Faith Walk

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference 2 Timothy 1 Jeremiah 12

Mouth and Mind

Jeremiah 12–14, 2 Timothy 1
Key Verse: Jeremiah 12:2

When a person does or says something that causes hurt, saying “sorry” can help—but only if it is said from the heart. Sometimes when you hear the way an apology is made, it makes you want to ask, “Do you mean it?”

There are other ways that people can be insincere in their words. As Jeremiah complained to God about the people to whom he was ministering, he described how God was “always on their lips but far from their hearts” (12:2). They would say the right words about God but not mean them. Isaiah said the same thing, as did Jesus (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:8–9). It was not a new problem in their day, and it is still a problem today.

People can say one thing and mean another, or they can say something and mean nothing. What Isaiah, Jeremiah and Jesus all join in condemning is the religious-sounding person whose words seem right but whose heart is wrong. God does not just listen to our words; He also looks at our hearts and knows what is going on in our minds. We need to say, and mean, David’s prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Ps. 19:14).

Examine your heart. Is your Christianity of the lips only, or does it come from the heart?

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference 2 Timothy 2 Jeremiah 15

Tarnished Medals

Jeremiah 15–17, 2 Timothy 2
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:5

Every two years, the interest of the world is drawn to the Olympics, alternating between the winter and the summer games. Sporting venues around the world are used, allowing opportunity for a particular country to showcase itself. As much as the host cities would like to be the focus of attention, the real center of attention is the athletes. Stories abound of dedication, determination and years of discipline as these individuals “go for the gold.”

Yet every year the news that comes from the games includes stories of tarnished medals, as individuals are disqualified for one reason or another. Performance-enhancing drugs, unapproved or altered equipment, and various rule infractions are some of the reasons that athletes are disqualified. The bottom line is that they broke the rules.

Athletic competition, rules and disqualifications are not new. When Paul wrote 2 Timothy, he used that familiar scenario to encourage Timothy to compete according to the rules. Realize, though, that Paul was not writing as a coach to his young competitor but more as a mentor to his disciple. Using the examples of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer, Paul was setting before Timothy valuable instruction. Included in that was the statement that “if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2:5).

God has given us the Bible to teach us how to live and how to serve Him. To receive the reward that He has for us, our service must be “by the rules.”

Ask yourself if you are following God’s rules in your life. Just as an athlete can lose a medal, so you can miss out on the reward God has for His faithful servants.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference 2 Timothy 3 Jeremiah 18

Spirituality without Religion

Jeremiah 18–19, 2 Timothy 3
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 3:5

One of the sad trends today is spirituality without religion. In a general and widespread way, the interest in being spiritual has grown. People want spirituality, to be known as a spiritual person, to have the benefits of a spiritual life. They just don’t want to be religious.

To be religious is to be perceived as enslaved to a system of rules, regulations, rights and wrongs. In 2 Timothy 2:1–5, Paul describes the antithesis to a “religious” person. Man is at the center of what he describes. He is narcissistic, greedy, proud, looking out for number one. There are no restraints for the non-religious person.

The list of characteristics of this type of person ends with an intriguing phrase: “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” This is the spiritual, but not religious, person. He has an outward appearance that looks spiritual, but the reality of a spiritual life is missing. He has never experienced the power of God in his life.

The warning Paul gives is very direct—“Have nothing to do with them” (v. 5). Don’t get pulled into the trap. That lifestyle may look appealing, but it is to be avoided. What God wants is godliness that comes from lives changed by His power.

Are you someone who looks right on the outside but have never accepted Christ as your Savior? Make sure, in prayer to God, that you have Christ in your life.

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference 2 Timothy 4 Jeremiah 20

Rescue

Jeremiah 20–21, 2 Timothy 4
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 4:18

“I couldn’t help myself” may be some of the most correct and incorrect words ever spoken when someone is trying to explain why he did something wrong. You might be thinking that those words can’t be both correct and incorrect at the same time, but they are.

It is a correct statement when spoken by someone who realizes that he cannot in and of himself resist temptation. It is incorrect when it is said to justify doing wrong, as if a person has no hope at all of resisting.

The truth is that we alone cannot resist but must draw upon what God has promised. He has stated clearly that by His help we can resist temptation. Paul understood this clearly when he wrote, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attach and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom” (4:18). He knew that God would not allow him to face temptation greater than he could handle and that God would help him withstand it as well.

Does this sound familiar? Perhaps that last sentence brings to mind 1 Corinthians 10:13. Read that verse again. It will help reinforce the truth that we cannot help ourselves, and yet we can—because God will deliver us.

The only question that remains is, will you allow God to work in your life, in every situation to help you overcome temptation? It is not a matter of “I can’t” but of “I won’t.” It is not that you can’t resist; it is that you won’t let God deliver you.

