It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:26

“Justice” is an easily defined word: “the maintenance or administration of what is just, especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments” (Merriam-Webster). However, in our culture today, justice is a convoluted, upside-down, and often hollow concept. Harmful criminals are allowed to run free (wreaking pain and destruction) and harmless citizens are fired, canceled, and locked up for living life according to their Constitutional rights or God’s Word. Plus, there are plenty of “________ justice” terms out there as well. But, whenever you add a modifier to “justice”, it automatically becomes the very definition of “injustice”—let that sink in.

God, however, is always perfectly Just (Deuteronomy 32:4). And, unlike our earthly judges at every level, there is no corruption or skewed morality or political leanings with Him. And because He is also perfectly Righteous and Holy, requiring perfect holiness in His presence, there are no misdemeanors or felonies or plea bargains. Every one of us—no matter how “good” we believe ourselves to be—is guilty (Romans 3:23). And the sentence for us all is the same: death (Romans 6:23). No fines, community service, or jail time.

But God, however, is also Merciful, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:36; 1 Timothy 2:4). So, here’s where we are: (1) God is perfectly Just—requiring justice, the “merited punishment” for our sin; (2) In His mercy He doesn’t want anyone’s sentence to be executed; and (3) we’re all guilty and unable to pay the penalty for our sin. At first glance, it seems like a hopeless scenario.

What’s the answer? It’s another form of our word of the day: Justification (the act of proving or showing something to be right or just). And this is one of the most beautiful, amazing, mind-blowing concepts in the Bible. 

Imagine you were in a courtroom, standing in front of a judge. You’ve been convicted of a terrible crime, and you are anxiously awaiting your sentencing. But you know you’re guilty and deserve whatever is coming to you. Instead of handing down your punishment, though, the judge stands up to tell you that someone else—your victim, in fact—has chosen to pay the price for your crime. He’s been put to death already, so you’re completely free to walk away—as if you never did anything wrong. Justice has been served, but you are justified.

Can you picture the scene? Friend, this is what Jesus Christ has done for us. He came to earth, fully Man and fully God, to live a perfect, holy life—a life we could never live. And then He hung on a cross, paying the penalty for our sin—a sentence we deserve but could never pay ourselves. Then Jesus rose from the dead, victorious, making the way for us to stand in front of our Holy God in perfect righteousness. Justice has been served, but you and I are justified.

It’s the awesome picture of mercy and grace: Mercy is not getting what we deserve (eternal separation from God—hell), and Grace is getting what we don’t deserve (eternal heaven with God). All we have to do is confess our crime (sin) and accept that Someone else paid our penalty—free of charge (no good works or law-following needed). Friend, will you acknowledge God’s justice and choose today to be justified in Christ?

Lord, thank You for your patience and mercy. Thank you that because of Jesus, You look at me “just-as-if-I’d” never sinned.

“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

What do you prefer—chips or candy? Popcorn or cake? Doritos or Nestle Toll House? In other words, would you gravitate toward something salty or something sweet? This is always an interesting insight into someone’s preferences, and it’s often used as a big group icebreaker question. Regardless, there seems to be a definitive response every time.

When we look at the elements themselves—salt and sugar—we discover unique attributes of both. Salt is used to preserve food, as well as bringing out flavors. Salt also makes us thirsty. Sugar, interestingly, is also used to preserve some foods…and, of course, it makes food sweet.

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He called His followers to be salt of the earth. What does that mean exactly? We are to influence the world—unbelievers—by adding the flavor of holiness. We’re to represent the Lord, His will, and His ways to others. We’re also to preserve His Word in a time when the enemy is working diligently (in and out of the Church) to water it down, make it seem irrelevant, and use it to divide. And we’re to make others thirsty for God—when they see our joy and experience our grace and mercy, they should want what we have.

Jesus did not call us to be sugar. We are not to only invite others to Him using sweet-tasting morsels—or, worse, entice with cloying syrupiness that sickens. Think of churches today that put on smoke-machine praise performances, affirm all-things-worldly, and assure congregants that wealth and health is one prayer away. Like ingesting too much sugar, such indulgence in so-called “Christianity” will not only make a person sick, it will ultimately lead to death. Sugar may be a temporary preservative, but rot doesn’t take long.

