unwavering faith and obedience

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25

In the town of Nazareth, Joseph, a righteous and just man, faced a bewildering revelation. His betrothed, Mary, was found to be with child before their marriage was consummated. This discovery rocked Joseph’s world, challenging his understanding of righteousness and faithfulness to God’s law. Joseph’s response unveils a narrative of unwavering faith and obedience in the face of uncertainty and social disgrace. The news of Mary’s pregnancy presented Joseph with a predicament. The law dictated severe consequences for such circumstances, and Joseph, a man of honor and integrity, initially grappled with the decision to quietly end the engagement. His heart was undoubtedly heavy, torn between his love for Mary and his commitment to God’s law. His inclination was to act discreetly, sparing Mary from public shame. As he waited on God, Joseph was instructed to take Mary as his wife, so he did, though not totally understanding how his wife was pregnant with the Son of God. 

However, in the midst of this turmoil, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, conveying a divine message: “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” This divine intervention challenged Joseph’s understanding of the situation, urging him to trust beyond his human reasoning. He was remarkably faithful and obedient to God’s call. Joseph, though initially torn and embarrassed by the situation, chose to trust God’s revelation in the dream. His obedience to the angel’s message showcased his profound faith and commitment to God’s plan. Joseph instantly obeyed God.

Joseph’s obedience was not passive acceptance but an active response to God’s call. He took Mary as his wife despite the public ridicule and potential shame. His actions were a testament to his deep faith in God’s sovereignty, trusting that the child Mary carried was indeed part of God’s divine plan for salvation. By obeying God’s instruction and taking Mary as his wife, Joseph demonstrated a remarkable faith that transcended his initial embarrassment and fear. He embraced his role as the earthly father of Jesus, providing protection, care, and guidance to the child who would one day become the Savior of the world. Your family background may be confusing or embarrassing; if so, you are not alone. God can bless what seems like a mess.

Joseph’s unwavering faith and obedience serve as an inspiration for believers today. His willingness to set aside his initial doubts and fears, choosing instead to trust and obey God’s plan, sets a profound example. Joseph teaches us the value of faithful obedience, even when faced with circumstances that challenge our understanding or social norms. As we reflect on the Christmas story, may we emulate Joseph’s unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God’s call in our own lives. Let us trust in God’s guidance, even when faced with uncertainty or societal pressures, knowing that He holds the ultimate plan for our lives and the world. Better to suffer misunderstanding and obey God than to try to please people and miss out on the Lord’s best. God’s better purposes are sometimes best understood after wisdom is proven right over time!

“But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it” (Luke 7:35).

What pleases God

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. 

Ephesians 5:8-10

The call of the believer is to learn by grace to walk in the light and life of Christ. This language of light and darkness is scattered throughout the word of God. We find it in the opening pages, with the Lord’s declaration over creation: “Let there be light!” (Genesis 1:3). It is found in the heart of Isaiah’s prophetic vision: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). And it finds its fulfillment and true fullness in Christ himself, for as John reminds us, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:4). 

Life is found in Christ, so what falls to you and to me is to learn to find our life within his, to daily move further and further away from the darkness of our world and the darkness that lurks within our hearts and instead learn to rest and find our home within all that is good, righteous, and true.

Take note of Paul’s words in verse 10 of today’s passage: “find out what pleases the Lord.” This deceptively simple phrase contains within it an entire world of wisdom. First, it reminds us that there is, in fact, a way of life that pleases God. Though we live in a world that embraces a vision of freedom that allows for infinite “truths,” this is not the way of Christ. Freedom is found, not in our self-created visions of “the good life,” but in our ability to accept the boundaries and limitations of God as for our good and flourishing. This is true freedom, yet it so often feels counterintuitive to everything we see and hear, and so we must learn to follow the second point of wisdom contained within this verse: find out.

Yes, there is a way of life that pleases God, yet it is not always self-evident and it requires disciplined and intentional searching on our parts. Of course, we are only able to search because we have first been filled with the light of Christ. However, a room can be illumined yet people within that room can choose to ignore what they see. Let this never be true of us! Christ has illumined our hearts with the light of God’s kingdom. Choose today to live in that light, and seek out the way that leads to freedom and life eternal.

