And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:43

I went to a funeral the other day. And it was a time of deep grief, sorrow, and wishful thinking.

We’ve known him his whole life. Through various traditions, our families spent special times together over the past decades, despite any geographical distances. This kind, creative, wholly unique (and somewhat mischievous) young man was well loved by everyone who crossed his path. Stories were shared that brought laughter at the remembrance, as well as admiration at his outside-the-box perception of life. 

But the day was blanketed with tears and sadness. His life was like an amazing firework that was lit 23 years ago, emblazoning the sky with a glorious light show, only to quickly burn out, leaving us wanting for more.

The church service, however, did not celebrate the confident hope of Heaven—that, as the Bible promises, “to be absent from the body (is) to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:7-8). Despite the cross at the front of the church, the message given was an antithesis to the Truth found in God’s Word. The robed man delivering the sermon spoke of uncertainties. The “hope” he did share was built not on the solid foundation of the finished work of Christ, but on the shifting sands of church traditions originated to delude and fleece believers.

“Is he in heaven? I don’t know,” the robed man said. “But he is likely in purgatory, being purified for Heaven.” He stated that because of our sin in life, we are not perfected at death to enter into God’s glorious Kingdom. The man went on to tell the crowd of tear-stained faces that action was required—we must pray the departed soul through that time of purification in order for him to be perfected for Heaven. 

There was a depiction of Jesus on the cross right in front of the congregation. And I wanted to shout, “You’ve got it wrong! Yes, we are sinners, and our unrighteousness forbids us to stand in the presence of a Holy God. But Jesus! Jesus died on that cross and rose again, defeating sin and death! Through His action—not ours—we are made perfect when we accept the gift of grace through faith.” 

Jesus, although mentioned throughout the service, was not proclaimed as Savior, Conqueror, King or the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is the responsibility of those of us left behind (along with our prayers to Mary, Jesus’ mother, and other “saints”), he said, to help usher this young man into God’s presence. 

Friends, this is not so! No work on our behalf is required—He did it all. No penalty is owed—He paid it. No post-death suffering must be endured—His suffering was sufficient. This is the Gospel—the GOOD NEWS! 

We are all separated from God by our sin. But Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived the perfect life we could not live and died to take the punishment we deserve. He rose again, defeating sin and death. And when we surrender to Jesus, He exchanges our rags for His righteousness, so that we can live eternally with Him. (Romans 5:8; 6:23; 8:1; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 John 4:10)

You can have confident hope—knowledge that this life is fleeting, and upon death, you’ll be in the eternal presence of the Lord. Won’t you accept the free gift of salvation—of soul restoration—provided by Jesus? 

Lord, thank You that You paid the price for our sin, and that by Your grace through faith we can stand in Your presence immediately upon death, fully righteous because of Jesus. 

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  

1 Thessalonians 4:13

I went to a funeral the other day. And it was a time of joy, laughter, remembrance, and confident hope.

Because we have only been in our new community and church for just a short time, we didn’t know Candie well. But both my husband and I did have the great privilege of meeting this kind, gifted, caring (and somewhat mischievous) woman and spending a little time together. Story after story, shared among the huge crowd and from the pulpit, testified to her lifelong mission to spread the love of Jesus, disciple girls and young women, and serve others. 

Don’t get me wrong, there were also plenty of tears shed. Her absence leaves a gaping hole in the lives of her family and friends—and in our community. The daily impact Candie made over the decades has created a ripple effect spreading throughout the community, across the country, and around the world.

But the crowd wasn’t grieving a permanent loss. Candie simply moved away—she went Home. As she took her last breath here, she was immediately in the presence of the One to whom she’d surrendered all (2 Corinthians 5:8). Physical pain and emotional suffering slipped off of her like a heavy winter coat discarded for summer’s radiant warmth. She is now free of all earthly burdens and the sin inherent to our broken world. And, no doubt, after she met Jesus face to face, she turned to see a line of people waiting to greet her—people who would not otherwise be in Heaven if not for her.

This funeral was a genuine celebration. Of her exceptional life on earth and her eternal life with Jesus. It was truly as if an awesome moving-away party was planned, and the guest of honor had to leave sooner than expected…but we had the party anyway. We know exactly where she is—and we know she loves it there.

