But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

James 2:18

I wrote last time about my three-decade effort to ensure my “good vs. bad” tally sheet was heavier on the “good” side so that I would be destined for Heaven. Whether it was by choosing to do the right thing or taking action to “undo” all those wrong things, it was my job to determine my eternal future.

Many of us—believers in Jesus Christ and unbelievers alike—have this mindset. For those who have not accepted the free gift of grace through Jesus but believe there’s a heaven, the matter to them is settled: Being a “good person” (defined by their internal, subjective scale) will get them “in.” This is sad, because the Bible is clear on this matter: There is one way to heaven, and that is by the cross of Jesus Christ (John 14:6). But what is sadder are believers who think that salvation is through Jesus and what they do or don’t do—their works.

Some even point to the book of James in the Bible to make their case, specifically chapter 2, verses 24 and 26, which say, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only,” and “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” 

It seems like James is advocating for “faith plus works for salvation,” which is in total contradiction to the words of Paul and the other writers—not to mention Jesus Himself. But, when we study God’s Word, we need to understand context, including the audience to whom the letter was being written. In James’s case, he was writing believers who were already justified by faith—they had accepted the work of Jesus for their salvation. And our omniscient, omnipresent, all-powerful God knew that. Before God’s throne, they were, in fact, accepted as righteous—they were “in.” 

The problem, he is saying, is that the people around us have no way of knowing we are saved by faith in Jesus unless we show them. We need to “justify” (validate, defend, support, substantiate) our faith outwardly and demonstrate our life in Christ. He’s saying that if we are saved, but our lives don’t give evidence of that amazing transformation, what impact can we have on this broken world? In verses 15 and 16, he writes, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”  

Jesus came to live the life we couldn’t live and die to take the penalty we deserved—He saved us. But if our salvation is the end game, why doesn’t God scoop us up to heaven the moment we surrender our lives to Jesus? Because we have work to do!Sealed with the Holy Spirit, we are able to step ahead in love, showing joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control (often falling down, sometimes taking a few steps backwards)…but becoming more like Jesus as we walk through this world. And, as we show others our faith, we are to share the Good News with them! 

The bottom line is this: Why would someone want to know about Jesus if they can’t see the difference Jesus makes in our life? So, let’s show others what it looks like to live a life of faith. Let’s go do.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Growing up in the religion of my parents, my faith in God was all about negotiation. My prayers would sound something like, “God, please get me out of this mess and I promise never to _______ again.” Or “God, if you give me X, I’ll do Y.” Although my behavior was far from holy, I would acknowledge my ungodly choices after the fact, and beg God for forgiveness. I’d “be good” for a while, but it wasn’t long until I’d fall into the same immoral patterns. I’d give up beer for Lent but carry around a bottle of Vodka to parties—to me, that was a perfectly logical way to abstain. In my head, it was a constant scorecard tally between two columns: good and bad. And, of course, for all my mess-ups (at least the ones I decided to share in the darkened church confessional), a few “Hail Mary’s” and “Our Father’s” would wash away my sins and clear my conscience. (although the scoring continued). Whew. Good thing the priest and my acts of repentance were there to help ensure I didn’t lose my salvation.

Actually, when it came to guaranteeing a heavenly destination, there were quite a few boxes to check (perfect for my box-checking personality): don’t miss Mass—ever; don’t eat an hour before Mass, so you can take communion (because communion counted toward the heaven-bound transit fare); no meat on Fridays—the list goes on. 

So, after six years in our church’s school, ongoing church education, plus not missing Mass through high school, college, and beyond (even if it meant wearing my soccer uniform to hit the field right after communion or attending on Saturday night so I could sleep off a hangover on Sunday), I believed I had two saviors: Jesus and me. I knew Jesus died on the cross for me, but if I didn’t do my part, His part in the process was, well, futile.

But, praise God, like the man who Jesus healed in chapter 9 of John’s gospel, I once was blind, but now I see. I have one Savior—Jesus Christ. He lived a life of perfection that I could not, took the penalty of suffering and death that I deserved, and rose again—defeating death—so that I can be born into eternal life with Him. I will one day stand before God in perfect righteousness—not judgement—because of what Jesus did. Not because of anything I did (or didn’t do).

