Category: Spiritual Growth

Session 3: David’s Honest Prayers

If there’s one thing we learn from King David, it’s that we can be completely honest with the Lord about everything. Intimacy with God comes through authenticity. Once we’ve dropped our façades in prayer, our relationships with Him grow deeper. The Book of Psalms is filled with examples of this as David and other writers grapple with their frustrations in the presence of God.

One of my favorite invitations to be honest before the Lord is Psalm 62:8: “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (NIV) Our honest laments are a significant part of extraordinary prayers.

My most vivid memory of pouring out my heart started with a seemingly “unspiritual” situation—a home remodel. God used that hard season in the life of my family to refine us and draw us near to Him in ways we’d never imagined. In fact, He taught us so much that I wrote a book manuscript about it (as yet, unpublished). Below is an excerpt that I hope will give you an idea of how it looks to approach God with raw and honest emotions and questions. This part begins just after my husband and I learned that the plans we’d so carefully designed had been rejected by the city. 

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The contractor left and my husband closed the door and disappeared into the office without saying a word. An overwhelming combination of disappointment, anger and defeat felt like a wave crashing down on me. Neither one of us seemed able to talk about how we were feeling without making things worse.

I retreated to our bedroom, closed the door and lay face down on the floor with my arms spread wide. The coarse carpet fibers pressed into my forehead and the faint smell of dusty shoes filled my nostrils. My emotions were so raw I could hardly formulate words to pray. The room was quiet and warm as rain drummed on the roof. I was too tense to let the tears flow. For the first few minutes, all I could do was breathe deeply. With each exhale I tried to release all of the negative things I was feeling. Bitterness. Anger. Confusion. Mistrust. With each inhale a different word would come to mind. Peace. Wisdom. Clarity. Direction. Eventually more words came and with my face to the floor, I wrestled silently with God in a one-sided conversation.

Why did you say ‘yes’ to the remodel and then allow this roadblock? Should we keep moving forward, or are you telling us to stop? Why did you let me get excited if this whole thing is going to fall apart like all the other times? What are we supposed to be learning from this?

Despite the physical discomfort, I remained face down in total surrender. Slowly I began to remember God’s faithfulness to us over the years. He usually didn’t do things the way we dictated, and they always ended up turning out better than we could have imagined. I thought of job searches, strained relationships, and challenging moments serving at church. God came through for us every single time. Fragments of different verses that had strengthened us through the hard times in the past came to mind.

I will never leave you or forsake you… I know the plans I have for you…You will find me when you seek me with all your heart…I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living…Be still and know that I am God.

As the promises flooded my mind, God gently pried open my tight fists of control and I held my hands palms up. I was ready to receive whatever the Lord wanted to give and trusted that He still had a plan. I knew there was a purpose for this setback, something we needed to work through before we could come out the other side. I got up from the floor and reached for my journal in the bedside table. Writing prayers had always been a way for me to connect with God.

God, I pray you would help us to trust in you even when things seem to make no sense. Please help us not to fret and to trust that you will make a way. I look forward with anticipation to how you will sort out this frustrating situation. God, please help us to conduct ourselves and treat others in a way that honors you through this process. Please give us wisdom, creativity and tenacity. I trust you even though I can’t see the way forward through this. God, please help us to keep a healthy perspective and to keep our eyes on you.

As I finished writing in my journal, inexplicable peace washed over me. I had no idea how this situation was going to work out, but I trusted that it would. God already knew the outcome and I could thank Him for that.

I emerged from the bedroom and found my husband sitting in our home office with his legs propped up on the desk and leaning back in his chair. His opened Bible rested on his lap. It was a relief to see that even though we retreated from each other, we’d both pursued God for wisdom and answers.  (From Our Mess to God’s Best manuscript).

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Looking back now, I see God knew our struggles and waited patiently until we were desperate enough to wrestle through our frustrations with Him. We had no idea He was preparing us to lean on Him for bigger challenges yet to unfold. Our growing dependence on the Lord was vital for giving us the strength we would need in the months and years that followed.

Through my experience with our disastrous remodel, I stopped asking God, “Why?” and started asking: “What do You want me to learn? How are You revealing Yourself to me?” When I relinquished my illusion of control and surrendered my sense of entitlement, God enabled me to find deeper intimacy with Him than I’d ever had before.

I pray you’ll find the same thing to be true as you pray with honesty and authenticity like David did. Instead of just seeking answers or solutions, pursue greater intimacy with Him. Regardless of how your circumstances unfold, you won’t be disappointed.

Casting Crowns’ “God of All My Days” beautifully captures my prayers and the idea of seeking God with honesty and authenticity. Click here to listen.

