affect my marriage, family, and/ or other important relationships?
  • How will this “yes” mean saying “no” to other things?
  • Do I have the time and mental space to add this onto my plate right now? 
  • Do I have emotional space for this commitment in my life right now?
  • Is there something God is calling me to eliminate to make room for this?
  • What’s holding me back from saying “yes”? 
  • What positive things could happen if I say “yes”?

As you’re praying about the decision, consider inviting someone you trust and respect to be praying with you. This will enable you to answer with confidence and peace. Above all else, remember that anything God calls you to do is for your good and His glory; He will equip you with exactly what you need. May you discover incredible joy as the Lord leads you to opportunities He’s prepared just for you!

Let “Same God” by Elevation Worship remind you that the God of Mary is there to guide you and equip you, just as He did for her. Click here to listen.

Know someone grappling with a big decision right now? Consider forwarding this post to encourage them.

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1. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women: In the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 129.

2. Five questions adapted from What Happens When Women Say ‘Yes’ to God by Lysa TerKeurst, Harvest House Publishers, 2011.

Seeking Shalom

Her long, tangled hair hung like a curtain in front of her face. With eyes downcast, she wrapped her arms around her chest, shivering in the early morning light. The thin tunic she’d thrown on a few minutes earlier wasn’t meant to be worn in public, but it was all she could find when the men had burst into the room to drag her from bed. Standing before a disapproving crowd, she wondered why the man she’d been with wasn’t there next to her. She may have ignored the commandments about adultery, but she knew both people should be stoned to death according to the laws in Leviticus. 

Shivering, she shifted from one bare foot to the other on the stone steps of the Temple Mount as the Pharisees questioned a young Rabbi from Galilee. She didn’t know this new teacher, but it seemed they had even more contempt for Him than they did for her. Soon she realized she was being used as pawn in their scheme to trap this man named Jesus. But they were no match for Him: “When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ’Go now and leave your life of sin.’” (John 8:9-11, NIV)

Jesus didn’t condemn the woman, but He also didn’t condone her sin. His compassion for her meant that He wanted more for her than the life she’d been leading. He aimed to restore her to the wholeness and harmony for which she was created. Kristi McClellan explains, “The Lord doesn’t hate sin because we broke a rule, law, or instruction. The Lord hates sin because sin disturbs our shalom. It disrupts our harmony, wholeness, flourishing, delight, and communion with God. It disrupts the way God created us to be—in relationship with Him and with one another. In encouraging the woman…to leave her life of sin, Jesus was inviting her into shalom—a renewed sense of the harmony, wholeness, flourishing, and delight the Lord wished for her to know and experience in her life.”1

Kristi explains that God’s laws are His instructions for how to live the abundant life He desires for us. That sounds a lot different than the check list of “do’s and don’ts” I tried to live by in younger years. I remember believing the lie that following God’s laws meant leading a safe, but dull life devoid of fun. I was drawn to the allure of sin and the false freedom it promised. I stayed stuck in a cycle of quiet disobedience for a long time, carrying guilt and shame all the while. I didn’t feel I deserved the Lord’s forgiveness until I was ready to clean up my act. Ironically, throughout this season I was participating in Christian community, attending church, and portraying myself as a “good” girl. Never did I consider sharing my struggles with a godly confidante or asking the Lord for help. The idea of confessing my sin horrified me. I was too worried about disappointing people I respected. I also wasn’t ready for the changes I’d need to make to repent with sincerity.