Friends, our salvation (our peace with God now and eternal life in heaven) is not “Jesus and ______.” No matter how you fill in the blank or what you’ve been taught…and regardless of what the enemy has hissed in your ear to the contrary, salvation is of the Lord alone—by His grace alone, through our faith alone. Period. Isn’t that amazing news? (Now, as James talks about in his Biblical letter, once we are saved by faith, justified before God, we demonstrate our faith to the world by works—but I’ll tackle that topic in my next blog.) 

What freedom! We don’t have to work for salvation—it’s not “do” but “done.” Have you received this gift by accepting the Way, the Truth, and Life—Jesus (John 14:16)? Why not make today the day?

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3:7

Did that blog title get your attention? Maybe you think the words that follow will be about how we Christians need to fear the exponentially evil direction our culture is going. Or the horror that should seize our hearts at the onslaught of federal legislation nefariously undermining our Biblical beliefs (and our right to live them out). Perhaps I’ll delve into the global “pandemic” and how we must fear the virus, stay isolated, and constantly sanitize. Nope, none of the above.

This exhortation, friends, is to fear the Lord. 

As believers, we (hopefully) understand this principle of fearing God. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have peace with God and are justified to ultimately stand in His presence (“just-as-if-I’d” never sinned). But we must still fear God. Christian fear, however, is not terror and dread, but rather it’s the awe of the power and authority of the Creator, Judge, and King. Our fear of the Lord keeps us wise, moving in the right direction, and—ultimately—confident of our eternal home with Him. The Bible makes it clear:

• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
• Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him (Psalm 33:8)!
• And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).
• Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1).

Brothers and sisters, in our fear of the Lord, we do not have to fear anything that’s going on in our upside-down world. Is it disconcerting? Yes! Is the enemy ramping up his efforts to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10)—yes!! But we know how it all ends. (If you don’t, it’s time for you to settle in and study the book of Revelation.)

Is “the end” near? It could be. Jesus could come back for believers today, next year, or next century. And at the end is a holy judgement by a holy God. So, for your family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who do not “fear the Lord,” they have much more to fear than what the news is reporting. Without accepting the gift of grace through faith in Jesus, their eternal condition is horrifying. 

It is time to fear. Let us—with urgency—tell others. God loves them and wants no one to perish, but wants all to repent and have eternal life with Him (2 Peter 3:9). They must simply acknowledge their sinful nature, ask God for forgiveness, believe that Jesus paid their ransom, and make Him Savior and Lord of their life. It’s a free gift—no other to-dos involved! Let’s spread the word.

How much more severe punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:29-31).

Lord, give me a sense of urgency to tell others of God’s love for them, instilling a fear that brings eternal peace.

You there! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.  

Isaiah 55:1

When you’ve been out for a walk on a warm day, working in the yard, or even just eating some salty snacks, there’s nothing like gulping down a big glass of cold water to quench your thirst. (Well, actually, for me it would be a big glass of lukewarm water—can’t stand to drink cold things. Weird, I know. But I digress.) It’s gloriously refreshing and satisfying. The thing is, after that glass is emptied, you will want—and need—more. In fact, human beings cannot survive without water for more than about three days and should ideally consume 11-15 cups of water per day. 

But beyond physical thirst, humans have an innate spiritual thirst within us. Some have called it a “God-shaped hole” that we will constantly try to fill. We pour on (and in) relationships, work, stuff, alcohol, drugs, or food. Something might quiet the craving for a moment, but it comes back, often with vengeance. The deep thirst is not quenched. (Believe me, I tried everything for almost 20 years.)

Brothers and sisters, nothing on this earth can satisfy the void we so desperately want to fill. We are created to be in communion with God, and since the Fall of man and woman in the Garden, the quest for “re-union” drives everything we do. To continue the “God-shaped hole” analogy: because it’s God-shaped, God is the only way to fill the void. 

There’s a beautiful event recorded in John’s gospel where our Lord addresses this exact issue. The story is about the Samaritan woman at the well, and it may be a familiar one to you. (This passage is actually chock full of amazing and astounding lessons, so please take some time to dig in!) The scene starts when Jesus asks the woman for a drink of water from a well. Now, when you read it, you’ll see that she’s been living a life of unsatisfying “void-filling-efforts”—and Jesus knows it. But He ultimately says to her: “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14).

What about you? Are you drinking from various wells of this life to find satisfaction? (To quote Dr. Phil, “How’s that workin’ for ya?”) Jesus Christ can quench your deep, soul-level thirst. And once you allow Him to do so, the wells of this world lose their appeal. Are you thirsty? Accept this fountain of the water of life given freely to anyone who thirsts (Revelation 21:6)…and never thirst again.