Those of us celebrating her life who have accepted the gift of salvation through Calvary’s cross have confident hope that we’ll see Candie again—we’ll be joining her in Heaven when God calls us Home. And because she would want everyone there to be in that category (and the pastor knew that), he clearly shared the Gospel to close out the celebration. 

What is “the Gospel”? We are all separated from God by our sin. But Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived the perfect life we could not live and died to take the punishment we deserve. He rose again, defeating sin and death. And when we surrender to Jesus, He exchanges our rags for His righteousness, so that we can live eternally with Him. (Romans 5:8; 6:23; 8:1; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 John 4:10)

What about you? Do you have this confident hope—knowledge that this life is fleeting, and upon death, you’ll be in the eternal presence of the Lord? Or do you “think” or “wish” that heaven is your ultimate destination, but you’re not sure? Friend, you can be sure! Won’t you accept the free gift of salvation—of soul restoration—provided by Jesus? After all, I’d really like you meet Candie.

Lord, by Your grace we can have blessed assurance of where we’ll be once we take our last breath here. Thank You that our mourning can give way to gladness.

For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Hebrews 10:14

(This is a repost of my very first devotional—enjoy!)

Before I became a Christian, I believed whole-heartedly that there were many ways to God—different paths, each as valid as the next. In fact, I was so vehement that I designed a logo representing it and had it tattooed onto my body. Now, that’s commitment. 

But, thankfully, the Lord was leading me to the Truth. And, after three decades of going to church (because my “path” was Catholicism), I heard the Gospel for the first time. I truly understood that through Jesus, my sins were paid, and I was made righteous in the eyes of a God that requires perfection. 

Even after I heard the Truth, I questioned God…surely He wouldn’t condemn all those Baha’i, Buddhists, and Muslims who are just as passionate about their path to Heaven. How could Christianity be so narrow-minded? Couldn’t there still be many ways to God? 

So, on the front steps of my newfound church, I asked that question of the pastor. And he explained a simple, profound truth: Within all the world religions, people must work to earn heaven—they must pursue “good enough” by their own efforts and deeds. No so with Christianity. By what He accomplished on the cross, Jesus Christ paid in full the cost of eternal life with God. There’s nothing we can do to earn it or be good enough. We are sinners, and the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.(Romans 6:23).

Jesus paid our debt, stamping it, “Paid in Full”—we owe nothing…and everything. In fact, when Jesus cried from the cross, “It is finished,” the original word equates with a debt being satisfied. 

Others do and do and do, never to be perfected. Christians, however, have been made perfect and holy because He paid it all for us. It’s done. We don’t have work for our salvation—and fail repeatedly. Instead, in response to what Christ did, we do good—not to earn but in grateful response. 

So, I added the word Teleo to my “tattoo testimony.” It translates from Greek into, “I am complete.” 

“Lord, thank you for paying a debt I could never pay on my own—for the gift of salvation. May I respond by sharing this amazing news with others to free them from the trap of ‘doing enough’.”

For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.   

Jude 4

The other day, during an early-morning gym conversation about spiritual things, I invited a relatively new friend to church. (I know what you’re thinking, “early-morning gym spiritual conversation”? But we actually cover all types of intense topics, from politics, culture, and guns to parenting and familial drama. It definitely helps my treadmill time fly by though!) 

After hearing her rationale for why her family doesn’t attend any church, I walked away discouraged—but also with the recognition that it’s a very common reason: She knows all too many people who consider church their Sunday social club; their cars proclaim their church du jour, but their ungodly actions reveal a life no different from the rest of the world. Then there are all those exposed “Christian leaders” who have fallen hard, again giving the Church a bad rap. Despite my responses of, “Well, we’re all hypocrites—no one is perfect,” and, “Sadly, pride goes before the fall,” I do get it. But there’s no quick-fix proof text to counter such negative experiences.

The fact is, Christians can give Christianity a very bad name. I’ve written a lot about the ubiquitous wolves (false teachers) today, as well as very popular movements that pervert the Truth but are very attractive—especially to young people. But I want to bring this issue down to the individual believer. You and me.

