Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

And One For All

    We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully (Rom. 12:6-8).

A representative is what we might consider to be someone who not only represents his own needs or concerns, but also the needs and concerns of those whom he represents. The choices he makes and the direction he follows greatly impact much more than just himself--they impact the greater whole. For him to pretend as though what he says and does only effects himself would be a sad misrepresentation; and what he would soon discover is that those whom he represents are all for him retaining his individuality, but not to the extent that he no longer considers how his actions effect the greater whole.
In our nation today, individuality is practically a god. We hold up our right to be individuals like some kind of flag, and we sing our personal independence like an anthem. We have not only promoted and encouraged one's need to discover who they are as a unique person, we have discouraged the identification of the individual with the whole. Patriotism is all but forgotten. Where once noble words rang out, proclaiming a right to die for one's country, there are now the cries of conscientious objection. No longer do so many ask what they can do for their country, but instead they ask what has the country done for them. Never has there been such a time in this nation where people have separated themselves so far from their neighbor, that they can sit idly by while some catastrophe hits the home next door and pretend it has no effect upon their own lives.
But what we do does effect others, and what happens next door does have an impact on all of us. We are a frightened and insecure people. As we watch the pain and difficulties of others around us, we generally have two different ways we can respond: One way is to get involved, understanding that it is good for them as well as for the good of everyone. The other way we can respond is to be onlookers--watching what is happening but remaining distant because, "It's none of my business." How can we believe that we are so detached from our surroundings?
But we are not in this alone. The pain and suffering of others will effect us somehow, and the pain and suffering we experience will effect others. We cannot withdraw to our corners and lick our wounds and believe that it does not matter how long we stay there. We cannot turn blinded eyes to the pain of others who need help, or need counsel, or need a good kick to get them out of a pity party, or just need a loving and gentle presence, and somehow believe that it affects no one but the one who is suffering.
How the work of God is accomplished is greatly influenced by how well we understand that we all have effect on everyone--everywhere. Our lives, our relationships, our lifestyles and our beliefs, greatly impact the kind of impact we are. If these things are good, then we are a means by which God can bring good, can minister effectively through us, and can accomplish His perfect work. But if we go on in relationships that remain unreconciled, or continue living for selfish ambition, or remain at our safe and apathetic distance from the rest of the world around us; then what God would do through us cannot be done, and the results will vibrate through the fibers of the fabric of all humanity.
All things that we are, say and do, they all make a difference--no matter how great or how seemingly small. And we are not just an individual lost in the mass--we are an important part of the greater whole--and we do make a difference. The kind of differnence we make is up to us--but not us alone.

[Soldier4Christ]

From The Rising

    From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised (Psalms 113:3).

There is a part of our lives that we daily depend on. It is a part that is always there, it is acknowledged and though we do not constantly think about it, we remain aware of its presence; and we would miss it if it were suddenly gone. It is the sun. We know each day that it will rise, and we know each day that it will set. We see it as something we can depend on and really do not consider the possibility that we may wake up one day and there no longer be a sun. The sun just is.
Few things are dependable in this life, and fewer are never changing. If there is one thing we can depend on is that things will change. But God is constant. Our Lord is even more faithful than the sun. When we wake in the morning, He is there. And when we go to bed at night, He is still there. He watches over us when we go through our day, and He watches over us while we sleep. As Christians, we often go through our days not really thinking about him, but all the while we are aware that He is there, and we do not consider the possibility that we could ever wake up one day and find Him gone. For He would never leave us or forsake us, and that not because of our faithfulness, but because of His.
Consider now the praise of God. What is it? What does it mean to praise Him? Is praise done through song and worship at church? Is it in doing all things as unto the Lord--no matter what we do, doing it as though our purpose is to bring God glory in it? Certainly all of this is praise, but to what extent do we praise? Do we truly give thought to Him throughout the day--pausing for moments here and there to give Him thanks? Do we take time to express praise to Him with a song on the way to work, or with a silent prayer in a moment of quiet? Or do we start our day with prayer and Bible reading, then do our work and somehow hope that God will extract something out of that which might be considered as praise in that it was our best efforts? But what is praise through hard work and good living, if we do not acknowledged God in word or thought, in prayer or in song?
If we really want to show someone appreciation, we do not go through our day as usual and determine in our hearts that "today, I will do everything I normally do, but it will be as unto" so and so. Sure, we can do that, but what is it if we don't let them know it is as unto them? When we praise someone, we generally verbalize it, and might even go out of our way to let them know how much we appreciate what they have done. We do not expect them to read our minds to find out how much we are grateful for their efforts.
Now, we know that God knows our thoughts, nevertheless, it is important for us to demonstrate our appreciation toward Him. He is faithful and at work in our lives. He has our best interests at heart. It should be natural for us to take notice of His work and natural for us to express gratitude throughout our day for what He has done and is doing. We should make the effort to develop an "attitude of gratitude" and thank Him and praise Him in word and deed each day. Look at the sun today and each time you see it, remember God and His goodness. And as long as the sun is in the sky, so let our praises also be lifted up to the glory of our heavenly Lord--"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same".