Humble Wisdom

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

Jesus, our loving Shepherd, boldly sends us out among the wolves of the world. We are commissioned by the Lord Himself not to remain in our comfort zone, always surrounded by fellow believers, but to mingle among unbelievers and even engage those hostile to our faith. We may ask if this is loving of our Lord to launch us into the world of the unlovely. Indeed, it is, as this is what love requires of us. Love requires us to reach out to the lost and the outcasts of society and to bring them into the fold of the faith. God's part is to draw the unsaved to Himself and save them. Our part is to live among the lost, model true love, and share the life-giving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sheep satisfied with only eating among themselves grow fat and self-indulgent, but sheep (believers) who eat with sinners stay spiritually alive and engaged with God’s eternal purposes. The humble and wise obey Jesus and love the lost. 

Our saving Shepherd does not send us out without resources. He provides His very presence as He dwells within us, supplying abundant humility, confidence, wisdom, power and discernment. The wise walk with the Lord into unknown circumstances and people, ever dependent on Him for relational favor and insights into how to add value at work and home. We are to be wise as a serpent. How? Snakes quietly make their way, not trying to draw attention to themselves. There is wisdom in quietly, without fanfare, serving others in the name of Jesus, no expectation of recognition from people, only listening for the applause of nail-scarred hands. In addition, we are marked by the gentle and peaceful demeanor of an innocent dove. Not reacting out of fear and anger but with bridled strength, we bring calm to chaos and solutions to divisive situations. Like the dove blessing Noah’s Ark after the flood with the olive branch of God’s peace, we go forth among cultures at war with the gospel of Jesus Christ…God’s olive branch of peace and freedom for a warring world imprisoned by sin and sorrow. Humility, wisdom and quiet; loud foes. 

Where is the Lord leading you that seems scary, and where you are unsure of what to do? The mission field overseas could be His call for you. A new language, a strange culture and sacrifices of time away from family and friends. But the Holy Spirit can fill you with humility and wisdom to comprehend and adjust to a new language and people. The mission field at work or in your neighborhood may be low-hanging fruit waiting for you to serve in the relational fields nearby. Pray together with other believers before work or during the lunch hour, supporting one another through life’s challenges while praying for colleagues to come to know Christ as Savior. Bible study during the day in your home blesses your neighbors by helping everyone get to know one another and grow deeper in their understanding of God and His love for them. Your home does not need to be perfect; it only needs warm hospitality that makes a person feel accepted and known. 

Start by praying for the Lord to grow your humble heart and to fill your mind with His wisdom. The deeper and wider you are loved by God, the greater your capacity and desire to love people. Love cannot be contained in a heart full and overflowing with gratitude, joy, and peace. Love moves out of the familiar into the unfamiliar with a holy boldness that is attractive and effective. Where Jesus sends you…He goes with you. It is better to be on rough waters walking on the water toward Jesus than on the safe shore, absent of adventure and empty of the Spirit’s power.

“To know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21,

What do you say about yourself?

Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John 1:19-22

By this point in the year, chances are that the resolutions we made for ourself have either gone as quickly as they came, or we’ve doubled down, stayed the course, and are starting to think that maybe, just maybe, this will be the year that we stick with them. For most of us, the resolutions we make are tied to some form of self-improvement, whether that be physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual. Perhaps we want to drop a few pounds, learn a new language, or practice intentional kindness toward others. Whatever it may be, the aim is that when next year rolls around, we will be something more, something different than who we are today. 

These questions of identity and purpose come to mind as I reflect once again on the well known words of John the Baptist in John 1. More specifically, I find the Jewish leaders’ question to John to be one of utmost importance, not only for him, but for every person who has ever lived: “What do you say about yourself?” I am increasingly convinced that our ability to answer this question with clarity and purpose is the key to a life lived well.

It isn’t easy to know ourselves. This requires endless searching and examination. As the early Christian leader Gregory the Theologian once beautifully said in the opening stanza of a poem,

You have a job to do, soul, and a great one, if you like:

examine yourself, what it is you are and how you act,

where you come from, and where you’re going to end,

and whether to live is this very life you’re living, or something else besides. 