The thing about salt, you see, is that it also purifies and cleanses. These are vital actions for the Church today—not to do the cleansing, but to share the Good News about the One who can. The fallen world is defiled, in need of purification. So are fallen, broken people. We all fall short—all of us. We all sin because we’re all sinners. (We’re not sinners because we sin.) And because we are unrighteous and unholy, we are separated from God—and we can’t work our way back to Him. But Jesus died on the cross, redeeming us from our sin and paying the debt we owe. Jesus cleanses us from all our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), washing us as pure and white as snow (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 51:7), so we can stand before God holy and unashamed. 

Another thing about salt is that when used to clean and treat physical ailments, it stings. A lot. Same with being salt to the world. It’s good, useful, helpful, tasty. But sharing Jesus in a world that hates Him—because it does—can cause significant distaste in the hearer. It’s our task, though, to make people thirsty for the Truth that preserves them for eternity.

Lord, may I be salt to our lost world, making them thirsty for the Living Water.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.

Ephesians 1:7-8a

Grace is an amazing concept. It’s defined simply as getting what we don’t deserve. And it’s especially astounding in the context of God’s grace toward us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We don’t deserve it, we can’t earn it. It’s a free gift for the taking. The Apostle Paul talks a lot in all his epistles about grace—he knows it well, after all. The man was overseeing the murder of Christ-followers, only to have his life turned upside down by the very One he was persecuting, becoming a great evangelist—steadfast through beatings, imprisonment, hunger, and ultimate martyrdom. 

His letter to the Ephesians is deep and rich. In fact, we can dive into each verse for hours, relishing in the doctrinal Truths and wading through centuries-old theological debates. But let’s camp out on one sentence from the very first chapter: In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us (Ephesians 1:7-8a). Friend, in these 25 words (at least in the NASB it’s 25 words), there is enough encouragement and fodder for joy to lift us out of the darkest slump. 

So, let’s unpack a few of these reassuring points from Paul. First, “In Him we have redemption through His blood.” Now, “in Him” is a book-long study in itself, so we’re going to jump to the overall message of this phrase: In Jesus Christ, we are redeemed—He paid the price to ransom us out of the bondage of sin and rescue us from its penalty. His sacrifice was a Great Exchange of His righteousness for our unrighteousness. And when we accept this gift, through faith, and surrender to Him, our sin debt is paid in full. We are redeemed, transformed, a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Next, we have “the forgiveness of our trespasses.” When we confess and repent, God forgives us. It’s really that simple (1 John 1:9). Upon salvation (acceptance of His free gift), all our sins are paid for—all of them. Yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s. And once forgiven, God does not bring them up again (Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:12)—Satan will and you will, but God won’t. And because we are forgiven, we can (and must) forgive others. How can we not after being forgiven of so much ourselves?

Finally, there’s that last marvelous phrase: “…according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” God’s grace is not only amazing, it’s extravagant. He lavishes it on us—pours it out without end. We cannot “out-sin” God’s grace (Romans 5:20)! We do not deserve grace…again, that’s inherent to the definition. But He extends it to us—lavishly! Let that sink in. Let this Truth pour over your thirsty soul, refreshing your spirit. 

So, when our enemy, the evil one, is hissing all kinds of lies about us in our ears (because he will), and we feel discouraged, let’s throw these 25 words of God in his face. Bask in your identity in Christ—your redemption, your forgiveness, and His lavish grace.

“Lord, Your grace is amazing—a sweet sound to my soul. Let me not get caught up in the world, my sin, or the lies of the enemy and forget the Truth of who I am in Christ.”

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Jude 24-25

This beautiful doxology (declaration of praise) from Jude’s letter is packed with awesome Facts—qualities of our amazing God, realities about our salvation, and certainties regarding creation. And, as is true about all of God’s Word, these two little verses could be studied for weeks on end, each phrase unveiling deeper understanding and bringing us closer to the Lord. 

But let’s do a flyover, of sorts, to glean some insight and be encouraged. Every concept in these verses can send on us a spirit-filling scavenger hunt, of sorts, so hopefully you’ll be navigating around your Bible while you read. [Side note: Whenever you read a Christian blog, hear a podcast, or watch a sermon, I hope you are holding up those messaging against the plumbline of God’s Word. As the rest of Jude’s letter warns, there are a LOT of heretics and false teachers out there, so we must be diligent about testing what we hear—and not just go with what tickles our ears (2 Timothy 4:3).] 

First, and foremost, He is able. God is omnipotent—all-powerful. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we are reminded about the Lord’s power and ability. Nothing is too difficult for the Lord (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Ephesians 3:20), and, with Him, all things are possible (Job 42:2; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37).

