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 139:5-6

You know it as well as I do: Satan’s time is short, so the battle for souls is ramping up. Just turn on the news, scroll social media, drive on the highway, or walk through the grocery aisles. Hearts are dark and fools abound—the glory of the incorruptible God has been exchanged for idolatry and worship of self. Truth has been exchanged for lies…and God is giving this depraved culture over to its passions (Romans 1:18-32). 

And as this spiritual war rages, the follower of Jesus Christ must stand firm—daily putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), praying fervently, and staying in community. Because, friend, the fiery arrows of our enemy are relentless.

But we are fighting from victory—not for it. And, what’s more, no matter where we find ourselves on the battlefield, we are never alone. Unlike that lone soldier who finds himself separated from his company, left on his own to combat the enemy on all sides, we who are in Christ Jesus are always surrounded by God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

So, as challenging (and exhausting) as the battles against Satan, the world system, and our own flesh can be, the wonderful knowledge of God’s steadfast presence emboldens, empowers, and enables us to fight on. And if you’re thinking (as I do too often), “But I’m in pain (emotional, physical, mental), I’m getting pummeled, and I sure feel like I’m fighting alone!” This is a lie.The truth is, indeed, wonderful. So, let’s review.

We can start with David’s beautifully graphic description in Psalm 139 of God’s presence. “You have encircled me behind and in front, and placed Your hand upon me” (v 5). This blows David’s mind (v6)—as it should ours. Then he continues by reminding himself (and us) that we cannot outrun, hide from, or be isolated from God’s presence. His hand is there to lead (v10). And when it seems that the darkness is overwhelming us, David acknowledges that there is no darkness to God—He gives light and is Light (vs 11-12).

The Apostle Paul picks up the mantle in Romans. When we are in Christ—called, justified, redeemed by grace—who can be against us? His answer: Nothing. Not tribulation, trouble, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword. Not death, life, demons, present things, future things. Not heights, depths, or any created thing. Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39).

Friend, you’re never fighting through this dark world alone. Moreover, because God awesomely knit you together, He knows you from eternity past. His thoughts toward you and about you are precious (Psalm 139:13-18). You are His child, and in you—just as you are—He is well pleased.

Isn’t that wonderful?

Thank You, heavenly Father, that You are Sovereign. You are always in control, even when I feel out of control. You are always with me, even when I feel alone. May I always stand firm in these truths.

Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

~2 Corinthians 4:16-18

In meditating on these verses from the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians, I just love the way it speaks to those of us for whom “outer decay” is a real thing. As my fifth decade marches on (much to my chagrin), it’s actually easier to focus on my daily spiritual renewal—my sanctification journey toward home. When I reluctantly catch my reflection that does not match what my brain thinks I should see, the confident hope of my perfect heavenly body springs up. I can also look around at the utter madness of our clownworld, where right is wrong, up is down, and brokenness seems to be the norm, and I know with certainty that all this is temporal. Eternal sin-free bliss awaits for those of us whose Savior and Lord is Jesus.

But in the past 48 hours of writing this, Paul’s words have been twisted for me in a way that—I hope and pray—will further deepen my faith. Especially as I anchor myself in the other promises of God written in His Word. Let me explain. (And please know that in my writing there is a public confession—because pulling things into the light is what must happen, so the enemy cannot use it against me.) 

See, one of the persistent vulnerabilities through my life has been my weight/food/body. Throughout various seasons of the past, oh 40 years, I’ve been obsessed with eating “right” (i.e., to lose weight) and extremely rigid about exercise, and my day can be made or utterly ruined over the number on the scale. No matter what my husband says, my mirrors all shout, “You’re such a cow.” Again, I say all this to be really real. 

When I surrendered to Jesus at age 30, He freed me from so much—many things markedly changed immediately, and other transformational refinements happened (and continue to) over time. Including this body dysmorphia and food/exercise idolatry of mine. I have had seasons of rest from this battle—usually when the Lord forces my hand (or a leg) with a reminder that He alone deserves the throne of my life. But the world, my own sinful flesh, and Satan find ways to hiss in my ear about it all…incessantly whispering that the outer-self matters, regardless of one’s inner sanctification or closeness to the Lord. So, like all of us, whatever our particular battlefront may be, I fight. I study God’s Word, I stay connected with my church family, and I serve. 