Thank You, Lord, for the soul-quenching gift You freely offer when we surrender to You. May I, in response, offer this refreshing Living Water to others.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Romans 13:14

Moderation is a tough thing for me. From my perfectionist and control-freak personality, to my waning addictive tendencies, I am inclined to overdo—not to be moderate. In my BC days (that is, “before Christ”), I would never have used the word “moderation” for my behavior—praise the Lord for redemption and freedom. And, before several injuries (dare I say, Divine injuries) sidelined me, fitness was an idol I worshipped for hours each morning, prioritized over everything else. The battle for food moderation is a thing for me too—always has been. (This was another reason for the whole gym-rat activity—you have to balance your obsessions, am I right?) Then there’s work. I work a lot (present tense), not able to easily turn off that switch, because there are always other things that need to be done “now” and “right.” 

When it comes to exercise, food, work, and—for some—even alcohol, we all would probably agree with the adage, “all things in moderation.” I certainly do for most of this list and am in constant pursuit of that philosophical balancing act.

But, for Christians, moderation is not to be chased in all things. There is no moderation of sin. We are fallen humans, living in a fallen world, and we will sin. But we are not to find some warped sense of “balance” and rationale in the “acceptable” sins of the world. We are called to be holy and pure (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15; 2 Timothy 2:22). Believers are called to chase after perfection—not in the control-freaky way I am so familiar with—but that of perfect righteousness. It’s an impossible task, until we are perfected in heaven, but we are to move in that direction. The longer we walk in faith, the sooner we recognize our unrighteous thoughts, words, and actions, asking for forgiveness quicker. And our moment-by-moment choices become more and more aligned with God’s Word. We recognize that there are no sin scales in God’s economy—a little white lie and murder weigh the same—and we don’t look to the culture to determine which sins are “outdated” and more acceptable today. 

The world will disagree. To them, there is definitely a sin spectrum, as well as moderation in ALL things. “Sin” is different for everyone, as is its level of pursuit. As long as it “doesn’t hurt anyone” or it’s “safe” or it’s “my choice”—well, then it’s ok (and “mind your own business” while you’re at it).

Brothers and sisters, let’s do a serious self-assessment. Are there sins that we feel are “ok in moderation”? That TV show that that glamorizes fornication or adultery? Using cusswords at opportune times because the situation warrants it? Hating our enemy because, well, they’re evil, and when Jesus said, “Love your neighbor,” He certainly didn’t mean that guy. Ouch.

Moderation is great—in most things. But when it comes to the pursuit of holiness to which we are called as believers in Jesus Christ, let us never put sin into that category.

Lord, may Your love abound more and more in me, that I may approve what is excellent and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1: 9-10).

Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.

Matthew 25:13

In looking around, listening, and reading, do you sense it? There seems to be an acceleration of, well, crazy. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. A mob mentality is creating lemmings who aren’t thinking straight—or even thinking for themselves at all. And a “cancel culture” is allowing for the silencing of opinion (or truth) if it goes against the pushed narrative.

I’m not trying to get “political” here. This has all been a cyclical pattern throughout human history. And since the first century, Christians around the world have had to stand firm in the midst of their respective anti-God cultures. Believers have been a voice for the voiceless, a light in the darkness, and a thorn in the side of government and religious leaders. 

After His glorious resurrection, Jesus told his disciples He would be coming back soon. And from the first century until now, Christians have been certain that time would be during their lifetime. I believe it’s because they looked around at the insanity of their own world, and the only fitting response was praying for rescue (rapture) and Divine justice. 

Brothers and sisters, are you feeling the same way right now? I know I am. 

The bigger question is this: If the Lord returns today, are you ready? We are in the Biblical end times—of that there is no doubt. But these “times” could be completed within the hour, year, decade, or century. We don’t know—and neither does Satan. So, as it has been since the Garden, he is racing around with his millions of minions to stir up evil and multiply his army here on earth. Ultimately, Satan is going to lose his fight against the Lord—this he does know.

But what about you? Have you picked a side in the battle? Jesus won the war by defeating Death on Calvary’s cross and rising again in triumph. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—the only path to peace with God—and to victory over an eternity of torment. So, on whose side do you stand? And if you are with God, are you standing firm, not to be moved when the winds of culture come against you? 

