July 18, 2023

Tuesday

Serving Others

Philippians 4:14-19

²⁵ Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.”

Philippians 2:25

We are only told the names of a few dozen people associated with the apostle Paul as mentioned in his letters. Yet there must have been hundreds of people with whom he developed relationships—people with whom he shared a reciprocal ministry. These people not only ministered to Paul, but he ministered to them as well. And yet we will only learn their names and stories in heaven.

One such person who meant a great deal to Paul was Epaphroditus, a member of the church at Philippi. Paul mentions him twice by name (Philippians 2:25; 4:18), conveying his heartfelt appreciation and concern for this one he referred to as “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier.” Remember—Paul was in prison when he wrote to the Philippians, yet his main concern was that the Church know what a blessing Epaphroditus had been to him. Indeed, Epaphroditus had almost died while delivering a material gift to Paul. Ignoring his own suffering, Paul demonstrated his concern for his friend.

Our true heart is revealed when we put concern for others ahead of ourselves (Philippians 2:4).

A point to ponder…

The highest honour in the Church is not government but service. 
John Calvin

Read the Bible through in a year

Proverbs 16-18

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 17, 2023

Monday

Joy in God’s Will

2 Timothy 1: 8-12

¹⁷ Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”

Philippians 2:17

When the English Protestant Thomas Cranmer was threatened with death by the Catholic Queen Mary, he recanted his Protestant views. But in his last sermon, he recanted his recantation, once again affirming his Reformation-based theology. He knew it would cost him his life, so he said he would stick his right hand—the hand that signed his original recantation—first into the fire. When he was burned on the stake for his faith in 1556, he thrust his right hand into the fire before the flames consumed the rest of his body.

What kind of strength does it take to stay faithful to God’s will? Church history is filled with the stories of many courageous saints, including the apostle Paul. When he was imprisoned for his faith, he knew he might die, but found joy in the will of God nonetheless. The greatest source of courage in life comes from knowing we are living in God’s will.

What is God’s will for you today? Recommit yourself to Him and His plans and purpose for your life—and receive His joy in doing so.

A point to ponder…

To obey God’s will is to find the fulfillment of our lives. 
David Watson

Read the Bible through in a year

Proverbs 13-15

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

July 15– July 16, 2023

Friends Who Hold You Down

And the LORD sent Nathan to David. . . (2 Samuel 12:1a).

Here’s an uncomfortable thought: A genuine friend will restrain or correct you at times. Not only does a biblical friend hold you up when you stumble, but that friend also holds you down when you stray. We stumble under the heavy pressures of life, but we’re led astray by our own, wicked, rebellious hearts—and then we really need a true friend.

In 2 Samuel 11 and 12, we read about the darkest days of David’s life, when he strayed far from God, though he had faithfully followed the Lord for years. David saw a married woman, Bathsheba, and lusted for her, sent for her, and slept with her. (As king, he got what he wanted.) Bathsheba conceived a child. David “covered up” and compounded this messy string of sins by arranging her husband’s murder and hiding his treachery for more than a year.

As we read this story, we might wonder where David’s friends were during this debacle. Where were the truth-tellers who would boldly say, “What are you thinking? Why are you destroying your life?” Well, Jonathan had been killed in battle. General Joab was off fighting David’s war (and didn’t challenge the command to have Uriah killed). Any so-called friends who were left must have been arguing, “Wait, I’m not telling him. You tell him.” How tragic that David didn’t have any old friends who could have seen his decline and intervened before he crashed and burned.

After a whole year of this mess, God actually sent someone to David—a new friend, a prophet who would tell it like it is. “And the LORD sent Nathan to David” (2 Samuel 12:1a). Some hard things needed to be said, and God chose Nathan to say them.

Nathan made his point in the form of a brutal story told in love. The full story is found in 2 Samuel 12, but here’s the summary of Nathan’s words: “Hey David, let me tell you a story. Once there was a guy who had sheep and more sheep and herds of sheep and barns full of sheep and sheep stacked upon sheep. And there was another guy who had one little lamb, and he loved that lamb and treated it like a child and fed it from his own table. And the guy who had all the sheep was out cruising one day and saw the little lamb and decided, ‘I want that one too.’ So instead of being satisfied with all he had, he took the poor man’s lamb.” Here comes the savvy set-up. Nathan asked, “So David, what do you think of that?”

And as we often do when we’re covering our own sin, David felt very self-righteous and said, in paraphrase, “That thief deserves to die! Execute him!”

Nathan looked right into David’s eyes and said, “You are the man” (2 Samuel 12:7)!

At that moment you could have heard a pin drop in the palace. All those who had winked at David’s sin for a whole year were standing there in the public court. No doubt they were thinking, I can’t believe he said that. The king will explode. Watch out!

