Author: Jayne Lawson

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” – Hebrews 13:15

To “worship” means to show feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for someone or something. Some people worship nature, their ancestors or material things, while others worship power, fame, or money. However, the Bible tell us our worship belongs only to GOD, and it also tells us why only God deserves our worship.

Revelation 4:11 states, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

2 Samuel 22:4 gives us David’s words, “I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”

Revelation 5:12 records the voices of thousands of angels as they proclaim, “…Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”

Simply put, we need no other reason to worship God other than the fact that He is God. However, the Bible provides us with insight into the character of God, which explain why He alone should be the object of our worship. Here are just a few of those reasons.

W –

• Wisdom – the right use of knowledge, discernment – “Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.” (Job 36:5)

• Wonderful Counselor – One who strengthens and supports; “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

• The Way – road, passing area for men, direction; “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

O –

• Omnipotent – all-powerful; “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:”  (Jeremiah 32:17)

• Omniscient – all-knowing; “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”  (Psalm 147:5)

• Omnipresent – everywhere; “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:7-10)

R –

• Refuge – shelter or protection from danger; “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9)

• Righteous –  just, holy in heart, according to the divine law; “For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” (Psalm 11:7)

• Rock – immovable foundation; “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

• Redeemer – restores rights and/or position by paying a ransom; “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

S –

• Son of God – “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)

• Saviour – One who saves from any form of evil; “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” (1 John 4:14)

• Shepherd of the sheep – “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) 

• Spirit of God – “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;” (Isaiah 11:2

• Sustainer – One who upholds; “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)

H –

• Holy – sinless, pure; “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.” (Psalm 99:9)

• Heart – seat of one’s affections and passions; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

• Hope – Having the belief in that something is obtainable; “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5)

I –

• Intercessor – One who pleads on behalf of another; “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25))

• Immanuel – God with us; “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

P –

• Pardoner – One who forgives or absolves an offender; “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” (Micah 7:18)

• Protector – A defender or guardian; “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

• Peace – a state of quiet and tranquility, absence of conflict; “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

This not an exhaustive list of why God deserves our worship, but it gives us a glimpse as to why He alone is the One worthy  of it.

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!

(from “How Great Thou Art” by Stuart K. Hine)

“Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.” – Psalm 99:5

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Take a moment to reflect on who God is, why He alone is worthy of our worship, and then lift your voice in praise to Him!

(photo courtesy of Samantha Campbell)

“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” – Hebrews 2:16-18

Sometimes when I am studying a specific passage in the Bible, the Spirit of God opens my eyes to new meaning, and it totally amazes me. Today, as I focused on Hebrews 2, I was drawn to the last 3 verses.

Jesus chose to leave heaven and become flesh (John 1:14) to experience everything that humanity would face, things that He would not experience as God. For example, the temptation to sin is not in God’s nature. God is sinless; He is perfect; He is holy. He makes no mistakes. It is not a hard decision for Him to do what is right, but He wanted to understand everything that we would go through so He could be empathetic with us as He interceded for us to God the Father.

Often, we focus only on the sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary. He suffered horrific agony and an unimaginable death as He took our sin upon Himself, and that truly was the greatest sacrifice He made, but it was not the first sacrifice He made for us. Jesus’ sacrifices began before He ever went to the cross.

When Jesus willingly left heaven, He sacrificed perfection for imperfection. He sacrificed a sinless, temptation-free environment of peace and harmony and adoration for God to come to one that was sinful and temptation-laden, filled with evil and wickedness, unrest and violence, and a hatred for God and all things holy. Why did He make this sacrifice? To provide redemption for us and to intercede for us. According to Hebrews 2:17, He did this “… that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Jesus did this to become our Saviour.

There is nothing Jesus would not have done to reconcile us to Him. He sacrificed everything – His home, His riches, His glory, His life. Everything!

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown, when Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room for Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word ghat should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn, they bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.

(from “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” by E. S. Elliot)

“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” – John 6:38

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Jesus truly sacrificed everything for you and me. What are we willing to sacrifice for Him?

In a few days, it will be July 4th, the birthday of our country. There will be parades, family picnics, and of course, fireworks. Some of the freedoms we cherish today are freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to vote for elected officials, freedom to a fair trial, and freedom to gather together. These physical freedoms were gained through the sacrifices of those we now call our founding fathers and the colonists who followed them into the War for Independence in 1774.

The American colonists lived in oppression from the British monarchy. They were taxed unfairly, exploited economically, and prohibited from governing themselves. The British crown imposed many intolerable acts on the colonies which contributed to the growing desire for independence. It was only when the “founding fathers” took action that the 13 colonies banded together to eventually become the United States of America.