[Soldier4Christ]

A Better Place

    But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Driving down the highway on a hot summer's day, one might often see a group of cattle all huddled beneath a single shade tree. Perhaps further down the road, one might also see a similar group of cattle cooling in a small farm pond. And you can't blame them. They, like anyone else, desire to find the more soothing and comfortable places in life. It's only natural that we, like the cattle, also seek to find ways to get to a more comforting place. But the natural urges might sometimes be misleading, as there is often much to be gained by staying put.
Our striving to find a place of contentment is indeed a very strong motivator. The trouble, however, is not so much that we desire to find comfort, as it is that we can become so focused on the so called, "better places" or "better things" that we cannot see anything good within our current circumstances. What do we miss when we possess such feelings? We are certain to miss out on many things: the silver lining, the joy that transcends understanding, God's purposes and will, the lessons to be learned and the hope that remains throughout every circumstance. We can so become fixated upon our idea of what is good and best, that we entirely miss out on the good and best that God brings to us daily. Things aren't quite the way we would have them, so we either choose not to see the good or choose not to have anything at all with the exception of frustration and self-induced misery. And in the midst of it all, we somehow convince ourselves that even God has something better for us--somewhere down the road--while He so much desires to speak to us where we are.
Unfortunately, most of us preach to ourselves a gospel of "someday when" and never realize the possibilities of the present now. For how many times have we said, "Someday when I. . ." have this or that, "then I can. . ." do this or that. Noble intentions to be sure, but it is a someday that seldom comes. For no matter how often we reach our some day, another some day lays on the horizon and immediately grips our attention. And we become paralyzed in the present now, because we are certain we can do nothing until this or that--until someday.
The Bible tells us that "This is the day of our salvation." We do not have to live for a distant someday, believing that when the someday is reached, then we can do this or that and thereby bring glory to God--and thereby gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment. We may think, "If only I had more money, I could" do this or that for God, and we fail to see that we have everything today that we need. For we know that our God desires to see us be faithful in the little as well as much.
Regardless of how we have gotten to where we are today, this is where we are. It is a place wherein, as we surrender to God, He can use what we have and who we are--regardless of how little it may appear to us to be--and He can work His purposes in it. For it has never been a question of what we have, or what we can do--it has always been a matter of Who we know. And it is the Who that we know that can work wonders through us all, regardless of our apparent inadequacies. Let's not sell our God short in the great He can do, even when it seems He has little to work with.

[Soldier4Christ]

Short Reminders

    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path
    (Psalms 119:105).

Duck season, rabbit season, hindu season. Hindu season? "What on earth do you mean, 'hindu season'?'" you say? Well its not even close to what it sounds like or even anything like the way that I have spelled it. Instead, it means a great deal more. Between myself and a close friend, the words "hindu season," have become somewhat of an inside joke. Yet they are also the words that invoke serious thought and express a high level of encouragement. For, believe it or not, these words come right out of the Bible (with a little bit of a twist).
The words "hindu season" were actually, kind of transliterated from the words "in due season." It was just a simple twist of the tongue and perhaps a little bit of dry humor that changed them into "hindu season." And though the words may sound funny, there is an incredible amount of meaning in them. For it is not the words but what they bring to mind, and the times that they are spoken that make them mean so much. The words "in due season" can be found in Galatians 6:9, where we are encouraged, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." It is a gentle reminder that we will reap the benefits of our work in the Lord. And it is a strong encouragement to press on, and not to give up doing the work God has called us to do. "Hindu season," became a simple gesture to convey a complexity of thoughts and feelings within a brief and very short reminder.
To be sure, there are many such short reminders scattered throughout the Word of God. God often uses some of the simplest phrases to catch our attention and draw us back to Him. We can easily become wrapped up in one thing or another, but it is amazing the way God can use just a couple of words to help us to snap out of our hurried and worried daze--enabling us to fix our eyes on He who is our peace. We certainly need all the help we can get. And with so much going on, its sure seems to help us for things to be short and to the point at times.
Perhaps we should call them "catch phrases" as they can be used by God to catch our attention once more.
Today may be just the day you need a short reminder. Perhaps there is one He has waiting just for you. One that will help you to remember His love, His faithfulness or His protection. He has so much to say to us, and is able to do so with so very little. Sometimes all it takes is a moment of our time wherein we can "be still" and know that He is God. A time when we can simply "taste of the Lord, and see that He is good."
What short reminders shall you find in the storehouse of God's provision for you today?
Perhaps you could start by memorizing Psalms 119:105: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

[Soldier4Christ]

Upright

    The godly person has perished from the land, And there is no upright person among men. All of them lie in wait for bloodshed; Each of them hunts the other with a net (Micah 7:2).