Nathan wasn’t even finished. The prophet went on to pronounce a heavy judgment on David for his wickedness. He detailed the consequences David should expect—starting with the death of the son born from adultery (12:10–12, 14).

How did David respond? “David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die’” (12:13–14).

Then Nathan went home. Mission accomplished, message delivered.

That is biblical friendship—a friend who tells you the truth for your own good. Too often we come up with a variety of excuses for not speaking the truth. Nathan could have said,

• “There’s somebody closer.”
• “I’ll lose my position or even my life.”
• “Let God tell him.”
• “I’m afraid.”
• “I’ll do it later; we’re just getting acquainted.”

Instead, Nathan said, “Even if this is the last conversation we ever have, I’m going to tell you the truth.” Nathan cared enough about David to speak the truth in love. He was willing to risk the whole relationship to help David get to a better place with God and with others. In friendship, love is what we need when we stumble, and truth is what we need when we stray.

Points to ponder…

• Why is it important to have a friend who will tell you the truth? How is truth-telling a sign of love?
• What cost must we be prepared to pay if we choose to be messengers of truth in our closest relationships? What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to tell a friend—or hear from a friend?

Saturday’s Reading

Proverbs 7-9

Sunday’s Reading

Proverbs 10-12

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 14, 2023

Friday

Without Distraction

1 Corinthians 7: 29-35

⁸ And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.”

Isaiah 35:8

In 2017, a collision in Texas took the lives of thirteen people who were returning from a church retreat. The cause of the wreck seems to have involved a truck driving erratically; and after the collision, the driver was reportedly overheard saying, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I was texting.” Experts say America has experienced the biggest spike in traffic deaths in about fifty years, and much of the blame goes to distracted driving. It’s a reminder to us all to keep our eyes on the road and our hands on the wheel for the sake of all around us.

n a parallel sense, the Bible warns about getting distracted as we travel the highway of holiness. The Amplified Bible Classic Edition renders Hebrews 12:1-2 like this: “Let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and the sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course…looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus.” 

The Bible says “Serve the Lord without distraction” (1 Corinthians 7:35). Keep your eyes on Him!

A point to ponder…

Many of our distractions may be fathered by the devil.
Thomas Watson

Read the Bible through in a year

Proverbs 4-6

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 13, 2023

Thursday

Nuisance Calls

Romans 10:8-13

¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:13

Nuisance calls made up 3.7 percent of total phone calls in 2017, but now the figure is closer to 50 percent. Because we are stewards of our time, we need to protect ourselves against nuisance calls and scammers. But some Christians use the calls as an opportunity to develop their evangelism skills.

One GrowingChristian  reader, when time permits, answers the calls and politely turns the conversation toward the Gospel. If the caller wants to sell a vacation package, our friend says, “I’m really only interested in one destination, and it’s truly Paradise. Let me tell you.” If it’s a credit card call, the man says, “I’m really not interested in a new credit card but let me take a moment to tell you about the Person who can forgive your debt of sin.” If it’s a call promoting a medical device, the man says, “I’ve been thinking a lot about death, and I have discovered a wonderful answer.”

Sometimes the marketer (or scammer) hangs up, but sometimes they listen. After all, the person on the line is a soul for whom Jesus died.

You might try it sometime—and turn a nuisance call into a Good News call.

A point to ponder…

Let’s never miss an opportunity to share the Gospel.
Franklin Graham

Read the Bible through in a year

Proverbs 1-3

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 12, 2023

Wednesday

Unity Yet Diversity

Ephesians 4:3-6

³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:3

Nature loves diversity, but nature also loves unity. There are many examples of groups of individuals functioning as one: ants walking in formation, flocks of starlings (and schools of fish) flowing effortlessly as one, Canadian geese flying in a perfect V-formation. Nature loves diversity but seems to rely on unity to accomplish what is good for all.

Scripture supports the idea of diversity and unity. In Ephesians 4:3-6, the apostle Paul appeals for unity in the Church (verse 3) by highlighting the word “one” seven times: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God. But then, in verse 7, he goes from unity to diversity. Each Christian has been given grace (gifts) to accomplish his or her part in achieving unity (verses 7-13). Just as a flock of geese achieves its migration goal by flying in formation, so the Church achieves its maturity goal by working together in unity.

Ask God today: “What is my part, Lord, in building up Your Church? What grace have you given me? How can I promote the unity of the Body?” Let your unique gifts strengthen the unity of God’s people.