When faced with the question of identity and purpose, John the Baptist did what every one of us must likewise learn to do: he knew himself in reference to Christ. His meaning in life was found not in his own achievements or attributes but in his ability to point others to Christ. This was the reason for his existence and the only path to a life of deep fulfillment. With the words of Isaiah 40 on his lips, John summed up the whole of his life with these words, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’” (John 1:23). May we do the same, longing for nothing more in our lives than the life of Christ and for those around us to experience the same.

Generosity

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  2 Corinthians 9:11

Generosity is more than just giving; it’s a reflection of the heart. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the spirit of generosity, mirroring the abundant grace bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father. God’s Word teaches us that everything we have is a gift from Him. When we grasp this truth, our perspective on possessions shifts. It is not about ownership but stewardship. We become conduits of God’s blessings, entrusted with resources to extend His love to others.

Generosity is not confined to material wealth; it encompasses our time, talents, and treasure. It’s the willingness to share what we have, whether abundant or meager, with a cheerful heart, knowing that our actions honor God and bless others. Jesus exemplified the ultimate act of generosity through His sacrificial love on the cross. He gave without expecting anything in return, showing us that true generosity flows from selflessness and genuine concern for others’ well-being. When we practice generosity, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude. We acknowledge God’s provision in our lives and express thankfulness by sharing with others. Through our generosity, others witness God’s goodness and experience His love tangibly.

Moreover, generosity begets generosity. Giving freely inspires a ripple effect, touching lives and prompting others to do the same. It creates a community marked by compassion and support, where needs are met and hearts are uplifted. However, generosity isn’t always easy. The call to give sacrificially challenges our natural inclinations in a world consumed by self-interest. Yet, God promises to bless those who give willingly and cheerfully, multiplying their generosity and providing for their needs. When stretched to give sacrificially, our faith is stretched.

Generosity is a reflection of our faith in God’s faithfulness. When we give with open hearts, we declare our trust in His provision and sovereignty over our lives. May we cultivate hearts of generosity, embracing the joy found in giving. The measure of our lives is not in what we keep for ourselves but in what we invest in God’s Kingdom. As we extend love, kindness, and resources to those around us, may it be a testament to the abundant grace of our heavenly Father.

Grow your generous heart by being around other generous hearts. My wife, Rita, and I attend an annual Celebration of Generosity, which is a gathering of families from around the country who love Christ and whose heart is to live a life of radical generosity. In addition, twice a year, we host an experience with authentic conversations called a Journey of Generosity. A group of 15 Jesus followers meet to pray, hear compelling stories of generosity, and dig into God’s Word. Your generosity is an act of worship that glorifies God as others give thankful praise to Him!

“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).

Endurance

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

In countless ways, our society values endurance. We marvel at couples that have been married for 50+ years. We eagerly buy new phones that promise 50% more battery life. And we run marathon races to test the limits of our bodily endurance. Yet the older I get, the more I find myself deeply moved by the witness of men and women who have followed Christ with steadfast faith for the whole of their lives. 

Though I grew up in Church, have fellowship circles, pastor, and am surrounded by peers who were involved in the rhythms of church life in one way or another, I’ve lost track of how many friends have walked away from the faith, or so deeply deconstructed their faith that nothing remains other than a vague and vapid agnosticism. This trend of deconstruction has been widely studied and extensively documented by groups such as Barna, and it is outside the scope of this blog to dive into it more deeply. I mention it simply to say that in the face of any cultural trend, there is always a counter-trend, an upstream current that can be found for those who take the time to look. 

The life of the believer in Christ demands nothing less than the whole of our life. It is an invitation to die to ourself in order to truly live. As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this invitation isn’t accepted by the masses. Like the Rich Young Ruler, many may hear the call of Christ, consider the cost, and simply walk away in order to pursue their own passions and pleasures. Yet there are others who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8), and therefore commit their way to Christ, day after day after day, refusing to let go of their childlike confidence in Him, even when life’s storms leave them battered and bruised. No, theirs is an enduring faith, one that keeps its eyes set on the “heavenly prize” (Philippians 3:14). 