But, given a recent (and truly ironic) diagnosis and lifelong pivot I’m facing, I sit here now losing heart. To Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16, I shake my head in doubt and discouragement. All my efforts to take care of my bodily health—no sugar, no processed foods, no alcohol, no smoking, etc.—have been revealed as irrelevant in many ways. See, my interior is literally decaying. [Note of explanation to those who know me: In trying to determine my source of pain, which has been shown to be a torn hamstring tendon, the scans also found severe osteoporosis and a femoral edema.] There are immediate, short-term treatments I must do (which have their own additional problems), and then there will be long-term life-altering changes for me (which I cannot wrap my head around right now). Praise the Lord, these are not life-threatening—and I know those same scans could have found cancer but did not…however, in my decades-long battle-of-the-body, this new war zone seems paralyzing at the moment. Satan is pointing at my health disciplines with mocking laughter and condemnation. Much like Satan’s words to Eve in the Garden, “Did God really say…?”, as well as his maniacal effort to tempt Jesus in the desert by twisting Scripture (which Jesus wrote!), he’s pointing to God’s promises and hissing, “See, Julianne, God’s lying about your ‘inner person being renewed’—you’re decaying outside and inside! And the verses may say that your affliction is ‘light and momentary’, but you’re in pain now, and the suffering is just going to continue! Ha!” It’s so easy to listen and believe the lies, to give into despair. To lose heart.

So, I’m dragging this into the light. Right now. And, sweet friend, whatever Satan, this broken world, or your own fleshly patterns are dogging you about, join me in the confrontation—drag it into the light too. Let’s take out our Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17), and start an offensive attack. Here are a few to get us started…

• In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Peter 1:6-7

• Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ~ Romans 5:3-5

• And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ~ Romans 8:23-26

• But now, this is what the Lord says, He who is your Creator, Jacob, And He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. ~ Isaiah 43:1-3

• But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

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

Lord, You are always good, regardless of my circumstance. I cling to Your steadfast promises. I run into the shelter of Your love. And I grab the Truths of Your Word and fight…please strengthen me in this battle. 

They said to one another, “Were our hearts not burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”

~Luke 24:32

It happened to me again. And if you are an enthusiast of God’s Word, I’m confident that it’s been your experience as well. You know, you’re reading a Bible event—verses you’ve studied once or 20 times before—only to have the Holy Spirit open your eyes to something completely new. This is what happened for me while going through Luke 24:13-35. It’s the account of post-resurrection Jesus appearing to two of His disciples as they were on the road to Emmaus, a town about seven miles from Jerusalem. He just shows up walking near them and casually asks what they’re talking about. He didn’t allow them to recognize Him at first but let them talk about what their experience had been, their perspective on things, and why they were upset. 

These guys, you’ll read, were followers of Jesus, part of His Disciple Group. They were likely among one of the more inner circles, too, because earlier in the day they’d been with the “11 and those who were with them” when some of the women ran in reporting that Jesus had risen. They’d even stuck around to hear from Peter upon his return from the empty tomb with John. Yet, whether they couldn’t believe it, or they were just too upset to stick around to see what happened, they decided to walk away…things hadn’t turned out the way they hoped, so they were outta there.

Now, studying this pivotal event, we typically examine it in terms of (a) another proof-by-witness that Jesus was, fact, resurrected from the dead, and (b) how all the Old Testament Scriptures, “beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets”, are all about Jesus (this is what Jesus explained to them while strolling alongside them). Then, of course, we love how when they get to dinner and are reclined at the table, and Jesus blessed and broke the bread…and bam! They recognize Him and He vanishes. 