A point to ponder…

Believers are never told to become one; we already are one and are expected to act like it.
Joni Eareckson Tada

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 146-150

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 11, 2023

Thursday

What Doesn’t Mix

Mark 10:42-45

3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

1 Corinthians 3:3

Some things in life don’t go together: oil and water, nuts and chewing gum, love and hate, and criticism and unity. Constructive criticism can lead to greater unity. But when the criticism is motivated by selfishness, envy, or anger, it can never lead to unity.

What can lead to unity? Service. Take the church at Corinth for example. The apostle Paul wrote stern rebukes to the church about their lack of unity. Men like Paul and Apollos came among them as servants (1 Corinthians 3:5) to build up a church characterized by unity. But the immature Corinthian believers ignored the model of servant leadership and created cliques in the church based on “envy, strife, and divisions.” The other model of service they could have followed was that of Christ who came into the world to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:7). Servants look first to the interests of others rather than their own interests (Philippians 2:4), and unity results.

Unity comes when individual Christians submit their will and agenda to the Lordship of Jesus Christ—it’s the best way to begin every day.

A point to ponder…

In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity. 
Richard Baxter

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 140-145

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 10, 2023

Monday

Now or Later

Matthew 19:29

¹⁰ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:10

In the seventies, a TV commercial for an automobile oil filter made this line famous: “You can pay me now or you can pay me later.” The same principle—now or later—also applies to rewards promised to followers of Christ.

Jesus suggested that we have a choice when it comes to rewards: We can receive rewards now in the form of the adulation of men, or we can receive rewards in eternity from God who sees what we do for Him (Colossians 3:23-24). Jesus also said that those who suffer persecution for His sake will receive the Kingdom of heaven, that those who leave the riches and relationships of this life will be rewarded a hundred times over in eternity. Sometimes we don’t choose to give up comfort in this life; it is taken from us by persecutors of the Church. The same promise applies: God stands ready to reward those who suffer for Christ’s sake in this life. Heaven is a time when rewards will replace what was lost.

Whatever you lose for Christ’s sake—property, reputation, comfort, your good name—does not go unnoticed by God. Nor will it go unrewarded (Romans 8:18).

A point to ponder…

In the second advent [God] will manifest His glory to reward their faith. 
John Chrysostom

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 133-139

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

July 8– July 9, 2023

Friends Who Hold You Up

David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. 

1 Samuel 23:15–18

Because of the pressures of life—stress at work, turmoil at home, a health problem, a financial crisis—sometimes we stumble. Sometimes the weight on us is so heavy that we can’t help but stumble.

That’s when we need a biblical friend or two to hold us up, as Jonathan did for David during a crisis in his life.

David was being hunted again by King Saul. This wasn’t a game; Saul wanted to kill David. “And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh” (1 Samuel 23:16a). Jonathan was taking his life into his hands by even speaking to his friend, who was number one on Saul’s most wanted list. As we examine this scene, let’s notice five ways Jonathan held David up. These translate into five ways we can support our friends and receive their support.

1. Their Presence
A biblical friend shows up. Jonathan arose “and went to David” (23:16a). Jonathan had many reasons for staying away. Personally, he had everything to lose and nothing to gain. He risked his father’s wrath. In fact, when he got up to leave the table in the palace, his father threw his spear at him, trying to kill his own son (1 Samuel 20:30–33), which showed how Saul had slipped into insanity. In siding with David, Jonathan also risked his own royal position. After all, if Jonathan just let his dad kill David, then Jonathan would become the next king.

But David was alone and afraid, and there was no way Jonathan was going to let David down. He went to David.

2. Their Prayers
A biblical friend prays with you. When Jonathan arrived at David’s hideout, he “strengthened his hand in God” (23:16b). Even though David was a man of deep faith—author of most of the Psalms, a man after God’s own heart, a giant-slayer—he was hurting and disillusioned. Jonathan didn’t show up with shallow comments or advice, nor did he present himself as the solution. He helped David take his problems to God.

Notice what Jonathan didn’t say. No cheap encouragement, like, “Dad will come around soon, Dave,” or “Don’t worry so much. It’s not as bad as it seems. Let’s look on the bright side while you hide here in this damp, dark forest without food or hope.” Often when we show up for our friends who are hurting, there’s nothing to say. The burden is too big, the hurt too deep. It’s about presence and prayer. We need friends who will take us to God, and we need to be that kind of friend when others stumble. Christian friendship isn’t about sitting in the same pew at church on the weekend. We need friends who will get on their knees, pray, and discuss the things of God with us. Biblical friends “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24b).