Jesus is coming “soon”—it could very well be today. I’ll ask again, are you ready? You must “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:14-15). If you have not yet made a decision to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, won’t you do so now? God loves you and wants you to have everlasting life (John 3:16), so He died for you (Romans 5:8)! By confessing you are not perfect (a sinner), God is faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Believe this and give your life to Jesus as your Savior (the Way the heaven) and your Lord (the Priority of your life)—and you’ll be victorious in the battle for your soul (Romans 10:9)!

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20

As I sit down to write this, I’m am actually taking a respite from unpacking boxes and trying to figure out—once again—what we really need and where we should put it all. You see, over my 26-year marriage, we have lived in three states, nine towns, and—seriously—16 addresses. (And, nope, not military…just crazy.) Our homes have varied widely, from an 1890 Victorian minor’s cottage in Colorado to new construction in Virginia—and assorted era styles in between! 

The funny thing is that every time we found a new place, we’d fall in love and think, “This is it! Our forever home!” And then some years later, we’d move on (for different “reasons” but always in an effort to listen to the Holy Spirit…that’s another story altogether). What we thought was permanent turned out to be merely temporary. We weren’t there to stay—we were just passing through. Plus, every time we start packing up to go, we lighten our load, giving away what we once thought was indispensable. Our grasp on “stuff” has gotten looser and looser.

Brothers and sisters, God’s Word tells us we should have this same mindset as we walk through this world. We are temporary residents here, just passing through (1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14). As believers, our ultimate home is in heaven, and the Lord wants us to keep our eyes on that destination. We are not to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2), getting all cozy in the ways of the flesh.

The fact that we are sojourners here can also help us to lighten our grasp on the things of this world. We are exhorted to not love our “stuff” and make idols of it. Even Jesus warns us that we can’t serve money and God—being mastered by both is impossible (Matthew 6:24). But the “things of this world” go beyond home baubles, big toys, and bank accounts. It’s also the intangibles of culture that can keep us abiding in the wrong place. This is especially true today, when so many are looking to social media for affirmation, joining the various mob mentalities for acceptance, and even depending on the government and politics for salvation. (Satan is loving every minute of this, for sure.)

Christians, we are citizens of heaven, awaiting our Savior, who will transform our broken, sin-inclined selves and usher us into our true forever Home (Philippians 3:20-21). No matter how much “everything is falling apart” here, we should expect it, because the Bible tells us it will! But while we are here, our purpose is to serve and glorify God by loving others and sharing the gospel with them. We must ensure that, regardless of how many states, cities, or homes someone has lived in, that they’re ready for their ultimate relocation.

Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

Psalm 2:12

Here’s a strange (and disturbing) thought: What if one of the world’s most evil criminals, having instigated horrific atrocities against men, women, and children, was finally convicted. However, after the judge’s gavel fell and a sentence of life imprisonment given, this heinous person was given the freedom to continue his evil pursuits until an undetermined time to come. Eventually, he will be locked away, never to escape or be freed—and his sentence includes excruciating torment to repay his actions through the years.

What kind of emotions are you feeling at that scenario? Maybe elation about his conviction and delight over his future torture mixed with awe and horror at the allowed freedom before he’s actually thrown in prison…perhaps a fear washed over you at what he will actually do in the world, knowing his time of potential devastation is limited.

This is not just a what-if scene. It is very real. The heinous criminal is Satan. And he has been wreaking havoc on mankind since the Garden of Eden when he hissed that first accusation against the Creator: “Did God really say…?” And as the centuries passed, Satan and his millions of minions have worked tirelessly to separate people from the Lord and thwart the promises of God. 

But Jesus. 

Jesus came to the earth, fully man and fully God, to live the life we cannot (sinless and perfect). Satan, knowing exactly who Jesus is and why He came, made valiant efforts to foil the plan of salvation throughout Jesus’s earthly ministry—he (Satan) was getting desperate. So, when our precious Lord was hanging on the cross, bleeding and dying to pay the penalty we deserve, Satan was probably doing a celebratory dance, thinking himself victorious. But a few days later, Jesus came out of the grave, forever conquering death and making a way to the Father for anyone who believes and trusts in Him.

So, this is where the scene described above kicks in. Friends, Satan has been defeated. He has been convicted—and he knows it. And he knows exactly how it ends for him, and it’s not pretty (he’s read the Bible too—see Revelation 19:11-21). Although it’s been 2000 years since his sentencing, he and his troupe of terrorists have spent every moment accusing us to God and accusing God to us in his efforts to keep people from Christ and to keep Christ-followers ineffective. 

