Meditations and thoughts

God chose the foolish to shame the wise and the weak to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27). That’s an interesting thought, isn’t it? And, I happen to know from personal experience, if we think we are wise, and think we are strong, then God is willing to spend a large part of our Christian experience reducing us – so that our strength and wisdom rests on Christ.

In Lk 2:25-32 we read that Simeon waited on God in the temple courts. He simply waited. What was his reward? He got to hold Jesus in his arms. In Gen 15:1 we read that Abraham received a precious promise from God … that God Himself would be Abraham’s “very great reward”. There is no doubt that God’s highest honour in this life is intimacy with Himself.

Hurt people hurt people. The church is the army of the Lord, and armies suffer casualties. We are also a family, and families fight. The solution: Fix your eyes on Jesus. “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick He will not snuff out” (Mt 12:20). Jesus is our all-sufficiency.

“Jesus is our peace” (Eph 2:14). Peace, according to the dictionary, means freedom from strife, ease of mind and conscience; being tranquil, calm and serene. Peace, in Hebrew, is Shalom, which has the added sense of debts paid, being whole and at rest. How good does that feel? “God will keep in perfect peace whose mind is fixed on Jesus.”

The apostle Paul gratefully received monetary gifts. He said that he was glad that the givers would be blessed (Php 4:17). But Paul never asked for money for himself or for his ministry. Spiritual parents should support their children in the Lord, he said (2 Cor 12:14-15) – not the other way around.

When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, He didn’t pray at the beginning and the end – the way they taught me at Bible School. He prayed in the middle (Mt 6:9-13). When Jesus “said grace” He didn’t bow His head. He looked up to heaven (Mk 6:41). How much of my Christian behaviour stems from tradition rather than from the heart?

Jesus ministered in Israel where the summers are long, hot and dry. When the first rains fall the land comes to life and, having lived in Israel, we know the joy that is awakened. Also, much of Israel is desert and to find a spring in the wilderness is to find life. How apt then when Jer 2:13 calls Jesus the spring of living water. Now read Jn 7:37-39 and see what Jesus promises you who have faith in Him.

We sow. God makes it grow. Jesus’ first parable was of the sower (Mt 13:3-23). Jesus said this was a foundational teaching (Mk 4:13). The seed is spiritual truth. Some seed gets taken by birds. Some burns in the heat. Some gets choked by thorns. But some produces a harvest. What should sowers do? Chase birds? Cry over the heat and the thorns? Just keep sowing.

Two of us were prayed for. We both had back complaints. One received an instant miracle. I did not. But I came away knowing I had to exercise, eat right and lose weight. Was God fair? Oh yes. One got healed of a bad back. I got healed of a bad habit.

There are millions of hungry birds in the world. But hurl food at them and they fly away. Force-feeding kills. Best to lay out the food and back off. Hungry birds will eat. No point being upset with satisfied birds. The Bible simply says: “Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks (note that word) you to give a reason for the hope you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Pet 3:15)

When Jesus came into my life I cried for 2 weeks. I’d sing hymns over and over in my head. Now, many years and bumps later, I still love the Lord. But I’m amazed that selfishness can rise in me. Day by day there doesn’t seem to be change. But look back one year, five or twenty, and we see how far Jesus has brought us. We are being changed little by little into His image (2 Cor 3:18). Relax. Transformation is His work.

By faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, you are forgiven. I am forgiven. “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1). It’s no longer possible for people to make me feel guilty. I’ve survived being worked over by experts – the most accomplished of whom was me.

Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and is not earned. It is a gift from God (Eph 2:8-9). But a gift is only a gift if it’s received. If people don’t want it, it doesn’t count – for them. That makes sense, doesn’t it? And so we also learn: You can’t give anyone love if they won’t receive it. Nevertheless, God says, we are to love them anyway (Rom 13:8).

It’s easy to be intimidated by “super” Christians. They seem to pray all night. We fall asleep (Mt 26:40). They seem to witness to everyone. We only open our mouths to change feet. Truth is, everyone has struggles. That’s why it’s faith that pleases God. Rejoice in their ministry. And keep your eyes on Jesus.

God is super-generous. He even gave His Son Jesus that we might live (Rom 8:32). Is there a characteristic nearer to the heart of God than generosity? Giving is not just money. It’s love, service, encouragement and more. Giving costs you, but its blessings cannot be measured. Christians won’t agree on all doctrines, but if we love, not with words but with deeds (1 Jn 3:18) we prove our love for God.