3. Their Protection
A biblical friend protects you. As soon as Jonathan showed up, he reassured David, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you” (23:17a, ). Think of what these words meant to David. David was an emotional guy—he’d have to be to write the kind of moving poetry found in the book of Psalms. It’s not hard to imagine that as he saw Jonathan approaching, David might have questioned his friend’s loyalty. He didn’t have to wonder long. Apparently Jonathan sensed that David’s meter was redlining, so he quickly reassured him. “My dad won’t find you. Of course, I won’t tell him where you are. Relax.” When David heard those words of support, he felt strengthened.

4. Their Personal Loyalty
Biblical friends confirm their personal loyalty. Jonathan told David, “You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you” (23:17b). Even though Jonathan was the prince, David had been anointed to be the next king, and Jonathan didn’t contest God’s decision. In fact, he painted a picture of the future for David, essentially saying, “You will be king—not me—and that won’t sever our relationship. I’m content with being number two as long as you’re number one.” No wonder David loved him.

When our hearts feel like tornadoes, the last thing we need is for a so-called friend to show up and fan the storm. Instead, biblical friends protect us, speaking words to soothe our troubled emotional state.

When we stumble, we need friends who protect us with their fierce allegiance, not someone who turns against us and kicks us while we’re down. We need friends who will come to our aid and lift us up with their life-giving loyalty.

5. Their Promise
A biblical friend confirms the friendship with a promise. “And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD” (23:18a). Some men might balk at that idea, claiming it sounds girly or weak. Actually, what a sign of strength that two warriors stood together, admitting they couldn’t be all that God wanted them to be without the other. They communicated, “I really need you! Let’s stand together in this.” That kind of committed friendship lifts those who stumble.

When we slow down in life, get off track, feel discouraged, lose focus, want to quit, or fall flat, we need this kind of friend.

And we need to be this kind of friend.

Points to ponder…

• Consider these five ways a biblical friend holds you up in support. Do you have a friend like that? If not, ask God for this kind of friendship.
• Are you that kind of friend? Do you show up for, pray with, protect, show loyalty to, and pledge your commitment to your friend?

Saturday’s Reading

Psalm 119:89-176

Sunday’s Reading

Psalm 120-132

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 7, 2023

Friday

Lord, Use This for Good!

Genesis 50: 15-21

²⁰ But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Genesis 50:20

A new survey of 2,000 American millennials reveals that a third of them believe their lives are more stressful than the average person’s life. Some of the contributing factors to their stress levels include—being stuck in traffic, waiting for appointments, and having issues with their smartphones. For 41 percent of millennials, a damaged phone screen is more stressful than seeing a “check engine” light on their dashboard. Many of them felt stress when they got zero “likes” on a social media post, and 33 percent felt having their phone die was worse than a fraudulent charge on their credit card. About half the survey respondents say they don’t feel they deal with stress very well, and two-thirds would love to find better methods of coping with stress.

For most of us, the small daily aggravations of life can feel like the straw that broke the  camel’s back, and we all need better methods of coping.

One of the best ways of dealing with trials is saying, “Lord, use this for good!” That prayer will work when we lose our credit card or when we lose our jobs. It will work when we’re stuck in traffic or when we hear of a friend’s illness. Maybe today you have a problem that can be handled by this simple prayer: Lord, use it for good.

A point to ponder…

In God’s hands intended evil becomes eventual good.
Max Lucado

Read the Bible through in a year
Psalm 119: 1-88
I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 6, 2023

Thursday

Special Delivery: Balloons

2 Timothy 2:1-10

⁹ Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.”

2 Timothy 2:9

North Korea is widely considered the most difficult nation on earth for missions. Christians are executed there, and any effort to even whisper the message of Christ could mean torture and death. But the Gospel is not chained, and several missions agencies are sending the Gospel into North Korea using helium-filled balloons. This effort has been going on for many years, and everything depends on the direction of the wind. One children’s missions group has the Gospel printed on the balloons, accompanied by pictures and explanations.

Another group launches balloons with small radios attached, tuned to a Korean-language Gospel station. Another organization attaches Bible-filled flash drives to their balloons.

Recently, however, the summit meetings between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un complicated the balloon launches because the South Korean government doesn’t want anything to upset the talks. Still, the Word of God is not chained.

Who knows what God is doing inside the darkest land on earth? North Korean missiles are no match for Gospel balloons, for the Gospel is not chained. Pray for North Korea!