God is able to do anything, but what is Jude talking about specifically here? Point 1: God’s ability to keep us from stumbling. As we walk through this world—in it but not of it—it’s easy to trip over the cultural trends, false teachers, and lies of the enemy. But through prayer, study of God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, God can keep us walking steady. 

Point 2: God’s ability to make us stand in the presence of God, blameless and with great joy. This is truly astounding. Friend, we are all sinners—no one is righteous. But when we accept the gift of salvation, the Great Exchange, we trade our unrighteousness for the righteousness of Jesus. He paid the penalty for our sin, taking on the shame and wrath we deserved, so when God looks at us, we’re forgiven, faultless, blameless. And there is immense joy in this Truth. (The joy of our salvation is another blog altogether, but I highly recommend a Bible search on this!)

Jude then goes on to praise God by calling out several of His attributes: glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. Again, what a deep dive we could do! But suffice it to say, God is great—He is the greatest. He created everything, owns everything, and has control and authority over everything. And everyone. And we must submit to Him and His Word—that’s why He gave us His Word, so we’d know Him and His will for our lives. And understand who’s in control.

Finally, we see the mic drop: the eternality of God. “In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1:1). He is the Alpha and Omega—first and last (Revelation 1:8). God has always been, is now, and forever will be. And, friend, you can bask in his glory forever. Just turn to Jesus and accept His amazing grace.

Lord, You are great and awesome—nothing and no one else is worthy of our praise. I am thankful to rest in this Truth, knowing You are in control…and You win.

Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far away. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, Lord, You know it all. You have encircled me behind and in front, And placed Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.

Psalm 139:1-6

Do you ever feel unknown? Not in the “I wish I was famous” sort of way. Or even the “I need 1000 likes” in the pursuit of social media notoriety (or infamy, as in today’s culture). I mean those days (weeks, months, years) that, despite your friendships, co-workers, church community—even the family members living in your house—you just feel alone. It’s like no one cares about you, no one wonders how you are doing. You go about your busy (perhaps frenetic) day, interacting with people, but there’s an odd sense of disconnectedness…a feeling that no one knows you.

We could talk for pages about the psychology behind this phenomenon. Or unpeel emotional baggage to uncover points of historical trauma that could lead to these intense feelings of loneliness despite not really being alone. But let’s not.

Instead, let’s jump right to a reality, shall we? The deep truth is that this detachment, loneliness, “unknownness” is a ploy of the enemy. The devil, tempter, ruler of this world, the accuser—Satan—loves it when we experience this! Just like the prowling lion to which he is often compared, he wants us isolated so he can attack. You’ve seen those nature shows, where that lone antelope falls behind the pack, the perfect prey to be devoured by the crouching lion. That’s exactly what this is like. 

But it’s a lie.

You see, friend, you (and I) are never alone—and you are not unknown. Our Sovereign, omniscient, omnipresent God knows you. He created you in your mother’s womb, knitting every precious part together (Psalm 139:15-16). He is always with you and will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). He knows you, when you sit and when you stand. He knows your thoughts and your words—even before they’re spoken. His hand is upon you, and it’s impossible to grasp how high His thoughts are above ours. When it seems you’re surrounded by darkness, to Him everything’s in the light. We cannot run from His presence—even when we want to have a “nobody loves me” pity party. He is always there (Psalms 139:1-12).

Isn’t that comforting? When we feel like no one sees a hurt, recognizes a wrong against us, or acknowledges an accomplishment, we can rest in the fact that Someone does. Not only does He know, He cares—and He loves us with a deeper and greater love than we could ever comprehended. So, if you’re feeling unknown today, just read God’s Word to discover the Truth and dispel the lies of your great adversary. And if you don’t know where to begin, just open to Psalm 139. And know that you are known.

Lord, I am grateful that You know me. I never need to feel alone or unloved, because Your love wraps around me. 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

As I was throwing on my sweats and a t-shirt for the 623rd day in a row working from home this morning, my mind flashed back to a thing many of you may never have heard of: Casual Friday. It was instituted probably in the early 90s (maybe the late 80s?), and it was a concession on the part of employers to relax the wardrobe rules of the business for the last day of the workweek. For some companies, it meant women could wear slacks (versus a dress/skirt) and men could wear khakis and a polo shirt or button down. Other business—the forward-thinking ones—actually allowed jeans. It was quite shocking at the time. I remember going up the elevator at my downtown Richmond office building where there were several financial firms. The big joke with them was that on Casual Friday they got to wear the tie of their choice. (There’s something to be said for that workplace standard, but that’s another conversation for another time.)