Philemon verse 6 says: “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” I love this verse. The apostle Paul doesn’t push Philemon. He prays for him. That’s Christ-like. But he adds: If you exercise your faith, your faith will grow.

The middle verse of the whole Bible, based on a word count in the original languages, is Psalm 118:8 which says, in essence: “Trust in God and not in man.” This is the best possible advice, from the highest Authority, placed right in the heart of the Word. If your confidence is fully in the Lord in Christ Jesus, and not in man, nor in the institutions of man, nor in yourself, then you are in a happy place indeed.

It’s not religious zeal that impresses God. It’s humility and faith and love. “By this will all men know you are My disciples – if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:35). Jesus gave everyone the right to judge us. He said: If we love each other it proves we belong to Him. If we don’t love each other they may assume we don’t. Am I reading that verse correctly?

Paul wrote about Timothy: “I have no one else like him … everyone takes care of their own interests, not those of Jesus” (Php 2:20-21). Paul doesn’t condemn his self-serving fellow ministers, but he applauds Timothy for his pure motives. Astonishing … that such self-interest lurks in the hearts of the redeemed, and that the grace of God is so patient.

We loved Africa. We saw people happy just to be. It’s right to work hard (Col 3:23) but many in the West seem driven. God says: Be content (Heb 13:5). In spiritual terms, remember what happened when Abraham didn’t wait for the child of promise but took matters into his own hands. “Not by might, not by power but by My Spirit says the Lord” (Zec 4:6).

If you want a spiritual exercise, sure to boost your faith in Christ, read carefully and pray over Eph 1:3-14. Note the spiritual blessings that we have received and note how many times the Word says that all this is “in Christ” or “in Him” or words to that effect. We have been blessed, but note that the focus is on Jesus and glory of God’s grace in Him.

Did you hear about the man who was so righteous he blacked out all the naughty bits in the Bible, including all of Song of Songs. If you need to be shocked, read the Bible – all of it. God is holy, but He doesn’t shrink from telling it like it is.

Jonah ran away when God sent him to preach repentance to Nineveh. Why didn’t he want to go? Not fear. He didn’t think they deserved salvation. When God dealt with Jonah, and Jonah obeyed and Nineveh repented, Jonah’s response was to sulk: “I knew this would happen,” he said. But God is merciful to the undeserving (John 4:11) – of whom I, at least, am one.

If you could do better, financially, should you? Excellent question. Answer: Yes. The Bible says: work hard, use God’s gifts, be wise, be generous, share. Cautions (from the Bible): Don’t let contentment become craving. And, ensure that those with less, and with different gifts, don’t feel unloved by God or that they lack faith. Christ died for them too.

Pride is the opposite of humility. Pride is rooted in self-assurance and self-reliance. Humility is rooted in dependence on God. God’s holy work is to transform us into the image of Jesus – who humbled Himself to death on a cross. Have a happy day! God loves you…so much that He’s going to do a little more, gentle transforming.

You only have to pick up your cross (Mt 10:38) which means, more than anything else, I suppose: Acceptance of your fate in Christ. You don’t have to crucify yourself. You can’t. You’d need help with the third nail. Don’t fret. God has thoughtfully provided your brothers and sisters in Christ, to assist you in the little problem of dying to self.

Why did God give The Law? To show His standard is not just high, it’s perfection. To show that nobody measures up. To show our need of a Saviour. To point to that Saviour. And, praise God, that Saviour, Jesus the Christ, has done for us what we could never do for ourselves. Those who trust in Him will not be condemned (Rom 8:1).

You will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free (Jn 8:32). It is for freedom that Christ has set you free…Do not allow yourself to turn to a yoke of bondage (Gal 5:1).

Someone, much wiser than me, said: The best definition of faith is, taking God seriously. That’s good. However, it needs to be said: While there is a seriousness to life, and a seriousness to life in God, all that’s required for salvation is simple, child-like trust in Jesus, and in what He has done for us on the cross of Calvary.

There is no better image for the Christian life than that of a parent and child. God is our Father. We are His children. The supernatural, all-accepting love that overwhelms a parent when their child is born is from God. It is a picture of His love for us. But God’s love is greater. In Matthew 7:11 Jesus says that we have fallen natures. God does not. God’s heart far exceeds ours. You love your child. God loves you more.