Session 1: Help for Our Prayers

The acrid odor of chemicals flooded my nostrils as I entered the classroom. Dusty beakers and a jumble of lab tools littered the black soapstone counter near a stained sink. Scanning the room on the first day of class, I hunted for an empty seat near a friendly face. Fifth period chemistry was pure misery for me my junior year in high school. The only bright spot in an otherwise dismal class was my lab partner. Although I barely knew her, we forged a friendship that year as we trudged through the dreaded subject together. Without her help, I’m not sure I would’ve passed the class. 

Maybe you didn’t hate chemistry, but you can probably agree that having a companion makes most things in life better. A good partner provides comfort, wisdom, and encouragement in so many different contexts. But even the most loyal and trustworthy people can’t always be there for us. Thankfully, God has provided us with the perfect partner who will never leave us or fail us.

Jesus explained this to His disciples just before He left earth and returned to His Father in heaven: “All this I have spoken while still with you. 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. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27, NIV) 

God provided the Holy Spirit as His ongoing presence with us. Through Him, we can experience peace that isn’t dependent on our circumstances, but on trusting His sovereignty in all things. Scripture explains how we can be assured the Spirit lives within us: “This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” (1 John 4:13-15, NIV) Any person who accepts Jesus as their Savior receives His Holy Spirit. This means God literally dwells within those who believe in Jesus.

The Holy Spirit provides us with a wealth of spiritual resources that equip us to walk with the Lord while on earth, including helping us in our prayers. Knowing how and what to pray feels daunting at times—but in the book of Romans, Paul explains, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27, NIV). We can be confident that the Holy Spirit labors beside us in our prayers and guides us to pursue the Lord’s will.

Paul continues in Romans 8 with another reassurance, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34:b, NIV). So this means “we pray to the Father through the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. All three actively participate in our prayers.”1 Joining the Trinity in the fellowship of prayer is an incredible gift and privilege. However, many people see it only as an opportunity to ask God for personal needs and wants. A quote in Extraordinary Prayer challenges this notion by explaining, “We pray to get God, not to get stuff from God.”2 With the Holy Spirit’s intercession, our prayers align with the Lord’s will. And as we cultivate a relationship with God through prayer, we learn to trust Him for our needs so we can pray beyond them.

Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13, NIV) Why not invite the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on you today? Pray that He’ll increase your desire for deeper communication with Him and show you how to make time for it consistently.

Thank the Lord for providing a faithful partner and commit to drawing near to Him this week. Let Natalie Grant’s song “More Than Anything” remind you to seek the Lord for Himself, not just for what you want Him to do for you.

1. https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-Father-Son-Spirit.html

2. Marybeth McCullum, Extraordinary Prayer: Using God’s Word to Expand Your Prayer Life, 2020, 17

The GOAT Part 11: Ask, Seek, Knock

Heading into our eleventh week of THE GOAT, the Greatest Sermon of All Time, Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God with bold prayers: 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11, NIV)

I love that Jesus invites us to pray boldly and persistently, but if I’m honest, waiting for God to act can get tiring. And sometimes the Lord’s answers look different than I expect or come more slowly than I want. Can you relate?

Author and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer explains, “Whether God moves is a question of His sovereignty, not His ability.  What He does is His business.  Believing that He can is our business.”1 Praying expectantly is hard work when we try to do it on our own strength.  Below are a six keys I’ve learned over the years that will help you persevere:

1. Keep Your Eyes on God Instead of the Answer You Seek: It’s natural to fixate on the outcome we want. However, praising the Lord shouldn’t be dependent on our circumstances–He deserves our worship regardless. Focusing on all Jesus has done for you brings peace that isn’t dependent upon your situation or a particular answer you’re seeking.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

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, NIV)

2. Maintain an Eternal Perspective: Sometimes we forget this world is not our permanent home. That’s why it’s helpful to take a step back and see your situation from a broader perspective when you’re feeling discouraged. As followers of Jesus, we’re just passing through here on our way to being with God forever. Take a look at the content of your prayers and ask yourself “In the light of eternity, how much does this really matter?” The answer to this question may change the focus of your requests.

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, NIV)

3. Remember that God Does Things His Way, Not Ours: It’s easy to focus so much on the outcome we want that we miss the ways God is already at work in our lives. Instead of praying for Him to perform according to our expectations, let’s remember God is sovereign and give Him room to work in the way He sees best. 

 “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, NIV)

4. Focus on Gratitude: When we’re praying about a specific situation, we tend to forget all the things God has done or is doing in our lives.  It builds our faith and trust in the Lord to thank Him for what He’s already done. We can even thank God 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, NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

5. Pray for Strength and Confidence as You Wait: It’s ok to be honest in prayer and admit that we’re struggling or weary. Instead of giving up, ask the Lord to restore your strength, confidence, and hope in Him. Beyond this, we can pray He’ll show us what He wants us to learn while we wait. 

