Word For the Day

  Worship in Spirit Scripture “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with [their] lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9 NKJV) Commentary This is a no-brainer, but it's a serious problem. It's easy to slip into external worship. Just stop reading and praying; stop depending upon God, being thankful to God, and you are there. Obviously the situation to which Christ refers in the above passage has gone beyond mere slothfulness. These men were teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. They would put aside the commandments of God to satisfy their greed. Notice the context. “For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, Whatever profit you might have received from me [is] a gift [to God] —— then he need not honor his fathe...

  A Steadfast Heart Scripture “To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. In the LORD I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, "Flee [as] a bird to your mountain"? 2 For look! The wicked bend [their] bow, They make ready their arrow on the string, That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do? 4 ¶ The LORD [is] in His holy temple, The LORD’S throne [is] in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. 5 The LORD tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. 6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals; Fire and brimstone and a burning wind [Shall be] the portion of their cup. 7 For the LORD [is] righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.” (Ps 11:1-7 NKJV) Commentary How Can You Say Flee? There may be times in your life when everyone says to you, “Give up or give in.” That was the case for David. His friends saw how harm sought af...

  The Field of Blessing Scripture “So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. Then she took [it] up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied. And her mother-in-law said to her, "Where have you gleaned today? And where did you work? Blessed be the one who took notice of you." So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, "The man’s name with whom I worked today [is] Boaz." Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "Blessed [be] he of the LORD, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!" And Naomi said to her, "This man [is] a relation of ours, one of our close relatives." Ruth the Moabitess said, "He also said to me, ‘You shall stay close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’" And Naomi said t...

  “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:8-11). The greatest joy a believer can have is to glorify the Father. We glorify the Father by keeping the commandments. Why? Because it is an act of love.  Many of us, at some point in our lives, have experienced legal repentance. That is repenting for fear of judgment. This kind of repentance is born not of love but of fear. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love” (1Jn 4:18). Beloved, if you learn to obey out of love and gratitude for what God has done for you, your heart will be f...

  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY’” (1Peter 1:13-16). Peter outlines three steps or conditions for overcoming sin as we await the Lord's return. First, we are to prepare our minds for action, signifying that we need to be ready to respond and move forward. The metaphor here is pulling up one’s loose clothing in preparation for work or running. In this case, have your mind saturated with truth. It is the same idea found in Romans chapter twelve. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect...

  “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1Ti 6:8-10). Here is another sin that leads to more sin. The greatest sin mentioned here is apostasy. However, the love of money may manifest itself in other ways. Examples include selfishness, greed, envy, and stealing. These are all rooted in idolatry. Valuing anything more than God is idolatry. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). Furthermore, read what Jesus said to this rich man who desired salvation.  “And he said to Him, 'Teacher, I have kept all these t...

  “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (Jas 1:14-15). James teaches us about the nature of lust. Fundamentally, serves as a stepping stone to other sins. It entices like fish bait. This could be called a breeder sin, as it gives birth to sin. This sin targets two main areas of our lives: the lusts of the flesh and the lusts of the eyes. Consider King David. “Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, ‘Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’ David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house” (...

  “. . .  That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man” (Mrk 7:20-23). Jesus clearly teaches us that sin is a heart problem. No one may blame the devil, circumstances, or the actions of others for their sin. We must own our guilt and confess it. God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness if we do (1 John 1:9). However, we must realize that sin originates in our heart. James confirms that. “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to ...

  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1Pe 1:3-5). The Bible tells us: “. . . do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2). It is important to renew your mind and adopt right thinking. Having a clear understanding of your position in Christ is foundational. Peter provides three aspects of our position in Christ.  God saved us, not ourselves. He caused us to be born again according to His great mercy. Therefore, you are secure in Christ. “For I am convinced that nei...

  “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psa 62:5-8). In whatever situation you find yourself, learn to trust in God and not your own strength. That is not to say do nothing. Do what is reasonable and suited for the situation, remembering to honor God. But recognize that the Lord is your refuge. Times will come when no clear path is obvious. Don’t panic. Panic often leads to further trouble. Instead, wait. Pray to the Lord for a resolution.  Recognize that these trials are often a test of faith. As James tells us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you ...