Once Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, 56 men stepped up to sign their names on behalf of their respective colonies. Some of the more famous signers included John Hancock (MA), Benjamin Franklin (PA), and of course, Thomas Jefferson (VA).

Each of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were risking everything when they signed their names to this document as it was considered an act of treason against Great Britain. Here are the possible consequences faced by the signers:

• loss of property – forced displacements (abandoning their homes and lands) to avoid capture
• economic hardships – many were wealthy landowners who died penniless
• arrest and imprisonment – taken into captivity, mistreated, and tortured
• labeled as a traitor – immediate execution by hanging

It is clear that the founding fathers sacrificed everything to obtain the freedoms that we enjoy today. It is due to their dedication to and determination for freedom that we are able to celebrate the birthday of America on the 4th of July!

The American colonists secured our independence from Great Britain, enabling us to live in a free country today. However, the freedom promised in the Declaration – that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – is not the only freedom we can enjoy in our lives. While the Declaration of Independence ultimately resulted in religious freedom in America, it cannot procure spiritual freedom for any individual.

Spiritual freedom is freedom from sin and its consequences. The greatest consequence of sin is that it creates a barrier between us and God because with sin comes guilt, shame, and fear. It corrupts our way of thinking, making it impossible to please God, and there isn’t any way we can remedy this for ourselves. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and deserve eternal punishment for our sins, but God loved us so much that He chose to have His beloved Son, Jesus, take the punishment for our sins on the cross (Romans 5:8).

Jesus is a lot like our founding fathers in that He made similar sacrifices to ensure we could have spiritual freedom. Like them, He experienced the following:

• Loss of property – “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” – John 6:38
  • Jesus left the glory of heaven with all its beauty, joy, peace, adoration and praise to come to dwell among men (John 1:14), but unlike the founding fathers, He willingly gave up heaven to become our Saviour.
• Economic hardships – “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” -2 Corinthians 8:9
  • As the Creator of the universe, everything belongs to God, but Jesus gave up everything and lived here without a home (Luke 9:58), frequently depending upon the charity of others for His needs during His 3 years of ministry on earth. Again, He endured this willingly.
• Arrest and Imprisonment – “And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.” – Matthew 27:2
  • Jesus was falsely accused, unjustly arrested, and given a mock trial (Luke 22:63). Although He could have called thousands of angels to free Him, He chose not to do so (Matthew 26:53).
• Labeled as a Traitor – “And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.” – Luke 23:2
  • The religious leaders accused Jesus as proclaiming Himself as King and being a political threat to the emperor (Matthew 27:11-12).

Unlike America’s Declaration of Independence, our spiritual declaration of independence was only signed by one individual, and it was signed in His precious blood that He shed for you and me on the cross of Calvary. Jesus was crucified to take our punishment upon Himself. He was then buried and rose from the grave three days later to prove He was who He claimed to be… the Son of God. Jesus conquered sin and death, and He is the only One qualified to be the Saviour of the world (1 John 4:14)!

There is only one way to have spiritual freedom, and that is by repenting of your sins (being sorry for them) and asking Jesus to forgive you and save you from the bondage of those sins! You’ll be immediately forgiven, and your name will be written down in God’s Book of Life, guaranteeing you a home in heaven one day.

As Americans, on July 4th we’ll be celebrating the freedoms we received when America was first born.

As a Christian, every day you can celebrate the spiritual freedom you receive from Jesus when you are born again!

Long ago in a far-away place,
Rough rugged timbers were raised to the sky
There hung a man suspended in space,
And though He was blameless, they left Him to die
Just to think of the cross moves me now
The nails in His hands, His bleeding brow
To think of the cross moves me now
It should have been me, It should have been me,
Instead I am free, I am free!

(from “When I Think of the Cross” by Ralph Carmichael)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” – Galatians 5:1

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Are you free from the burden of your sins? If not, today can be your independence day! Just call on Jesus to save you, and He will!

When I was a young girl, my friends and I often played a game called “Telephone”. We’d line up, and the first person would whisper a phrase into the ear of the person next to him or her. Then that person would repeat that same phrase into the ear of the next person in line, and so forth, until finally, the last person would receive the whispered phrase, and then repeat it aloud to the group. The end results were often hysterical as many times the recite phrases were nothing like the originals! Fortunately, the original phrase was always written down to compare the last person’s response to the original.

While studying Titus 1 today, I was reminded of this game when I read verse 9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” I need to remember what I have learned from the Bible, and use that as my standard by which to compare teachings that are presented to me by others.