As a believer in Jesus, what happens when you die? You go straight to heaven. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8). Scholars of biblical Greek debate the exact translation of this verse, but there is no doubt about these words of Jesus to the thief on the cross: “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Lk 23:43)

Thomas was the disciple who doubted. Jesus showed Himself to Thomas and gave proof of His resurrection. Doubt does not mean total loss of faith. Doubt is an assault on faith. Blessed are those who do not doubt. 1 Tim 3:13 teaches: “Those who have served well gain great assurance in their faith in Christ”. Serve God well and He will reward you with increased faith.

Jesus said that He is the True Vine. We are the branches. As we stay attached to Him we bear fruit. Apart from Him we can do nothing (Jn 15:6). Interesting insight. Fruit isn’t produced through stress and strain. Fruit grows naturally, and ripens, as the nourishing sap flows from the Vine. Be at peace. Jesus is at work in you, and through you.

In the lesson about the True Vine, Jesus talks about pruning in His disciples. This is where a plant is cut back so there can be lots of new season growth. “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (Jn 15:2). Have you been growing in God? Rejoice. You are due for a little more pruning of your self-life. God means it for good.

A huge change took place when Jesus was crucified. To unbelievers it seems like a minor event, but in the Spirit things changed. A new covenant was instituted by God – sealed through Jesus’ blood. His resurrection proved that those who believe in Him will live forever. The New Covenant STARTS at the END of the Gospels. Read your Bible with that in mind. There are conditions before the cross of Christ, and a whole new order after.

This may help you when you read the Gospels. Jesus said: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Mt 15:24). Jesus was a Jew, speaking to Jews who were under the Law of Moses. To obey all the Law, which they had to do, is very very hard. Jesus made it harder. To be angry, for example, is as bad as murder (Mt 5:21-22). You won’t make it on your own. Jews need a Saviour. We need a Saviour. At the cross Jesus paid our debt. We are saved by faith in Him.

Don’t Think About Your Breathing! Did that help you? You weren’t aware of breathing. Now you are. The Law is like that. It makes sin obvious. But it doesn’t get rid of sin. As a pastor, I’ve preached holy living. Maybe too much. I wanted people to know: God loves repentant sinners, but hates sin. The solution to sin is to get our eyes off ourselves. Look to Jesus. Get lost in His love. Then He cleans us up, bit by bit. Because we can’t. You’re not that good.

The closer we get to God the more we’re aware of our sinful nature. Isaiah said: “I am a man of unclean lips” (Is 6:5). Peter said: “Depart from me Lord; I am a sinful man” (Lk 5:8). Paul said: “I am the worst of sinners” (1 Tim 1:16). Even so, we are accepted in Christ and greatly loved. God doesn’t want us to have moral vanity. Pride is an abomination to God. A display of moral superiority ticks God off. Imagine what it does to the rest of us.

“One plants. Another waters. But it’s God who makes it grow.” (1 Cor 3:6). There are a series of touches before someone finally accepts Christ. You may be blessed to be the first person to share the Good News with that someone. You may be there when they come to faith. Maybe, somewhere in between, you may say something, or you may pray. It’s all important. But, finally, it’s in God’s hands. He gives the increase.

God is Lord of all. He directs everything. But, the Bible shows, we also have freewill. We aren’t puppets-on-a-string. The apostle Paul taught the sovereignty of God. He gave glory to God. But, when he wrote to Philemon, and asked for a favour, he said: “You owe me your very self” (vs 19). Paul wasn’t so super-spiritual that he didn’t see that he had played a significant part in Philemon’s salvation. There’s reward in working for the cause of Christ.

Here’s a great prayer to start each day: “Lord, please keep your arm around my shoulder, and your hand over my mouth.” We all want and need the nearness of His presence throughout the day. And, it was King David who also first prayed: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Ps 141:3)

Jesus loves me, this I know, cos the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. We are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.

Georg Mueller was a missionary who ran orphanages about 100 years ago. At one stage he urgently needed money for supplies. A man wrote and said he felt to send money to the ministry, but would Mueller advise whether he needed the funds or not. Mueller wrote back that he was not at liberty to disclose his needs. The money was sent anyway. That’s faith. Not faith and hints. Not faith and glossy brochures. Simple trust in God to provide.

King Saul tried to kill David. David didn’t retaliate. He fled. He said: “I will not touch the Lord’s anointed” (1 Sam 24:6). God calls people to lead churches. They aren’t perfect. They possibly have faulty doctrines. But God has called them. If there is a problem, then it’s God’s problem. Here’s the principle in God: Submit to leadership (Heb 13:17). If offended, attempt reconciliation. Don’t fight. Rather flee than fight.

I’m not a licensed investment advisor, but I’ve no hesitation in recommending the perfect opportunity. It’s not stocks and bonds, or bank interest. It’s not gold or metals or commodities or futures. It has an eternal payoff – guaranteed by God. It’s the advice of Jesus: “Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven” (Mt 6:20). How to participate? Give to the cause of Christ – your money, your time, your service, your encouragement, your all.

It’s odd to see churches called St Pauls or St Peters. Paul was an apostle but he rebuked those who said they followed him. “One says: I follow Paul. Another: I follow Apollos. Another: I follow Peter…Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?” (1 Cor 1:12-13). God doesn’t care about your church label. I am Bible-bound to accept those who trust in Jesus. Test 1: Do they proclaim Him? Test 2: “By their fruit you will know them” (Mt 7:16).

The great Christian revivals were not born out of church programs. They were birthed in prayer. Someone got alone with God and cried out for the power of the Holy Spirit. I am convinced that, when rewards are handed out in heaven, among the highly acclaimed will be “little” people – unknowns, who did their work on their knees. (Mt 6:6)

Mushrooms can be grown overnight. Trees take longer. Mushrooms thrive in dirt and in the dark. Trees need deep roots and branches that reach for the light. Be patient with yourself. God is growing ‘oaks of righteousness’ (Is 61:3).

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single seed, but if it dies it will produce a harvest” (Jn 12:24). Jesus teaches a principle that God has sowed into life. It works with plants, and it works in the spirit. A seed contains God’s miraculous life-force, but nothing happens until it is buried. It’s the same for you and me. Only as we die to ourselves will we have power to produce fruit for God.

Paul wrote that when he went to Corinth he decided to preach only “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). That’s how to spread the gospel. Tell people about Jesus and His sacrifice. It seems like foolishness but it brings the power of God (1 Cor 1:18). Was anyone ever argued into salvation? They don’t need to first be persuaded about creation, the Trinity or other doctrines. They don’t need to become more moral. They need to receive Jesus.

The Bible likens the Holy Spirit to wind (Acts 2:2). The Hebrew word ‘ruach’ is the same for wind and for spirit. The Bible says that no one knows where the wind comes from or where it goes (Ecc 11:5). Also, “no man has power over the wind to contain it” (Ecc 8:8). Trying to control the wind is futile. Trying to control God is futile. Discern what He is doing and move in that flow. In Him there is limitless power, with His peace.

“Whatever is not of faith is sin” (Rom 14:23). First, this verse shows the vital necessity of faith. And, it needs to be said, not faith in faith, nor self-confidence, but trust in God in Christ Jesus. But, second, it shows how much sin there is in everyday life. Sin is much more than transgression of the Law or of the Ten Commandments. God searches out the deepest darkest attitudes of our hearts. Praise God for constant cleansing by the blood of Jesus.

In the original text of the OT the name of God was written with 4 Hebrew letters: Yud Heh Vav Heh. To pious Jews this is holy and unpronounceable. Most English Bibles use LORD where these letters appear. Others have come up with the words Jehovah or Yahweh in spoken English. But the mystery is solved for us who believe – Salvation is only in Jesus Christ. “There is no other name by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. He went in “full of the Holy Spirit” (Lk 4:1) and came out “in the power of the Spirit” (Lk 4:14). God saw fit to leave Moses 40 years in the wilderness. David too. Paul had 3 years in Arabia (Gal 1:17-18). God brought Israel out of Egypt in a day. It took 40 years in the wilderness to get Egypt out of the Israelites. Are you isolated, overlooked, ignored? Seems like God’s work to me.

God told Israel: “In repentance and rest is your salvation” (Is 30:15). The Hebrew word for repentance is shuva. A modern secular Jew who becomes religious is said to be b’shuva – in repentance. The word carries the meaning of ‘returning’. When Jesus preached to Israel, He said: Repent – meaning, return to God. Accept Christ and you are repenting. You turn from going your own way to going God’s way. You are repentant. God accepts you in Christ.

The person who accepts salvation in Christ “rests” from their own work (Heb 4:10). Faith in Jesus is said to be rest. Yet, Paul said he worked hard for the gospel (1 Tim 4:9-10). Also, he preached that people should turn to Christ and “do deeds worthy of repentance” (Acts 26:20). The gospel doesn’t endorse laziness. Faith, being rest, means not trying to earn salvation. Jesus has paid the price. And that removes pride in our performance.

“Above all else, guard your heart. It is the wellspring of life” (Pr 4:23). The Bible says, it is vital that we keep our hearts soft. Do not harden your heart (Heb 3:15). Because we do not trust ourselves, we pray that God will plow the hard ground and allow the gentle rain of the Holy Spirit to penetrate and to soften (Hos 10:12). God will not despise a broken and contrite heart (Ps 51:17).

One reason people question the gospel is the matter of fairness. It doesn’t seem fair that some could lead very wicked lives, receive Jesus at the end, and go to heaven. Others could be solid citizens, maybe a little bad, we think, but miss out. Well, that’s all up to God. Who are we to question Him? (Rom 9:19-21). If it was decided on fairness, we’d all receive eternal punishment (Rom 3:23). It wasn’t fair on Jesus, but He paid for us anyway (Is 53:4-5).

“Love is patient. Love is kind…It is not proud…It keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor 13:4-5). People will let you down. Love them anyway. People will misunderstand you. Love them anyway. People may suspect you because you don’t think alike. Love them anyway. People may avoid you. Love them anyway. People may talk behind your back. Love them anyway. Love them, for Jesus’ sake.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life” (1 Th 4:11). The Bible points to the way to happiness. Why seek prominence? God calls particular people to high-profile ministry (Heb 5:4). They are not to be envied. They are to be pitied. They carry a heavy load. Pray for them. Live, rather, by the advice of Jeremiah to Baruch: “Should you the seek great things for yourself? Seek them not” (Jer 45:5). God is pleased when you are content, in Christ.

People may hate you without cause. However, “when a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He is able to make even his enemies live at peace with him” (Pr 16:7). God doesn’t promise you won’t have enemies. But God can keep them under control (Pr 21:1). He is able to rescue you from evil intent. Your great need is to please Him, not man.

“Do not speak ill of the leader of your people” (Ex 22:28). This is one of the 613 commandments in the Law of Moses. Fortunately, Christians are not under the Law (Rom 6:14). Just as well. There is regular violation of this principle in democratic societies that have been set up on a system of adversarial politics. Note: Paul apologised when he inadvertently broke this law (Acts 23:2-5). Advice for Christians: Pray for leaders. Leave judgment to God.

Betrayed by Judas, one of the twelve disciples and “a close friend” (Ps 41:9); rejected by His own people Israel; hated without cause (Ps 69:4) – Jesus was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Is 53:3). Jesus wept (Jn 11:35). He suffered. Jesus knows and understands your pain and anguish. No one is better able to comfort you and heal you. Go to Him. He is only a prayer away.

Go to God often. Go to listen. God knows our needs before we ask (Mt 6:7-8). The Bible says that our prayers should be short and sweet (Ecc 5:1-2). Learn the lesson of Samuel, who learned to pray: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:9-10). Here is a guide for the prayer meeting: Be still. We’re here to listen to Him. We don’t need a Bible study right now. And God doesn’t need a Bible study. He wrote the Good Book.

Jewish rabbis, even before Jesus, taught that there are three levels of giving. Least good: give in open. Next: give in secret. Best: employ people. (That way, they keep their dignity.) Jesus commented, in true rabbinical manner, on all three. Give in open and there is no reward in heaven (Mt 6:1-2). Actually, Jesus called this hypocrisy. It is best to give in total secrecy (Mt 6:3-4). As to employers: Be generous (Mt 20:1-15). Put people before profits.

“Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin” (Heb 9:22). The rabbinical Judaism that is practiced by Orthodox Jews today is a religion of salvation by good deeds. It was developed after the destruction of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem in 70AD. Without the Temple and altar there is no way to comply with the Law, which required blood sacrifices. Praise God, the blood of Jesus ever atones for the sins of all who believe in Him.

“Work out your salvation in fear and trembling” (Php 2:12). The verse says: Work out, not work for. And, the verse also says, God is not to be taken lightly. Note that we have responsibilities before God. The imperative is to stay in faith in Christ. Guard that treasure. There may be a brief time when you can influence the young, or those with a humble spirit, but, in the end, there is only one person you can control – and that’s you. Ask God for His help.

God cleanses us “by washing with water through the Word” (Eph 5:26). I had no conviction of sin at salvation. I simply raised my hand to receive Jesus. Then the Holy Spirit moved me to read the Bible through again and again. Shock<!>33; I saw my sin and pride. I felt like God plunged me into water, agitated furiously, wrung me out, and did it repeatedly. Spirit-washing. I needed it. We bathe daily. How much more do we need regular inner cleansing in the Word of God<?>63;

As a pastor, God taught me: 99 percent of church problems will go away if you get people saved. Don’t beat the church, He said. You do it. Lead by example (Is 54:2). So we did. And God was right. Note: Babies need constant attention. They need lots of milk. They make a mess. Old people sometimes resent noisy, self-centred babies. It’s exactly so with babes in Christ and the family of God. But, new life will renew your joy in the Lord.

David’s faith saved him. He confessed, and God forgave him, even of murder and adultery. He did not lose his place in the world to come. However, there were severe consequences in this life. “You reap what you sow” (Gal 6:7). This is a principle in God. Sow evil, reap evil. Sow good, reap good. Remember: The harvest comes later. And, you always reap more than you sow. Whatever you do for Jesus will be rewarded.

The lowest point on earth is the Dead Sea – 400 metres below sea level. Here, where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, is where Israel left the wilderness and crossed into the Promised Land. The modern State of Israel was born out of the ashes of the holocaust. There is a spiritual lesson here. It is often at the lowest point in our lives that God opens a new beginning. And that too is the message of resurrection life in Christ (Ez 37).

“The Holy Spirit will lead you into all Truth” (Jn 16:13). Before coming to faith, I tried on two or three occasions to read the Bible. It made no sense. It had no relevance to my life. Ah, but after receiving Jesus it was all I wanted to read. Every word was alive and real. God was speaking. The Bible cannot be properly understood without the revelation of the Holy Spirit. And you don’t receive His guidance without first receiving Christ.

Jesus said: “You cannot serve God and money” (Mt 6:24). Note: He doesn’t say, have no thought for money. There’s plenty in the Bible about being a good steward; being responsible. It’s not money; it’s the love of money that is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10). How do you know if you love money? The Bible answers: He who loves money never has money enough (Ecc 5:10). If you are content, and have enough, you pass the test.

“I looked for the One my heart loves; I looked for Him but did not find Him” (SoS 3:1). Song of Songs, like all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Pet 1:21). It all has purpose and meaning for our spiritual lives (2 Tim 3:16). In Solomon’s Song, we learn that on more than one occasion the maid is frantic when she cannot contact her lover. These passages also teach that God allows us to go through “dry” times in the Spirit. They increase our desire to draw closer to Him.

“Those who buy something should live as if it were not theirs to keep. Those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world, in its present form, is passing away” (1 Cor 7:30-31). God has no problem with you having possessions. Be free from concern. You are accepted in Christ. However, the Bible advises: Hold everything with a light grip. He has first call on you, and on all you own.

What was the original sin of the Sodomites? They were proud and neglected the poor (Ez 16:49). Immorality came later. It’s the same as those who fail to recognise and thank God. He “hands them over” to sin (Rom 1:18-24). However, be careful not to judge non-believers. That’s God’s job (1 Cor 5:12). Judging is dangerous (Mt 7:1-5). Take care not to get “handed over” too (Gal 6:1).

When I was at school, which was admittedly a long time ago, we recited the Lord’s Prayer (Mt 6:9-13) every morning at assembly. Those thousands of recitations made no impression on me at all. They were empty, rote words. Jesus didn’t say: This is what you should pray. He said: This is how you should pray. It’s not a magic chant. It’s a pattern. Start with worship. Commit to His will. Ask for your needs and for forgiveness. Speak from your heart.

“The very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Mt 10:30). Jesus says that God is watching over you. He knows you intimately. He knows you so well that He knows the precise number of hairs on your head – a number somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000 for the average person. He knows you better than you know yourself. And He cares for you.