Anyway, this mental trip through the past got me thinking about the spiritual parallel to Casual Friday. 

See, upon becoming believers, we are made new creations—the old passes away (2 Corinthians 5:17). We’re no longer slaves to sin, but we become servants of the Lord (Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:23-24). Once saved, we are called be holy, as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), representing the Kingdom to which we are now citizens (Philippians 3:20). We are to hold up every thought, word, and action to the Truth of the Bible. We have a new standard by which to live.

If you’re a Christian, there may be quite a contrast between your standards before and after surrendering to Jesus. (There sure is for me.) And, although the above-noted attributes are to be our benchmark, we are all still living in a fallen body and walking through a fallen world. So, we’re not going to always be holy…but we need to always be walking in the direction of holiness and obedience. 

So, where does the whole “Casual Friday” thing come in? Well, just as employers loosened their standards for workwear once a week, we have to ask ourselves a similar question: Are there days or circumstances where we choose to talk or act below the standard that has been set for us in God’s Word? Maybe it’s around the conference table (real or virtual), when the blue jokes start flying—and you laugh right along. Perhaps, when Friday night rolls around, you go out for a few too many drinks with the girls (or guys). It could be the Netflix or HBO show you binge watch over the weekend—you know, the one with all that gratuitous casual sex. You get the point.

Friend, God has not allowed for Casual Friday—or any other casual day of the week. He does not wink at sin, no matter how “small” we think it is. (He doesn’t say, “Hey, that’s cool to sleep with your boyfriend—I know you’re in love.” Sorry, nope.) God’s standard is non-adjustable and non-negotiable, regardless of how “cultural irrelevant you think it is. 

Again, I’m not saying we won’t sin. We will. But the longer we walk with the Lord, the quicker we’ll recognize that sin, repent, and keep going in the right direction. And don’t misunderstand—we don’t maintain God’s standards to keep on His good side or check off the right boxes. We keep God’s standards because we love Him. And bringing Him joy is our joy.

Thank you, Lord, for Your standards, clearly spoken in Your Word, and the true freedom it brings. 

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:18

I know the following idea flies in the face of political correctness and modern feminism (although, does “feminism” exist anymore since “gender is a social construct” and no one can actually define what a woman is?). But, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a great love story?

There are the classics made popular in the 1950s by Walt Disney, like Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. And there are the originals upon which most “classics” are based, like Beauty and the Beast, published in 1740, but inspired by a second-century tale from ancient Greece. Of course, there’s my favorite (and, if you haven’t seen it or read it yet, it will be yours too once you do): The Princess Bride.

These greats generally have a common theme: someone is in distress (usually a “damsel” of some sort), and then someone (typically a Prince) fights the good fight to rescue her. 

But did you know that all the great fairy tales like these are mere shadows of THE ONE TRUE LOVE STORY. This original love story was written in eternity past, with the stage being set for thousands of years—from Creation until the first cries of the Prince’s arrival on the scene. 

You see, this Greatest Story Ever Told, shows how all of humanity was in utter distress until our Prince (the Prince of Peace, Lord of lords, King of Kings) made a way of rescue for us. Before being saved, we wander through life—lost and broken—searching for that soul-level reunion pined for by every human. Meanwhile, Prince Jesus has fought and won the battle against our great enemies (sin and death), and He stands victorious awaiting that reunion with us. 

Can you see it? Friend, this is why fairy tales resonate so deeply with people (women and men alike)! We have a deep, visceral need for rescue—a God-shaped hole in need of filling. But that need will never be satisfied by an earthly relationship or drugs or alcohol or shopping. This rescue is only successful when we grab the hand of the Great Rescuer, Jesus. And when we do, He will sweep us off our feet and make us His Bride. Then, when our time on this earth is done, we’ll go to His Kingdom to live eternally…literally, happily ever after. 

Jesus, You are The Knight in Shining Armor—our great Rescuer. I pray that just one person reading this will reach out and accept Your hand by faith, welcoming Your Victory for their life.