There are many different “Interpretations” of the Bible, even when adhering to one version of the Bible. We get those interpretations via the messages presented in sermons, Sunday school classes, Bible college lectures, devotional study books, Bible commentaries, religious podcasts, even blogs like this one! This is not to say that those presenting the messages are deliberately trying to deceive, but we must all recognize that we are human and have our own unique experiences that influence what we share in the teachings of God’s Word as well as our own way of mentally interpreting what we hear!

This is not a new phenomenon. In Acts 17, Luke wrote about the Bereans. These individuals had the right idea. Verse 11 states, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” The Bereans compared what they heard preached to them with the Scriptures to know whether or not the message was of God or men. They were considered “more noble” and verse 12 tells us that “many of them believed”. They accepted their personal responsibility to take what they heard and ascertain whether or not it was aligned with the Word of God.

Many of us hold to the erroneous belief that if someone is standing in the front of the room teaching, i.e., pastor, teacher, author, etc., that the individual is absolutely correct in what they say. We must remember that only God is 100% correct in what He says. Humanity is tainted by sin… even those of us who are saved! We are still in fleshly tabernacles, influenced by our carnality in every area of our lives. Therefore, it is critical that each student, each listener… each person… compare what they are being taught to the Scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to verify the validity of the messages.  

Never assume that a person who seems to be knowledgeable in God’s Word and is sharing from their heart is 100% correct. Be like the Bereans! Search the Scriptures yourself and compare the spoken words of man to the written words of God. If they are in agreement, you will know that God’s Word has been appropriately shared. If they are misaligned, you can respectfully and privately ask the presenter to help you understand. You may have misunderstood something or there may have been an error in the presentation. Pray and ask the Lord to show you His truth. He will always answer that prayer!

We must determine to stand firm on the actual Word of God, not a facsimile or a vague representation. There is too much at stake to settle for a “good replica” of the Bible. It is only by referring to the genuine article that we can glean the truth that God has provided for us!

The B-I-B-L-E, yes, that’s the book for me,
I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.

The B-I-B-L-E, yes, that’s the book for me,
I rest my soul on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.

(from “The B-I-B-L-E” - author unknown)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

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Jesus said it is the Holy Ghost who brings His words to our remembrance. If we never put those words into our hearts, the Spirit doesn’t have much with which to work. Take time today to read the Bible. Become a modern day Berean!

If you’re like me, there are certain things in life that present themselves as a “thorn in the flesh” as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:7. Some are temporary, but others are long-lasting. Like Paul, I have prayed repeatedly for deliverance from these types of problems, but sometimes God doesn’t answer as quickly as I’d like or in the manner I desire. These “thorns” are not to be taken lightly; our faith can be shaken by them, but God never allows these “thorns” to continue without a divine purpose. No matter what your “thorn” may be, hold on to the hope that when you are on the other side of the trial, like Job, you “… shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

David is an example of someone who had many “thorns” with which to deal in his life. Psalm 31 is a renewal of David’s commitment to God, and his words are an encouragement to believers today who find themselves weary in on-going spiritual battles from those nasty “thorns”.

Verses 1-3

• David knows that God is the One who delivers. God is the One who protects, and in whom we can complete trust without hesitation. David seeks God’s guidance and protection.
• It is important to remember that God is ALMIGHTY. His power is without equal. He can protect and guide you through any adversity that comes into your life, whether it is something that quickly comes and goes or becomes a long-lasting “thorn”.

Verses 4-5

• David was often given bad advice from those around him, and those lies cost him greatly when he omitted God from his decisions. Here, David cried out to God and fully trusted Him, calling Him the “Lord God of truth”. David trust God and expected Him to provide redemption from the enemy.
• Sometimes the enemy that is the most difficult to overcome is the one within us. Our own heart is not to be trusted. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that our heart… our flesh… is “… deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” Whether from within or without, it is God who saves us from the temptations and troubles of life.

Verses 6-13

• Sometimes the enemy is Satan. Many of the troubles we have in life are a result of existing in a sinful world that tempts us to follow its ungodly ways. Satan knows how to make sin look attractive and innocent, but 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that the devil is “… as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Satan’s only desire is to take us away from God, destroying us for his own evil wicked ways. However, God in His infinite mercy, is faithful to remain with us and protect us from the hand of our adversary (v8).  
• God will never abandon us. This truth is a manifestation of His great mercy. We deserve to be left alone in our sin, but Jesus reminds us in Matthew 28:20, “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Even though we may be fighting a “thorn in the flesh”, we are not alone. No matter what the issue, God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Not only do we have His mercy, we have His grace and His strength!