You have a choice to make: either allow God to help you or not. Pray right now, asking God to help you resist temptation today.

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Titus 1 Jeremiah 22

No Skeletons

Jeremiah 22–23, Titus 1
Key Verses: Titus 1:6–7

Do you know what it means to be blameless? It’s not something we think much about today.

The Bible teaches that leaders in the local church must be blameless (1:6–7; see also 1 Timothy 3:2). To be blameless does not mean to be sinless. If that were the case, none of us would qualify.

The word translated “blameless” in the original language is anegkletos. It is made up of two words: a negative suffix and egkaleo, meaning “to accuse” or “to call into question.” Thus, the word literally means one who cannot be called into question, one who is irreproachable. It means church leaders must have no skeletons in their closets. They must always live blameless lives before the Lord. That’s what God said to His servant Abram: “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless” (Gen. 17:1).

Often today church leaders are selected because of their money or influence or availability, with little regard to whether they have walked blamelessly before the Lord. Better to select a blameless leader than a popular one.

Pray for your pastor and the other leaders of your church. They have tough jobs, and the qualifications are stringent. And ask God to enable you to walk blamelessly before Him and allow Him to lead you as He wills.

“Lord, I cannot be sinless, but I can be blameless. Help my life to be an open book before You. May there be no skeletons in my closet that would cause You to be embarrassed and me to be disqualified from service to You.”

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Titus 2 Jeremiah 24

A Heart for God

Jeremiah 24–26, Titus 2
Key Verse: Jeremiah 24:7

The heart is a very fickle thing. One day your teenager is in love with the guy of her dreams. The next day he’s history. Often our hearts are like that toward the Lord.

Israel was God’s chosen nation, the object of His special love (Deut. 7:7–8). But the Jewish people had fickle hearts. Time and again they promised their love to Jehovah alone, and time and again they snubbed the Lord and lusted after the false gods around them. Divine punishment was inevitable. It finally came when Israel was carried into Babylonian captivity.

Still, God loved them. He promised, “My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. . . . I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart” (Jer. 24:6–7).

Think for a minute of how patient God is with us when we sin (Ps. 86:15), how faithful He is to forgive us when we confess our sin (1 John 1:9), and how He gives us a heart to thirst for Him (Ps. 42:1–2). Let that thought deepen your desire to have a heart for God. Let Him give you that kind of heart today.

“Father, let my heart beat with Your heart, let it be consumed with the things that consume You, and let it be set against the things that You condemn. Give me a yearning heart, a longing heart, a loving heart.”

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Jeremiah 27 Titus 3

Casting Your Ballot

Jeremiah 27–29, Titus 3
Key Verse: Titus 3:1

In the United States, the month of November includes the day we vote. Campaigns are concluded as votes are cast for office holders on the national, state and local levels. Some will be reelected, while others will be elected to their first term. Some of those for whom you vote will be elected; others will not. No matter who wins, the day comes when those chosen by the voters will assume office; they will form our government.

It may not be our typical way of thinking about these elected people, but they are our “rulers and authorities.” From the local collector of taxes to the president of the United States, this is the phrase the Bible uses to describe them.

The Christian is given straightforward instruction regarding the authorities in our cities, states and nation. We are to be subject to these authorities, obeying the government without compromise, but with a ready submission. While others around us might be disrespectful of those in authority or even purposefully disobedient, it is our responsibility to be good citizens.

We are “to be subject to rulers and authorities” (3:1). Not just to those for whom we voted. Not just the ones of the same political party. Not just in regard to the laws with which we agree or that we like. Paul gives no exceptions, just a blanket reminder: “be subject to rulers and authorities.”

You need to be that good citizen, one who models biblical truth in your attitudes and actions regarding our government.

What are your attitudes and actions about government? Take time right now to pray for those who are in government. Pray by name for our president and other leaders.

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Philemon Jeremiah 30-31

It’s Just Not Fair!

Jeremiah 30–31, Philemon
Key Verse: Jeremiah 30:11

Breathes a child who has not at some time said, “It’s just not fair”? And that is only the beginning of what he says. “How come I . . . ?” is the follow-up question, drawing attention to the perceived injustice. Actually, if “justice” were left up to children, it would probably be closer to “all of grace” rather than “fitting the crime.”

There probably were times when the Israelites wanted to cry out, “It’s just not fair!” After all, they were the people of God who had received His blessings and promises. It just didn’t make sense that God would then punish them—especially when other people were far more wicked, far more deserving of judgment.

Through His prophet Jeremiah, God told the people of Israel that they would not “go entirely unpunished,” but that He would correct them “with justice.” This was a “good news/bad news” scenario. The bad news was punishment but the good news was justice.