I thank God for the witness of men and women in the past and in our own day who have clung to Christ and, by their example, invite us to do the same. Let us join them, responding with a courageous and enduring faith.

Worth of His Kingdom

 And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. 2 Thessalonians 1:5

The kingdom of God is the aim and destination of every believer’s journey in faith. It breaks into the present and will one day be perfectly known and inhabited as we live eternally under the peaceful rule and reign of God. As such, we must learn to view every moment of life, every season and stage as preparation for our entry into the kingdom of our Lord.

The Lord, in his kindness, gives us many opportunities to encounter the life of his kingdom. When a man and woman come together in marriage, they in a sense become kings and queens of their own tiny kingdom, what we call “a family,” and this tiny kingdom is filled with potential and possibility, either to lose sight of its purpose and be a kingdom of selfishness and discord or to be a kingdom that in miniature reflects the values of the true and eternal kingdom. 

While this may be an easy example to embrace and celebrate, for we immediately see the goodness and virtue of family life, we must remember that our Lord also uses countless other situations to prepare us for eternity, even those that are painful and on the surface unwanted. 

I think of this when I read the words of 2 Thessalonians 1:5, where we are reminded of the truth that the suffering that this early Christian community endured was allowed by the Lord, at least in part, to make them “worthy of his kingdom.” 

It is for this reason that history is filled with stories of men and women who rejoice in their trials, even going so far as to give thanks for them. How convicting this truth is, for so often when we face difficulties in life, they can cause us to grow bitter, confused, and even angry. We may be tempted to wonder if God loves us or is near to us in this time of trial. Yet if and when we learn to see our trials and suffering as a momentary burden that shapes us and makes us worthy for eternity, we not only are set free from grumbling and frustration, we are able to endure with joy, considering it an honor to in some small way share in the sufferings of Christ, who reveals to us the truth that death is defeated and must, in the end, give way to life.

Just obey

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22

My biggest regrets in life are when I decide to do things my way when I know the Lord has shown me another way. I justify my will rather than obey God’s will. One such occasion was an encounter with a new “friend” years ago who had a “business” proposition for me. Having a modest salary as a pastor then, we were open to side hustles as long as it didn’t interfere with our work and family time. Still in discussions, we met over lunch when I noticed our potential business partner took two pieces of fruit instead of the one prescribed by the large sign. I mentioned his minor indiscretion, and he quipped back, “nobody will ever know.” I thought to myself, “well, I know, and more importantly, God knows.” I sensed in my spirit from Holy Spirit, “do not work with this man.” Yet impetuous and with an air of greed, we moved forward. It didn't work out in the long run. My lesson was to obey God, not justify.

Saul, one of the Lord’s chosen leaders, won a fierce battle when God gave him clear instructions to take no prisoners and, instead, slay all the enemy, the Amalekites, including their cattle. Saul, not believing the divine commands very practical, decided a better way was to spare the enemy's leader, the king, and give the victor’s people access to the best of the oxen and sheep. Saul was then called out by the priest Samuel and held accountable for his actions of disobedience. And instead of confessing and repenting…he justified. He even wrapped his reasoning with a spiritual motive, that his plan was to use some of the animals as a sacrifice to God. But Samuel dismissed his religious guise and spoke the truth. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Do things God’s way, not what we think or feel is our better way. If we are not accountable to others, we can talk ourselves into almost anything.

Outward religious activities used to justify an inward disobedience to the Lord mocks heaven. Not a healthy place to live. I’ve been guilty of spending generous amounts of time doing the Lord’s work while neglecting the generosity of time for my family and my health, while justifying with my heart and mind that my sacrifice for God was worth whatever I gave up. Yet, the still, small voice of Holy Spirit was gentle, reminding me of my role as a husband and dad, which required mental and emotional margin to love my family properly. Furthermore, if my body, the Spirit’s temple, was being neglected, I ignored the spiritual discipline of caring for and nurturing my heavenly Father’s complex creation…my body. God’s grace and love called out my disobedience, and thankfully, I have Samuels in my life who remind me to obey and trust the Lord’s best. Our idol of disobedience may look different, yet if it weighs on you…obey now. 

