“Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16 NIV84)
Mary and I recently returned from a delightful vacation in one of our favorite places — Boothbay Harbor, Maine. We had a fantastic time; however, I must admit, the many lobsters I enjoyed didn’t have the same fate!
Recently, a sister in our church pointed out something rather remarkable to me. There is an obvious connection between the Mercy Seat found in the Old and New Testaments.
The Ark of the Covenant was in the Old Testament Jewish tabernacle/temple. (You might remember it from Raiders of the Lost Ark). The Ark of the Covenant was a chest that contained The Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s staff. On the top of it was the Mercy Seat. This was, in fact, where God’s presence dwelled. The priests sprinkled the sacrificial blood there, and He gave mankind mercy.
The right response is to pray about everything. Perhaps you feel like you’re in an uphill battle. Are you distraught, downtrodden, sick, bankrupt, or confused? Oftentimes, life can be utterly brutal. And yet, in the same life, we can also experience the downhill thrill of blessings. Being in love, landing the perfect job, receiving gifts, learning new skills, having children, going on vacation, hearing, tasting, and so on.
In all our ups and downs, the Apostle Paul encourages us to assume the position of prayer.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
I recently had the privilege of leading a young man to Christ at our citywide “Night of Hope” event. His countenance went from sad, hopeless (and discouraged) to joyful, smiling, and thankful! The transformation happened before my very eyes. He absolutely understood (and believed) that God loved him. Also, he knew Jesus had died for all his sins. God is so good.
Yesterday (October 23) marked three years since my father passed away. In previous posts, I have shared some of the things the Lord has guided me through so far on this path of grief. With that in mind, today will be the latest entry into that diary.
But first, a story. As children, my brother and I would oftentimes get our dad a t-shirt for his birthday. We’d get ones with his favorite rock bands on them. I always wanted to wear them to school, but they were obviously too big for me. However, as I got older, I began to grow into the shirts that once drowned me as a child. Today, I still have most of my dad’s shirts. You’ve probably seen me wear many of them often.
These memories have me reflecting on this thought:
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
I recently turned these verses into the most ridiculous-sounding song.
Imagine the corniest-sounding game show theme song ever. Okay, you’re now almost close to the tone of this silly tune. Don’t sing with a sweet-sounding voice. Instead, it should be loud and (dare I say) as annoying as possible.
I’ve been reading through Isaiah in my quiet times. While doing so, I’ve deeply appreciated the truth in this promise from the Lord.
Being told what to do seems acceptable (and popular). Sometimes I just want someone to tell me what to do or show me how to do it. YouTube (and many other social media avenues) provide countless how-to videos. Without looking too far, you can quickly learn how to fix your hair, car, appliances, relationships, and phone. Additionally, you can learn to sing, ski, jump on a pogo stick, swim, speak a foreign language, and exercise. And the list certainly goes on…
Oftentimes we can take the body of Christ for granted. With some, the busyness of life can cause them to miss opportunities to be together. For others, the fear of judgment, admonishment, or conviction can lead Christians to keep others at arm’s length. Honestly, I can get very distracted with ministry life. Because of this, I miss the true beauty and benefit of being in the same room with Believers; I don’t savor the fellowship we share and the Holy Spirit. But, we read in Psalm 133 that we experience a true blessing from God when we lovingly and humbly “do life” with one another.
Through many circumstances, I have recently experienced how much I need to be with others living for God’s Kingdom. Firsthand, I have seen Saints walk in obedience, “encouraging each other daily” (Hebrews 3:13). I have also witnessed discipleship in action as Believers have instructed those in the faith (Romans 15:14). What is more, while walking through family trials, God has allowed me to experience our “burdens being shared” (Galatians 6:2) and “others stepping into our weeping and rejoicing” (Romans 12:5).
His Good Plan for Believers
Being with other Believers is God’s intention for our Christian walk. Without a doubt, it supplies so much good for us. Being connected with God’s people offers protection and accountability in our struggles (James 5:16). Additionally, it gives us support when we are discouraged or in need (Galatians 6:2). Community always provides endless opportunities to “die to ourselves” by loving and serving our brothers and sisters (John 13:15). Indeed, that is our most remarkable testimony to a lost world that we are followers of Jesus. His truth definitely changes us (John 13:35). Possibly the most freeing thing of all is being connected to other Christians — it surely allows us to be who God made us to be. God has specifically given me my gifts, talents, and passions to be the perfect, complimenting piece to the rest of the body around me (1 Corinthians 12).
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13 NIV84)
In a recent message I taught, I shared about the power and importance of encouraging others. Consequently, I then remembered a story about a man who often woke up on Sunday mornings and did not feel like attending church. “It’s boring, and the people don’t like me,” he protested. “Then why go at all?” he was asked. “Well, I have to go. I’m the pastor.”
“In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” — Ephesians 6:16
Paul used this metaphor to represent the Christian’s faith and belief in God. This shield unquestionably extinguishes all (not just some) of the flaming darts the evil one shoots at you.
Just as a physical shield protects a warrior in battle, so, too, the Shield of Faith protects us from the devil’s spiritual attacks. It’s a shield that deflects the lies, temptations, and fears, as well as the doubts that Satan throws at us.