Sometimes when people adjust God to their preference, they leave out the idea that He would punish anyone for anything. They emphasize His forgiveness and mercy to the extent that they eliminate punishment and justice. That may be the God of man’s idea, but it is not the God of the Bible. If this were true, there would be no need for Jesus to have died.

God is the God of justice—and of mercy and grace. So Jesus died, that we might live.

“I thank You, God, that You are the God of justice and grace. Thank You for Jesus, who died that I might live.”

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Jeremiah 34-36 Hebrews 2

Drift

Jeremiah 34-36, Hebrews 2
Key Verse: Hebrews 2:1

If I were choosing a material to make a model of the human heart, something that would show the nature of our hearts, I would use driftwood. You have probably seen those pieces of wood floating by on a river or along the shore of a lake, wood that is rootless, just drifting wherever the current carries it. Our hearts are like that, prone to drift.

Throughout the Book of Hebrews we are warned about our propensity to wander away from God. Chapter two begins with the warning that "we must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away" (2:1). As you read through Hebrews, watch for this theme and hear the repeated warnings. The warnings often come with instructions, things to do to keep this from happening.

In chapter 2 the instruction is very basic: "pay more careful attention ... to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." To hear is one thing; to heed is another. We can hear, even read, the Word of God and its instruction, but this is not enough. We need to pay careful attention because the help we need to stay close to God comes not from just hearing but from heeding.

If I were choosing the material that I wish would make a good model of a Christian's heart, my choice would be an anchor. Now I know that an anchor is not a material per se, but I want it to be the image that best represents my heart-one that is anchored close to God.

The hymn writer's words were, "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it" ("Come, Thou Fount"). Do you feel prone to wander? Ask God to help you anchor your heart close to Him. Do it by both hearing and heeding His Word.

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Jeremiah 37-39 Hebrews 3

A Word for "Today"

Jeremiah 37-39, Hebrews 3
Key Verses: Hebrews 3:12-13

Many a long-distance runner has come around that final turn wondering if he has enough energy left to finish the race, only to be energized by the cheering of the crowd. He may feel like he’s running the remainder of the race in slow motion, but his exertion is fortified by the voices of onlookers.

Words can have a powerful effect. They can build up or tear down. Our words can, and should be, encouraging ones, words that help others-especially those who are running the race of faith alongside us. The race is hard, the challenge real, and the temptation to sin constant.

Hebrews warns us of the possibility of drifting, of allowing our hearts to harden, of being deceived by sin. That is a very real danger that each Christian faces. Our natural tendency is away from God, not toward Him.

An antidote for this is encouraging words. The community of believers should daily give exhortations to help keep one another from developing a hardened heart. As each of us has a responsibility to keep our hearts anchored close to God, so each has a responsibility to help others do so as well. Notice that we are to encourage one another "Today" (3:13). Any day that you can call "today" is a day that you are to be an encourager.

Your assignment is to encourage someone in his faith today. Who will it be and what will you do? Now do it.

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Hebrews 4 Jeremiah 40-42

Exposed

Jeremiah 40-42, Hebrews 4
Key Verse: Hebrews 4:13

We keep many things in our lives private. Some people are very private about their finances. They do not want others to know how much they earn, what they have in the bank or any other details about their money. Physical health is another very private subject. Some people will undergo a surgical procedure and not tell even their closest friends about it.

Any list of things that people try to keep private includes sin. We may have-should have, in fact-a sense of shame when we do wrong. Along with feeling shame, though, we might hope we get away with out sin. Things can be hidden in computer files, underneath clothes in a drawer or tucked behind a loose brick. Perhaps the hidden sin is an activity. A person traveling away from home might think he can get away with sin in a town where he's unknown.

But God knows. The Bible says, "Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (4:13). That verse says two things to us. One is that God knows. Nothing we think or do is hidden from His sight. We are naked. The other is that we will give an account to Him, and it will be an account that covers everything!

God tells us this for a reason. He wants us to live right and not try to get away with wrong. He knows everything we do, say and think-and one day we will have to tell Him about all of it.

Are you trying to hide anything from God? If so, then you need to stop doing wrong, get ride of the hidden things, ask for forgiveness and live right. Take those steps today.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Hebrews 5 Jeremiah 43-45

Hard of Hearing

Jeremiah 43–45, Hebrews 5
Key Verse: Jeremiah 44:4–5

The sign said, “Stop.” That much I read, and that is what I did. As I pulled away from the stop sign, my wife asked, “Did you see what that sign said?”

“‘Stop,’” I replied.

“It also said, ‘Look again,’” she told me. I hadn’t noticed that second line.

I wonder how many warnings we miss because we aren’t looking or listening. The answer is probably more than we could imagine. The saddest of these are the warnings from God we ignore.