A point to ponder…

Just as a dandelion needs the wind to spread its seeds, we need the wind to spread the message.
A South Korean evangelist

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 115-118

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 5, 2023

Wednesday

No Limit

Acts 16:6-7

¹⁹ For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”

Philippians 1:19

A fifth-century A.D. Jewish commentary on some of the Old Testament books (Leviticus Rabbah), said this: “The Holy Spirit rested on the prophets by measure.” Contrast that observation with the words of the prophet John the Baptist in John 3:34: “For God does not give the Spirit by measure.” John the Baptist ministered at a time of transition between the Old and New Testaments, a transition illustrated by a change in the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

For Christians, the Holy Spirit is given as a permanent, indwelling reality. He is there to guide, comfort, and counsel us in our daily lives—especially in times of adversity. The Greek word for the Spirit is parakletos, or Paraclete (John 14:16, 26)—one who is called alongside. The Spirit does for us what He did for Paul in Asia Minor—comes alongside to clear up confusion and provides direction when needed (Acts 16:6-10). He will come alongside us as well when we need counsel and comfort.

Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and depend on Him to come alongside you. There is no limit to His loving presence.

A point to ponder…

Great Comforter, descend, and bring some tokens of Thy grace. 
Isaac Watts

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 108-114

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 4, 2023

Tuesday

One Body, Many Parts

Ephesians 4:11-13

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.”

1 Corinthians 12:12

On this American Independence Day, a lesson from history applies to the Body of Christ. Prior to July 4, 1776, there were only thirteen British colonies that existed as separate outposts of the British Empire. But when representatives of those thirteen colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, it was the first step toward becoming one nation instead of thirteen colonies. The founders recognized that there is strength in unity.

It’s called synergy: the strength of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The apostle Paul didn’t know American history, of course, but he recognized the synergy of the human body—individual organs and parts of the body working together to accomplish human goals no individual part could accomplish by itself. And he applied that lesson to the Church, the Body of Christ. Each Christian is given gifts by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11) in order to build up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).

What is your gift? What is your role? The Body of Christ is only as strong as the participation of all its members!

A point to ponder…

Unity is of the essence of the Body of Christ. 
R. B. Kuiper

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 106-107

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

July 3, 2023

Monday

One Accord

Acts 4:23-31

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”

Acts 2:1

On seven occasions, the writer of the book of Acts tells us the early Christians were of “one accord.” They were in one accord in the Upper Room awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit in an attitude of prayer and expectancy (Acts 1:14 and 2:1). They were in one accord after the events of the Day of Pentecost when three thousand new believers were added to their numbers (Acts 2:41, 46). They were in one accord during persecution (Acts 4:24) and in times of praise (Acts 5:12). They were in one accord listening to the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 8:6) and when sending out missionaries (Acts 15:25).

When the Philippian church encountered some difficulties, the apostle Paul told them to “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). The Early Church understood what we must recognize today—that Christians are encouraged and blessed when they come together with a common purpose.

If you’re upset with someone you know—it might be a family member or fellow church attender—ask the Lord to search your heart. Perhaps the problem is a trace of bitterness or offended pride within. The Bible says, “Strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men” (Acts 24:16).

A point to ponder…

Rejoice today with one accord…rejoice and praise our mighty Lord.
Henry W. Baker, hymnist

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 103-105

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

July 1– July 2, 2023

The Warrior Mindset

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God 

1 Peter 4:1–2

Suffering will come. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). All will be persecuted? Yes, all.

Because God loves us, He warns us that pain is coming so we aren’t blindsided by it. If you’re driving down the freeway, a car cuts in front of you, and you see a collision coming, you brace yourself. If you stumble down a flight of stairs, you instinctively throw out your hands to break the fall. God’s Word repeatedly, lovingly warns us that suffering is God’s number one tool for chiseling our character so that we have realistic expectations and can brace ourselves for what’s to come.

Since suffering is coming (or for some of us, is already here), we also need to know what to do, and God’s Word gives us practical advice. It begins with the right mind-set. “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking” (1 Peter 4:1). How did Jesus think like this? From the moment His ministry began, He knew where it would end. At the right time, He turned His face to Jerusalem, knowing exactly what awaited Him there. He chose the cross. He willed Himself to be our sacrifice.

We need to arm ourselves with the same mentality. Rather than scratching our heads, wondering why we’re going through hard times, we should be thinking, I’m one of God’s children, so I’m not surprised by suffering. God has this planned for me, so I’m staying under it. With God, I’m going to get through this.

Along with these realistic expectations, we also need to guard our behavior. Often when we’re going through difficult times, we are more vulnerable to sin. We stand at a crossroads and either get bitter or get better. Either we move forward/upward, or we drift backward/downward. Trials present a watershed moment.

During a time of real hardship, you become a target. Peter warns, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8b). Satan sees God’s children going through hardship, and he’s waiting for an opportune time to pounce. What God allows for your good, Satan wants to twist into evil. Sin that hasn’t tempted you for a long time can crush you during a trial, when all your energy and resources are directed toward surviving. That’s when Satan rushes you. You can find yourself falling into patterns you thought were gone forever. An unsuspecting person might lament, I thought I’d never touch that bottle again, but here it is, empty. Satan wants to shame you and make you think you haven’t made any progress at all. But as a blood-bought son or daughter of the living God, you were chosen for something better!