Verses 13-16

• Again, David expresses his trust in God. He doesn’t depend upon his advisors or acquaintances. He turns to the Lord and seeks deliverance from Him only.
• While we may have those we seek out for advice when the “going gets tough”, we must never forget that man’s wisdom is nothing compared to God’s wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:25 tells us, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” We have a God who yearns for us to come to Him with all of our cares (1 Peter 5:7). Let prayer and the study of God’s Word be your first “go-to” when seeking deliverance because God’s guidance is never going to lead you astray.

Verses 17-18

• God has no regard for those who are against the righteous… His children. David knows this and calls upon God to pass judgment upon those individuals.
• God hates sin, and one day His judgment will come upon this sinful world in which we live. For those who have trusted in Christ as Saviour, that judgment and subsequent wrath is something we will never experience. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 states, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ”. However, for those who have rejected God and chosen to follow the ways of sin and unrighteousness, they will face the consequences of their wickedness when they stand before the Lord God Almighty one future day.

Verses 19-21

• Here the Psalmist recounts how God is faithful to deliver, and David rejoices in that.
• God’s goodness is available to all who call upon Him for salvation. As sinners, we need a Saviour. The Bible tells us who that Saviour is when John writes, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14).
• If you have never trusted Jesus and His forgiveness of sins, you can call upon Him at this moment. As a sinner, if you believe in Jesus died in your place on the cross, was buried and rose from the grave 3 days later to become the Saviour of the world as John wrote, simply bow your head in prayer, and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and come into your life as Lord and Saviour! You’ll never have to experience the judgment or wrath of God!

Verses 22-24

• David reminds those who trust and hope in God that the Lord hears them when they cry to Him, and that God will strengthen the hearts of those facing difficult times. He is the One who preserves and rewards His children.
• God has never broken one promise in His Word. Because of this, we have the assurance that He will always be faithful to what He has said in the Bible. David knew one day he would receive his reward from the Lord. As Christians, we also know that one day, we will stand before our Lord in heaven, having received everlasting life and a forever future in the presence of our sweet Saviour!  

My Hope is in the Lord, who gave Himself for me
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

(from “My Hope Is In the Lord” by Norman J. Clayton)

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13

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Don’t let God be your last hope; make Him your first and only hope!

I have never served in the military, so I don’t really understand what it means to be fighting in a battle where others are trying to kill me. My level of understanding comes only from stories I have heard from my family veterans or documentary and/or news programs I have seen on television. To say that my vision of combat is cloudy is a huge understatement. However, it occurs to me that I am involved in a fierce conflict in which my well-being is at stake. Therefore, I need a stronger grasp on what Paul means when he writes in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Several times in the Scriptures, Paul uses the analogy of fighting when describing a person’s spiritual life. In the past, my thoughts about this “fight” were more aligned with a sports contest, but with the recent outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, the Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to a deeper meaning to fighting the “good fight of faith”.

If a combat soldier is not vigilant in his or her duties, the enemy can get the upper hand resulting in serious injury or death to the soldier or others in the squad. Even if the soldier lays down his weapon for a moment to take a drink of water or wipe his brow, there could be disastrous consequences. There is no warning when an enemy is going to attack; it just happens, and a soldier has to be prepared at all times.

As a soldier in the Lord’s army, I must ask myself, “Am I ready at all times to fight my enemy?” The Bibles tells us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” When lions hunt, they don’t announce themselves to their prey; they just attack and kill their intended target, and they are relentless in the attack until they have achieved their goal. That is how Satan is toward Christians. He doesn’t take a day off; he doesn’t take a vacation; he doesn’t take a short nap. He is always on the prowl. If I am unsuspecting of him, I become easy prey, which can have horrific repercussions on me, my testimony, my life, and the lives of those around me!

It’s not enough for me to pray and read my Bible for a few minutes each day or simply attend church services once or twice a week. I have to be on guard 24/7 because that’s exactly when my enemy is actively working. Soldiers don’t do their jobs for only a few hours in the day; they are ready for the fight every moment. Even when sleeping, their weapons are close by in the event of a sneak attack. That is how I need to be! I must be on alert constantly. My mindset cannot be lulled into a false sense of security by the ways of the world or my own fleshly desires. I must be mentally alert and in tune with God’s will always. I must listen to my Commander-in-Chief and obey His commands. This can only be done purposefully each day through diligent Bible study and prayer.