The world, the flesh, and the devil influence us to believe that God’s ways are rigid, strict, and unreasonable. They tell us that true freedom is found in flouting His commandments and breaking boundaries He sets for our good. It’s not until we’re mired in sin and unable to extract ourselves from it that we realize sin isn’t freedom, it’s imprisonment. David says it well in Psalm 32: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin…Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.” (Psalm 32:3-5, 10, NIV)

Remaining stuck in sin robs us of strength, joy, and peace. It leads to unhealth on many levels– spiritual, emotional, mental, relational, and physical. The longer we carry the burden of sin, the more damage it does to us and those we love. The Bible speaks to this and offers a solution: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) Confessing to God in the quiet of our hearts brings forgiveness, but we may also need to speak it aloud to receive the support needed for change. While this sounds scary, being honest about sin brings it into the light so we can experience deep cleansing and healing. If you’re carrying the burden of sin, ask God to help you lay it down and to lead you to a godly confidante who can walk beside you. 

Jesus longs to restore shalom to your life. Will you let Him do it?

“How Can It Be” by Lauren Daigle is a powerful song inspired by the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8. Listen now and let it encourage you to be honest and receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Click here to listen.

1. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women in the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 114.

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Praying Persistently

As a widow, she was vulnerable, lacking power and social capital in her patriarchal culture. As a woman, her testimony in court held no value, but there was no man in her life to plead her case. So, she went day after day to beg for justice from her adversary, beseeching a judge who “neither feared God nor cared what people thought.” (Luke 18:2b, NIV) In spite of this, he eventually heard the widow’s case and ruled in her favor saying, “Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!” (Luke 18:4b-5, NIV)

Jesus used the parable of the persistent widow with His disciples “to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1b, NIV) By choosing a person with no power, authority, or social connections as His subject, Jesus shows that God responds to heartfelt perseverance, not worldly credentials. And while it’s encouraging to know that the Lord welcomes our tenacity in prayer, sometimes asking repeatedly gets tiring. Maybe even a little discouraging. Over the years of waiting for certain prayers to be answered, I’ve learned some things that have helped me not to lose hope:

Keep Your Eyes on God Instead of on the Answer You Seek: It’s natural to fixate on getting an answer instead of on God. But praising the Lord for who He is and reminding ourselves of all Jesus did for us can bring us a peace that is not dependent upon our circumstances. Kristi McClelland reminds us, “the same God who was faithful to be with us in the past is the God who will be faithful to be with us in a future that may seem unknown.”1

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.  Isaiah 26:3-4

Maintain an Eternal Perspective: Sometimes we get so consumed with wanting an answer that we forget this world is not our permanent home.  It’s helpful to take a step back and see the situation from a different perspective.  We are just passing through this world on our way to our home in heaven.  A good question we can ask ourselves is: “In the light of eternity, how much does this really matter?”

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Remember that God Does Things His Way, Not Ours: Our default is to focus on the outcome we hope for, but we may overlook the ways God is already at work. We need to give Him room to respond as He sees best instead of assuming He’ll answer according to the expectations we have. Often, the waiting is part of God’s refining process.

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8-9

Focus on Gratitude: Sometimes it’s easy to forget all the things God has already done in our lives. It builds our faith and trust in Him when we acknowledge blessings we experience daily.  We can even thank the Lord for how He is working behind the scenes while we wait.  In all circumstances, there is something for which we can thank God.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Pray for Strength and Confidence in God While Waiting: It’s okay to admit to God that we’re growing weary or that our confidence in Him is waning.  We can ask Him to restore our strength and hope as we wait.  We can also pray for Him to help us grow in trusting Him.  It helps to be honest and admit when we’re struggling and need help adjusting our attitudes.

I remain confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-4

Let Others Encourage Us: It’s always better to wait for something when we have company.  Enlisting a trusted friend to pray and encourage us as we wait helps us to stay hopeful.  It also keeps us from getting bitter or disillusioned if the answer is taking longer than we’d like.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. Hebrews 3:12-14

You’ll grow in patience, character, and hope as you pray expectantly.  There can even be joy in the waiting if you’re open to seeing it. God has great things in store, there is no doubt about that. And if you know someone who’s weary in the waiting, encourage them with this post today.

Need some hope while you’re praying persistently? Let Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Don’t Lose Heart” encourage you today. Click here to listen.

1. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women in the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 96.

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