We live in treacherous times to be sure. Times in which we can be hard pressed to find people of truest integrity. For even where we think we might look to find such people, we are often let down and may feel somewhat disillusioned.
Of our political leaders, our society is skeptical and would find it most difficult to really trust most at them. They seem more interested in seeking to be a servant to self than a servant of the people. When one perjures himself before a court of law we are not surprised. When one repeatedly lies to the people only to restate his position when the truth surfaces, we are not shocked. But of such men the Bible is clear when it tells us that, "The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them" (Prov 11:3).
Our political leaders seem to be holding to the mold that the people have cast them within. They are the leopards who do not so easily change their spots. They promise much, but they often do exactly that which we expect them to. But let us not leave the buck stop there. What can be said of our religious leaders? There are few who's names are synonymous with integrity. Many claim the pursuit of holiness, while clinging to the pursuit of wealthiness. They hold their torches high and cry freedom for God's oppressed; while holding on to a book of law that holds within moral standards fitting their own lifestyles. They claim to work for God, yet follow the paths that lead to dollar signs. They preach their message to the poor and broken, and claim that by their generous donations God will bless them seven fold. But it is said, "Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices (Eccl 7:29).
But let us not leave the buck stop there either. For the Lord has said to us, "I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths" (Prov.4:11). Though the leaders of this world seem fallen, and few men truly stand above contempt, we are still to stand--even if we stand alone. For times are coming when many shall seem to stand alone. Even their churches will stand against them--condemning them for narrow mindedness where they seek to be holy, and accusing them of hatred and bigotry because they refuse to condone godless living. Nevertheless, we are to stand above reproach, for God has told us, "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). And though the world and perhaps even the church will cast you out, take heart; "For the upright will live in the land And the blameless will remain in it" (Prov.2:21).
God has called us to be a holy people--separated unto Himself for His purposes. If we become such a part of the world we live within, how shall we be separate? How shall we be holy? How shall we stand and even when it means standing alone? This world is crumbling around us, and the only way we won't crumble with it is if we cut our umbilical from it.

    By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down (Prov.11:11).

[Soldier4Christ]

Blaming God

    For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom.8:18).

I knew a man with whom I worked and had many conversations. In the course of our time with each other, my beliefs in God were evident to him as I talked with him and with others in the workplace. Usually we were surrounded by so many others, but finally the day came when we were out of earshot of anyone else, and he chose that opportunity to be frank with me about his feelings concerning God. I remember how he looked at me, and in a somewhat angry voice began to share with me regarding his distrust of God--and his contempt for Him. It seems that the man had at one time had cancer and therefore had reasoned that if God were a God of love, then He would not let things like that happen to people. I could not help but wonder what had happened to his cancer, and I discovered that he no longer had it. I found it interesting or should I say, very human, that he was so ready and able to blame God for letting him get sick, but gave God no credit for him being healed.
Perhaps it is a very core part of who we are as fallen humans that allows us to blame others for bad, and somehow give ourselves the credit for what we see as good. Sociologists would in fact tell us that there are studies that support such findings. If we perhaps lose a job, we might be inclined to blame someone else, or perhaps even blame God. And if we perhaps get a promotion, suddenly it is because of our own efforts or our own merit that we got the promotion or raise. Now, this is certainly not something all of us do in all situations at all times. However, it is a predisposition of a fallen humankind, and one that we should not easily forget when our finger of blame begins to find a resting place.
But let's not sound to clinical or cynical, for sometimes our reasons are due to some tragic event in our lives. Those are the times in which we do not necessarily seek to blame in order to boost our own egos as with some of the more petty issues. Instead, they are times when we feel hurt or alone or cheated in our lives. Perhaps we are diagnosed with a terminal disease, or we have been out of work for several months, or we are in an abusive relationship, or we have lost someone dear to us, or so on. It is in times like those that we really may not seek to blame anyone but that it happens as we struggle to make sense out of everything. It is especially those times when life seems unfair that we find that God is the easiest target--and we become the victim of circumstances that "God did not raise a finger" to protect us from--or so we think.
It is a hard task to convince some people that God is not responsible for what has happened. But we should keep in mind that the reason the world is in turmoil is not because God has withdrawn to and uncaring corner. For He created the world to function a particular way, and so long as the plan for the world would be followed--then all would be well. Yet, beginning with Adam, mankind has continuously chosen to walk a path outside of God's plan, and in so doing we have stirred up a world of consequences that effects everyone who lives here. It is our sin that has disrupted our perfect world. Sometimes that sin is the sin of our ancestors or others around us, and sometimes it is our personal sin.
Even with all of that, most people on this earth want to maintain control of their lives until their lives become out of control, and then we want God to take control and then blame Him when He does not step in the way we want Him to. When in fact, what we want is not for God to be in control, but we want to control Him instead. For it is in those times that we realize that situations are above our control, so we want Him to step in to do exactly what we want Him to, which still leaves us in control--but then we are controlling even God.
But there is a way that life can be easier--though it won't be free from the effects of sin that have turned this world upside down. The way life can be easier is to give God control always, not just when things are bad and not so long as He controls things according to our desires, but always and in every matter--from the smallest detail to the largest ordeal. Finding His plan for our lives and following it will not make our lives free of pain or troubled times, but it will make it much easier to deal with.