God sent His prophets to the people of Israel to especially warn them against the sin of idolatry. Again and again they were sent, but the people did not listen or pay attention. In Jeremiah 44:6 God says that the result of the failure to listen was judgment. No more messengers were sent. Instead, God sent His fury and wrath.

While Jeremiah spoke to a specific time in the history of Israel, his message is one we need to hear. We, too, can hear the Word of God again and again. We can read the Bible, hear it taught and ignore what it says.

God did not give us the Bible just to increase our knowledge but to also affect the way we live. For it to have that affect on us means that we must not only hear but also heed. When it says “stop,” we must stop. Those things that it says “do,” we must do. What we must not do is what the people of Jeremiah’s day did—neither hear nor heed.

Is there anything in particular that you know God wants you to change in your life today? If so, make that change now.

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Jeremiah 46-47 Hebrews 6

An Anchor

Jeremiah 46-47, Hebrews 6
Key Verse: Hebrews 6:19

Among the symbols that Christians have held dear are the fish and the anchor. Over 60 such pictures have been found in the catacombs of ancient Rome. The outline of a fish on the back of a car can be a testimony. The picture of an anchor also is a strong statement of what Jesus means to the Christian. People put their trust in anchors, and we have put our trust in Christ.

During a storm at sea, hope is placed in an anchor. It can keep the boat from drifting and help it weather the storm. The better the anchor, the more firm the hope.

For us, Jesus is the anchor, the One who not only can keep us from drifting but help us through every storm. To emphasize the security we have in Christ, the author of Hebrews describes this anchor as "firm and secure" (6:19). It is "firm" in that it cannot break and "secure" in that it cannot slip. That cannot be said of any other anchor, only of the Anchor of our soul-Jesus.

The next time you see an anchored ship, watch how the waters move but the ship does not. Storms may come that are greater than an anchor, but there are no storms greater than the Anchor of our soul. In this Anchor we have hope and confidence, whatever the storms we face.

"Thank You, God, for giving me an Anchor that is sure and steadfast. Help me today and every day to rest secure in this knowledge."

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Hebrews 8 Jeremiah 50

Misguided

Jeremiah 50, Hebrews 8
Key Verse: Jeremiah 50:6

When traveling by car, my wife and I usually have a road atlas in the front seat with us. Sometimes we have just the basic map that comes when you rent a car at an airport. At other times we use maps from the Internet. Then there are times we stop the car and ask for directions-a last resort for any guy!

It would be extremely rare today to get lost following a map. Technology and publishing advances provide us with accurate and highly detailed maps. Sometimes, though, a person you ask directions from can err and send you on the wrong path. Or, shunning the help of a map, we can get lost on our own.

God uses the images of being lost and misguided to challenge us. He said through His prophet Jeremiah that His people were like lost sheep that had been misguided, led astray, taken away from the places of rest. The image is not of physical but of spiritual wandering. It is a sad picture that God's people could be like wandering, misled animals.

You probably don't like it when you get lost while traveling or trying to find a certain place in town. Even a wrong turn can be annoying. And if someone gives you wrong directions, you know the irritability that you can feel.

So if that is how you react to getting lost on the road, how do you feel about wandering spiritually? The Bible is like your map. You need to read it and know it to keep from wandering. Also, watch out for those who give poor directions. Compare their teaching with the Word. Don’t be like lost sheep, led astray.

You need to read and know the Word to keep from wandering spiritually. Commit yourself anew today to reading, studying and learning the Bible.

_________________________

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Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Hebrews 9 Jeremiah 51-52

Nothing But

Jeremiah 51-52, Hebrews 9
Key Verse: Hebrews 9:12

The glass doors, front windows, display cases or even cash registers of stores tell us the variety of ways we can pay for our purchases-VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, checks and cash. Some retailers also have a coupon program or voucher system, maybe a card filled with stamps. Options abound.

That is the way it is at gas stations, department stores, restaurants and other places of business, but not the way it is in regard to salvation. In the words of the old hymn, it is "nothing but the blood of Jesus" that can make the payment for our debt of sin.

This chapter of Hebrews draws our attention to what Jesus has done for us. It especially reminds us that we are not saved by His life or by His example but by His shed blood. We also must remember that salvation is nothing in or of ourselves but is totally of Him. Again, as a songwriter put it, "Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling." As this chapter says, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (6:12).

While some people might want to turn away from this imagery, preferring instead to focus on Jesus' life and example, we must remember that it is by His death, burial and resurrection that we are saved. Again, quoting from a modern writer, "We had a debt we could not pay; He paid a debt that He did not owe."

"Thank You, God, for my salvation. It is a gift given freely to me but one that was purchased at great price. I thank You for the shed blood of Jesus."

_________________________

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