Additionally, I must be equipped properly for the battle. Ephesians 6 details the garments of a soldier in the Lord’s army. Without the proper protection and weapons, a soldier is vulnerable to attack, capture, or death. Ephesians 6:14-17 describes the spiritual armor I must have. The battle in which I am engaged every day is ferocious and souls are at stake. Just like a soldier who is not equipped for the fight will surely go down in defeat, if I am not fully equipped for the spiritual battles I will certainly face, I will not prevail.

• As a good soldier follows the battle plans of the commander, so must I allow the Lord to order my steps each day.
  • “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)
• As a good soldier is prepared for battle, so must I be certain I am equipped for the battle.
  • “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
• As a good soldier is on duty 24/7, so must I stand firm in my faith and be on my guard every moment ever watchful for the enemy.
  • “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
    • Note: The word “quit” in this verse means to behave courageously, not to give up.

My victory is not to be casually assumed for my enemy is not like any enemy on this planet. Satan is quite formidable and relentless. Ephesians 6:12 explains the enemies that I face. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

I can never be “at ease” in my faith. I must always be “battle ready” for my enemy is continually before me. It is not just the lives of others that is at stake, but the eternal status of their souls.

Am I a soldier of the Cross— 
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause, 
Or blush to speak His name?
Since I must fight if I would reign, 
Increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, 
Supported by Thy Word.

(from "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?" by Isaac Watts)

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” – 2 Timothy 2:3-4

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“When God’s warriors drop to their knees, the battle isn’t over; it’s just beginning!” – author unknown

I think if I were to conduct a random survey and ask people if they had ever prayed, most of them would answer, “Yes”. If I asked the reason for the prayers, the most common answer would probably be that the person had a need that was beyond their capability to meet, so they turned to God.

As I reflect on my own prayer life, I am so humbled by the thought that God wants to hear from me. Why? Because as I pondered this unfathomable concept, I thought about the majesty of the Lord, the relative insignificance of me, and this desire of this Almighty God to have a personal connection with me. The Lord desires to be my prayer partner! Completely mind-blowing!

What do I know about this divine prayer partner of mine?

• My God is the CREATOR of everything!
  • “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” – John 1:3
  • Truths worth pondering:
    • God made the universe. All the stars and planets, comets and meteors, and all that is beyond the universe’s expanse of which we have no knowledge of the vastness.
      • “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1
      • “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.” – Genesis 1:16
    • God created life from nothing. He simply spoke these into existence.
      • Plant life: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.” – Genesis 1:11
      • Birds and sea creatures: “And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:21
      • Land animals: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.” – Genesis 1:24
      • Mankind: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” – Genesis 1:27
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is OMNIPOTENT… all-powerful!
  • “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
  • When I ask God for something, I am asking the One who can do ANYTHING! Think of what that means! ANYTHING! God can do anything, therefore, He can answer any prayer I bring before Him!! Nothing is outside of His power to do!
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is OMNISCIENT… all-knowing!
  • “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” – 1 John 3:20
  • If I ask amiss, God speaks to my heart through His Word. He teaches me what is right in His sight and gives me a better understanding of how to pray in accordance to His perfect will. I know that He will answer in ways that are best for me and for those for whom I intercede in prayer.
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is GOOD!
  • “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” – Nahum 1:7
  • God will never answer OR withhold an answer to prayer to harm me. He is my SAVIOUR! He died for me on the cross to provide a way for me to have an eternal relationship with me. He didn’t save me to abandon me, reject me, or ignore me. Jesus said He came to give me an abundant life full of joy! (John 10:10, 15:11)
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is GRACIOUS!
  • “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” – Ephesians 2:8
  • God’s grace means that He has given me what I definitely don’t deserve, and that is salvation through His precious Son, Jesus Christ. There is nothing I could ever do to earn His forgiveness for my sins, yet He forgave me at the cross of Calvary simply by my acceptance of His Son, Jesus, as my Saviour and Lord. I now have eternal life and a promised forever home in heaven!
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is MERCIFUL!
  • “O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.” – Psalm 136:3
  • God’s mercy means that the punishment I deserve for my sins, He withholds. I deserve death and hell because of my sinful state, but because of His mercy, He offers me forgiveness and everlasting life instead!
  • I don’t deserve an answer from God, much less the “right” to even approach Him with what is on my heart, but because of His mercy toward me, I am told I can “boldly” come to God.
    • “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is LOVE!
  • “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
  • God doesn’t listen to and answer my prayers because…
    • I deserve it. I don’t.
    • I earned it. I didn’t.
    • He needs to do it. He doesn’t.
    • He has to do it. He doesn’t.
  • God answers my prayers because He loves me! He wants the best for me; He delights in my joy; He sees His beloved Son in me… oh, this list could go on and on. The fact that the God described above knows my name is astonishing; the fact that He desires me to pray to Him without ceasing is incredible, and the fact that He loves me with an everlasting love is overwhelming. (Jeremiah 31:3)
  • This is my divine prayer partner!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the attributes of God! I could list so many more! But even this short list makes me pause and ponder about the Lord I love and serve. The God who spoke ALL things into existence, who could create anything His mind could conceive, who lacks nothing, who needs nothing from me at all, created me because He wants a unique personal relationship with me, and He wants to bless me! All He asks of me is to ask of Him!