[Soldier4Christ]

Unto Others

    If you love those who love you , what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father if perfect (Mt.5:46-48).

Most of us have heard about the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Lk.6:31, paraphrase). That along with the very words in the scripture above are messages to us that call us as God's children to a higher standard. And though Christ raised the standard, we know that it is easier to allow the standard to slip back to a more comfortable place. That is why we must recognize our tendency to do that, and take steps to instill the habits of love--and that love that is according to the standard of Christ.
It is true that misery loves company. It is also true that the more people doing things according to our fallen standard, the easier it will be for us to stay beneath that fallen standard. For though we see what is Right and recognize that which we should be doing, it is so easy to excuse ourselves from doing it when we see very few doing it. We may often comfort ourselves by thinking we are "no worse than they." We may say, "No one else is doing it, so why should I have to?" Maybe we think the standard is too high--more like and ideal than a realistic expectation. But Christ made no reference toward such thinking. Instead, He consistently pointed out that as His followers, we must adhere to a higher standard.
But why would He expect so much from us? After all, we are only human--right? Yes we are only human, but we have something that the unbelievers do not--we have the indwelling Spirit of God. Because of that we have what we need to rise above our human weaknesses and inadequacies. Because it is not of our own strength, but it is by the Spirit of Christ in us that we can raise our own standard. For "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil.4:13), and "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Mt.19:26). So it is Christ in us who loves according to His nature and Spirit. And that love is grown within us, and matures to work and to will according to the purposes of God. Therefore we do not excuse our inadequacies, but rather, take heart because we know that His love in us shall teach us to love even as He loves us.
So what shall we say with respect to preferential treatment? We denounce it as not being rooted in the love of God, and we defy it by exercising the love of Christ in our lives. And what shall we say of our human tendency to love only those who love us? We recognize that tendency but take action so as not to let the flesh rule over the spirit. And what action shall we take? We have been given all we need to demonstrate the love of God in truth to those around us. It is necessary however to make this love a habit, demonstrated through action--to give it legs, if you will. For if we do not move according to the love that is in us, we shall certainly slip into our place of complacency, and we shall forget compassion. We may at times forget the power of the human heart, that it is a power that if it is not kept under control, it will control us. But if it is controlled by the spirit, it can move beyond anything we ever thought capable.
Perhaps you feel you have lost your compassion toward a lost and dying and godless people. Maybe you see yourself as one who wants to love the unlovable, but you find yourself loving those whom it is easy for you to love. But maybe you are loving people, but you just want to make God's love in you more evident--allowing Him to love through you perfectly. Some have said, "Love is a verb." And that pretty well sums it up. We must take thought out steps in our lives that will make loving the unlovable a habit. If we really make the effort to do it, we may discover that it is not nearly as difficult as we might have thought at first. And what will come out of it is more than we can ever imagine.

[Soldier4Christ]

Seasoned With Salt

    Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man (Colossians 4:6).