Ah, but here’s what the Holy Spirit revealed anew to me: The guys were walking away from Jerusalem (and their fellow believers) when they encountered the Lord. They were sad and disappointed in their experience, expectations unmet. And you know what? Jesus walked with them even as they were walking the wrong direction! He met them right in their hurt and pain. He asked questions. He listened. Then He shared Truth with them—the hope, grace, and love of God—and how Jesus is who the Bible says He is. And this conversation continued still as they kept walking their own way. Remember, they still didn’t recognize Jesus at that point…but they liked this “random guy” after talking with him for a couple of hours, so they invited Him to stay with them because it was getting late. It was then that Jesus revealed Himself to them, their eyes were opened, He disappeared, and they ran back to Jerusalem. 

As believers, we are called to share the good news of the Gospel. But, friend, we must meet people right where they are—even if they’re walking in the wrong direction at the moment. We listen to their hurt, disappointment, unmet expectations. How the pursuits of this world are unfulfilling and exhausting. And we share with them something better—Christ. We love them, care for them, hear them, and share the Truth. Then, as with the two guys on their way to Emmaus, we watch in joy as Jesus reveals Himself to them (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). And then we celebrate with them as they change direction and run toward Home.

Lord, may I see lost people the way You see them—as image-bearers of God, blinded and heart-hardened by sin, this world, and our enemy. May I meet them where they are, accompany them on the road, and help them take their next step toward You.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  

~Romans 5:1

My church is in a series on spiritual warfare. If you have ever studied the armor of God and examined the schemes of the enemy—either individually or as a church body—you’ll understand what I’m about to say. This pursuit is akin to poking a bear. Or kicking a ferocious lion, which is actually a better analogy per 1 Peter 5:8. In speaking with my church fam, this ramped-up battle with Satan (the accuser) is clearly evident. People are being pummeled—psychologically, emotionally, physically—all as a result of this spiritual war we are in as followers of Jesus Christ (who is the devil’s real enemy). See, Satan hates God. God loves us. Ergo, Satan hates us.

But let’s back up for a minute (or millennia) to address the first war we, as humans, are part of: our war with God. It’s right here where we could open our Bibles to Genesis 3 when Satan slithered into the Garden and lied to Adam and Eve. We can then read straight through to the gospel accounts of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection to get the full story of this war—what God required for peace, and how we humans constantly went from wanting God and His way to “No thanks, God, we got this” and back and forth and back and forth. It was only when (unlike every other world religion and false idolatry) God sent His Son, Jesus (also God), on a peace-making mission to us. He lived a perfectly righteous life (which, as sinners, we could not), paid our penalty with His brutal death (for the wages of sin is death), and rose from the dead in victory over sin, death (2 Timothy 1:10; …and Satan (Hebrews 2:14). 

So, by putting our faith in Jesus and surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior, we who are enemies of God are reconciled with God (Romans 5:10-11). We are justified—a once-and-for-all legal declaration of our pardon from the guilt and penalty of sin and the imputation (crediting) of Christ’s righteousness to our account. And through this, we enter into the Greatest Peace Deal Ever. Peace with God. This is a gift of grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone—not by anything we do or don’t do (Romans 3:21-26).

Alas, one war ends and another begins.

Some preachers shout from the pulpit that once you’re a Christian, life is full of rainbows and butterflies. And fat bank accounts and healthy bodies. I’m not so sure they’ve actually read the Bible. See, once we’re on Team Jesus, we immediately become the enemy of His enemy. And as much as Satan and his slimeball minions work to keep people from making peace with God in the first place, I believe they work much harder to keep Christians from (a) experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises (John 10:10) and (b) being effective God-glorifiers—that is, as ambassadors of our new citizenship, ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20), and light in the dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). 

We are in a new war. But beloved, this war is fought FROM victory, not FOR it. Satan has already been defeated. Yes, we will experience the flaming arrows of his lies and condemnation, but we have been clothed with the armor to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-20). Our enemy tosses hand grenades of doubt. He sets IEDs of accusation—both to accuse us to God and God to us. And he absolutely loathes our victorious walking-in-freedom life and God-glorifying endeavors. He hates us.