“And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments” (Nehemiah 1:5, NKJV).

Spirit of generosity in the midst of scarcity

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:32-34.

I'm not one to celebrate Halloween but there is a lesson I have gleaned from the holiday that gives those who participate the opportunity to create a great sugar rush.  The sudden influx of candy into a home, and children’s posture of generosity that surrounds it. Specifically, how quick kids were to share their “haul” of goods, especially when it was piled in front of them like a small mountain of sugar. Why sweat one or two pieces when hundreds remained? Yet if we were to find the same kids on a “normal” day with little to no sweets in sight, you’d likely encounter a very different spirit of generosity. 

Now, before I’m too hard on the kids, I should be quick to realize this is not a uniquely childish problem, for in truth, it is a window into every human heart. It’s remarkably easy to be generous when our resources have no end in sight. This kind of giving, while certainly a gift to the recipient and not to be discouraged, fails to truly transform our passions and desires: it touches our wallets while leaving our hearts unchanged.

Fear has an incredible impact on our ability to live generous lives. Specifically, fear of not having enough and being unable to provide for ourselves or those we love. When we allow the threat of scarcity to overtake our hearts and minds, it turns us inward toward ourselves and away from God and neighbor. Yet when we give, especially when it’s hard and we aren’t in a season of abundance, we learn to trust, not simply in our own ability to balance the books and cover all of our needs, but to place ourselves firmly in the hands of the one who promises that he will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Giving out of our scarcity is a bold declaration of faith. It is a way to say that our primary allegiance and loyalty rests not in the material possessions of this world but in the values of God’s Kingdom. We learn through sacrifice to treasure what is truly worthy of our affection, setting us free from fear and worry and instead resting secure in a heavenly treasure “that will never fail” (Luke 12:33).

Holy Spirit my teacher

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

I love the tender heart of Jesus. I love how He loves people. I love how He loves us so much that He will never leave us alone. And, I love that before He went to the cross and ascended to heaven, He told His disciples something like this: “I’m going to give you a Helper to be with you who will never leave you, and He will guide you. He will remind you of what I’ve said, and He will be your counselor, advocate, and teacher." 

What great compassion and what great love the Lord has that He didn’t say, “Well, that’s it. I’m going back to heaven. Now, you’re on your own.” Instead, He gave us His very presence through Holy Spirit. And, how wonderful that we have an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-wise teacher in Him. 

When you aren’t sure which route to take, the Spirit is there to guide you. He is the best teacher. 

When you don’t know the words to speak, He will show you what to say. He is the best teacher. 

When you feel discouraged, the Spirit is there to reveal truth to you and give you the help you need to go on. He is the best teacher. 

“He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

How marvelous that the Spirit, full of truth, will share with you and me what He hears from Jesus. (John 16:14)

But what is it that often prevents us to from receiving life-giving teaching and truth from the Spirit? 

It can be many things such as pride, or a lack of belief in the Lord’s love. But oftentimes it’s simply because of unbelief. We simply don’t take the Lord’s words to heart, that the Spirit is there for us, so we don’t seek Him. We’re simply not listening. 

I recently spoke with a young man who is having some challenges in his personal and professional life. I encouraged him to seek the Lord for answers and that the Holy Spirit would guide him. The Lord said He would guide us into all truth. May we seek Him for the truth He promises! If we do not, what treasures we are forfeiting! Can you imagine what He wants to reveal to you?  

I encourage you today . . . if you believe God still speaks as He says He does in His Word; if you believe He hasn’t forgotten you, and that He is ready to hear you, won’t you seek Him for His truth today? He is listening. He is ready to teach you. 

The Holy Spirit is the best teacher. 

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).

The discomfort in calling

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

One day as I sat in the airport waiting to board my flight, I spoke with an individual waiting along with me at the terminal gate, a graduate student studying medicine at Johns Hopkins University. “If there was one thing you could do with your life, what would that one thing be?” I asked. “I’d have my own overseas medical lab,” she said. “But I don’t think that will ever happen,” she said. “That’s just too big of a risk and there’s too much to lose.”