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, NIV)

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, NIV)

6. Let Others Encourage You: It’s easier to wait when we have company. Ask a trusted friend to pray with you. Inviting others to join us in prayer keeps us from getting bitter and helps us to stay hopeful.

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, NIV)

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, NIV)

Which one of these keys would benefit you most right now? Is there someone else you know that could be encouraged by this post? How about sharing it? And if you’re looking for a place to get plugged in, I’ll be studying my new book Extraordinary Prayer with women at CPC Danville this fall. I’d love to see you there. Click here for more information.

Need some encouragement as you wait? Let Lauren Daigle’s song “Trust in You” help you regain your focus. Click here to watch.

1. Faithful, Abundant, True Bible Study, by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer & Lori Looney, Lifeway Press, 2010, (p.94). 

This post complements Tyler Scott’s sermon “The GOAT Part 11” at CPC Danville. Click here to view.

The GOAT Part 9: Worry

A few years ago, my son started describing me as a “stressy” person. He’s always had a knack for making observations that are both funny and piercingly accurate. It’s true: I’m prone to worry and I like being in control. Ironically, I’ve written twenty-seven blogs about anxiety and fourteen about fear in the last several years. So, it’s not like I haven’t studied this topic in the Bible—I just have a hard time applying it to my daily life. Does anyone else relate?

As we continue our journey through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, I was treading a familiar path when I came to this portion:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 3If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:25-34, NIV)

This passage reassures and reminds us that we don’t need to worry because the Lord will meet all our needs. That said, it’s challenging to live like we believe it’s true. So, when I discovered a sermon by pastor John Mark Comer called “Becoming a Non-Anxious Presence,” I wanted to share his practical, biblical wisdom with you.

Comer examines five key practices that create a sense of peace within us that affects those around us. After reading all five, consider exploring them further by clicking the links on each topic.

1. Slowing: Jesus’ pace of life was unhurried. He allowed plenty of margin for interruptions and used them as opportunities to bless and minister to others. The frantic pace of our lives is a significant factor contributing to our high levels of anxiety today. If packing your schedule and rushing from one thing to the next is your normal way of functioning, this may be making you anxious and creating a ripple effect on those around you. To read more on this topic, check out this post on the benefits of slowing down: Frenzy is Not Your Friend 

2. Sabbath Rest: Jesus had a regular rhythm of retreating from people to pray and rest and then returning to connect and serve. Luke’s gospel tells us He often withdrew to lonely places to be rejuvenated spending time with His Father (Luke 5:16). Comer explains that how well we rest determines how well we work. Taking time to stop, reconnect with the Father, and re-charge our souls is crucial for keeping anxiety at bay. To learn more about the importance of Sabbath rest, check out my blog “Under-Sabbathed.” 

3. Koininia: This Greek word describes a relational bond between people who are kindred spirits. It’s fellowship and community centered around pursuing Jesus together. We need deep, honest, authentic friendships rooted in Christ. Making time regularly to study God’s Word, pray, serve, and share life with others is an important element for maintaining a sense of peace and well-being. To read more about the importance of koininia, check out my post “Knit Together.”

4. Contemplative Prayer: Resting in the Father’s love and relaxing into His goodness help us to realign with what really matters. Prayer is about experiencing the presence of God. Going beyond learning about Him or hearing others talk about Him, it connects us to Him personally. Time with the Lord also grounds us so we become less overwhelmed, less reactive, and more thoughtful when we jump back into the fray. We engage people and situations with a different perspective after spending time in prayer. Want to learn more? Check out my post “Why Prayer Matters.” 

5. Indifference/ Freedom: There’s little in this life we can truly control. (Sorry, I know that isn’t a fun reminder.)  When we yield to God and trust Him with our lives, we experience the freedom to stop trying to force people and events to meet our expectations. Following Jesus and seeking Him first allows us to discover joy and peace that aren’t dependent upon circumstances going according to plan. We become indifferent to the outcomes of situations not because we don’t care, but because we know God is sovereign and trustworthy. This doesn’t guarantee a perfect or easy life, but it reassures us of the Lord’s presence and reminds us that He works all things for good according to His purposes, not ours (John 16:33 and Romans 8:28). Want to learn more? Check out my post “Stopping the Spiral of Anxiety.” 

I wish I could say I’ve mastered the art of being a non-anxious presence, but I’m a work in progress. Two of the five practices come easily for me. The others are a challenge. What about you? Will you join me in asking the Lord to help you grow where you need it? We may never achieve it fully on this side of heaven, but every day is another chance to ask the Holy Spirit to help us move forward on the journey of corralling our anxious thoughts and trusting Jesus instead.

Comer points out that when fear and anxiety are running our lives, love is repressed. Not being anxious improves our sense of well-being and allows us to express God’s love and grace to others more freely. And isn’t that what our world desperately needs right now?