We are at war. But take heart! Satan may be the god of this world, but Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)—and Satan (Colossians 2:15). Walking through this battlefield of life is hard. We just have to hold fast to two truths: (1) We have everything we need for combat (see again Ephesians 6:10-20), and (2) We’re fighting a battle that’s already been won (1 John 4:4; 1 Corinthians 15:57).

Lord, may I wake up each day ready for battle, putting on the armor of God, and fight the Good Fight from the victory You’ve given me in Jesus.

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 

~John 15:19

You may not follow the news, but with legacy media there are waves of party-line mantras. It’s like the talking heads of the standard channels are given the same script from which to read. And it all becomes way too reminiscent of George Orwell’s “1984” to believe. Most recently, if you’ve been paying attention—which in many ways, I kinda hope you’re not—you’ve been bombarded with a word in the mainstream media that you probably haven’t heard used this much since you were in the 8^th grade: weird. It’s more of the same name-calling-fest that one side loves to use against the other…but this one is just plain, well, weird.

Anyway, it got me thinking about the spiritual parallels—especially as I’m in the midst of studying 1 Peter. In the first few chapters, Peter reminds us who we are in Christ, thanks to the grace and mercy of our Lord and His payment on our behalf. He warns us of trials we’ll face in this world and gives us direction on godly attitudes toward the government, our spouse, employers, and our church family. Peter is also very clear on how believers are to walk through this dark world with our eyes set on Christ. In 1 Peter 2:11-12, he exhorts us to live as foreigners, as strangers, not giving in to all the fleshly lusts the world dangles in our face as “good”. And, friend, Peter makes it clear: Because we live differently, we will be slandered. For not living like the culture, we’ll be called “weirdos”. 

This isn’t just for all those Christians who grew up in the church, were homeschooled, and never left the proverbial porch of the Father’s house. Peter notes that this name-calling and mocking will also be directed at us Christians who spent some time in the pigsty…those of us who spent sufficient time pursuing indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. For me, every one of those boxes was checked. So, when I surrendered to Jesus as Savior and Lord, and my life was radically transformed, Peter’s warning about how my friends (and even some family) would react to me: they were surprised (and even uneasy) that I no longer wanted to join them in the same excesses, and they slandered me (1 Peter 4:4). I became the weirdo.

Throughout the New Testament, from the words of Jesus to the letters from Paul, John, and James, believers are reminded that we are not of this world (John 15:19). Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and we are to represent our King and country (2 Corinthians 5:20)…and we’re to be ambassadors when we’re being persecuted or even in chains (Ephesians 6:19-20). This world, which is temporarily under the general management of our enemy, Satan, has nothing to offer but the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—none of which is of God (1 John 2:15-17). In fact, James gets right to the point (gotta love James’s style): You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4). Yikes.

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are not an enemy of God—you are His beloved child and a fellow heir with Christ (John 1:12; Romans 8:17). Instead of being a friend to this world, you are called His friend (John 15:15). When we are crucified with Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation—called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), and Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20)! 

The world is ever-increasingly belligerent and intolerant of Jesus and His followers (Did you catch the opening of the 2024 Olympics?). The divide is wider than I’ve seen in my lifetime. But we know who we are in Christ. We have a confident hope in our future. We are called to be set apart from this dark world. So, what do you say? Let’s be weirdos.

Lord, thank You for rescuing me from the darkness of this world, for defeating the enemy so I can live from a place of victory. Empower me to live as a stranger in this world—a weirdo—as I walk toward my heavenly home.

Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

~1 Peter 4:11

Goals. We’ve all got them. Maybe you’re starting on a career path and have that metaphorical “corner office” in view. Or perhaps your current season is about how you can strategically exit the workforce sooner than later to put your time and energy into grandkids and travel. Some aspirations are physical—weight loss, eating better, race prep. Others are more nebulous: be kinder, serve at church more, pray more fervently. Sometimes, goal setting is much more granular: a work project complete, laundry folded, a whole book read, or ensuring you and your children make it through the day without too much screaming, crying, or blood (wait, maybe that was just me). 

At any and all levels, goals are good. But did you know that—for believers—every goal in this life is meant to be undergirded by one primary purpose? We are to glorify God in all things! All things. From our eating (1 Corinthians 10:31) to our suffering (1 Peter 4:16). Let’s explore God’s Word to discover how every goal must be a God-glorifying goal.

Let’s glorify God…

• In our words and actions (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2:12)
• In our service to others (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 4:11)
• In our eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31)
• In the way we use our body (1 Corinthians 6:20)
• In our work (Colossians 3:23)
• In our giving (2 Corinthians 9:13; Hebrews 13:15-16)
• In observing creation (Psalm 19:1; Psalm 115:1; Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11)
• In seeing other image-bearers of God—including the one in the mirror (Isaiah 43:7; John 13:34-35)
• In our blessings (Psalm 86:12; Philippians 4:19; James 1:7)
• In our suffering and trials (Psalm 50: 15; 1 Peter 4:16; James 5:13)
• In the fruit we bear through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 15:8; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 1:11)
• In our rescue and the amazing grace of our salvation (2 Timothy 4:18; Revelation 1:4-6)
• In knowing the Lamb who was slain on our behalf (2 Peter 3:18; Revelation 5:12-13)
• In God’s coming judgment (Revelation 11:13; 14:7)

So, friend, what are your plans, desires, and ambitions—for this year, this day, this hour? Whatever they are, at its ultimate achievement, will it be God-glorifying? Worth a gut-check, don’t you think? Also, the really cool thing is that placing God’s glory at the center—the foundation—of our goals gives us a deep and beautiful motivation to bring them to fruition. Doing all things for God’s glory may not make said goals easier…but we can step into each of them with a newfound joy of bringing delight and exaltation to our Maker and Redeemer.

Lord, please forgive me for grieving You in my pursuits of self or things of this world. May all my thoughts, words, and actions bring glory to You!

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5 

I’m no horticulturist—I don’t even “do” houseplants. (I will generally do them in if given the responsibility to care for them.) My dear friend Missy, though, she’s a gardening rockstar. In fact, as you walk to her front door from the street, it’s like traversing through a little piece of Eden’s Garden. A stunning quilt of various plant heights, colors, textures, and fragrances. 

Although I don’t share Missy’s passion for planting, I am definitely a great “hortappreciatorist”: an appreciator of all-things-cultivated. From intricately designed, other-worldly looking plants along Black Creek near my house, to the distinct aroma of ubiquitous jasmine in our ‘hood, to the juicy-sweet perfection of a freshly picked orange off my neighbor’s tree. (The branches hang over our fence, so those oranges on our side are technically ours, am I right?)

Think about it: Each indescribable color, surprising texture, and glorious flavor is a unique creation of our amazing God—the fruit of His earth. And, as astonishing as our world’s plants, trees, and fruits are, they are products of a fallen world—a world groaning to be renewed and restored to its original, perfect state (Romans 8:20-22). We (and when I say, “we” I mean people like Missy) can perfectly fertilize, weed, water, and prune, but the results—no matter how stunning—will always only be a shadow of what we’ll experience once the new heaven and earth come to fruition. 

Now, think about humans—man, woman, infant, elderly. Every one of us is a beautiful, womb-knitted creation of God. Each person’s beautiful shade of melanin, distinctive personality, and awe-inspiring story is a magnificent reflection of God. We are His image-bearers into whom He breathed life, intended to glorify Him. But whether we are far from God or saved and being conformed to Christ, we human beings are walking through a fallen world—a world whose god is our enemy, wanting only to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). And, if we admit it or not, we are all groaning to be renewed and restored to our perfected state (Romans 8:18-19; 23). 

Fellow believer, we can—and must—water and fertilize one another toward growth with words of encouragement, grace, and truth…with love in action because He first loved us. But, unlike tending to garden plants, there is only one Source of Life—Jesus, the Vine. It is only in staying connected to Him do we have the right nourishment (the Holy Spirit!) to empower us to bear beautiful fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). And there is One Gardener, God, who will do the necessary and perfect pruning to cultivate who He made us to be (John 15:1-8). (Note: We are NOT the pruners, friend, so let’s watch that scissor-sharp tongue, ready to cut back what we deem as weeds in another’s life.)

Don your gardening gloves! First, let’s introduce our fellow image-bearers to the Master Gardner and connect to our Life-giving Vine, Jesus, by planting seeds of the gospel—decay and death are certain otherwise. Then, let’s fertilize with a combination of truth and love, and water with words and acts of encouragement. We may be privileged to witness some glorious fruit in this life…but we know for sure that when this world and its shadows have passed away, we’ll see clearly the glorious reality of God’s heavenly harvest.  

Father God, let me look into the eyes of every image-bearer of You to see the glory of Your creation, seeing them as You see them—sowing seeds of the gospel and watering their spirit with hope and encouragement.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.       

~Romans 8:5-6

What is your mind set on—the things of this world or the things of God? Are you constantly pursuing the next dollar, promotion, or feel-good activity? Is the culture driving what you watch, how you interact on social media, and your water-cooler conversations? Or do you follow the directives found in God’s Word, from the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:2-7) to the Greatest Commandment (Matt 22:36-40)? Are you, as the Apostle Paul exhorts, keeping your mind on what is true, right, pure, and praiseworthy (Phil 4:8)?

How we answer these questions is crucial. Not just in determining our level of peace and contentment in this life, but also in deciding our eternal reality. 

Let me start with a story. I once heard about a man who was visiting Israel when he came upon sheep being herded across a pasture. The man asked his friend, “I thought shepherds led sheep, yet these are being driven.” The guide responded, “Oh, that’s not the shepherd. That’s the butcher.”

This is a perfect analogy for Christians. The Lord carries us and gently leads us (Isaiah 40:11), He leads us beside still waters of refreshment (Psalm 23:1-6), and He laid down His life for us (John 10:11-17). Once saved by grace through faith in Jesus, we are not left on our own to navigate our new life in Christ—to wander through this evil world whose god is the enemy of our soul. We are given the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us. He gives us wisdom and counsel, and He convicts us when redirection is needed. 

But friend, we have a choice. We can ignore this gentle guidance. Instead, we can think, speak, and live as the rest of the world does—driven by the lusts of the flesh and eyes, along with the pride of life. Although we each are made a new creation at salvation (2 Cor 5:17), complete transformation is a lifelong process until ultimate perfection when we see Jesus face to face (2 Cor 3:18). This process (“sanctification”) requires that we constantly renew our minds (Rom 12:2) and not conform to the world’s quest to satisfy selfish desires of the flesh—things like sexual impurity, jealousy, fits of rage, ambition, drunkenness, and putting anything before God (Gal 5:13-21).

See, Satan (who is very real, by the way) hates you. He follows behind you, nudging you on with promises of fulfillment and selfish gratification. But he’s really only driving you toward your very earthly—and eternal—destruction.

Friend, it’s a real battle. We can be led by the Spirit or driven by the world. We can either give in to pride and the want for pleasures, or we can surrender to the Good Shepherd who loves us, giving up our old ways and giving Him our burdens. 

So, who will you choose today—the Shepherd or the butcher?

“Lord, You have given us all we need to live this life for You—the Holy Spirit in us! May we yield to Him with every thought, word, and action.”

You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.  

~Psalm 16:11

Do you ever send yourself an email or a note on your phone to ensure you remember some idea, to-do, or appointment—or is that just my own aging mind that needs this life hack? Well, lately I’ve needed a bit of reminding on some spiritual stuff, so I thought I’d share this “note to self” with you. 

This particular sermonette-to-self is about choosing joy. In the ESV translation of the Bible, “joy”, “rejoice”, or “joyful” appear over 400 times. Joy is not “happy”—happy is about happenings. Joy transcends our circumstances. As believers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit (not our own strength) to experience joy in—and in spite of—pain and suffering. So, let’s begin with reminders from God’s Word of some joy-filled truths:

• Psalm 5:11 – But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.
• Nehemiah 8:10 – Do not be grieved, for the joy of Lord is your strength.
• John 15:11 – “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
• Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9).
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you abound in hope (Romans 15:13).

Friend, joy is commanded throughout the Old Testament [Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:11)] and the New Testament [Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)]. We’re to count suffering for the Lord as joy (James 1:2-3). Like Jesus, we’re to endure the distress, grief, and sorrow of this life for the joy before us (Hebrews 12:2). We’re to share joy with others by rejoicing with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). And we’re to know that God finds joy in us (Zephaniah 3:17)—that truth alone is a mic drop. 

But the most powerful motivation for choosing joy is our salvation—we were dead and now we’re alive in Christ! We can rejoice in the now because of God’s grace toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). And we rejoice in the hope of our glorified future in heaven. In the madness of this world, the battle against the sinful desires of our flesh, and the constant lies of the enemy, we must hold fast to the fact that Jesus is victorious over it all. And, although the battle is constant, we’re fighting from that victory—not for it. So, circling back to Psalm 16, we find our “how” to joy: “In God’s presence is the fullness joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” We must abide in the Lord, keeping our eyes on Him—and on the One to His right…the exalted Christ.

The current cultural divisiveness, political vitriol, and economical stresses can make embracing joy a challenge (especially if you consume the news or social media). So, it’s absolutely vital that you and I remind ourselves—every single day—that the Lord has created us to be joyful in all circumstances. And He’s given us the indwelt power of the Holy Spirit to make that a reality.

Lord, may I keep my eyes upon Your heavenly throne, upon Jesus who has given me joy unspeakable through His victory over sin and death. In Your amazing grace and truth, may I always choose joy.

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 

~ 2 Timothy 3:12

Very recently in Scottland, new legislation has gone into effect. “The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act” makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behavior based on characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity”¹. The legislation also creates a new offense of “possessing inflammatory material” ², and in the eyes of the law, the “insulting” action has to only be “likely”—not actually “intended”³. There is an interesting “protective” free-speech caveat: a specific guarantee that people can still “ridicule or insult” religion.⁴ (Um, ok.) One of the pastors at my church who goes frequently to Scotland for ministry, said that over 400 Scottish pastors are now on a watch list for this “hate crime” legislation because of the truths contained in God’s Word.

Why make a big deal out of this law way across the ocean? Well, there are two reasons: 1) freedom of speech in our nation is being rapidly chipped away, and 2) the Gospel of Jesus Christ—and Jesus Himself—is offensive (1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:4-8). And it’s not just Scotland. In fact, there is more martyrdom around the world for the Gospel today than there has been in any other time in human history. According to a recent report from Open Doors, more than 13 Christians are killed each day for their faith. That is shocking enough…but simply for following Jesus:

• 4,125 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned. 
• 3,906 believers were abducted.
• More than 3,200 Christians were raped, sexually harassed, or forced to marry non-Christians.
• 42,849 followers of Jesus were physically or mentally abused. 
• Nearly 300,000 Christians were forced to leave their homes, go into hiding, or flee their country of origin. 

And these numbers are likely underreported. Let that sink in. 

This persecution may not be on our own doorstep just yet. But it’s coming. Fast. So, my question to you—and me—is this: Are we willing to be “on the list”? Are we ready to stand firm in the face of persecution and threats to our own safety, family, and life? These warnings are not new. The Bible is full of exhortations to expect trouble and hatred (Matthew 10:22; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 1 John 3:13)—and to be watchful and stand firm (1 Peter 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:13; James 1:12). But we’re also reminded that, despite our daily—and coming—trouble in this world, Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). He is Sovereign. He is King. And He’s coming back to make everything right (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7). So, until then, friend, let us stand on the Rock that is our God, preparing for the promise of persecution.

Lord, You promise You’re coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come! Until then, give me the strength and grace to persevere what the world and the enemy intend for evil, but You intend for good—and for Your glory.