Many foods just taste better with salt. At least I think most of us would agree that they do. For there are so many things that just seem so bland without it. I personally am a fond lover of salt. Salt brings out a flavor that makes the mouth water and the taste-buds tingle. Its very pleasing and gives most of us a physical response just thinking about what it may do to a steak or greenbeans or potatoes or whatever it is you like. And just as much as salt brings about certain responses within us (being that which goes into the mouth), so also we might find it interesting to see how that which comes out of our mouths (namely our speech) can also bring about certain similar responses.
Let us assume that each of us are Christians, serious in our devotion to Christ and His kingdom. Let us go further to say that we have grown some in the Lord and have been influenced by His Spirit, having our thinking being renewed and our hearts purified. We come to experience a new life with the new sensations thereof. For even as we have foods and salt that might lead to a physical response; we also find that the sensations we experience in our new lives in Christ also bring about physical responses as well as spiritual, emotional and intellectual. Comptemplate for a moment the feelings of joy, peace and awe that are generated by walking with God. We often associate these things in ways that we can see all aspects of how we are being touched. As we mature in our new life with Christ, we are more aware of the Spirit's activity in certain areas and events of our lives. We also become aware of our activities that the Spirit is not involved in--activities which God can not be a part of because they are outside of His will, His purpose or His guidelines for our lives.
With that in mind, let us consider that which comes out of the mouth and the associated responses. If we speak well of another person's godly character or perhaps their profound generosity, we may sense God's peace or joy as our hearts are focused on aspects that please Him. We may feel a stronger awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit, and a sense that, within that moment, it is good. But let the same conversation veer off toward another, and let what is spoken be condemning, degrading, or perhaps just possess a negative tone, and what is sensed might be entirely different. Suddenly, the peace and joy of God seem distant--and so does His Spirit. The wonderful salt of the conversation loses its saltiness. The physical responses shift, and that which was once settling turns to unsettling. We may not be sure how to describe it, but we know in our hearts that what was good has now become bitter--our words have lost their saltiness.
In reference to us as the salt of the earth, Jesus said, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men" (Mt.5:13). There are words that we can speak that can be as salt. They are soothing to the spirit and settling to the soul. They draw from the Spirit and Grace of God and because of that, they fill us with the joy and the peace of God. And just as salt is absorbed into the whole of what it is applied to, so also the good words we speak are absorbed into every part of our being. What is more, the salt of our words will be good for the listeners, but that which is not of God will be bitter to their souls--even if it pleases their ears.
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." What shall we say of our words, whether they be to a group, a single person, or to ourselves? Are our words salt to our souls and theirs? Or are they "good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men?" God knows.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Lamp of God Had Not Yet Gone Out

    The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-4).

Israel had fallen to their old ways. The worship in the Temple of God was far from being a true worship. The religious leaders were more interested in self gain than carrying out the duties of their office. And the people had given themselves over to false hopes, false gods and false morality. Israel was far from God, and because of that they no longer knew God's protection, provision or power. And so they fell hard to their enemies. But "the lamp of God had not yet gone out."
In these first few verses from 1 Samuel 3, we see a picture of Israel. We see a people out of touch with God. We see a religious leader who "could barely see." Eli's physical sight impairment was probably representative of a religious leadership who had become blinded to God's ways. However, we see as well the hope for redemption, for their was one who was near to God--Samuel. And though the Light of God was difficult to find in Israel, we are told that "the lamp of God had not yet gone out."
The world has once again become a dark place to live within. God's Light is difficult to find, as we look around us and see most who seek the pleasures of this age; and many who claim to seek God who, instead, appear to seek the pleasures of this age. We are a people who are blinded, led by blind leaders--and some of those, religious leaders. We are a people out of touch with God. We have lost sight of what it means to truly sacrifice our wants for the sake of God's purpose, or to truly give up our lives to follow Christ. For many, their Christianity is a pretense--nothing more than a mask they wear to make them feel that they are in the right, while they seek the lifestyles that are wrong. We claim God in the one hand and hold tightly to the world in the other, not willing to grasp the meaning of Jesus' words, "you cannot serve to masters." And yet, perhaps there is hope. For "the lamp of God [has] not yet gone out."
There is hope. For there are still few that follow God's ways to the best of their ability. They are churches and individuals who simply seek to follow God as best they understand, and to do so according to His guidelines. They are the type who are ready to forsake life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in this world, so that they might bring glory to the next world. They are those who do not get caught up in endless battles over petty issues, or split churches because things are not as such that they hold to their personal desires. They do not fight over building projects, carpet or hymnal color or structure of worship--whether to sit or stand or kneel, raise hands or keep them down, shout "Glory!" or say nothing. Their hearts are aligned with God's purposes and they have no time for petty indifferences. For they do not pursue God's Kingdom according to their own safe and predetermined plans, but they follow Him, knowing full well that what that means is that they may often be like Abraham--going where God leads without knowing where it will take them. And they do so because they hope in Christ, they trust Him, and they will persevere because "the lamp of God [has] not yet gone out."
We live in desperate times to be sure, yet their is hope. And we have a choice, just as we always have--we can be part of the problem, or part of the solution. We can be living like those in the darkness, chasing after the pleasures of this age, or we can sacrifice all to be near to God, allowing His light to be reflected in our eyes. And this so that the world will see, that "the lamp of God [has] not yet gone out."

    And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD
    (Joshua 24:15).

[Soldier4Christ]

Rainbows, Glory &  Promises

    As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake (Ezekiel 1:28).