  “Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. "Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD” (Jer 1:4-8). “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Mat 28:18-20). The parallels between these passages are unmistakable. The mission is cle...

  “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The thought that the God of creation made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men is simply glorious. It is wonderful to realize that God is gracious and truthful. Without His grace, we would all be lost, bound up in our sin, doomed to an eternity of darkness and agony. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph 2...

  “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. "For this is [he] of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. "And if you are willing to receive [it], he is Elijah who is to come. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 11:9-15 NKJV) What is the believer to understand about this elusive statement? How can those in the Kingdom of Heaven be greater than John? Matthew Henry suggests that the kingdom of heaven refers to an eternal state. However, the context does not seem focused on providing comfort...

  “I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me” (1Co 4:14-16). As believers, we should live in such a way that we, too, can encourage others to imitate us. Paul was dealing with a divisive church. The church should have known better, but they were spiritually naive. “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?” (1Co 3:1-3). There was a cacophony of voices competing for attention. “I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, countless tutors in C...

  “ When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Deu 8:10-14) In our nation, it is easy to think that our might has brought about our great prosperity. Let us never forget it is God Who gives the power to gain wealth. As He said to Israel, "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this d...

“For the choir director. A Psalm of David. In the LORD I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain; For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?" The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD'S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, And the one who loves violence His soul hates. Upon the wicked He will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face.” (Psa 11:1-7, NAS95) How Can You Say Flee? There may be times in your life when everyone says to you, “Give up or give in.” That was the case for David. His friends saw how harm sought after him, probably in the person of Saul. They saw with their eyes and reasone...

  “A Maskil of Asaph. Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done” (Psa 78:1-4, NAS95). Do you speak of the great things God has done in your life? People often struggle with evangelism as it can seem too confrontational. That is no excuse to avoid evangelism. However, speaking to others about the blessings God has provided for you and your family is a powerful testimony and a potential door-opener. Instead of asking a person a hypothetical that will never happen, like: “What would you say to God if He asked you why He should let you into His heaven?” Just share a brief version of your salvation testimony. Or, share how God taught you something a...

  “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" Having said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:54-60, NAS95). Two reactions: one born out of love, the other out of hatred. The Gospel will often be met with anger. These Pharisees hated the ...

  “A Song of Ascents. Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications. If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope” (Psa 130:1-5, NAS95). The accuser wants to keep you from trusting God. Whenever you slip into sin, he is there to say, “You are not a Christian.” Or, “God will never forgive you because you keep sinning; you are just a hypocrite.” Thankfully, we are not accepted because of our performance. We are accepted because Christ’s righteousness has been imputed to us. As the psalmist asks, if God should mark iniquities, who could stand? The answer is no one. But we do stand because we have a loving Savior who intercedes for us continually (Romans 8:34). It is because of the work of Christ that we stand forgiven, past, present, and future. This does not give...

  “As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When He saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they were going, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:12-14, NAS95). Here is a true act of faith. Told to go to the priest, they went. They were yet to be healed, but they went on anyway and were healed along the way. How often do we ask God for help and fail to put feet to our faith? We ask for faith to evangelise, but we never seek opportunities to evangelise. We ask God for victory over a particular sin, but then we make provisions to commit that sin. James describes this as being a hearer only. “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (Jas 1:22, NAS95). Therefore, “... consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 6:11, NAS95) Take God at His Word. “For if we have...

  A Firm Foundation  Scripture  “As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on  Him will not be put to shame’” (Romans 9:33 NKJV).  Commentary  Christ is a stumbling stone for many. The Jews could not imagine that God would come in such a humble fashion as Christ did. They placed all their trust in the law of God for their righteousness only to be disappointed.  However, those who trust in Christ shall never be ashamed. The word here literally means to make haste or run away as if panic has set in.   Shall not be Ashamed  This is taken substantially from the Septuagint translation of Isa 28:16, though with some variation. The Hebrew is "shall not make haste," as in our English version. This is the literal meaning of the Hebrew word, but it also means to be afraid , as one who makes haste often is; to be agitated with fear or fright; and hence it has a signification nearly similar ...