For certain persons have crept in unnoticed…ungodly persons who turn the grace of God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude 4

Licentious is not a word that’s used often (if ever) anymore. But it is a stellar word, full of accurate meaning in today’s culture. So, how can it be defined? Simply put, it is to be lawless, impious, given to unrestrained sin and gross immorality. It’s an arrogance to do what you please, when you please, even though it may offend others—and offend God. An easy way to remember it is to think of those awesome James Bond movies through the decades. (This makes me wonder, who is your favorite Bond?) Anyway, James Bond has the moniker of 007—he has a “license to kill”…and this is similar to how we can think of licentiousness: It is a license to offend God—a license to sin. 

Back when Jude (and Jesus, and Peter, and Luke, and Paul, and John) were talking about false teachers/teaching coming into the Church, there was a spiritual movement called Gnosticism that was permeating culture and infiltrating the young Christian movement. Basically, Gnosticism was a combination of Jewish, pagan, and some Christian beliefs, all muddled together with one primary teaching: Your spiritual life is all that matters; flesh is meaningless, so you can do whatever you want with your body to satisfy your physical desires—it doesn’t affect your “holiness” in any way. In other words, the good Gnostic would say, “I can do whatever I want with my body!”

Hmm. Sounds remotely familiar.

The first-century Church (and every century since) has been called to influence the hedonistic culture of that day, to spread the Good News of the gospel and the transformative power of the God’s grace through Jesus Christ. And the Church, despite the Gnostics and the pagan cultures around at that time, was turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6)! 

Today’s culture, if you haven’t noticed, is also licentious. And activities that not so long ago were hidden and done in secret when no one was looking—generally agreed to be “bad” or “unacceptable” or even “sinful”—are now done in the light. They’ve been normalized. Beyond that, they have also become celebrated. Most disturbing, many of these activities are becoming engrained into our legal systems, mandated even. Whether or not it conflicts with religious/moral beliefs, they must be accepted, affirmed, and venerated. And if you don’t, if you stand on the Truth of God’s Word, the name-calling begins. You are a hater, bigot, oppressor, etc., and you very well might get kicked out of school, lose your job, or go to jail for doing (or even saying) the “wrong” thing. You must go along with the latest riotous crowd, or else.

The issue for believers today, however, is not just what is happening in the culture, the degradation and licentiousness—and the resulting reaping of what’s been sown for the past decades. While that’s important to acknowledge, it’s more vital to recognize that the culture is influencing and infiltrating the Church more than the Church is influencing the culture. The church has established an anti-biblical bond with the culture, and this is a huge problem.

A recent study conducted by George Barna (released May 2022) is terrifying. Across denominations and pastoral roles in the American Christian church, just 37% of pastors hold a Biblical worldview. In other words, nearly two-thirds of church pastors do not believe or behave in alignment with God’s Word. Despite the warnings given us in the Bible—from Jesus and His disciples and the epistle writers—licentiousness has crept in. And it’s taken over. 

So, as followers of Jesus, we must be on guard in our churches and with those pastors/teachers we listen to. We must know God’s Word for ourselves, so we can test what we’re hearing. If we don’t know the Truth, our ears will get itchy (2 Timothy 4:3) and we’ll be easy prey for the wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). When the world around us embraces a license to sin, we need to stand firm on the Truth and be ready to defend our faith. And when that licentiousness results in pain, depression, and despair for those partaking in it, let’s be at the ready to give a reason for our hope: the love, forgiveness, and saving grace of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15).

Lord, Your Truth will stand amid false teaching and cultural darkness—help me to stand firm on it and proclaim the Gospel as the only Hope for this lost world.

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Do you ever have those days when you feel unlovable? Like you can’t do anything right or say anything right. (You know this because others get irritated with you, and you’re not sure why exactly.) Maybe you feel unlovable because when you look in the mirror and see only ugliness—despite your inherent beauty, based on both objective reality and the fact that you are created in the image of God. This sense of “unlovableness” may also result from sheer fatigue. Being battered daily by work, lack of sleep, physical pain, even the bad news blaring from whatever screen you spend time watching, colors our self-perception in myriad ways (and never for good).

What about unlovable’s cousin, unloved? This one probably warrants and astounding “yes” from us all—feeling unloved is sadly quite prevalent. (Especially in today’s world digital connectedness that creates only shallow relationship and false community. Especially for young people. But that’s another rant—I mean, story.) You may feel unloved because you’ve not found the spouse you’ve been praying for. Or you’ve lost your spouse—through death, divorce, or emotional abandonment. Moms and dads can feel unloved when children don’t answer our calls or tell us the truth of their lives. And when a friend betrays us (in real or imagined ways), the accusations of “You’re so unlovable!” peck at our minds like unyielding buzzards on a dead possum. (Sorry for the specific imagery there, but that’s something I see quite frequently in my ‘hood.) 