The promises of God are many, and He is faithful to His word. His word does not change in that what He says He will do, He will do. The Scripture is filled with His promises, and promises more to us than we have yet to discover. For it is for one reason or another that we have not seen, or do not see, or perhaps refuse to see all that God has for us--the rainbows of our lives.
Once, when the world was young, it was a masterpiece in the making. God held in one hand His brush (the Word of truth), and in His other hand, the palette of His promises. With every stroke He invested Himself, making each one as important as the last. He then moved the brush back to the palette and filled it with more promises--more to give, and more to add. So with His Word of Truth, He saturated the heavens and the earth, so that in every place His promises would be evident, and there for those who would need them.
But those for whom He painted His promises soon took for granted the work He had done. And turning from what He would willingly give, they chose to find their own way and live to meet their own desires outside of God's promises. They soon were able to look right at His promises and not even see them. And they soon began to doubt all of the promises they had seen to that point. They chose to trust themselves, and in so doing, took their trust out of the God of Truest Promises and made His promises out to be a lie.
But their was one who still saw God's promises, who still trusted that what God said was truer than true. So God devised a plan to start over, and paint His promises fresh upon the surface of the world, and in His plan He included Noah. And Noah lived within the newness of God's promises. Then God took all of the colors of His palette, and with the Word of His Truth, He signed His work once and for all with the brilliance of a rainbow.

God has painted many rainbows into our lives. It is up to us whether or not we will allow Him to develop a heart in us that will see those promises. But we so often choose not to, not because we don't want to see His promises, but simply because we find it easier to trust in our own abilities. When we call our Lord our Provider, yet we worry over what we shall eat, or what we shall drink or what we shall wear, and we take matters into our own hands, we same as pay no mind to God's promises of provision. The same holds true for His promises to protect us, to love us, to never leave or forsake us. It is as though we look right at the words in black and white within the pages of His Word, and somehow cannot see what is right in front of our eyes. And even that which we have once believed, we fail to remember in our times of trouble, almost as though we doubt God's very Word to us.
But God's promises are true, and His word is everlasting. And although the world seems void of trust in Him, His promises have not disappeared. For as we as His children will let go of our inhibitions and our desire to trust ourselves to work things out, then what is seen in us will be the work of our Lord. And they will see upon us His seal, a signature to His work in our lives. And His promises will shine through us with the brilliance of His rainbow.

    Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

[Soldier4Christ]

For Lack Of Understanding

    Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

"Wisdom is the principle thing." Yet without application that comes through understanding, what good is it. For it is not the wisdom alone that is good, but with that, the way that it is applied. And yet, one might argue that wisdom without application is no wisdom at all, but instead, a false impression of wisdom. For wisdom in and of its very nature demands application, and gives birth to understanding. Unless of course it is the wisdom of man rather than God. For true wisdom comes from God and carries with it understanding and application; but man's wisdom may do nothing but cause foolish arguments to arise or perhaps spark some intriguing, yet inane, conversation.
Now we are given wisdom freely. For we are told in James 1:5 that, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." And this is the wisdom that comes from God. It is not ours so as to do with it what we want--to hold it as a possession or lift it up as a banner to the world so they may come to us to hear how incredibly wise we are. It is not wisdom given so as to give us a "one up" in spiritual debates or righteous confrontations--at least, not so that we shall see it that way. But it is given to God's faithful to help them carry out His purposes for it, and purposes more nobler than any one man can wield through obtaining it.
But we would have it seem otherwise to be sure. For we seek after wisdom and knowledge and understanding only to so very often fall short. Our minds are convinced that we have found God's way but we are often fooling ourselves by an intellectual gathering of facts, and somehow believing therein that we have gained wisdom. But how can we truly say that it is God's wisdom--the wisdom that should draw His children together--or at least those children who seek Him. And once drawn together, we might find that within His wisdom it is purposed for us to accomplish a work according to His will--and that not something to be reasoned amongst ourselves as modern day philosophers. For we are not philosophers but servants. We do not hold ourselves in esteem as some kind of cultural gurus, but we hold ourselves in right standing as within the eyes of God, so that His wisdom may shine through us, and not our own.
But what is the reality of the issue is this: We hold to wisdom that divide the body of Christ. We spend time debating issues when wisdom seeks to make application. We spend more time talking about the things of God than practicing them. We must then ask ourselves how much of our own wisdom have we put in the mix. For it would seem that we have traded the truth of God for a lie at times. But shall we remember that "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough" (Galatians 5:9).
We live in an era where much of the wisdom of God has been tainted within His very church, by the "yeast" of human wisdom (which is puffed up). We must keep in mind that the wisdom of God is often something which should be seen more than it is heard. It is not found in the ramblings of philosophers as much as in the manifestations of that wisdom in its application through God's intended Love.

    Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way (Psalms 119:104).

    Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (Proverbs 4:5).

    How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! (Proverbs 16:16).

[Soldier4Christ]

Therefore Go

    Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surly I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Mt.28:18-20).