The key to beating worry is seeking God’s kingdom first. Let Lauren Daigle’s song “First” reinforce this powerful truth. Click here to watch.

Content for this post came from John Mark Comer’s sermon “Becoming a Non-Anxious Presence.” Click here to watch.

You may also want to check out John Mark Comer’s fantastic book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

Post inspired by the GOAT sermon series at CPC Danville. www.cpcdanville.org.

The GOAT Part 3 “Law & Prophets”

Reading and understanding the Bible can be challenging at times. Am I right? It’s tempting to skip over parts we don’t understand or that seem irrelevant to us. But grappling with the harder parts of Scripture strengthens our knowledge of God and deepens our faith in Him. And in a world full of confusing messages and shifting moral codes, knowing the Bible keeps us grounded in eternal truth. 

As we continue our series based on the Sermon on the Mount, we come to one of those challenging teachings of Jesus that you might gloss over:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 5:17-20, NIV)

There’s lots to unpack there. Let’s start with the Law and the Prophets. What Jesus is talking about is the Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians call the Old Testament. He’s saying that He completed what was foreshadowed in those writings.

The Prophets

Jesus’ mention of the Prophets was a reference to the many books of prophecy in the Old Testament that include warnings, instructions, rebukes, and descriptions of future events for the Jewish people. If you look at the table of contents in your Bible, the books of Isaiah through Malachi encompass the Old Testament books of prophecy.

In His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says He came to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets. First, let’s touch on an amazing truth: Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies concerning Himself that had been written by the prophets in the Old Testament. For example, in Matthew’s Gospel “Jesus was the promised Messiah whose birth, ministry, death, and resurrection were prophesied in the Old Testament. Matthew makes his case by quoting more than sixty prophecies from the Old Testament, revealing how Jesus fulfilled each one.”1  There are far too many fulfilled prophecies to list here, but you can click on the link at the bottom of this post for an overview of some of the most significant ones.2

The Law

Next let’s look at the Law. If you glance at the table of contents in your Bible, Genesis through Deuteronomy encompass the books of the Law. This includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus chapter 20 plus additional laws written to further clarify them. These books explain the early history of the Jews and incorporate: 1) civil laws explaining cultural responsibilities and moral obligations 2) moral laws dictating how people should live and behave in light of their fallen state 3) ceremonial laws for worshiping and making sacrifices to the Lord. 

Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the civil and moral laws in Scripture by living a perfect life; He fulfilled the ceremonial laws through His sacrificial death on the cross. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

To understand why Jesus’ fulfillment of these laws is so significant, we need to consider why God gave laws and sent prophets in the first place. When He created the first two humans and they chose to disobey Him in the Garden of Eden, they brought sin into the world. So, the laws the Lord created in the Old Testament didn’t save people from their sins but provided guardrails to keep their sins in check. Laws instructed them how to interact with the Lord and other people and set parameters to right wrongs and get people back on track when they disobeyed.  

The legacy of sin that began at creation has plagued every person since then, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NIV). We all face the same consequence for our sins: “For the wages of sin is death”(Romans 6:23a). We must remember above all else that God is holy, perfect, and sinless. Because He is also just, sin cannot go unpunished. All who sin await divine judgement and God’s wrath. However, because of the Father’s great love for us, all the sins of the world were placed upon Jesus. He endured the wrath of God and the punishment of hell because of the Lord’s divine hatred of sin. (See Proverbs 6:16-19 for any idea of what repulses the Lord.)

Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount? Our righteousness must surpass the Pharisees and teachers of the law. He was setting an impossibly high bar that no one could reach. However, when those of us who have accepted Jesus stand before God at the end of time, He won’t judge us based on what we’ve done. We can present ourselves before the Lord robed in righteousness because we’ve been cleansed of sin by Jesus’ blood. 

Talking about judgement sounds strange and isn’t popular in today’s culture, but Scripture tells us that Jesus will return to earth at the end of time when “heaven and earth disappear” and all people will stand before Him to be judged. (Matthew 16:27 & 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). It also tells us that people will scoff at this idea and mock us for believing it. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, NIV)

God gave us life when we deserved death–this is what makes His grace so amazing.  He will judge us as righteous even though we deserve condemnation for our sins—this is what makes His love and mercy so profound. The best news is He doesn’t want to condemn anyone. He waits patiently to ensure all people have the opportunity to hear about His grace and to decide for themselves if they want to receive it.

So, how should we respond to these profound truths?