I took a second look at them. They where, articulate, young and intelligent. What do you have to lose? I thought. More than you can imagine.

When we insist on ease, when we demand that God’s plan for our life be comfortable, when we want reward and satisfaction without the difficulty of the unknown, we lose more than we imagined. When we will only say yes to Him when it’s easy, we lose the joy of the journey He has called us to. 

The greatest saints of the Bible didn’t experience reward without discomfort or calling without chaos. Moses was mocked and scorned by those he wanted to rescue; Joseph was abused and ridiculed by his brothers, and every one of the disciples was persecuted for their faith. Even Christ was crucified.

Should we expect following God’s plan, and calling, for our lives without discomfort?

Perhaps you’re thinking, “Look at Jesus! He followed God’s will and he was crucified.” Be encouraged: Jesus endured the pain, the discomfort, and the torture of taking on the entire sin of the world because he knew there was “joy that was set before him‚” (Hebrews 12:2). He knew that the punctuation on his page of pain would be turned to exclamation points of joy.

Imagine that you are on your death bed. Your best friend comes in the room and asks you, “What do you wish you would have done with your life?” Would you say that you wish you would have colored inside the lines a little more, lived life more carefully? 

If you’re like most people, you would feel that you should have lived with a little more reckless abandon and faith. Loved more. Dreamed more. Adventured more. Responded to God’s promptings more. Most of us live far too carefully. God places dreams in our hearts and we find every reason under the sun why we can’t accomplish them. He nudges us to act, and we run. Yes, we risk far too little and so unlike Jesus, we experience little joy.

This is the value of discomfort and the redemptive value of pain. When it’s waded through with God, because He is calling you to something redemptive, there will always be a reward and deep satisfaction on the other side too. 

God’s calling and plans for your life will most likely be deeply uncomfortable at times, but you will never experience deep satisfaction without stepping into the unknown. Will you risk discomfort to experience the joy of knowing you are in the center of His will?

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

Transformed Life

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 

Years ago, I spent a considerable amount of time in a large bookstore taking note of the titles. Most of them promised some kind of transformation: how to transform your love life, finances, business, or conversational skills. 

If you spend time talking with people and take note of what they want, everyone wants transformation because we all know that we need transforming. We all know there is something missing this side of heaven. It’s as if we know we were made for perfection, and we want to be, and do, better.   

Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with having the desire to transform your cooking or conversational skills but when it comes to internal transformation, it’s God and His love that transforms. 

Going to church and doing the right things cannot do the work of inner transformation because simply knowing what’s right cannot transform. Only being in right relationship with the Lord transforms. And then (good news!) good actions will flow from a love relationship with Him.  

In Romans 12:2, the Scripture says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

If this is true that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, how can it be that true transformation cannot be absent of love, or a love relationship with Christ? Because, it’s love working together with truth that transforms the human heart but truth minus love is just legalism. 

The Pharisees knew all the answers, but they didn’t love Jesus. They were not in a love relationship with Him, therefore their hearts remained unchanged, and they did not receive eternal life. 

1 Corinthians 13:2 says, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

None of us can transform our own hearts, but if you are in relationship with Christ, you will know Him and as a result you will seek Him and experience transformation. Knowing how to do what is right is not equal to being in a love relationship with Christ. But in knowing Him, you will want to obey. 

I cannot think of anything more beautiful. This means that Jesus isn’t a hard task master. He is a loving God who wants us to know Him and be in an intimate relationship with Him. He wants to know you and me. Wow. And, through knowing Him, our inner man can be transformed. What a magnificent gift. 

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Truth alive

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Truth applied makes us fully alive. Indeed, most people know enough truth to live a worthwhile life. They know to be honest and not lie. They know to be content and not covet another person’s house, car, or spouse. They know to be patient and wait on the Lord to do a work of grace in the life of others. They know to take responsibility and not blame someone else. They know to believe Jesus and to trust Him with their life.