These words ring familiar in the ears of many Christians today. They are the words that are known as the Great Commission, and they have been written about, talked about and preached about often--and with great exhortation. The Great Commission is viewed as a commandment of Christ to His disciples, indeed, a commandment to us all to move our lives in a direction that will draw many to Christ. And with that we encourage and are encouraged to "go," and if for no other reason than to be obedient to this commandment. But as we walk with Christ, we see that it is His desire for us to discover a more excellent way. Our obedience is necessary, but God would have us not just simply obey, but obey because we love.
Now obedience without love may be nothing more than religion, and following the Great Commission for obedience sake alone may lead us to soon discover that we cannot do what Jesus has asked us to. But it is the love for God and others that will compel us to press on and move forward in the carrying out of His Great Commission. And it that Love of God in us that will work through us as we go, to draw all people to Christ. For He said, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself" (Jn.12:32). And surely that lifting up of Christ is done in the hearts of those who love Him. And what is lifted up is not a symbol, an idea or a philosophy; but it is the very nature and character of Christ, who has been sent by God in Love to reclaim His own unto Himself.
Now with love there is a purpose that transcends obedience alone, for obedience could be a result of a desire not to be punished, or perhaps to do what is right for self-edification. Indeed, obedience without love is nothing, for if love for God or others is absent, obedience is merely an act of self-love. And as our purpose to "go" transcends obedience alone, we are not only empowered to go, but we also discover the help and encouragement God offers us as we go. That is what "Therefore" is there for."
We see that Jesus tells us, "Therefore go." Does He tell us, "Do it because I told you to?" That may be reasoned as such, however, if we look to what precedes the words "Therefore go," we find a reason of great encouragement we might otherwise overlook. Jesus states, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Jesus has authority over us, to be certain, but is that all? Certainly not, for He is telling us a great deal more. His authority is over all of heaven and earth. Therefore it is an encouragement to us to know that when we go, we go in the name of the one who has that authority. We go, therefore, with the support and backing of the Highest. So what should we fear or why should we worry? So as we look at the words "Therefore go," we see much more than a commandment to us, we see the power and the Word of God backing us. We see Jesus telling us, "You have what you need, for I Am."

    "And surly I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

[Soldier4Christ]

As In The Days Of Noah

    For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be (Matthew 24:38).

So also shall it be.
The Scripture defines a time in which Jesus will return as like the time of Noah. No one shall be expecting it, and even as many ridiculed Noah as he told them that God would send rain on the earth and flood it, so also many will ridicule those who say that Christ is coming and will reign upon the earth--and fill it with His glory.
So also shall it be.
Those who truly believe that Christ will return will be harder to find. It is now even difficult for me to perceive such a thought as I think about how many people I know that believe He is coming back. But even still, there are far fewer people who anticipate His return with enthusiasm than there once was, and there are few who give it a serious thought on a daily, weekly, or even perhaps a monthly basis. We see that the Master has gone off, and at first we look to the horizon daily, anxiously awaiting His return. But time passes and we believe that He is delaying His coming. And so we find that we do not go to the place as often, where at we looked to the horizon. And we find also that the time we once spent looking for His return has now been filled with daily activity and hurried business.
So also shall it be.
So why should it be any surprise to us that one day will come when there will be so many who call themselves Christian, who will believe that Christ is not coming back. They will buy into another gospel--a doctrine more settling to their logical perceptions of things. They will believe that we have misinterpreted the Scriptures and will determine that it is all symbolic and not actual. They will water down key elements of our faith until faith is superseded by human reasoning. The virgin birth, the requirement of Jesus blood being spilled, the miracles, signs and wonders--these will all be explained away as easily as Pharaoh explained the plagues that befell Him. Is this hard for us to believe? Certainly not when we look around us and see that there is already a push in that direction by so many so called Christians.
So also shall it be.
How many true worshipers and followers of God shall there be? If we look to the days of Noah, we might lose hope, for there was only one found redeemable throughout all mankind. We had better hope and pray for the world's sake that God not let it go that far. And yet, as we look around us today, it is hard to help but wonder what percentage of living souls will escape the coming rain.

[Soldier4Christ]

Covering

    He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler (Psalms 91:4).