Prayer is direct and personal communication between God and His children. It is not something to take lightly. The Lord is not a magic genie who grants wishes whenever I feel like asking Him. Prayer is my way of connecting with the heart of God, and then He speaks to me through His Holy Word. Whether I offer up prayers of praise and worship, petitions for help, or just sharing what’s on my heart, my prayers to the Lord never fall on deaf ears. Instead, they fall upon a heart whose love knows no bounds!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 
Thy wings shall my petition bear  
To Him whose truth and faithfulness 
engage the waiting soul to bless.           
And since He bids me seek His face, 
believe His Word and trust His grace,     
I’ll cast on Him my every care, 
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!     

(from "Sweet Hour of Prayer" by William Bradbury)

“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” – Psalm 116:1-2

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God is waiting to hear from you. Why not have a chat with Him right now!

I grew up as an only child, and as a result, I do not like to be alone. Loneliness is not a pleasant feeling, and I used to do anything to avoid that feeling. After I got married and had children, being alone was never an issue, but now in my “golden years”, times of loneliness often revisit me. The difference between then and now, is that when I feel lonely these days, I remember I have a faithful friend who is always with me. That friend is Jesus, and He reminds me in His Word of why I never have to fear being lonely again.

1. God’s Presence – He is always with me! – “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” – Isaiah 46:4
   1. When it comes to God’s presence in our lives, age is irrelevant. God is omnipresent, all the time!
   2. Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul assures us that nothing – not even our age – can separate us from the love of God.
   3. Throughout Biblical history, God cared for his people and sustained them, regardless of circumstances. The number of people living in your home doesn’t negate God’s promise of everpresence. The doors of an assisted living community certainly don’t change anything about this promise either, and you can rest assured that God will continue to be with you regardless of where you are or where you go.

1. God’s Purpose – He has work for me to do! – “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” – Philippians 1:6
   1. Regardless of our age, if we are saved, God has a purpose for us to be on this earth. Just because we are elderly doesn’t mean we are useless.
   2. Finding yourself in your senior years doesn’t mean you can no longer serve God. The Bible tells us that He is continuing His good work in you and will continue to do this until He calls you home to heaven. Sometimes we don’t know exactly what God wants us to do, but there are always some things that everyone should do for Jesus.
      1. Share with others what Jesus has done for you.
      2. Invite others to join you in faith-based events such as ladies’ meetings or holiday gatherings at church.
      3. Pray for others.

3. God’s Peace – He comforts me in times of uncertainty. – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”- John 14:27
   1. Change is difficult, but not impossible. We may not even like the changes that we are experiencing. It is not easy to go from an independent life in your own home to living in a place where there are schedules to follow, others dictate what you can do, and your personal space is limited to a single room. This can be frightening, depressing, and very lonely. This is the time to tap into the peace that only Jesus can offer.
      1. As we get older, our world seems to get smaller.
         1. Children grow up and leave the home.
         2. We retire and leave our workplace.
         3. Friends and family may move away.
         4. Spouse/family members/friends pass away.
      2. Our personal situation changes.
         1. Our independence shifts.
         2. Our health begins to decline… joint issues, oxygen needs, even forgetfulness and more! We may find we need help in our daily activities.
      3. Finances are tight; we can no longer afford to do things we once did or buy things we once never gave a second thought to purchasing.

These are all unsettling, but it is possible to have peace when that peace comes from God. The peace Jesus promises us is a benefit we receive once we’ve trusted Christ as our Saviour. Relying on God’s peace during times of change, insecurity, fear, or loneliness can help people of any age overcome serious challenges in life and find contentment in any situation. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

How can we have this peace in the midst of loneliness and uncertainty in our lives?

1. Pray for God to show you what He wants you to do here. – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end . Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13.