If we know the truth, why do we sometimes struggle with its application? Perhaps we are self-deceived to think the truth of God's word is needed for someone else, but not for us. Truth is right and good, not just right and good for me to practice, or worse, to think I’m living it out, when I’m not. Feeling good or bad, or being educated doesn’t transform behavior. What alters our actions is an inward change expressed in outward obedience to God's word and Holy Spirit guidance. The wonderful benefit of this practical process is that truth applied makes us fully alive.

Truth is like a vaccination, that when administered, prevents us from being infected with foolish living. It is like a life-saving serum applied to sin’s poisonous snakebite, potentially healing us from relational, emotional, physical and spiritual death. There is no downside to honestly gazing into the mirror of truth—assessing our life, better yet inviting godly friends to look with you, and then by God’s grace, applying truth for change.

 

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

 

Is there a dark area of your life that needs the bright light of truth to expose it and root it out? Are there bad attitudes and habits you blame on past pain and injustice? If so, lean into the truth and do not be satisfied until truth’s application frees you from mediocre living. Truth applied does make you fully alive—it is a dependable friend who walks with you through wise decision-making. Dismiss dishonest living and invite freedom in honest living. Ask the Lord to reveal truth to you and empower you to live out the truth.

 

“When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:21-24). 

Training and mentoring

Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.” Acts 22:2–3

What does it mean to be trained and mentored in the ways of Jesus? Over the years men and women invested in me by being my mentor.  We steeped in the Scripture, and like the effects of a potent tea bag, Christ colored my heart. We prayed on our knees before the start of the day and walked with our Savior throughout the remainder of the day. My mentor made time for me.

How can we be mentored or how can we train and mentor others? It may be a role model from a distance; however, virtual mentors have their limitations. We only see them at their best and rarely learn how to handle struggles and disappointments. Some others have influenced us through their writings and inspired us by their insightful biographies.

Do you have a seasoned saint up close and personal, one who can pray with you, instruct you, challenge you, encourage you, and give you wisdom for wise decision making? “My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge” (Proverbs 5:1–2).

Moreover, mentors alert you to sin crouching at the door of your heart and mind. Perhaps they nearly lost their marriage to avoidance of responsibility and being lured away by adultery’s illusion. They can instruct you in what to do and not to do. Paul, Moses, and David’s murderous mistakes did not disqualify them from mentoring and training others out of their repentant hearts. Brokenness is required to mentor well.

However, it is not enough for us to just enjoy the benefits of mentoring without seeking out men and women to mentor. Jesus told His mentees, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2).

Then these reluctant and unproven disciples of Christ were empowered by the Holy Spirit to become workers for God. Pray to the Lord for a mentor, and He will lead and equip you to be an answered prayer.

“And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2

In the quiet place

Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.

Hosea 2:14

When our hearts are sorrowful, it can sometimes feel like we are walking through the wilderness. Yet, if you’ve ever gone hiking, walking through the wilderness can often bring a sense of peace.  

As we walk along the path, there is beauty that surrounds us. Often, those walks bring a sense of calm and serenity. We may need this if our hearts are broken and searching for healing. Instead of the wilderness being a dark place, it can be a place where we find peace, direction, and inspiration.

Quiet places can be energizing for us. We live near a lake that has beautiful walking paths winding through the woods that follow the lake shore. On the days when my heart has been heavy, after walking there, I feel lighter. 

It’s also on those walks where I can hear from the Lord clearly. I can feel His peace surrounding me and without the distractions of other things, He can minister to my heart. Something I may not have previously been able to see or hear becomes more apparent and visible to me. 

As one grieves, there is a dark, lonely, and isolating period of walking in the wilderness. Can you imagine what it must have been like to be Moses as He led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 long years? 

The wilderness can be a sacred place. God uses these times to teach us things as He takes us toward something better. From a spiritual perspective, being in the wilderness can be a time of renewal or an encounter with God, like Moses and the burning bush.

When we come face-to-face with sorrow and suffering, we can wonder where God is and why He has allowed certain things to happen to us. Or we can see that He will use whatever challenges we face for His good and what He wants to do in our life story.

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” Isaiah 43:19