Arm yourself for the onslaught. Guard your behavior “so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (4:2). We only have a few more years, if that. We’re in a free fall. Life is short, fleeting, like a vapor—gone. God forgive us for the months and years we’ve spent with our pleasure at the top of our agenda. What a shallow existence! Instead of pursuing personal passions, go hard after the will of God in your life. It’s not the hardship but your response to it that really matters.

Though temptation to sin can sometimes be heightened in trials, suffering can also make you more focused in your walk with Christ. Pain in one area can sensitize you to other parts of your life. Suffering teaches you in new ways that life isn’t a series of random, unrelated events; it’s all connected. As you formulate urgent prayer requests, you examine your life for anything that would prevent you from being heard. You might ask, “God, what do You see in my life that needs to be dealt with? Anything I need to get right with You about? Have I been ignoring You about something?” You get the mind-set of a warrior, not wanting to carry anything extra into the battle. “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). Arm yourself like a warrior.

Points to ponder…

• For many of us, our default is not a warrior mentality. What’s your natural response to suffering?
• “It’s not the hardship but your response to it that really matters.” What trial are you facing now? Are you getting bitter or better? Are you falling prey to old sin patterns, or are you more focused in your walk with Jesus?

Saturday’s Reading

Psalm 90-95

Sunday’s Reading

Psalm 96-102

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 30, 2023

Friday

The Object of Jealousy

2 Corinthians 11:2

¹⁴ For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:”

Exodus 34:14

Sometimes reading the Bible raises questions. For instance, we are warned in Scripture to avoid jealousy and envy—it is “rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30)—and yet one of God’s names in the Old Testament is “Jealous”—for He is “a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).

Why is jealousy an attribute for God but a sin for us? Because of the motivation. God is not jealous for us because He envies something we have that He doesn’t have. Instead, think of “jealous” as “zealous”—God loves us so much that He is zealous for us to worship Him alone, to live in close communion with Him. God is jealous for us because He knows we will benefit from our devotion to Him. On the other hand, when we are jealous, it is for selfish reasons. We want something for our own pleasure that another person has. God’s jealousy is others-centered; human jealousy is self-centered.

If you find yourself experiencing jealousy, ask yourself, Who is the object of my feelings? Do I want the best for the other person or the “best” for myself?

A point to ponder…

God is jealous for the good of His redeemed people—but He can never be jealous of anything or anyone. 
John Blanchard

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 86-89

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 29, 2023

Thursday

Faithful Fathers: Joseph

Matthew 1:18-25

¹⁴ When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:”

Matthew 2:14

History is full of unsung heroes—people who were faithful, true, servant-minded, and did it all with no expectation of praise or reward. In our modern era, think of teachers, helpful neighbors, first responders, members of the military, and so many more.

The biblical stories reveal unsung heroes as well; one of the most prominent of which was Joseph, husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus. We meet Joseph in the early chapters of Matthew and Luke’s accounts of Jesus’ birth—and then he disappears from sight once Jesus begins His ministry. But we are safe in saying that Joseph took upon himself the most difficult task of shepherding the mother of Jesus, and then Jesus Himself, through the perilous days before and after Jesus’ birth. Joseph was a father who took God at His Word (Matthew 1:20-25). Given Jesus’ precocious nature at age twelve (Luke 2:41-52), Joseph must have nurtured Jesus’ spiritual development from an early age.

Faithful fathers don’t worry about rewards or credit. They depend on eternity to reveal the fruit of their faithfulness to their children.

A point to ponder…

Human fatherhood should be molded and modeled on the pattern of the fatherhood of God.
William Barclay

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 80-85

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 28, 2023

Wednesday

Just Rewards

1 Corinthians 3: 1-17

8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.”

1 Corinthians 3:8

The techniques of some of history’s greatest teachers—like Solomon, Jesus, and Paul—are illustrated in Scripture. Specifically, we learn from their use of metaphors and illustrations to make their spiritual and practical points.

In the space of seventeen verses (1 Corinthians 3:1-17), Paul uses metaphors to promote unity in the Church and illustrate the basis for eternal rewards. He uses an agricultural metaphor (verses 6-8), and an architectural metaphor (verses 10-17) to talk about rewards. How we plant and how we build will be tested by God. How we have used what God has given will determine our rewards or the lack of them. So, what have we been given with which to serve Christ? Grace, love, spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit, talents and abilities, time, tangible resources—everything we have is given to us to use faithfully for Christ and His Kingdom.