Here is an exercise sure to increase your faith. Read carefully, pen in hand, Eph 1:3-14. Note the spiritual, not material, blessings that God has bestowed on us through faith in Jesus. Note how many times this Word says that these blessings come to us “in Christ” or “in Him” or words to that effect. Note God’s purpose: It’s that He might be praised (vs 3, 6, 12, 14). We are truly blessed. But the focus is firmly on Jesus.

There are no second class members of God’s family. If you have faith in Jesus Christ; if you believe that He died for you on the cross of Calvary, was buried but rose again, then you should take hold of the fact that you too are chosen (Eph 1:11), forgiven (1 Jn 2:12), adopted (Eph 1:5) and loved (Jude 1:1). That is your spiritual position in Christ. You cannot aspire to any higher status.

“Freely you have received, freely give” (Mt 10:8). We didn’t pay for receiving the good news. Jesus says: Pass it on, without charge. But, we also know that God “has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14). And, we can be “robbed of the Truth” by thinking “that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Tim 6:5). Testing, isn’t it? If you give, pray for wisdom. If you receive, pray harder. It’s risky.

When Israel demanded a king, so that they could “be like all the other nations” (1 Sam 8:20), God said they were rejecting Him (1 Sam 8:7). He warned: a king will take, take, take and take from you (1 Sam 8:11-17). But, God allowed Israel to have what they demanded and, yes, it hurt them. Earthly rulers and governments of men will do that to you. Make Jesus Lord of your heart. He’s not a taker. He’s the Good Giver.

Fill in the blank: ” – and it will be given to you” (Lk 11:9). You knew the answer! Ask! Ask and you shall receive. What an excellent promise! Note the context: receiving the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13); receiving His power. But God waits for us to ask. Are you sick? You must call for the elders (Jas 5:14-15). Ask! When the blind sought mercy, Jesus waited for them to ask specifically, then He healed them (Mt 20:30-34). Humble yourself. Ask.

“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Cor 1:31). Boasting about what we have and do does not come from God (1 Jn 2:16). Even boasting about our work for Jesus may leave other Christians feeling inadequate. It may undermine rather than build up faith. Paul reported “what God had done through them” (Acts 15:4). If we must report ministry activity we should be careful to give all the glory to God.

Society is dominated by competition. Sports contests provide entertainment. Free enterprise principles say that competing businesses produce the best outcome for consumers. Democracies are believed to improve life through opposing political ideas. The Bible knows nothing of competition. “In humility consider others better than yourself” (Php 2:3). Jesus taught submission and self-sacrifice. No wonder there is tension when we come to the Bible.

The devil is real. We are aware of his schemes (2 Cor 2:11), but we should keep our eyes on Jesus. It is dangerous to attack the devil (Jude 9-10). Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus. The devil “prowls around seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8) – but we shelter in Jesus. The devil tries to tempt us with “the big moral sin” but, more often, he will try to unbalance us with extreme doctrines. The best defence: Fix your eyes on Jesus.

From creation to the miracles of Jesus to the acts of the apostles – including raising the dead (Acts 9:40, 20:10) – the Bible is full of the supernatural power of God. He works wonders today too. God may work through doctors, but the first response should be to pray. Have you prayed and not seen healing? Don’t fret. God has heard and has noted your faith. Leave the timing and pathway and outcome to Him. He is God.

Love your enemies. It drives them crazy. Well, a better reason to love them is, you’ll be obedient to Jesus. “Love and pray for those that abuse you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:44-45). Fight with them and God stands back. You’re on your own. Love them, and pray for them, and God takes up your cause. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him…In doing so you will heap burning coals on his head” (Pr 25:21-22).

As Christians, we have the hope of a far better life to come. Because of our faith in Jesus we look forward to a blissful eternity where there will be no grief or tears (Rev 7:17) and endless joy in His presence. When someone in the street says ‘I hope so’, it implies wishful thinking – something not certain. But that’s not how the Bible sees hope. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul – firm and secure” (Heb 6:19). Our hope for the future, in Christ, is sure.

The thief on the cross placed his trust in Jesus, and Jesus assured him he would be saved – in eternity (Lk 23:43). Soon after, the Roman soldiers came and broke the thief’s legs. The Christian life has many troubles. We are simply told to “consider it pure joy” because “the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (Jas 1:2-3). Whatever happens, God promises to work it out for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28).