I remember when I was a small child, and the times I would get scared at night after I was tucked into bed and the light had been turned off. I remember how it comforted me to completely cover myself with my blanket. It seemed that if I was somehow able to cover my head so that I could not see the shadows in the darkness around me, that I was somehow safer. And though my reasoning for my feelings of protection did not seem logical, neither did my reasoning for my fears.
When it comes to our fears, we will find that our reasoning abilities often leave us--at least momentarily. We also find that although the focus of our fears have changed, they often impact us much as they did when we were children. Logic evades us and we try to find some way to cover our heads so as to feel protected from the shadows in the darkness. For it is often easier to deal with something if we are somehow able to ignore it rather than face it. Yet that does not erase within us a need for a sense of security.
So now, the question might be "Where do we find that security?" Like the child who escapes the darkness by creating an even greater darkness, we may see that we all too often place our faith in the security in the greater darkness. To say it once more, it is a security within the bliss of ignorance. And we know that this security is false, for if any real danger exists outside of our security blanket, it is certain that the blanket will not stop it from harming us. The false security we choose blinds us from the truth, and causes us not to see the shadows in the darkness, but it is a placing of faith in a covering that cannot protect, but only pacifies.
To summarize our frequent and backward logic, let's consider this: We become frightened by the "darkness." We respond by creating even a greater darkness--turning a blind eye to the shadows in our lives. And therefore, we pacify ourselves somewhat, but are not rid of the reality nor do we truly feel secure--at least, not until we fall asleep--then we are completely unconscious to what is around us. But we wake up and each day we go through it all over again.
But there is a better answer. We could just turn on the light. In the light we are able to see things as they are, and false fears must subside. In the light we discover how silly it was for us to fear in the first place, for what we were afraid of does not exist. But now you might say, "But some fears are very real. What about those?" It is to those I say this, we are foolish to try to hide from real threats beneath security blankets that will not protect us. Responding to real danger by covering our heads won't make it go away.
There is, however, a true and lasting security for us that will protect and keep us always. It is the only sure security and it is not found within the greater darkness, but in the brilliant Light of God. And it is a covering. A covering that is not provided to give us a false sense of security, but a real sense of peace and comfort in knowing that we are covered completely.
We are covered by the blood of Jesus--head to toe. It is a covering of grace and love and one that goes well beyond that of a child's blanket. Nevertheless, even as the child's faith was placed in the covering of the blanket, so we should also demonstrate faith, a childlike faith, in the covering that God has given us. It is the only real security against real threats of life. It is the only security that draws us into the Light rather than chasing us further into the darkness. And it is the only security that will ever bring us a complete and lasting peace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Not The Author Of Confusion

    For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints (1 Cor. 14:33).

There would seem to be a growing consensus that truth is in the eye of the beholder. What is good for me may not necessarily be good for another, and according to modern thought, what is right for me may not be right for another. Moral guidelines waver like waves of the ocean. As they are near to a person, they are clearly defined in appearance, though they are continuously changing--moving up and down with the tide of human desire. In the distance, the moral guidelines become blurry and undefined, and many people have no concern as they believe it not to apply to them. We live in a time wherein Truth has taken a beating for the promotion of self-interest.
We stand on the slippery slope on a mudslide toward degradation and chaos. What began as a twisting of truth or bending of God's commands, has quickly moved us downward. It is a mudslide that has caught many within its current. Many of this world, many of this nation, and many within God's church. But Truth is Truth regardless of our perception of it, our bending and twisting of it; and though we have tried, it cannot be changed. We cannot ignore it simply because we do not wish to accept it, and we cannot reason it away with self defined doctrines and self proclaimed convictions. Though we need to avoid legalism, we must also recognize that human tendency is not to move toward righteousness, but toward sin. And we will deceive ourselves and everyone else, if possible, to get what we want--even if it means reasoning the convictions of God away as legalism and ingrained religion.
In Psalm 51:6, the psalmist writes, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." It is often the motivation that should be in question above the act. We know that God concerns Himself with the heart, for what comes out from it "defileth a man." Our actions may seem good on the surface, but how much is motivated by selfishness? The truth of this may be very disheartening. Yet, if we ask God to, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalms 139:23-24), He will be faithful to also give us the strength and wisdom to handle what He shows us--those aspects about ourselves that we try so very hard not to see.
It has been written and quoted many times that our "God is not the author of confusion." But one might want to wonder what kind of mixed signals the church is sending to the world around us, and to our young people within the church. We call ourselves one church, but have many divisions. We live beneath one God, but demonstrate a belief system that seems to vary His desires for His church from one Christian to the next. For instance, I know youth leaders that warn teenagers not to watch movies with content that is ungodly. They believe that what you watch can effect you and does, and they support their viewpoint with scriptures like Philippians 4:8-9. But at the same time, there are many others who do not warn about any such danger and watch the very same movies themselves. Harmless? I would say not. For as we demonstrate different lifestyles we also lay the foundation for differing standards. Standards that are set as truth is seen--in the eye of the beholder.
It has been noted that one of the greatest problems facing our young people today, is the lack of any real standards being set for them. They are the heirs to chaos born through relativism, and to a society who is crumbling for lack of wisdom in its leaders. It is a time when God's church should be a light of truth, a beacon of moral right. But our light will not shine so greatly if we too hold a truth relative to our desires, and justified by "personal convictions." If we will at all care about the next generation, and those present with us, we will need to stop letting our wants define our truth, and let the Truth of God define our wants.