  • Take Jesus and the Bible seriously! Make it a priority to read and study it on your own and with others.
  • Apply what you’re learning! Let the Bible guide your values, decisions, words, thoughts, and actions.
  • When Scripture shows you where you fall short, confess your sin, receive the grace of Jesus, and continue to pursue righteousness.
  • Don’t neglect the whole gospel! Read and grapple with the hard parts. Gather with others to ask questions and find answers.
  • Share what you’re learning and lead others to repentance so that they can be saved from judgement and receive eternal life too.
  • Stay motivated and be encouraged by Jesus’ words: “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Meditate on the incredible truth of Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law and Prophets as you listen to “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” by Hillsong:

1. Dr. David Jeremiah, Matthew: The Arrival of the King, Thomas Nelson, 2019, vi

2. “55 Old Testament Prophecies About Jesus.” https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/old-testament-prophecies.html

Portions of this post were inspired by:

Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville on 6/20/21. http://www.cpcdanville.org/ministries/worship-arts/media/the-goat–the-sermon-on-the-mount–part-3–message-on-demand/

https://www.gotquestions.org/abolish-fulfill-law.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/ceremonial-law.html

Jackie Hill Perry’s teaching on Jude 14-15 in the Session 4 video of Jude: Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture, Lifeway Press, 2019.

The GOAT Part 2b “Light”

Descending down the paved path, our kids skipped beside us, giddy with anticipation.   We were on vacation with two other families and the fourteen of us had decided to explore a cave we’d seen advertised on a roadside sign. As we neared the entrance, a park ranger stationed at a booth nearby called out to us, “Do you folks have some flashlights? The cave is a mile long and it gets mighty dark and cold in there.”

We held up a few puny flashlights we’d planned to share among the group. He smiled in a way that let us know how pathetic we were. “It’s up to you, but I’d suggest renting a few lanterns. You’re going to want to keep close tabs on those little ones.” He gestured to the gaggle of kids surrounding us. Pooling together all the cash we had, we rented three lanterns and walked toward the adventure awaiting us at the mouth of the cave.

Within minutes, our previously boisterous kids sidled close to the adults carrying the lanterns. We left the last rays of sunlight and moved into the depths of the darkness. Between the 42-degree air and the utter blackness all around us, no one wanted to stray far from the group or the light. Without the lanterns to guide our way, it would have been a frightening (and probably very short) trek into the cave.

Although this adventure happened many years ago, I remembered it vividly as I listened to the sermon at CPC Danville on Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: “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)

Put simply, Jesus calls us to be lights that lead people towards Him in a world of spiritual darkness. Jesus says that our lights shine when we do good deeds, which in turn bring glory to God. While non-believers may not always affirm or recognize the light Christians bring into the world, they would definitely notice if it were absent.

It is important to keep in mind that our actions often speak more loudly than our words. We can’t always recall what others have said to us, but few of us forget how another person made us feel. Consistency of character shows over the long haul. The impression we leave on others opens or closes doors for future opportunities to share our faith.

It can take people a lot longer to recognize they are in spiritual darkness than physical darkness. Our world is full of distractions that comfort or anesthetize individuals into believing they don’t need God. Often it’s not until someone experiences deep pain or hardship that they begin to do some soul searching and seek spiritual wisdom. If you’ve been there for them all along, they may finally realize the value of the lifeline you’re offering through Jesus.

So how can you be a light today?

  1. Be intentional about connecting with Jesus and keeping Him in the forefront of your mind throughout the day. Apply His teaching from John 15:4-5: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
  3. Invite the Lord to show you where you can shine the light of His love and grace. Sometimes it may involve words, other times it will only be through your actions. Maybe it’s as simple as smiling at someone or holding a door open for them. Perhaps it’s offering a word of encouragement or affirmation. Maybe it’s meeting a need, offering a listening ear, or speaking a kind word. Each interaction we have with others provides a chance to make their world a little better and to shine our lights a little brighter.

Let’s consider my story about the cave in the context of our spiritual lives: Imagine that upon accepting Christ, each new believer receives a lantern to carry out into the world where spiritual darkness prevails. When we love people with our actions it creates opportunities to share the truth of God’s Word. We are like the people in the cave holding the lantern. Those fumbling in the dark are drawn to the light and find comfort in its presence. Our world is struggling in spiritual darkness; we have the privilege of holding the lantern and leading them into the light every day, one step at a time.

Let Kari Jobe’s “We Are” inspire you to shine the light of Jesus today:

*Updated from my “Shining God’s Light in the Darkness” 2015 posts.

The GOAT Part 2a “Salt”

Three ingredients, that’s all it takes. I have to laugh every time someone asks me for the recipe that makes my homemade burgers taste so good. I think the key is that I hand-mix the seasoned salt, minced onions, and Worcestershire sauce into the ground beef. The flavors mingle into a perfect salty-spicy blend because the patties are seasoned from the inside out. The thicker-than-store-bought burgers also stay juicier, making them even more flavorful.

I was thinking about those delicious burgers recently as I listened to the second sermon in CPC Danville’s “GOAT” series based on  Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:13, ESV) Jesus appealed to our sense of taste here to make an important point. A spice like salt serves a specific purpose- it brings flavor to food. There would be no reason to sprinkle it on if it didn’t add flavor, would there?

So, what is Jesus’ point in this illustration? Could it be that we, as His followers, are called to “flavor” the atmosphere surrounding us with His love and grace? When people spend time with us, do we influence them in ways that honor Jesus and draw them closer to Him?

When you answer these questions, don’t just think of those times when you’re at your best. Think about who you are when you assume no one else is paying attention. How do you flavor the atmosphere when you’re in a hurry or your day isn’t going the way you want? How do you flavor the atmosphere when someone is making life difficult or when a situation isn’t ideal? What about when you’re having health issues or relationship troubles?

At times when we’re struggling with challenges, we’re prone to fall into temptation and sin. We rationalize and make excuses for our poor behavior and we lose our “saltiness” in the process. This also happens when we let sin go unaddressed in our lives or when we begin to conform to the culture around us instead of adhering to God’s standards. When we fall into this trap, the taste we leave behind with others is no different from the rest of the world.

When salt is mined, it contains impurities that must be removed before we consume it. These impurities cause it to lose some of its flavor. In the same way, we can lose some of our Christ-like essence when we mix with impurities in the world. Although the Holy Spirit never leaves us once we’ve surrendered our lives to Christ, we must be careful to keep sin from hindering His work in and through us.

Salt doesn’t expire, but when ingredients like iodine or other seasonings are added to it, they reduce its shelf life. In the same way, we reduce our effectiveness in the kingdom of heaven when we add to God’s grace with our man-made lists of rules and behaviors (similar to the Pharisees that were listening to the Sermon on the Mount.)

It’s brilliant, really, that with this one analogy Jesus addressed two extremes– those wrapped in the impurity of worldly choices and those wrapped in the legalism of adding to God’s perfect plans. Since Jesus was there in the beginning with the Father and the Holy Spirit when salt was created, I guess it makes sense.

It has been estimated that salt has 14,000 different industrial uses. It plays a major role in the food industry as well as in medicine, metal fabrication, chemical production and more. Clearly, it plays a crucial part in many aspects of life. Like salt, God uses Christians in countless ways to bless others and further His kingdom. Responding to Jesus’ call to be the salt of the earth gives us the privilege and responsibility of having a tremendous impact on our world when we marinate in God’s Word and let His Spirit flavor our lives.

We can’t become “salty” on our own—it only happens through Holy Spirit. Click on the link to hear Zach Williams’ “Less Like Me” and be reminded of what it looks like to be the salt of the earth.

*Information on salt is from mortonsalt.com

*Updated from a post based on Jen Wilkin’s Sermon on the Mount, Lifeway, 2014.  Week 3

The GOAT Part 1

In 1992, Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie, consolidated and licensed her husband’s intellectual properties for commercial purposes by incorporating Greatest of All Time, Inc. (G.O.A.T. Inc.). Since then, the term “GOAT” has been used to describe many people considered to be the best at what they do. Although it’s typically used in reference to sports, one of my pastors recently described Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as the “GOAT” (greatest sermon of all time). For the next few weeks we’ll unpack Christ’s famous words recorded in the gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7. I think you’ll find they include powerful teaching that’s still relevant today.

Let’s start with some context. The sermon takes place early in Jesus’ ministry as people began following Him to learn from His compelling teaching. The opening lines of Matthew chapter 5 tell us that Jesus saw the crowds, went up on a mountain, and sat down to teach His disciples.

The teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is not intended to weigh us down with rules or to tell us how to find salvation. We are already welcomed, loved, and approved by the Father because of Jesus. Every household has a way of operating, Jesus is teaching us the way to conduct ourselves as part of His family. Learning to live this way is a lifelong pursuit that requires practice, commitment, and focus.

The Sermon on the Mount opens with a set of statements known as the Beatitudes. Each one begins with the word “blessed” which means “happy” or “fortunate.” That said, some of the statements may feel disconcerting because they encourage a perspective that seems opposite to the way the world works. Let’s take a peek at each phrase from Matthew 5:3-10 (ESV) and see what we can learn to apply to our lives.

  1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Being poor in spirit is admitting that you are sinful and completely destitute spiritually. You acknowledge you can do nothing to deliver yourself from your dire situation. Jesus is saying that, no matter your status in life, you must recognize your spiritual poverty before you can come to God in faith to receive the salvation He offers.
  2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Those who mourn grieve over the sin that separates them from the Lord. The Spirit comforts people who are honest about their own sin and humble enough to ask for forgiveness and healing.
  3. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Meekness follows the example of Jesus by having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else. Those who are meek display humility and gentleness. They aren’t weak but have a clear estimation of themselves and their standing before the Lord.
  4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” People who have an ongoing desire for personal righteousness have deep spiritual appetites. They care more about pursuing and pleasing the Lord than winning the approval and admiration of others. Seeking the Lord and applying His Word to their lives satiates their spiritual hunger.
  5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Those who are merciful understand that God’s mercy has been extended to them, so they give it freely to others. They demonstrate humility by offering others what they’ve received from the Lord.
  6. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” The pure in heart seek to be inwardly clean. They value the Lord’s holiness and don’t want sin to hinder their walk with Him. They pursue what is right, good, and true. They confess their sins readily and find refreshment in the Lord’s forgiveness.
  7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Jesus gave His life to make peace between God and sinners, and when we can carry that message of peace to others, we are peacemakers. Reconciling broken relationships brings the peace of Christ into the world. Peacemakers experience inward peace with God and pursue outward peace with others. They seek genuine peace rather than avoiding conflict to create the illusion of peace.
  8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Those who are mistreated, oppressed or maligned for doing what honors God show the depth of their love and commitment to the Lord. Rather than seeking the praise of people, they crave the approval of their Heavenly Father.

In the world’s eyes, few of these statements would be considered a blessing. Most of the things our world values are completely opposite. However, as followers of Christ, we don’t embrace the world’s perspective. Jesus describes this in John 15 when He explains “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 15:19a, NIV) Followers of Jesus don’t belong to the world because our citizenship is in heaven: “You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” (Ephesians 2:19b, NLT)

Living the kind of opposite life Jesus describes is difficult, especially when the world around us doesn’t value what we do. There can be lonely moments when we’re the only people intent on honoring and serving the Lord. Being blessed doesn’t always mean experiencing comfort or ease on this side of heaven. I hope this new series will encourage you to take the long view and embrace the lasting truth the Lord imparts to us here.

Which one of the Beatitudes would you like to see increased in your life? Will you commit to praying about it through this series? Join me over the next few weeks and discover the keys to building your life on a solid foundation as a member of God’s household.

Celebrate your place in His family by listening to We the Kingdom and Bear Rhinehart sing “Child of Love.”

Commentary on points 1, 2, 3 & 7 adapted from https://www.gotquestions.org/poor-in-spirit.html

Commentary on points 2-8 adapted from The Bible Knowledge Commentary by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Victor Books 1983

Lead Us Not into Temptation

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Two sides struggled for control of my heart, mind, and life. It was almost like I had a cartoonish angel and devil on each shoulder. I loved God and called Jesus my Savior, but I continued in a pattern of sin that kept me from growing and thriving in my faith. No one knew how much I struggled with the weight of guilt and shame. Praying to confess my sin felt futile and insincere because temptations were all around me and I couldn’t withstand them.

A turning point came when I left my environment and spent a season surrounded by solid believers who were passionate about Jesus. This time away from my normal routines and influences allowed me to discover and experience God in a deeper and more personal way. Once I got a taste of His goodness and grace, I didn’t want to go back. 

I began praying that God would lead me away from the temptations that made me stumble and veer off course. Over time the Lord answered those prayers and soon I found that activities that had tempted me previously stopped having the same allure. I wanted God more than I wanted the sins that had held me hostage for so long. I think that experience highlights the essence of the closing lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13, NIV)

This part of the prayer reminds us that we need God’s guidance because, left to our own devices, we gravitate towards what tempts us. Temptation is defined as “a condition of things, or a mental state, by which we are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from faith and holiness.” All of us need God’s help to withstand temptations so that we can avoid sin.

Let’s back up for a moment to see where the Lord leads us when we choose to follow Him:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3, NIV) God leads us to peace and refreshment. He guides us to do what is right for our good and His glory. 

David’s prayer from Psalm 139 further validates this part of the Lord’s Prayer: “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, NIV) The Lord leads us to eternal life with Him; following Him involves being humble enough to identify and confess sin.

Scripture also makes it clear that the Lord doesn’t lead us toward sin: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”  (James 1:13-15, NIV)

And when we find ourselves faced with temptation and wanting to give in to evil desires, it’s good to remember we are not alone. Being tempted is part of being human. The Lord knows our struggles and provides a way out of temptation when we look to Him: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted. he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  (1 Cor 10:13, NIV)

Temptation to sin comes directly from the evil one. Jesus warned Simon Peter of this not long before His arrest and crucifixion saying, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32, NIV) In His warning to Simon Peter, Jesus shows us that the key to fighting temptation is fervent prayer.

The final lines of the Lord’s Prayer again echo David’s prayer: “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” (Psalm 141:4, NIV) Like Jesus’ example, David recognizes the enticement of sin and asks the Lord to keep him from being attracted to it.

Temptations change as we get older, but the gravitational pull towards sin remains with us until death. Our flesh and spirit battle continually; praying for the Lord not to lead us into temptation and to deliver us from evil demonstrates humble acknowledgement of this fact. When we know our weaknesses and are aware of the areas where we’re likely to fall into sin, we can pray proactively, asking the Lord to guide and protect us.