Friend, know this: You are beloved by God (Jude 1-2). God’s love is unconditional, unending, unrelenting. It’s who He is (1 John 4:8,16). And it’s because of this love for us—His best creation, modeled after Himself—God sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sin and unrighteousness. (Because, although God created Man perfectly for perfect relationship with Him, Man blew it, severing that relationship. And although God loves all people with general love and provides general grace to all, we are not all in right relationship with God.) Jesus lived a perfect life and died the death we deserve, defeating death and rebuilding the bridge to the Father. If God loves you that much, then, sweet friend, how can you possibly consider yourself unloved?

This amazing love—underserved and unearned—converts us from dark to light. Transforms us from unrighteous to righteous. Washes us white as snow when our sin had made us crimson-stained. God’s love through Christ Jesus makes us holy in God’s sight. So, no matter what image you see reflected in the mirror, God sees a reflection of His perfect Son! You are lovable!

That sense of unlovedness and unloveableness come from the pit of hell. It’s the enemy of our soul who sends those vultures to peck away at our true self-image in God. (Remember, Satan was the first creature to break perfect relationship with God…and he wants us all in his camp.) Don’t believe the lie or give in to the devil’s trickery. God loves you! Accept His Son, Jesus, and be accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:5-7). Experience the amazing love, grace, and mercy of our Lord. And know you are beloved in Him.

Father, help me recognize the lies of the enemy that tell me I’m not loved. You love me with an everlasting, unrelenting love—may I hold fast to that Truth.

I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.

Jude 1:3

War. Depending on your age, you have certain perceptions of this concept. You could be a history buff and think of the amazing, world-changing, freedom-initiating battles for U.S. independence. Maybe your mind goes to WWII and its patriotic response and unifying efforts. Or the far-off (and misunderstood) jungle battles of Korea or Viet Nam. For most readers, war likely brings to mind the 20-year desert entanglement that was a “given” thread of American life—and one that recently ended in great calamity. Regardless of which war or when, to all those men and women who fought the good fight for our nation—thank you.

Friend, there’s another war that’s been raging for millennia. Since humanity began, actually. The first proverbial shot was fired in the Garden when Satan hissed his original lie to humanity, twisting the Truth of God and instilling the idea that we don’t need God—and that we can be like Him. (Although, when Satan himself acted on that belief, he was thrown out of Heaven.)

Since then, regardless of historic era, global geography, or cultural realities, the battle between Truth and Lies has been fought. God’s Word versus Satan’s deceptions. Worship of God the Creator versus worship of the created (animals, stars, self). Surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior versus clutching onto self-as-savior (being/doing “good” enough).

If you’ve read the Bible from “In the beginning God created” in Genesis to the final “Amen” of Revelation, you’re familiar with how this war has manifested through the centuries. (If you haven’t ever read the full His-Story of it all, I highly recommend it!) Bottom line of every battle: God would declare Truth/His way, and then man would doubt, disobey, and go his/her own way.Eventually, God sent His Son, Jesus, to become the Way, Truth, and Life—to make a way of once-and-for-all reconciliation to God. The Ultimate Peace Treaty.

Today, we are privileged to have the complete, inspired, inerrant Word of God in Scripture—and we know how the Story ends. But the spiritual war still wages. And, sadly, just as it was when Christianity began, the battle even infiltrates the Church. The Apostles Paul, Peter, and John, as well as Jesus’s half-brother Jude, warned of false teachers, heretics, and apostates creeping in among believers. Wolves in sheep’s clothing. Like their forefather, Satan, they twist the Truth and ask, “Did God really say?” Or, in a more modern vernacular, “Would a good God really do…?” 

And just as those God-inspired letters exhort their original readers, we must “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 1:3). As believers, we are called to know sound doctrine (Ephesians 4:14, Colossians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:2). We must be able to discern Truth from error (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). And (this is the really hard part), we have to be willing to confront and attack error (Philippians 1:7,27; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; Titus 1:13).

The war of Truth will continue to wage until Jesus Christ makes His final, successful advance on His enemies. Until then, friend, we need to put on our battle armor (Ephesians 6) and ready ourselves for the fight. We must study the Truth of God’s Word. Share it with others. And contend for its preservation.

Lord, I recognize that I am in Your army. Give me the strength and courage to hold fast to the Truth and fight the good fight.