As followers of Jesus Christ (Christians), we recognize that because of sin (our inability to be perfectly holy), the perfection of this world and the intended relationship between Man and God is broken. We cannot be good enough to restore that relationship. But Jesus, fully God and fully man, paid the penalty for our sin, exchanging His righteousness for our unrighteousness. Our sins are forgiven, and, through the grace of God, our slate is wiped clean. As the Apostle Paul puts it, “where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:21).

Ah, but this is the slippery rope many Christians use to try and maintain their tight grasp on the world. Their thinking is, “Well, it doesn’t matter how I live, I’m covered by God’s grace—so let’s party!” But they need to read the very next verse from Paul: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1).

When we truly understand the Great Exchange of the Gospel and the fact that we can relinquish our valiant (and exhausting) strivings to earn our way to heaven, we are truly free (John 8:36)! And it’s out of our grateful joy that we choose to live righteously. Will we miss the mark? Every day! Will we be seen as hypocrites? Yes! The difference is, though, that we quickly recognize our failings, ask forgiveness, and change course. Every day, month, and year, we strengthen our walk with the Lord, becoming more and more like Him. 

Grace is not meant to be a justification to live however we want. If you attend a church where habitual sin is acceptable and tolerated “because of grace,” either within the congregation or from the pulpit—run. But, more importantly, let’s look in the mirror. Are we using God’s amazing grace as an excuse to maintain worldly living? Or does His grace motivate us to pursue holiness with a thankful heart?

Lord, Your grace is amazing and Your mercy unfathomable. Help me never use these to justify my selfish ambition and desires.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:6-7

Sometimes getting better (stronger, healthier, more refined) is a painful process. Think about gardening. According to one horticultural site, “pruning is the removal or reduction of certain plant parts that are not required, that are no longer effective, or that are of no use to the plant. It is done to supply additional energy for the development of flowers, fruits, and limbs that remain on the plant.” Then, there’s gold. Refining gold with fire is an ancient method and one still preferred today. Molten gold is stirred and skimmed to remove the impurities that rise up to the top. 

Of course, when it comes to our physical bodies, refinement can come similarly to our two examples above: sometimes a cutting away is needed (think of surgery to remove a cancerous tumor), and other times it’s a burning (cauterization) that destroys threatening growths and heals damaged tissue. 

So, friends, why would we think it any different for our spiritual betterment, healing, refinement? 

When we’re saved, accepting the work of Jesus to pay the price for our sins, we turn away from our previous life. We become a new creation and, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we’re to walk out the fruit of righteousness (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). But, although salvation is a single, once-and-for-all decision and immediate inward transformation, our outward transformation is not so immediate. In fact, the battle between our old, sinful self and our new self is hard-fought until we meet Jesus face to face (Romans 7:15-20). But the Lord, our soul-Gardener, does not leave us to our own devices in this endeavor.

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:2).” This process of spiritual pruning, called sanctification, requires us to step through trials, storms, and plenty of pain. This proverbial fire and cutting is meant to help us abandon our self-reliance and surrender control to the Lord. When we embrace this fiery process, the dross of our life can be scooped away, leaving us looking (and acting) more and more like Jesus. The damaging, useless, even life-threatening parts are removed to strengthen us, grow us, and make us more beautiful. It is for our good and His glory. 

But that’s our purpose as Christians, isn’t it? Glorifying God with our life. I don’t know about you, but I’m incredibly grateful for the refining pain of the process.

Lord, may I daily surrender my life to You, allowing You to refine me for my good and Your glory.

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”  Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…

Galatians 3:10-13

I don’t know about you, but I’m generally a rule-follower. And I prefer that other people follow the rules as well. (In fact, I can get pretty frustrated by rule-breakers—and those simply not doing “what they should.” I recognize this is a problem, and I’m working on it.) But laws are there for a reason—am I right? 

Yes, they are! Laws are made to maintain civil order and to keep people functioning in society in a prudent, mutually respectful manner. You may have heard the oft-shouted phrase, “You can’t legislate morality.” But every law, from speed limits to murder statutes, is based on moral law. (This, however, is a long-winded discussion for another time.) My point here is to say that all law is made to reveal our offence. If there was no speed limit, then driving 110mph on the highway wouldn’t matter. However, the speed limit sign that says 70mph shows that driving 110mph is wrong.

Friend, the same is true of God’s laws. Let’s take the Big 10. The 10 Commandments allow us to recognize our transgression from them. For instance, when we turn green over jealousy of what our neighbor has, we can acknowledge this is an offence to God (“Thou shalt not covet…”). And this is a very good thing. The problem arises when we believe that abiding by all the laws is what saves us—that being a good rule-follower gets us to heaven. It does not, and it cannot. 

Firstly, no one can keep all of God’s law any more than we can keep every civil law on the books. Humanity, in our sin nature, is simply not capable of it. Secondly, as previously noted, the law is designed to make us conscious of our sin. “No one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law” (Romans 3:20). 

More than that, the law cannot change us. Whether you’re a rule-follower or rule-breaker by nature, laws may alter our outward behavior, but they won’t change us inside. Think back to the speed limit. Many of us may sustain 73 mph in a 70mph zone, knowing the law but breaking it just enough not to get in trouble. Some of us are driving 70, according to the speedometer, but our burning desire is to go 90—hence, we’re breaking the law in our heart, as Jesus would say (for instance, Matthew 5:27-28).

So, since no one is perfect (without sin), how do we meet the requirement of the law—that is, God’s standard of perfect righteousness? Well, we need to lay down the law. We need to stop trying to impeccably uphold the law (which is impossible) or do just enough to not get “in trouble” (which won’t cut it). We must turn to Jesus and accept the gift of His pure righteousness imputed to us on Calvary’s cross. Only through surrendering to Jesus can we be truly changed—transformed within by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17). Not only are we made new, but the penalty for all our sin and lawlessness has been paid by Jesus, so we can stand before the ultimate Judge (God) with a completely clean record. 

Lord, thank You that I can lay down the law—of my efforts and “good enough”—and simply accept the work of Christ for my salvation.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

We received another one of “those” calls. No matter your age, you likely know what I’m talking about. It’s often “too early” or “too late” for the phone to be ringing—so you sense something is wrong. You answer, hoping beyond hope that you’re wrong. But then you hear it: A family member or friend on the other end of the line, usually in that empty, still-in-shock voice, informs you a loved one has died.

Like many of you, I’ve had a lot of loss in my life. I’ve been on the receiving end of those calls about my mother, father, and one of my two brothers…let alone the countless family members and friends of all ages. This latest one came from my husband’s best friend telling him that their 23-year-old son was gone. A young man, but still their child. And my heart tore in two at the unfathomable grief of our sweet friends. They are brokenhearted and crushed.

As I woke up to a new day, I was instantly reminded of their loss and pain—again, unable to imagine the new waves of grief crashing down on them again this morning.

But the Holy Spirit also brought to my mind another One—One who knows soul-crushing anguish. One who came from Heaven to earth, experiencing human pain, suffering, temptation, and grief to sympathize with us…and, ultimately, take it all away from us. Jesus. The Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. With that, as you and I face terrible news (or any pain and heartache)—and our own words fail—let’s turn to the comfort and truth of the God’s Word.

The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Certainly, goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

(Jesus said,) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep…And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:11, 16

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 

1 Peter 1:18-21

Father God, be near to the brokenhearted. And to those who are both hurt and lost, save them. Give them peace with You so they can experience peace through the pain of this world.

Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

We all just celebrated the 4^th of July—the birthday of this great nation we are blessed to live in. You may have gotten together with friends or family for a cookout, or perhaps you attended a baseball game. Depending on what state you live in (and the current legality of certain fireworks), you may have been up later than usual comforting your terrified, shivering dogs as the celebratory “bombs bursting in air” lit up the night—oh, wait, that was me.

Regardless of how you commemorated this holiday, it is our country’s Independence Day. We were no longer beholden to King George or England’s laws, able to worship freely and not solely under the government’s “national religion.” The leaders of our young nation had a better way to govern—by the people and for the people. And for centuries people from all over the world (including my own mother) have been flocking to enjoy the freedom established on that day.

Independence. As individuals, it’s an innate, visceral desire. From the toddler’s cry of, “I do it myself!” to teenagers pushing against mom and dad’s house rules to prove themselves “all grown up,” we all stive for a sense of self-reliance. In our current culture, though, the concept of independence has been distorted, morphing self-reliance into a disgraceful me-myself-and-I self-indulgence.

All our cultural whackadoodleness aside, our human tendency toward independence also creates a barrier to embracing a dependence on God. The thing is, friend, there are plenty of things we can—and should—do on our own, whether we’re on the path to progression (like the toddler and teen), or we’re out to prove something (to ourselves or others). But when it comes to progressing toward heaven or proving ourselves worthy enough to stand before a Holy God in acceptance, we cannot do it ourselves. 

We are completely dependent upon Jesus Christ—His finished work on Calvary and His victorious resurrection. There is no action we can take on our own, no checklist to complete, no “good enough.” It is only through accepting the amazing grace of Jesus and surrendering to Him as Savior and Lord that we are made righteous, as white as snow. Through our dependence on Him, we gain our true freedom—from sin and death. Eternal life cannot be earned. It’s gained when we let go of self-reliance and cling to the Lord. 

If you have not yet gained your freedom in Christ, why not make today your Dependence Day?

Lord, thank you for setting me free. Help me stand firm on Your Truth and stay dependent on You always.

For He Himself is our peace…     

Ephesians 2:14a

Peace. Oh, how we all long for it. We look around at the divisiveness being fostered in our culture, and we cry out for peace. Family members fight and push each other away (sometimes establishing permanent chasms), and we are helpless to create peace. Inside our own souls, the battle rages between our fallen nature and our new nature in Christ, and we strive daily to keep the peace.

But peace does not have to be allusive! Friend, God is peace. And God makes peace with sinners through Christ. 

• For He Himself is our peace, who has made both [Jews and Gentiles] one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace… ~Ephesians 2: 14-15 (italics and brackets mine)

• For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6

Through Jesus and His death on the cross—and by His triumph over death—we have peace with God. The relationship we were meant to have in God’s design is restored when we accept this amazing gift of grace.

• But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:5

• Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~Romans 5:1

And once surrendered to Jesus, having restored our relationship with God (having peace with God), we can enjoy the peace of God as we walk through this world…because we’re promised that in this world we will have trouble—yes, even as believers!

• You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. ~Isaiah 26:3

• Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7

• Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~John 14:27

Friend, does the cultural tumult bring overwhelming anxiety? Are shattered family relationships causing disquiet in your soul? Is your own brokenness resulting in a quest for peace from the things of this world? Turn to the True Source of Peace—the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. And find rest for your soul.

Thank You, Father, for making a way for us to have peace with You…and experience peace in this troubled world.

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge.

Psalm 73:28

With so many of us struggling right now, it’s easy to look around at others with eyes and hearts of envy. Whether our battles are with health, family circumstances, or finances, we can slip into frustration, despite our faith. We glance left and watch the ungodly prospering in every way. Then our view shifts right to see the mockers of God “have it all.”

Gratefulness for our own blessings fades away, and envy sets in. Bitterness can take root. We begin perceiving our reality as “less than”—and we may find ourselves even crying out to God, “Why them and not me? Why is she being healed, and I’m not? Why is that person getting away with evil?” 

In Psalm 73, Asaph wrote of the abundance of the wicked he witnessed around him—and he admitted the jealousy he felt amid the suffering and lack in his own life. It’s only when this Psalm writer stopped looking around and turned his face back to the Lord that he remembered the Truth. This world is a drop in the eternity bucket. Asaph acknowledged that the evil will be judged by our perfect, Holy God, yet he (and all believers) will be welcomed into glory. He shifted his focus to an eternal perspective.

Moreover, Asaph relishes in the relationship he has with the Lord today—and so can we. The closer we are with Jesus in the moment, the more difficult it is for us to be bitter. I mean, what greater joy is there than eternal life through Jesus? And what other relationship is as steadfast and unshakable than that which we have with our Lord? He is our strength, and He will never leave us or forsake us—no matter what our current circumstances look like. 

So, let’s replace bitterness with something much better: thankfulness for our Savior and His grace, and for the confident hope of our glorious future. 

“Lord, thank you for your unfailing love, amazing grace, and relentless mercy. Help me to keep my eyes on You, and please sever any roots of bitterness clinging to my soul.”