If you’re ready to take a deeper dive into understanding the power of prayer this summer, check out my new Bible study called Extraordinary Prayer. Click here for more information or see the “Book Table” tab on my website.

Francesca Battistelli’s song “Defender” provides a beautiful picture of how prayer opens the door for God to deliver us from evil and to show us how much better it is to follow His way.

Definition of temptation from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon based on Strong’s Concordance.

Daily Bread

Hungry children lined both sides of the long tables in the orphanage, their bellies growling with hunger. Brightening as their headmaster entered the room, they expected to see him carrying steaming trays of porridge. Instead, he walked in empty-handed. He spoke gently, “Children, will you bow your heads with me and thank the Lord for providing our morning meal?” 
 
Hiding their disappointment and confusion, the children joined George Müller as he prayed to their Heavenly Father, thanking Him for providing their daily bread, even though their pantry was bare. Before they’d said “amen,” a knock at the door interrupted them. It was a local baker offering enough fresh, warm bread to feed all the children. No sooner had the loaves been served than a clatter in the street interrupted them once again. They looked up in surprise as the milkman entered the room wringing his hands. He’d just broken the axel on his cart and, knowing the milk would spoil, he offered to give it to the orphans. A broad smile spread across George’s face; once again the Lord provided for their needs at just the right moment.
 
George Müller’s incredible faith and trust in God led to many amazing events like this one. He cared for 10,024 orphans during his lifetime and established 117 schools which offered Christian education to more than 120,000 in Bristol, England in the 1800’s. Through all of this, Müller never sought donations from specific individuals. Time and time again He turned to God to provide as he cared for thousands of orphans he found living in the streets. 
 
While I’ve never been in circumstances quite so dire, I’ve experienced the desperation of pleading with God to give me something I needed. I think many of us would agree that asking the Lord for what we want and need often takes center stage in our prayers. Thankfully, we have a good and loving Heavenly Father who invites us to make requests, as Jesus taught in the third statement of the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us today our daily bread.”  (Matthew 6:11, NIV)
 
Requesting daily bread isn’t only about physical provision. It can also refer to asking God to provide for our less-tangible needs. In Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

The Lord’s Prayer uses bread as a symbol of God’s provision. This is profound when we consider Jesus’ words in the book of John: “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:47-51, NIV)
 
Those listening to Jesus’ teaching would have noted the significance of daily bread by remembering the Father’s provision for His people in the book of Exodus. After fleeing from slavery in Egypt, God provided food for them as they wandered in the wilderness: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.'” (Exodus 16:4 NIV)
 
God’s provision in the wilderness saved the Jews from physical death during their 40 years of wandering. Similarly, the Father’s provision through Jesus saved us from spiritual death, meeting our greatest need for forgiveness of our sins. Through Christ, the Lord made a way for us to have a restored relationship with Him now and for eternity. (Colossians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; John 20:31). 
 
There’s one key word in the Lord’s Prayer we can’t overlook: “daily.” Just as our bodies were made to need sustenance from food every day, our hearts were made to need daily connection with God. Going to Him consistently reminds us self-sufficiency is only an illusion. Everything we have, including our ability to earn a living, ultimately comes from God. George Müller’s faith and trust in the Father provides an inspiring example for us. Asking the Lord to meet our needs daily keeps us humble, but also enables us to grow in our connection to Him and our dependence upon Him.
 
One commentary explains,“Yes, God sustains us physically and meets the less tangible needs of this life. More than that, He fulfills our spiritual needs. He is the bread that satisfies our spiritual hunger. He sustains our hearts. When we ask God for our daily bread, we are humbly acknowledging Him as the sole giver of all we need. We are living day by day, one step at a time. We are exercising simple faith in Him to provide just what we need, when we need it – for every area of life.”
 
If you want to become a person of extraordinary prayer, practice connecting with the Lord daily, just as you would with your closest family members or friends. Start by offering a word of praise and seeking His will. Then, bring your requests before Him humbly and watch expectantly for His answers. Ask the Lord to increase your awareness of His presence. Talk with Him throughout the day and notice where He provides answers to your prayers. Daily connection with God is one of the keys to cultivating a richer, deeper relationship with Him. Will you try it this week and see what happens?

If you’d like some tools to enhance your prayer life, check out my new book, Extraordinary Prayer. You’ll be inspired by the prayers of different biblical characters and can follow their examples using prompts incorporated into each session.


The best place to be is near our Heavenly Father. Let Jordan Feliz’ song “Next to Me” call you back to the Lord daily for prayer.
 

Commentary quotations from https://www.gotquestions.org/daily-bread.html
 
Learn more about George Müller and his extraordinary prayer life by clicking here: https://www.georgemuller.org