If the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) took place today, how would your works fare in the fire of God’s presence? Purpose that today will be a day of faithfulness.

A point to ponder…

Today, let us rise and go to our work. Tomorrow, we shall rise and go to our reward. 
Richard Fuller

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 78-79

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 27, 2023

Tuesday

Do it Heartily

Colossians 3:22-24

²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

Colossians 3:23

Have you ever seen someone sweep a floor half-heartedly? The result is the opposite of the desired purpose—and it remains half finished. To do something well, you need to put your heart into it. One translation of Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men” (HCSB). True enthusiasm comes from God. The Lord doesn’t want us sulking around, bored, languishing at our tasks. He has a plan for every day; and as we tackle the projects before us—whether doing the laundry or building a skyscraper—we should remember we’re doing His will and fulfilling an agenda He designed for us.

George Matthew Adams wrote, “Enthusiasm is a kind of faith that has been set afire.”
If you’re reading this in the morning, go into the day with enthusiasm. If you’re reading it at night, wake up tomorrow with excitement. Say to yourself—“This is the day the Lord has made!” And whatever you do, do it heartily, excitedly, energetically, cheerfully—and with enthusiasm.

When we are given a task for God, we’re to do it heartily with all our might and strength.

A point to ponder…

You cannot love a thing without wanting to fight for it.
G. K. Chesterton

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 74-77

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 27, 2023

Tuesday

Do it Heartily

Colossians 3:22-24

²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

Colossians 3:23

Have you ever seen someone sweep a floor half-heartedly? The result is the opposite of the desired purpose—and it remains half finished. To do something well, you need to put your heart into it. One translation of Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men” (HCSB). True enthusiasm comes from God. The Lord doesn’t want us sulking around, bored, languishing at our tasks. He has a plan for every day; and as we tackle the projects before us—whether doing the laundry or building a skyscraper—we should remember we’re doing His will and fulfilling an agenda He designed for us.

George Matthew Adams wrote, “Enthusiasm is a kind of faith that has been set afire.”
If you’re reading this in the morning, go into the day with enthusiasm. If you’re reading it at night, wake up tomorrow with excitement. Say to yourself—“This is the day the Lord has made!” And whatever you do, do it heartily, excitedly, energetically, cheerfully—and with enthusiasm.

When we are given a task for God, we’re to do it heartily with all our might and strength.

A point to ponder…

You cannot love a thing without wanting to fight for it.
G. K. Chesterton

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 74-77

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 26, 2023

Monday

That Glorious Day

1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11

² For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”

1 Thessalonians 5:2

When the apostle Paul planted a church in Thessalonica, he had little time to establish the new believers in their faith. According to Acts 17:2, he was driven from town by a persecuting mob after two or three weeks of teaching. But evidently Paul left the Thessalonians with a deep belief in our Lord’s return. They were so eager to learn more about the Second Coming that Paul wrote two letters to them—1 and 2 Thessalonians—answering questions and stoking their anticipation for the Lord’s soon appearing in the clouds of glory.

Those letters are for us too. They are full of information about the Rapture of the Church, the resurrection of the dead, and the return of Christ.

Imagine how excited those early believers were to receive Paul’s letters and soak in his teaching. We, too, should eagerly digest every word in Scripture about our Lord’s promised return, to better anticipate the moment of His coming for us. How differently we’d live if, like the Thessalonians, our hearts were seized with anticipation for that glorious day!

A point to ponder…

I am waiting for the coming of the Lord who died for me; / Oh, His words have thrilled my spirit, “I will come again for thee.”
S. Trevor Francis, hymnist

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 70-73

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

June 24– June 25, 2023

Trust + Wait

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Psalm 37:3, 7

Rest is such an elusive thing. Our bodies and souls desperately need it, which is why God gave us command #4: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). As our Designer, God knows how much we need a break, and He even modeled it for us on the seventh day of Creation. But some of us act allergic to slowing down. We can hardly manage to stop working and to sit still, and even when our bodies are still, our minds and souls are still frenzied. We need rest.

Psalm 37 is likely the main passage in Scripture that describes rest. David wrote this psalm, but it’s unique. Almost everything David wrote was addressed to God—conversations with God, thoughts about God, worship of God. Psalm 37, however, is written to God’s people. This psalm is for us.

The theme of Psalm 37 is trusting God during a difficult season of perceived injustice. Perceived is a qualifier, because in the end, nothing will remain unjust. God will balance the books of justice. But until then, we have to trust God.