I don’t know about you, but I believe that Satan’s incarceration time is near. As his time is running out and his ways and means of warfare are exponentially escalating, here are some things for us to take to heart: (1) Jesus already won. (2) If we believe that Jesus won and give our lives to Him, we are victors with Him and can rest in the peace of this truth. (3) For those who do not know Jesus or believe Him and His Word, the fear is very real…because the coming horrific judgement isn’t just for Satan. 

Brothers and sisters, Satan’s time may not yet be up—but, if you’re reading this, neither is yours! If you have not yet accepted Christ, “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Although God’s judgement is coming, He is (and has been since the Garden) in relentless pursuit of you. Won’t you turn to Him and choose victory today?

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Colossians 4:6

“Speech” today is a hot topic, for sure. In fact, freedom to speak our minds—one of the key foundations of our great nation—is under fire and, as Christians, we must be in prayer for the preservation of this God-given right. And “speech” is no longer relegated to what comes out of the mouth (or to words written in the form of a letter—for all your over-40 folks who actually wrote letters with pen and paper). Much of today’s “speech” (too much, in truth) is thrown about like arrows through various social media platforms.

Let me ask this: How careful are we with our words? 

Are they salty (Col 4:6)—in other words, do they serve to preserve the Truth and enhance good flavor in life? Salt was very valuable back in Jesus’ day, often used to pay salaries. (That’s where the phrase, “He’s worth his salt” came from.) So, are we vigilant to not be careless with what we say, considering the value of our words? And is our speech seasoned with grace? Do we reflect on the grace extended to us daily (let alone the miracle of saving grace) as we wag our tongue, type a post, text a response?

The Word has a lot to say about what we say—see 1 Peter 3:10, Proverbs 12:18, James 3:10; Proverbs 21:23; Psalm 34:13, and list goes on and on. With that, here is a simple acrostic to help us ensure our words (spoken, written, and digitally created) stay aligned with God’s will: THINK.

TRUE—Is it true, honest, and factual?

HELPFUL—Is it edifying and uplifting, helpful and not hurtful?

INSPIRING—Does it serve to make people or situations better, not worse?

NECESSARY—Does it really matter if that point “gets across”? Will it make a positive impact?

KIND—Will it bring a smile (or reduce a grimace), calm a tumultuous soul, or ease a burden?

Jesus taught that our words are actually a reflection of what’s in our heart—ouch (Luke 6:45; Matthew 12:35). So, the best thing to do is fill our heart (and mind) with God’s Word and His Truths. This way, whatever form our speech takes, it will overflow with salt, grace, and glory to God.

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.”

Daniel 3:17-18

God is able—do you believe that? When you are worried about a child or a parent or finances, He is able to exchange your heavy burden for His light one (Matthew 11:29-30). When you’re in the midst of a storm, He is able to pull you out of the tumult and mire to place your feet on solid ground (Psalm 40:2). When you are sick or struggling physically, He is able to heal you perfectly—with or without the help of physicians and medicine (Mark 10:52).

But although He is able to do these amazing things (He is Almighty God, after all), He may not. Your prodigal child may reach the depths of the proverbial pigsty, despite your desperate prayers. The storm may rage around you, rain pelting your face and lodging your feet in the muddy depths. Your pain may not cease, but only increase, despite years of doctors and countless medications.

God is able. But His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). (He is Almighty God, after all.) The question becomes whether or not we trust Him to do what’s best for us. Can we relinquish control of what we think should happen and surrender to God’s will? Can we, like Daniel’s friends, like the Apostle Paul, and like Jesus Himself, cry out to our Father with what we want and hope…but do so with open hearts and hands, ultimately relinquishing our lives to His will?

Perhaps the only way for that prodigal to be saved is by hitting the bottom with nowhere else to run but to the Father. As we’re tossed about in the midst of the storm, maybe we need to rest in the Lord, washed over with His peace and held safe in His arms. And maybe, just maybe, there is purpose in the pain—to focus our eyes on Jesus, when we would otherwise turn our gaze to some golden statue.

Brothers and sisters, God is able to rescue us from whatever fiery furnace is upon us. But even if He does not, let’s stand firm and worship Him anyway. Let’s show others through our faith that God is trustworthy. When we encounter persecution for the name of Christ, let’s not deny Him for the sake of safety or comfort. Because whether we escape or burn, He will be with us in the fire.

Lord, You are able. I stand on that truth and worship You—both in and out of the furnace.