1. God hears every prayer you pray. He promises to answer. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

2. Be a friend. – “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24

1. Get out of the rut in which you may find yourself. Make it a point to step outside your comfort zone and meet others. Take a class at a community center; attend an activity at your church outside of the worship services; join a gym… there are so many things you can do! Be bold!

2. Invite someone to come to an activity with you… maybe go to the library together or walk around the mall and do a little people watching! Ask a friend to join you in a time of worship at your church or in the facility in which you live if they have devotions or times of Bible study.

3. Reach out to someone who may feel alone and scared. Perhaps a new widow or widower in your neighborhood, church, or circle of influence is yearning for the companionship of a new friend! That could be you!

4. God’s Promise – He is faithful to His Word

1. When we are going through a major change in life, it can be tempting to fall into despair or worry. Perhaps this isn’t how you saw your golden years playing out. It’s okay to have a time of grief for things you’ve lost, but it’s important to remember that grief is only for a time, and joy is coming. In Psalm 30:5, God promises, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” The truth is that God takes any situation in our lives… good or bad… and is able to use that for His good. It is in these hard times that our faith grows as we learn to trust God.
2. We don’t have to wait for the eternal joys that Jesus promises, either; we can look for things to be grateful for daily and experience joy in those discoveries.
3. Lastly, the Bible reminds us in Nehemiah 8:10, “…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” My challenge to you is to determine to be STRONG IN THE LORD (Ephesians 6:10) for that is where you will find your joy, your peace, and your contentment.

Are you weary, are you heavyhearted? Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus;
Are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that’s well known;
You’ve no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

(from “Tell It To Jesus” by Jeremiah Eames Rankin)

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”- 2 Corinthians 1:20

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What joys in the Lord strengthen you in times of loneliness?

 

No matter where anyone goes, they are being watched. It could be a sports event where people will share their opinions on what a particular athlete should or shouldn’t have done during the competition. It could be at a work meeting where people are mentally reflecting on someone’s composure, dress, or even their suggestions as ideas are shared for a specific project. It might even be at a grocery store where a mama may be scrutinized for her control of or lack thereof regarding her young children. No matter where we go or what we do, we should be mindful that we are always under the critical eyes of others.

Christians are also subject to the ever-present ever-probing observations from others, but there are two other spectators in the life of every Christian in whom must be recognized as having vast importance when it comes to the manifestations of our faith. Luke 7:1-10 reveals these three spectators in a meeting between a Roman centurion and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Three Spectators in a Christian’s Life

1) Others – The first spectator is anyone other than ourselves. Our testimonies are carefully watched by other individuals all the time. These people can be in or out of the church community. They can be the folks who live next door or the ones you sit next to in the pew on Sunday. Their observations of us either manifest Jesus or the world.  What others see in us can be a deterrent to the cause of Christ or an inspiration for others to follow Him. Our testimony is extremely powerful and very influential to those around us when it comes to sharing Jesus with others.

One such individual is found in Luke 7. In this narrative, Jesus is approached by the servant of a certain centurion who lived in Capernaum. Of behalf of his master, the servant is asking for Jesus’ help in healing another servant of the centurion. The residents of Capernaum told Jesus that this centurion was a man who was worthy of Jesus’ attention and action.

Luke 7:4-5 records the elder Jews intervention on behalf of the centurion. “And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” Although a Gentile, the centurion was loved by the Jews for his actions.  The evidence in these verses indicate that the centurion may have adopted their religion and as a result, he built Capernaum’s house of worship.

2) Ourselves –  The second spectator is oneself. What do we see when we look at a mirror? If the centurion had a mirror, he would have seen a very humble man. Despite the fact that he was a highly trained Roman warrior, who was most likely decorated for valor in battle and respected by many, he was not a proud man. He didn’t believe that was he was worthy of Jesus coming to his home. He said in Luke 7:6-7, “…Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.”  He held such high regard for Jesus and yet, despite his position of authority, he felt unworthy to approach the Lord on his own behalf.

It’s important to realize that we are ALL unworthy to be in the presence of Jesus. God’s precious Son is the only One worthy to be honored and praised. Isaiah reminds us that all of our own righteousnesses are as filthy rags before the Lord. Everything we have is undeserved, unearned, and unmerited. It is only through the grace of God that we have the riches of heaven available to us through Jesus. Proverbs 27:2 instructs us, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth…” James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

3) God – The third spectator is the Lord. When Jesus heard the things spoken about the centurion, the Bible tell us that He marveled at the soldier’s faith. Here was a Gentile who lived in Israel, a religious nation, but a nation that refused to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah. The centurion demonstrated a faith that Jesus stated he has not seen in all of the land (v9). Jesus commended the faith of this centurion.

What does God see when He looks at you or me? Is He well-pleased? Is He honored and glorified through our lives, or is the Lord grieved at how our faith is manifested to others? Our responsibility as Christians is to serve God to the best of our ability, according to His Word. As servants of God, we should strive to please Him in everything we do. Galatians 1:10 states, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” God should see His Son reflected in our lives at all times.

Every moment of our lives is under continual surveillance by these three spectators. How you show yourself to each one speaks volumes. What story does your life tell?

I saw Jesus in you, I saw Jesus in you,
I could hear His voice in the words you said
I saw Jesus in you.
In your eyes I saw His care, I could see His love was there,
You were faithful, and I saw Jesus in you.   

 (from “I Saw Jesus In You” by Ron Hamilton)

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:22-24.

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Does your life exalt Jesus or you?

(Special thanks to David Wade for sharing his thoughts on “Three Spectators” and allowing me to expound on them.)

 

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” – 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Paul is writing to the believers at the church in Thessalonica, recognizing their faithfulness to the work of the Lord and thanking God for them. As I read this chapter, I was immediately reminded of several women in my life, whom I can remember “…without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father”. What special ladies they were to me!

One such sweet lady was Mrs. Dot (pictured above). She was in her seventies when I met her. I don’t know a lot of her personal history except that she had been raised in an orphanage. (Her favorite song was “The Family of God” – especially verse 2!) She had eventually fell in love, married, and had children… one of whom taught the 2- and 3-year-olds in Sunday school with her. I do know Mrs. Dot had many health issues. She had crippling arthritis, which resulted in her spine and legs slowly being broken down, and she struggled to walk. She was also a brittle diabetic, and by the time she passed at the age of 86, she was nearly blind.

What I remember most about Mrs. Dot is her faithfulness to the Lord. I do not recall a Sunday when she wasn’t in church, faithfully teaching her little ones, two of which were my granddaughters. I have a picture, which I cherish, of her praying with my eldest granddaughter in her class. Despite the pain she experienced in walking, she would climb up and down the stairs that led to her Sunday school room every week to minister to the children. Her determination reflects the instruction in Hebrews 12:1, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Regardless of her physical challenges, Mrs. Dot ran her race with patience and great resolve.

Another area in which she served was AWANA, our mid-week children’s ministry. She came to my class of kindergarten through 2nd grade children to help listen to them say their verses. She once told me that she couldn’t do a lot, but she could sit in a chair and help children learn their memory verses. What a lady! This is truly a godly heritage, and her legacy lives on in the Sparkies whose lives she impacted.

When I reflect upon what the Lord has done for me, how can I strive to be a godly woman like Mrs. Dot? How can I not serve Him to the best of my ability? 1 Samuel 12:24 states, “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” When I am feeling tired, overwhelmed, or suffering from joint pains, I am reminded of women like Mrs. Dot, who fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished their course strong (I Timothy 4:7). Their examples remind me that even at the age of 70, I potentially have many more years to serve Jesus if the Lord so wills. Right now, I am not really limited in my areas of service, but that may one day change. Will that be time for me to stop working in the church? I think not! It may be time to find another area of service that is more conducive to what this earthly vessel can do as it ages, but I believe without a doubt, I will always be able to sit in a chair and listen to children say verses!

As long as a Christian is living, he or she can be used of God. In fact, when my work for Jesus is complete, I believe that is the moment He will take me home to heaven. Until then, it is my responsibility to keep my eyes on the prize set before me and run the race He has given me with patience and endurance.

I praise the Lord for the faithful women He has placed in my life to be examples for me. Their legacy lives on in the lives of the children they have touched and the women they have inspired. May I, through God’s strength and guidance, serve Him faithfully as long as He gives me breath.  I pray that I will “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14) as Mrs. Dot and so many other godly ladies I have known, and “… be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Lord, we ask for courage to face our struggles each day.

Fears of the past shall not last if we faithfully stay.

Let Your passion consume us, as to the truth we hold.

With our calling so sure, victory secure, steadfast we press to the goal.

Keep the race before us; keep our hearts turned toward the prize

With patience and endurance, the cross standing firm in our eyes.

Keep the race before us; and reward us, Lord, by Your grace

With crowns of righteousness from the righteous Judge,

When we have finished the race.

(from “Keep the Race Before Us” by Ron and Shelly Hamilton)

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24

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Imagine the joy in her heart when Mrs. Dot heard Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant...” (Matthew 25:23). One day, may we hear those same words spoken by our Saviour!