“Fret not,” David tells us repeatedly in this psalm. “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers” (Psalm 37:1)! The word fret literally means don’t get heated up. Don’t kindle yourself. Don’t get worked up about the person who seems to go unpunished and succeeds by doing wrong. We can’t help but think, Look how she acts! Look how he cheats and steals! Look how she slanders and betrays!

Rather than fret—rest. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (37:7a). So what does it mean to be still and rest in the Lord? It means to be at peace without resolution. You may not be able to fix your problems anytime soon, and you can’t put your life on hold. Without tidy solutions, during a seemingly unending season of turmoil, you can be at peace and rest in the Lord.

If you read through the rest of Psalm 37, you could write beside almost every verse one of two words: trust or wait. For example:

“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil” (37:8). Trust.

“For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land” (37:9). Wait.

In your time with the Lord this week, you could go through the whole psalm and write these words, trust and wait, right in your Bible. It’s the refrain of this psalm: trust and wait, trust and wait, trust and wait.

Trusting is leaning on God. Specifically, during a season of injustice, trusting means confidently expecting that at the right time, God will act, and you will have a front row seat to your own vindication (see Psalm 23:5, 27:13).

Waiting is accepting God’s timing, knowing that you have to go through this season of hardship. You have to stay in this difficult place and feel this pain. You can’t go around trials, only through them.

Sometimes we don’t experience rest in life because we’re trusting but not waiting, or waiting but not trusting. Trusting without waiting is striving. Do everything you can do, and then trust that God will come through. Waiting without trusting is worrying. Yet God reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6a). Trusting and waiting have to go together. Combine them, and you’ll have peace even without resolution. You’ll have rest.

Points to ponder…

• In your life, what does it look like when you trust but don’t wait? What does it look like when you wait but don’t trust?
• In what hardship in your life do you need to experience God’s peace and rest?

Saturday’s Reading

Psalm 58-65

Sunday’s Reading

Psalm 66-69

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 23, 2023

Friday

At What Cost?

Lamentations 5: 19-22

²¹ Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.”

Lamentations 5:21

When King Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922, it instantly became a famous tourist destination with thousands of people coming every day, year after year. Carbon dioxide from the visitors’ breath and all the dust they stirred up had a dulling influence on the stunning gold walls of the tomb. The site was closed for years while the Getty Conservation Institute restored the images and installed new ventilation systems and walkways. Now King Tut’s tomb is open again, but when asked how much the restoration cost, the institute says it was so expensive they won’t disclose the cost.

We live in a dusty world, and the devil is always breathing down our backs. It’s easy to become spiritually dull and stained. Sometimes we lose the golden glow of God’s energy in our hearts. We often need for Him to do as He said in Psalm 23—to restore our souls.

But we shouldn’t forget the great cost that gained all our blessings for us at Calvary, for He gave us Himself.

Let Jesus revive your heart today, then thank Him for the cleansing power of His blood.

A point to ponder…

When Satan deplores us and the world ignores us, God restores us.
Anonymous

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 51-57

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 22, 2023

Thursday

Faithful Fathers: Zacharias

Luke 1: 5-25

⁶ And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;”

Mark 1:6

In the 1950s, American churches were full of prosperous, buttoned-down, middle-class families. And then came the sixties and the countercultural revolution. Many of the children of those fifties Christian parents joined the “Jesus People Movement,” showing up at church with long hair and beards, wearing sandals and beads. Lots of fathers found it hard to accept their children’s choices.

A father in the first century wrestled with his son’s countercultural approach to life—and made some serious adjustments. Zacharias was a priest in Jerusalem when the angel Gabriel appeared and announced that Zacharias and his wife would have a son. That was fine, but their son turned out to be John the Baptist—a man who lived in the wilderness, wore a garment made of camel’s hair, a leather belt, and subsisted on locusts and wild honey. And his message to Israel was no less unique: Repent, for the Messiah is coming!

When God’s call on a child’s life is unexpected or out of the ordinary, a faithful father will do whatever he can to encourage that calling.

A point to ponder…

The more a child becomes aware of a father’s willingness to listen, the more a father will begin to hear.
Gordon MacDonald

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 46-50

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

June 21, 2023

Wednesday

God of Second Chances

Joel 2: 12-27

“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ² “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

Jonah 3:1-2

It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for “the word of the Lord” to come to God’s prophets again and again. It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. And it also happened to Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah the first time (Jonah 1:1) and then the second time (Jonah 3:1). With the other prophets, the “second time” meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. But with Jonah, the “second time” was because Jonah had failed to speak God’s word the first time. Jonah was a disobedient prophet.

God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. You know the story—Jonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. God gave him a second chance.

Don’t let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. The God of grace loves to forgive.

A point to ponder…

Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. 
G. Campbell Morgan

Read the Bible through in a year

Psalms 40-45

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich