Good News 05-23-25 | Daily Devotions

A New Attitude Toward People

May 23, 2025

By Francis Chan

How can embracing servanthood transform your life? In this teaching on Ephesians 6:5–9, Francis Chan reveals how choosing humility and following Christ’s example of service can bring freedom, purpose, and deeper relationships.

Run time for this audio message is 39 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBTmsCakrOE

Aligning Our Lives to God’s Moral Will

May 22, 2025

By Peter Amsterdam

Audio length: 10:52

Download Audio (9.9MB)

God has revealed His moral will to us through Scripture, which teaches us how we ought to believe and live. He makes it clear that some things are morally wrong, and thus are sin. Through God’s grace and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we endeavor to avoid sin and to take on specific traits, characteristics, and attitudes that reflect and imitate the nature and characteristics of God.¹

We are called to “be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1–2). We are likewise called to emulate God’s forgiveness: “Forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13).

Jesus commanded us to “be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). He taught us to extend kindness, even to enemies, and to “do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35).

Through these and numerous other examples throughout the Bible, we are instructed on how to live in a way that aligns with God’s moral will. We are called to keep His teachings, to make them our own, and to use them as a compass throughout the course of our lives. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

Becoming God’s children through faith in Jesus has made us new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), those who are to “be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29), who have “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10). Part of the process of being renewed in His likeness is conforming our lives to His moral will. We align our external behavior and actions as well as our motives and attitudes with His Word.

From His Word we learn which attitudes and actions are right or wrong, what is sin and what is not, what pleases God and what doesn’t, and what reflects His character and what doesn’t. We know this as a result of reading, studying, meditating on, accepting, and applying God’s Word. Accepting what God says means that when we read of God censuring some actions, desires, and attitudes, we accept that they fall outside the circle of His moral will, and thus are wrong and sin. For example, when we read in Ephesians that we aren’t to steal or let corrupting talk come out of our mouths, or in Colossians that we’re to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and obscene talk, evil desire, lust, and covetousness, then we are to understand that these things fall outside of God’s moral will and thus are sinful and displeasing to God (Ephesians 4:28–29; Colossians 3:8, 5).

Of course, every command of God’s moral will is an expression of the greatest command of all: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourself (Mark 12:30–31). We are called to act in love toward others: “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

These teachings of Jesus summarize all the teachings about sin, and when we make our love for God and others our guiding principle—when our actions, thoughts, and attitudes are based on the premise of a heart that fully loves God with all of our being, and has the same love for others as we have for ourselves—then we will avoid sinning.

As fallen human beings, we are sometimes inclined to justify our actions as being loving when in fact they are not. Or we may think some action is loving, and therefore not sinful, without fully exploring all of the potential ramifications of our actions, which can end up being unloving toward others. Clearly, it’s important that we have a good understanding of what is and isn’t included within God’s moral will, which comes through reading, studying, and meditating on what the Bible teaches.

It is easy to develop an attitude that sin doesn’t matter so much, since we have salvation and our sins are already forgiven, but such an attitude shows a lack of understanding of what the Bible teaches about sin and its effects. Scripture tells us that sin is an offense to God, including the sin of a Christian. Being forgiven is a wonderful gift of God; but as believers, we are in relationship with Him—a relationship which suffers damage when we sin. While our sins are forgiven, there can still be consequences in our lives or in the lives of others due to our sin.

As pursuers of Christlikeness, we must face the fact of sin in our lives and respond to it appropriately. God has given us a conscience, the inborn ability to discern the difference between right and wrong, which helps us judge whether or not an act we have planned or have already carried out is moral. As Christians, we fine-tune our conscience as we align it with God’s moral will, when we agree with what God has revealed in Scripture about what is right and wrong, what is godly, what actions reflect His nature and being. We are called to follow our Scripture-informed conscience, to avoid sin, in order to remain in close relationship with our Father.

Because we are human, we will sin; but because we are Christians, we are to put effort into not damaging our relationship with God by doing our best not to sin. We’re told to “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22–24).

Of course, no matter how much we try not to sin, we do. And when we do, if we have the right understanding of sin, we feel guilt and sorrow. We damage our relationship with God, and repairing that relationship starts with acknowledging and confessing our sins to Him. First John teaches that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Besides confessing, another element is repentance—change of attitude, turning away and going the opposite direction. Repentance calls for change in our behavior, a commitment to stop committing the sins we have been committing.

This isn’t easy, especially when we have made a habit of some sins or have accepted some sinful behavior as part of our personality, such as impatience, lack of self-control, being judgmental, anger, selfishness, pride, anxiety, sins of the tongue, addictions, etc. It can be a struggle to accept that because Scripture calls these things sins, we are expected to change and stop doing them, by God’s grace. His Word tells us that by God’s grace, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

If we want to become more like Jesus, we have to face our sins. We can’t simply look at them as personality traits or excuse them as “this is the way I am, I can’t change”; nor can we justify sinning by thinking, “this is just a small sin, so it doesn’t matter much.” Part of Christlikeness is accepting what Scripture says is sin, recognizing our sins, confessing our sins, and crying out to the Lord for His help to overcome them. Then we have to make a conscious effort and commitment to overcome them.

Our goal is not perfection. We aren’t trying to robotically obey every jot and tittle of Scripture, with the goal of being sin-free—that’s impossible. Our goal is to respond to God’s declared moral will in a manner that is a genuine expression of the reality of our saved soul, from a heart full of gratitude.

We obey Him because we love Him. We love Him because of who He is—our Creator and Savior. We desire to imitate Him because He is pure love, pure goodness, and pure holiness. We want to emulate Him both inwardly and outwardly. God is the standard of godliness, and since He has revealed what He is like and what He approves and disapproves of, as we seek to be like Him, we will take these things to heart.

He has revealed His moral will through the Bible, and His will, as presented through Scripture, is an expression of His character. If we desire to be more like Jesus, we will aim to live in a way which expresses God’s character. This means making a conscious effort to align our thoughts, desires, attitudes, and actions with godliness and with the guidance provided through Scripture.

God is perfect good, perfect love, holiness, and righteousness. He is an example to us of moral and ethical perfection. While we can’t attain perfection, we are called to internalize God’s standards and live by them, to do our best to reflect Him and to grow in Christlikeness. “And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Originally published October 2016. Adapted and republished May 2025. Read by Reuben Ruchevsky.

¹ This article is based on key points from the book Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen (Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2004).

Fire from Heaven (1 Kings 18)

May 21, 2025

Treasures

This account takes place around 900 BC, when the nation of Israel had turned away from worshipping God to worship the pagan god Baal. At this time in history, Israel was under the reign of Ahab, its worst king to date, who was greatly influenced by his foreign wife, Jezebel. Under their rule, the prophets of the true God were systematically killed (1 Kings 16:30–33). God sent His prophet, Elijah, to warn Israel of the evil of their ways and he had prophesied that a drought would come upon the whole land as a consequence for Ahab’s evil (1 Kings 17:1).

Three years had passed since Elijah stood in Ahab’s court and announced the coming of the great drought, which had come to pass as he foretold. Part of this time he had spent by the brook Cherith and part with the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–24). Many times during these lonely days he must have wondered what God was planning to do next for His people. Had they learned their lesson yet? Were they ready to turn from their idols? Someday the Lord would end the drought, but how and when?

The famine was at its most severe in the land when the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth” (1 Kings 18:1). He set out at once for Samaria, approximately 150 miles to the south of Zarephath.

On the way, Elijah ran into Obadiah, the governor of Ahab’s house, who was searching for pasture for the horses and mules that were still alive. Obadiah was one of the few leaders who remained loyal to God. He had shown his loyalty by hiding a hundred of God’s prophets in two caves for two years when Jezebel was trying to kill them, and supplied them with food and water (1 Kings 18:4).

Recognizing Elijah, he dropped to his knees and cried, “Is it really you, my lord Elijah?” “It is,” replied Elijah. “Go tell your master, King Ahab, ‘Elijah is here’” (1 Kings 18:7–8).

“I can’t,” said Obadiah, as he feared for his life. “As surely as the Lord your God lives, there is not a nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to look for you. And whenever a nation or kingdom claimed you were not there, he made them swear they could not find you.” There had been many false reports as to where Elijah had been seen, which had further angered the king.

“I don’t know where the Spirit of the Lord may carry you when I leave you,” said Obadiah. “If I go and tell Ahab that you are here, and he finds that you have vanished again, he will kill me!” (1 Kings 18:9–14).

Elijah replied, “As the Lord Almighty whom I serve lives, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.” Obadiah believed him and rode off to find the king (1 Kings 18:15–16). On hearing the news, Ahab went at once to the place where his servant had said he would find Elijah. “Is that you, the troubler of Israel?” he demanded angrily as he approached Elijah.

“I haven’t caused any trouble for Israel,” replied Elijah without flinching; “but you and your father’s family have by abandoning the Lord’s commands and worshipping Baal.” Ahab viewed Elijah, the prophet who pronounced God’s judgment, as the cause of the nation’s trouble, but Elijah rightly pointed out that Ahab, who had turned to other gods, was the true troubler of Israel.

Elijah went on to challenge Ahab: “Now summon the people from all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, and bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table” (1 Kings 18:18–19).

God had shown Elijah a plan. It was time for a showdown, as there is no such thing as the peaceful coexistence of good and evil. The people were going to have to decide once and for all whether they were going to serve the God of heaven or the false gods of the Canaanites, whose idols had been set up all over the land.

So the king sent out messengers, calling the people and all the false prophets to assemble at Mount Carmel. Thousands of men, women, and children came to the place of meeting. None were quite sure why they had been summoned, only that the king had sent out the call. It was rumored that Elijah would be there, but similar tales had been told about the prophet for the past three years, and he had never appeared. Hadn’t the king himself been searching for him all this time?

The people made their way toward the top of Mount Carmel until all the slopes were covered. Suddenly someone cried out, “Look, Elijah is here!” Instantly the word swept through the waiting throng, and the people strained to see the man who had dared to defy the king.

“Hush!” cried someone. “Elijah is speaking!” Silence fell upon the milling crowd. Then from the top of the mountain came that deep, powerful voice once heard in Ahab’s court. “How long will you waver between two opinions?” cried the prophet. “If the Lord is God, then follow Him; but if Baal is God, then follow him!” Nobody responded, as the people did not say a word (1 Kings 18:21).

Elijah went on to say, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, while Baal has 450 prophets! So get two bulls—one for each of us. Let Baal’s prophets cut one into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is the true God” (1 Kings 18:22–24).

“Well said; that’s fair enough,” cried the people, eager to witness such a test of the powers of rival gods, as they watched and listened with riveted interest. Turning to the prophets of Baal, Elijah said, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.”

Eager to prove that Baal was the greatest god on earth, his prophets seized their bull, prepared it, and set it on the altar they had built. Then they began to implore their god to send fire to burn the sacrifice. “O Baal, hear us!” they shouted. But there was no response. So they started dancing around the altar they had made, crying, “Baal, answer us!” but still no fire came (1 Kings 18:25–26).

All morning long they continued their wild dancing and shouting. At noon Elijah started to taunt and mock them, saying, “Shout louder! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or maybe he’s traveling. Or could it be that he is sleeping and must be awakened?” So they shouted even louder and began to cut themselves with knives, as was their custom, until their blood was gushing out. But all to no avail. Midday passed, the afternoon came. The sun began to sink toward the sea. Still “there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention” (1 Kings 18:27–29).

Then Elijah spoke again to the people, who were tired and weary as this spectacle had gone on all day. “Come near to me,” he shouted, and the crowd surged forward. Then they watched as he repaired the altar of the Lord, which used to stand upon this mountaintop but had been torn down. Taking twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel, he rebuilt the altar, and dug a large trench around it. He arranged the wood, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood (1 Kings 18:30–31).

Then, to everybody’s surprise, Elijah said, “Fill up four large jars with water, and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” The water was brought and poured out on the altar. Some said, “Does he expect it to burn, with all that water on it?” But if Elijah heard, he took no notice. “Do it again,” he said, and they did. “Do it the third time,” he said. The sacrifice was soaked again until water poured into the trench and filled it (1 Kings 18:32–35). The whole area was so saturated with water that nobody could claim that Elijah set fire to the sacrifice himself. If this offering was consumed in fire, it would have to be the Lord’s doing.

Suddenly a hush fell over the great assembly as Elijah raised his voice in prayer. Everybody listened, even the prophets of Baal, who had ceased their shouting.

“Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel,” he cried, “let it be known this day that You are God in Israel, and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Answer me, O Lord, that this people may know that You are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again” (1 Kings 18:36–37).

Scarcely had he finished praying when there was a flash of flame from the skies as “the fire of the Lord fell on the altar, and consumed the sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.” Terrified, and realizing that this was an act of God, the people fell on their faces, crying, “The Lord—He is God; the Lord—He is God!” (1 Kings 18:38–40). After this great victory over the false prophets and the repentance of the people, rain once again fell on the land, ending the drought (1 Kings 18:41–46).

The prophet Elijah is one of the most colorful prophets in the Bible, and he is referenced numerous times in the New Testament. John the Baptist was called “Elijah” because he came in the “spirit and power of Elijah,” as the New Testament forerunner who points the way to the arrival of the Lord (Matthew 11:14; Luke 1:17). Elijah was also present at Jesus’ transfiguration, along with Moses, when they talked with Jesus (Mark 9:2–7).

The book of James highlights Elijah as an example of prayer, as even though he “was a human being, even as we are,” yet “he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not,” and when he prayed that it would rain, it did (James 5:17–18). “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).

From an article in Treasures, published by the Family International in 1987. Adapted and republished May 2025.

God’s Constant Companionship

May 20, 2025

A compilation

Audio length: 10:52

Download Audio (9.9MB)

He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Sooner or later in our lives, we are left behind by those we love. This can happen in all sorts of ways—death, divorce, desertion, to name just a few. If you have been abandoned by your father, or your mother, or anyone whom you loved, this verse is a great comfort. When others walk out on us, our Father stays put. When others leave us homeless, He takes us in. When others withdraw their affection, He holds us close.

Our Father is steadfast and true, faithful and loving. If you have any kind of grief in your life right now, trust Him. Let Him heal your hurts and restore your life. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He has promised to be with you until the end of time. When others may prove to be unfaithful, He is forever faithful. Let that great and unshakable truth console your heart and bring hope to your life.—God’s Word for Every Need¹

One of our deepest needs is to feel secure. We want to be valued—to know that our lives matter. … God wants all of us to be secure in his love for us. Our only foundation for self-esteem and feeling good about ourselves is understanding how much we matter to God.

Here are three truths about how much each of us matters to God.

No matter how small you are, Jesus notices you. I’ve heard from many through the years who feel invisible. … But God knows who you are, and he’s paying attention to how you’re serving him. From the moment you took your first breath, he had his eye on you. … You’ve never served someone in his name where he hasn’t cheered you on.

God knows every detail of your life, from beginning to end. He has heard every criticism that’s been leveled against you in the past or that will be expressed in the future.

Jesus told us, “God never overlooks a single [sparrow]. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head!” (Luke 12:6–7).

The greatest way anyone can show us love is by paying attention to us. God shows incredible attention to every detail of our lives.

No matter who ignores you, Jesus knows you. Sometimes it feels like no one is listening to us. … Sometimes it feels like you’re just talking to the wind. But Jesus hears you. To him, you’re unforgettable.

The Bible says, “Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15–16).

A mother won’t ignore her nursing child. Neither will God forget about you, no matter how forgotten you feel some days. The God of the universe has your name written on his palms. Reflect on that the next time you feel like no one is listening.

No matter what you’ve done, Jesus wants you. You are ashamed of some things in your life. All of us are. … Jesus is interested in changing you, not condemning you. The Bible reminds us of this in John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” …
May you always remember how much you matter to God—and how he wants to use you for his glory in this world.—Rick Warren²

Psalm 23 portrays the close relationship David enjoys with his God. It begins with the metaphor of a shepherd leading his lamb, highlighting the Lord’s personal care, guidance, and protection. In the closing verses, the imagery intensifies with even greater intimacy as David is welcomed into the Lord’s house as a permanent guest, continual resident, and friend: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:5–6). …

David rejoices that he has been given a perpetual place setting at the Lord’s table. … [He] sees himself as an honored guest of the Lord, who invites him to dinner, favorably anoints him, and pours out such lavish abundance that David’s cup is filled to overflowing. …

As believers, we can trust that the Lord’s overflowing blessings will remain with us no matter what circumstances we face (Psalm 27:13; 31:19; 69:16). … God is the perfect Shepherd and Host. As our Shepherd, the Lord provides personal care, guidance, companionship, protection, and security. And as our eternal Host, God welcomes us to feast at His rich table of abundant and overflowing blessings. We will abide in His house forever. His presence, protection, and unfailing love will surround us for all eternity. And we can say with David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!”—GotQuestions.org³

God loves you and is concerned about every little thing. There’s nothing too small for God. He takes a personal interest in you and wants to help you moment by moment and step by step.

You are His and He loves you. He’ll never leave you, He’ll never let you down. God never rejects us or withdraws His love. He always has hope for us, no matter how far we’ve strayed. So if you feel far from God, maybe it’s because you haven’t opened your heart to receive His love and forgiveness. You need not continue to feel condemned for your mistakes and sins; only be sorry, ask for God’s forgiveness, and be forgiven (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9).

If you will start going God’s way—if you’ll just turn toward Him and start trying to find your way Home—the Father will come running toward you and receive you with open arms of love (Luke 15:18–24).

You’ll never walk alone if you have Jesus in your heart and your hand in His.If you have Jesus, you always have company and love. No matter where you are, you are in His hands, and He’ll take care of you. Jesus is the one possession you’ll never have to give up, never have to leave behind, never lose. You can give Him away as much as you like but you’ll always have Him. He’ll always be near (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

(Prayer:) You’ve cast my lines in pleasant places, Lord, and given me exceedingly abundantly above all that I could ask or think (Psalm 16:6; Ephesians 3:20). Even the little things You do are evidence of Your great love and faithfulness. You are so good to me. In spite of all my shortcomings, sins, mistakes, failures, and weaknesses, You have mercy and take care of me, protect, and supply for me. As You are my constant companion, “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6).—David Brandt Berg

Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown,
Walk on, walk on,
With hope in your heart,
And you’ll never walk alone.
—Oscar Hammerstein II

Published on Anchor May 2025. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Fogarty.

¹ Mark Stibbe, God’s Word for Every Need (Destiny Image Publishers, 2016).

² Rick Warren, “You Matter to God,” Pastors.com, https://blog.pastors.com/articles/you-matter-to-god/

³ “How could David say, ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life’ (Psalm 23:6)?” GotQuestions.org, January 4, 2022, https://www.gotquestions.org/surely-goodness-and-mercy.html

Reminding God

May 19, 2025

By Maria Fontaine

Audio length: 12:33

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In one of my posts, entitled “Faith: Thanking God in Advance,” I told you how the story of Jehoshaphat has always meant a lot to me. If I didn’t remember anything else from it, I always remembered this part of the prayer that I often quote when I’m praying: “I know not what to do, but my eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

I just love that verse, because it’s a wonderful example of the attitude we should have when praying in difficult situations. When we don’t know what to do or what is the best choice or when we are facing overwhelming odds, we can place it all at the feet of Jesus and keep our eyes on Him, trusting that He will care for us and guide us.

Not long ago, I was thinking about the rest of this prayer that Jehoshaphat prayed as they desperately sought the Lord. I decided to take a closer look at the elements it was composed of. There are quite a few important spiritual principles about how to survive when faced with calamity, and even how to thrive against all odds. It’s amazing how much God packed into such a brief story. Many millions of His children down through millennia, since this event took place, have been encouraged by this account when they have faced all kinds of troubles. No matter how serious their predicament, they could find strength and faith through Jehoshaphat’s story.

The Bible includes many stories that illustrate spiritual principles for us to learn from. While it’s unlikely that the specific circumstances and exact actions in the stories will fit what we might face today, the spiritual principles are what we’re meant to understand and apply. Jesus said that He would send another, even the Holy Spirit, to lead us into all truth (John 16:13). That’s one of the wonderful things that the Holy Spirit does.

Here is an example of a spiritual principle in the story of Jehoshaphat. In their situation, they gathered many of the people of Judah together to fast and pray. They were giving God their full attention and waiting for Him to show them what to do. What matters is that our minds, hearts, and spirits are focused on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Whatever actions will help us put our hearts and spirits in that position will accomplish the same purpose. At times, fasting and prayer might be what Jesus will show us to do, while at other times He might lead us to other approaches, including times when He may even tell us to sit still. It’s the position of our heart that matters. As God told Samuel, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Throughout the Bible we see that prayer is very important, but how we pray, when we pray, where we pray, or who we pray with will vary. That is also the case with having others pray for us. The important thing is that we follow what the Lord shows us to do in each situation.

Here is a brief recap of the events that Jehoshaphat was facing and what happened:

King Jehoshaphat of Judah was facing a coordinated attack from the armies of three neighboring countries. Their armies far outnumbered the army of Jehoshaphat, and it looked like Judah was facing destruction. Jehoshaphat gathered the people to fast and pray. He declared their absolute dependence on the Lord in a beautiful prayer, and as a result, the Lord caused the three armies of their enemies to begin fighting and destroying each other, and Judah was saved.

So, what can we take away from the miraculous events in the story of Jehoshaphat that can be relevant to us today? Quite a lot. First, when we encounter difficulties, we need to honestly face reality, as Jehoshaphat did when he said: “We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do.” But it takes more than just acknowledging the problems and insurmountable troubles that we face. Ascertaining the dilemma should also be coupled with declaring where we place our hope for answers: “Our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

When we feel stress, tension, worry, anger, despair, or other negative emotions welling up inside us, we can look to the example that Jehoshaphat set. The story says that he “set his face to seek the Lord.” Instead of continuing to worry, shake, or tremble, almost to the point of collapse, we need to stop and do what we know our dear Jesus wants us to do. It’s a deliberate choice that we have to make; we can continue to yield to fear, or we can set our face to seek Him. If we make the decision to look to the Lord, we are not going to be concentrating on our problems and fears. It doesn’t mean that we aren’t being hit by fear, but as we have our minds stayed on Him, the fears can’t overcome us. Through the years I’ve heard many heroes, when others were praising their fearlessness, respond by saying that they were plenty afraid, too, but something inside them overwhelmed the fear and drove them forward.

Now look at the rest of the beautiful prayer that Jehoshaphat prayed. He recounts many of the times that God had been there for him and his people’s ancestors. It’s often good for us to recount the details of how great a Savior we have and to recall examples of how He has kept His children through so much. And don’t forget to add your own list of all that God has done for you personally as well.

Jehoshaphat said: “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you” (2 Chronicles 20:6).

We can do what Jehoshaphat did. We can begin by declaring to the Lord how great He is, and how mighty, and how there’s none like Him, and that He alone can deliver us. God is pleased when we call to mind who He is and how there’s no one like Him, because it confirms our faith in Him in our own hearts and in the hearts of others who may hear us! These declarations reinforce our faith. The Lord always wants us to praise and thank Him for His might and power, even if there isn’t time in some cases to enumerate the specifics.

Then Jehoshaphat continues: “Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?” (2 Chronicles 20:7).

Jehoshaphat is reminding the Lord that He has delivered them from their enemies in many ways in the past. He’s recalling the times that God was with His people. God never breaks His promises. What really strikes me here is that this was a prayer of reminder, not only to the people who Jehoshaphat was standing in front of, but to God as well. He was reminding God with phrases such as “Lord, You said” and “Lord, You promised.”

I’ve found that reminding God of all He has done and said in the past is an important factor in my prayers. Now, in reminding God of all the things He has done, we of course know that this isn’t because God has forgotten. God definitely has not forgotten, and He knows what we need. But it pleases God when we articulate these things, because He’s happy when His people remember what He has done. He knows that when we hear these declarations, our faith increases, and we are giving Him the honor and the glory for His wonderful works.

I was thinking about how some people don’t like to use the term “reminding God.” Perhaps they feel that it might imply that God had somehow forgotten and had to be reminded. But I was praying about it, and the Lord showed me that all throughout my life, I have been reminding the Lord of His promises to me and to His people. This was not because He couldn’t remember those promises, but because in doing this, I was remembering them, and it was strengthening me! Praise the Lord!

Listen to these amazing promises our wonderful God has made to His children:

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23).

“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you’” (Isaiah 41:13).

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18).

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35–39).

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

“Surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16–18).

Originally published May 2022. Adapted and republished May 2025. Read by Lenore Welsh.

To Be Faithful Unto Death

David Brandt Berg

1983-01-28

I think one of the best verses I could give you for the coming year, and for that matter the rest of your life and ministry, is: “He that is faithful unto the end, I will give a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

The Lord is talking about your faithfulness in service, if you’re faithful from now unto death, from now till the day you die—and we will all die, except those who are raptured, and you’ll be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52)—and really those of us whose bodies die here, we actually never die. The Lord Himself promised, “He that believeth on Me shall never die” (John 11:26). So you never really die!

You can only live one day at a time; you can only be faithful one day at a time. So don’t worry about when you weren’t faithful yesterday or whether you’re going to be faithful tomorrow, but do your best to be faithful today. Forget the past, and tomorrow will take care of itself, or the Lord will take care of it. Just be faithful today. You can only be faithful one day at a time. Don’t worry about your whole life and, “I wonder if I’m going to be faithful to the day I die; I wonder if I’ll be faithful to the day of my death and be sure I get a crown of life?”

Just be faithful every day, one day at a time, and you’ll be faithful unto death, and you’ll inherit an eternal crown of life! I believe that’s going to be some kind of an actual halo or shining crown, that you’re going to shine like the stars for being faithful. So that’s my prayer for you, that you will be faithful every day, just one day at a time—don’t worry about the rest of them—until the day you die.

If you think about trying to be faithful the rest of your life, that scares you. That worries you. That’s just too big; you’ll never make it. But what about today? Weren’t you pretty faithful today?

Give the Lord a little credit! Give yourself a little appreciation and thank the Lord for what a miracle it is. Look how long He’s kept you already! You worried about all those days and all the events to come, and you had many worries, nearly all of which never even happened. You’re still faithful.

Look at all that time you wasted wondering about whether you were going to be faithful or whether you were going to make it and whether you were going to arrive or whether you were going to still be serving the Lord. You were faithful—not yet unto death, but this far—and you’re going to die daily anyhow. So if you could make it this far, you sure ought to be able to make it the rest of the way.

So quit worrying about the future! Quit worrying about whether you’re going to make it tomorrow or not. “Fret not thyself for the morrow; sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34). Don’t try to live the whole year in advance and the next year after that, and, “I wonder if I would make it through the Tribulation, and I wonder if I’m going to be ready when the Lord comes, and I wonder if I’m going to get any kind of a reward at all or a crown?” Quit worrying about it! Just keep busy today. Do what you’re supposed to do today. Be faithful today. The Lord kept you faithful today and you ought to thank Him for it and give Him all the glory.

Too many people think about “faithful” as being some kind of a works thing that you worked up and that you did. Faith comes from the Lord, comes by hearing the Word, reading the Word, and if you’re faithful, you’re full of faith (Romans 10:17). Do you still have faith today? You’re full of faith! How many of you still believe on the Lord today? You’re full of faith! How many of you believe you’re saved? You’re full of faith! Do you believe you’re serving the Lord? You’re full of faith.

You’ve been faithful today; you’ve been full of faith today. So why worry about tomorrow, whether you’re going to be full of faith tomorrow? You may have your times of trial and testing, you may get discouraged sometimes, you may get tired, you may make a mistake, but so what? You’re still much more full of faith than you are anything else.

The best thing I could possibly ask of the Lord is that we will all just be faithful. The most important thing for a servant is to be found faithful, as Paul says (1 Corinthians 4:2). So quit trying so hard. Quit worrying about it. Quit trying to work it up or even pray it down.

There’s a saying, “Don’t work it up; pray it down!” But I can’t even depend on praying it down. I just have to depend on the Lord keeping me faithful and trust Him that my faith won’t fail, because my faith comes from Him.

Just remember, only the Lord can keep you faithful. You have to give Him your cooperation. You have to listen. You have to read His Word. You have to obey. But that’s the easy part. It’s His job to keep you faithful, full of faith. All you have to do if you don’t have enough faith is hear the Word, read the Word—that’s the source of faith—and He’ll give you all the faith you need. Just keep trusting the Lord and don’t worry about it.

You don’t have to have faith for tomorrow. You don’t have to have faith for next week or next month, certainly not for next year or the Tribulation. You don’t have to have it now. Power for the hour! You’ll get it when the time comes. The only faith you need is for today.

Rest in the Lord, trust in Him and do good! Praise the Lord? And verily thou shalt be fed, and thy days shall be long in the land (Psalm 37:3). So don’t worry about it. Just be faithful. You don’t even have to have faith for a whole day. Just have faith for this moment, right now, one moment at a time.

You don’t have to worry about waking up in the morning thinking, “Have I got faith for today?” Not even that! Just get up and go to the toilet and wash and brush your teeth and just have faith for each little thing you do all day long. That’s all you have to have faith for. I mean, if a grain of mustard-seed faith can move a whole mountain, it shouldn’t even take a microscopic microbe of faith to keep doing what little things you’ve got to do all day long!

You don’t have to have faith for the whole day. You don’t even have to have faith for the next hour. You don’t even have to have faith for this hour! Not even for this minute, because a minute is a period of time. If I tell you that you only have to believe for this minute, some people would be worrying about what they were going to do for the next 59 minutes! You just have to have faith for this one second.

Do you think you’ve got faith for this moment, this instant, this second? You’re still alive, you still love the Lord, you’re still saved. You’re still serving Him right this moment, this split second. That’s all you have to have faith for.

Quit worrying about the future. Quit worrying about tomorrow. Quit worrying about even the next hour! God will give you grace when the hour comes. Not just power for the hour; He gives you power for the second or the split second, the instant. That’s all you need. The only faith you need is what you have right now. That’s all you need, just the faith for now.

“Be thou faithful unto death,” He says, “and I will give you a crown of life.” You’re going to get a special crown, a lively crown, a lit-up crown, a shining crown, a glowing crown. I believe in halos! You’re going to have a crown that you can be proud of!

Of course, you’re going to fall down before the Lord and cast your crown before Him like the 24 elders do (Revelation 4:10). Every time you start praising the Lord you’re going to forget all about that crown, and it’s going to tumble off right at His feet.—When you bow down and give Him the glory, casting your crown at His feet. But you’d better pick it up again and wear it, because that’s the one He gave you. You wouldn’t throw away a thing like that, would you?

A bride doesn’t throw away her ring if she still loves her husband, and that’s sort of the ring He’s going to give you. That’s what’s going to show what you have done for the Lord. And the Lord wants the world to see it; He wants all creation to see the badge of your faithfulness, a crown of life! You don’t even have to wait till the new earth and new heaven; you are going to get it at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb when the rewards are given out. That’s when you’re going to get your crown.

The Crown of Life

A compilation

2019-02-19

There are five crowns mentioned in Scripture. They are the Everlasting Crown,¹ the Crown for the One who Wins Souls,² the Crown of Righteousness,³ the Crown of Glory,⁴ and the Crown of Life.⁵

Part of the difficulty with these crowns is that most cultures today do not use crowns, and those that do reserve the crowns for royalty. But the Greek word used for “crown” is stephanos, which can also refer to a “reward” or “laurel wreath.” In the original Greek Olympics, the winner of the sporting contests was awarded the stephanos, a laurel crown.

So each of the crowns mentioned above represents a reward for some particular special act of service or perseverance within the Kingdom of God. By all appearances, the crowns will be some sort of actual reward handed out to believers when Jesus returns again in the future. This will be at the Bema—the Judgment Seat of Christ.—Jeremy Myers⁶

Salvation and rewards

We who are resurrected and raised and raptured to be with the Lord at the end of the Tribulation in the first resurrection will get our rewards after the Rapture. “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Every one of us shall give account of himself to God. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”⁷

But remember, rewards have nothing to do with your salvation. The rewards are something you work for and you earn by your faithfulness and your diligence and your hard work and your witness. Some Christians confuse the Bible verses on rewards and crowns and apply them to salvation. But you can’t work for your salvation; it is a free gift of God.⁸

We don’t earn salvation. We can’t work for salvation—it’s a gift. But we can earn special praise and commendation from the Lord, His “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”⁹ He says that some He’ll make rulers over one city, some over a few cities, and some over many cities. “For he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”¹⁰ Although your works in this life aren’t going to help to get you into heaven, they’ll have a great deal to do with your reward and the way you shine.

Speaking of the resurrection of the saved at the end of the Tribulation, His Word says, “Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”¹¹

Everybody who believes in and receives Jesus receives salvation, eternal life, and is going to heaven. But the starry crown, like the old song they used to sing, “Will there be any stars in my crown?”—that’s something you work for. Jesus said, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”¹² At the end of the apostle Paul’s ministry, shortly before he went to be with the Lord, he said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”¹³

The crown and future rewards are not your salvation. You already have eternal life through His Son, which is the gift of God, and you cannot lose it, for He will keep you.¹⁴ This crown is your reward, given only to winners, only to those who run and win the race—to fighters for the faith who are faithful to the Lord.

The people who serve Him, like those in that hall of fame in the 11th chapter of Hebrews, all those great men and women of faith, God as good as says that He’s proud of them. He’s not ashamed to be called their God, because they’re pilgrims and strangers here and they seek a heavenly city, whose builder and maker is God. They’re not satisfied with this world; they want something better. “They desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.”¹⁵—David Brandt Berg

At the Judgment Seat of Christ

Romans 14:10–12 says, “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat … So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”¹⁶ Second Corinthians 5:10 tells us, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” In context, it is clear that both passages refer to Christians, not unbelievers. The judgment seat of Christ, therefore, involves believers giving an account of their lives to Christ.

The judgment seat of Christ does not determine salvation; that was determined by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf ¹⁷ and our faith in Him.¹⁸ All of our sins are forgiven, and we will never be condemned for them.¹⁹ We should not look at the judgment seat of Christ as God judging our sins, but rather as God rewarding us for our lives. Yes, as the Bible says, we will have to give an account of ourselves. Part of this is surely answering for the sins we committed. However, that is not going to be the primary focus of the judgment seat of Christ.

At the judgment seat of Christ, believers are rewarded based on how faithfully they served Christ. Some of the things we might be judged on are how well we obeyed the Great Commission,²⁰ how victorious we were over sin,²¹ and how well we controlled our tongues.²² The Bible speaks of believers receiving crowns for different things based on how faithfully they served Christ.²³ …

James 1:12 is a good summary of how we should think about the judgment seat of Christ: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”—From gotquestions.org ²⁴

Published on Anchor February 2019. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso.
Music by Michael Dooley.

¹ 1 Corinthians 9:25.

² Philippians 4:1 and 1 Thessalonians 2:19.

³ 2 Timothy 4:8.

⁴ 1 Peter 5:4.

⁵ James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10.

⁶ https://redeeminggod.com/what-is-the-crown-of-life.

⁷ Romans 14:10,12; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

⁸ See Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12.

⁹ Matthew 25:21.

¹⁰ Luke 19:17; 16:10.

¹¹ Daniel 12:2–3.

¹² Revelation 2:10.

¹³ 2 Timothy 4:7–8.

¹⁴ See John 6:37; 10:28–29; 17:3.

¹⁵ Hebrews 11:16.

¹⁶ NIV.

¹⁷ 1 John 2:2.

¹⁸ John 3:16.

¹⁹ Romans 8:1.

²⁰ Matthew 28:19–20.

²¹ Romans 6:1–4.

²² James 3:1–9.

²³ 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 2:5.

²⁴ https://www.gotquestions.org/judgment-seat-Christ.html.

Dealing with Anxiety

May 16, 2025

By Charles Stanley

Everywhere we turn, people are worried about something. But anxiety and frustration are not part of God’s plan for our lives. Dr. Stanley uses Scripture to explain how anxiety may be natural but, left in our hands, can grow into a much bigger problem. Anxiety should be a passing thing—placed in the hands of the Father who knows all things.

Run time for this video is 23 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxuLLZq5Bzs

Better Days Ahead—Part 2

May 15, 2025

Finding Comfort in Times of Loneliness

By Peter Amsterdam

Audio length: 17:10
Download Audio (15.7MB)

When we find ourselves in one of the difficult seasons of life, this can often be accompanied by loneliness or a sense of being alone in our struggles. And it’s possible that we are surrounded by other people who also feel lonely but we’re not aware of that. So, it behooves us to check in on our family, friends, and co-workers to see how they’re doing and offer encouragement, support, and prayer as needed.

We would do well to look at each person who crosses our path with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (See Colossians 3:12.) Our calling as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) is to always strive to reflect the Lord’s love and mercy, and to make a difference in someone’s life, even if you are only in contact with that person in passing. Simple acts of kindness can help alleviate someone’s loneliness and help them feel that someone cares. “The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion” (Psalm 116:5).

Here is an explanation that Maria shared of our commission to reach those who are lost and lonely:

As followers of Jesus, we are called to go out into the sea of humankind, seeking those who are lost, sinking, and drowning, to offer them life, hope, and truth. We have God’s wonderful comfort, the power of His Word, and our knowledge of the future that He has promised for all His children. We are called to share what we have received with those who have lost hope of any comfort, or who lack the knowledge of God who loves them and the heaven that can await them.

They desperately need God’s love and truth. Let’s do everything possible to share with them the joy, peace of mind, and eternal life that we have in Jesus. He tells us to weep with those who weep and let our hearts be broken for those who do not yet know Him.

Do you remember what it was like before you found the Lord? Perhaps you were in despair and your life seemed meaningless? The Lord heard your heart cry, and He reached out to you and took you in His arms in your time of need. And to do this, He probably used some person, someone with the wonderful love of the Lord in his or her heart. He beseeches us to do the same—to share His love and truth with those who are lost and lonely.

We might be surprised at what an impact even small interactions can have in not only alleviating someone else’s loneliness, but also giving us a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Making contact with another person, even someone we don’t know, can enrich our lives and can help both the ones we minister to as well as ourselves to feel connected and less isolated. Dale Carnegie said: “You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.”

Remember, if we are enduring a season of loneliness in our lives, we are never alone! “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10). The Lord never forgets us.

As His children we have the reassurance that God never loses sight of us. Even before we were born, His eyes were on us. “My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret… Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed” (Psalm 139:15–16). … Psalm 34:15 tells us, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” The hymn-writer exclaimed, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

Because we are never out of His sight, we are never out of His mind. We are familiar with the incredible prayer of Psalm 139, teaching us that our creator is with us regardless of our location or state of mind. He sees us in every place. He knows us perfectly and intimately. Therefore, it says, “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand” (Psalm 139:17–18). If you have visited the vast expanse of an ocean shore lately, walking on the seemingly endless sand, you get a sense of the unfathomable care and attention of our heavenly Father described in this psalm. …

Our Father does not forget us. We are always “in sight and on His mind.”—Daniel Henderson1

A young woman wrote:

In times of loneliness, Jesus wants to draw us to Him. He wants to become our best and truest friend, the one we can always turn to and who will never let us down. He uses times of loneliness to solidify and strengthen our friendship with Him, because He knows that this friendship will carry us through all that life brings our way.

If you are struggling with loneliness, you don’t need to despair. Remind yourself that Jesus loves you more deeply than anyone ever could and understands you better than anyone else. You may discover that this time of loneliness is a gift in disguise. His gifts in disguise come to us with infinite love, and through them we can gain treasures that will far outlast our trials.2

When I was reading and praying about this subject of loneliness, I realized a truth that I had not fully grasped previously. As children of the God of the universe, who are destined to be with Jesus and the Father forever in heaven, we will never be completely free from loneliness in this life. We are not destined to be fully satisfied here on earth. No matter how full our lives might be, no matter if we are surrounded by family and friends, there will always be a void. Clarissa Moll writes:

Even though we know that Jesus attends us in our isolation, this knowledge may still not offer enough balm, and maybe for good reason. As C. S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

In her book Blessed Are the Unsatisfied, Amy Simpson echoes Lewis. “Maybe God doesn’t want to take away our longings yet,” she writes. “When we grow deeper in faith and closer to Jesus, we’re likely to find ourselves less—not more—satisfied with life here and now.”

Indeed, Jesus will come to our lonely places. He promises to meet us in our deserts, our quarantined spaces, to renew our souls, bring us joy, comfort our hearts, and give us peace. If in the midst of this companionship, our loneliness still gnaws at us, we can assure ourselves that it’s less a symptom of our solitude and more a mark of normal spiritual restlessness. This lingering loneliness reflects a deep longing for communion, one that will only ever be [fully] satisfied when we see Jesus face-to-face.3

Another author also explains this concept well. I believe this is something that is worth meditating on to see how it applies to each of our lives. This might provide some insight that will bring comfort during difficult seasons of your life. Steve DeWitt wrote:

As Genesis 1:27 makes clear, from the inception of our being and design, we were made by God and for God. This provides us with a spiritual and relational capacity to relate to God that only God can fill and satisfy. As Augustine famously said, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.”

We look at loneliness as an enemy to be avoided at all costs. But this side of redemption’s consummation, our lives will never be free from loneliness. God uses it to get our attention. So, when a wave of loneliness hits, I try to consciously think, Why do I feel this way? I feel this way because I was made for God. Following the counsel of Elisabeth Elliot, I turn my loneliness into solitude and my solitude into prayer. In this way, loneliness ceases to be a devil to us. Actually, it becomes a guide and a friend. …

I may not have a wife, but I have Christ. You may not have a husband, but you have Christ. You may be separated from family, but you have Christ. You may be a widow, but you have Christ. You may be rejected by your spouse, but you have Christ. And since you and I are made for him, to have him is to have his Spirit as a guarantee that someday I won’t ever feel lonely again. … In our moments of inward desolation, the Lord is there, and with him there is a path through the valley of loneliness.4

I have a friend who is a very gregarious “people person.” Her husband passed away some time ago and she has been living alone for the last year. She explained that it has not been easy; she has felt quite isolated and, as she put it, “has had way too much alone time.” But she has honed a new habit that she calls her “talk to Papa and Jesus” time during her daily walks with her dog, which take her a couple of hours every day.

What has made this habit so special for her, she explained, is that she devotes this time each day to walking and talking out loud to Jesus and God. This is when she pours out her heart in prayer—for herself and others. This is when she talks to the Lord and the Father as if they were right there with her. She explained that sometimes she even laughs with them, and their presence is so real that she feels as if Papa and Jesus are holding her hands! (She said that anyone who sees her talking out loud and laughing with only her dog around might call her “that crazy old lady,” but in reality, she is a warrior in the Spirit!)

“The beauty of this situation,” she said, “is that when I reflect back on this difficult, often lonely year, I can’t help but recognize my increased intimacy with the Lord and Papa, and my greater awareness of Their presence in my life. I feel more convinced than ever of their concern with every detail of my life and the lives of those I love. This intimacy is the greatest gift I have received.”

She sent me a snippet of an article that reads:

Never forget that you have a friend in Jesus (John 15:15), and that the Spirit dwells within you to give you strength to handle this season of loneliness… Dane Ortlund writes in Gentle and Lowly, “Christ’s heart for us means that he will be our never-failing friend no matter what friends we do or do not enjoy on earth. He offers us friendship that gets underneath the pain of our loneliness. While that pain does not go away, its sting is made fully bearable by the far deeper friendship of Jesus.”—Joe Carter5

I will close with a message from the Lord that I trust will encourage your heart:

One implication of My uninterrupted Presence with you is that you are never alone. I am training you to be increasingly aware of Me, but I understand that you are human and your attention span is limited. Sometimes, when you are suffering, you may feel as if you’re alone or abandoned. However, I suffered alone on the cross so that you would never have to be alone in your struggles. You are always with Me; I hold you by your right hand.6

I am nearer than you dare believe, closer than the air you breathe. Usually, you are not conscious of being enveloped in air because it is invisible and constantly available to you. Similarly, My unseen Presence is a constant in your life, but you often fail to recognize Me. This leaves you vulnerable to loneliness. …

I deeply desire for you to experience My nearness—and the peaceful contentment it brings—more consistently. There is a close connection between feeling lonely and being unaware of My Presence. This is an age-old problem: When the patriarch Jacob was in a barren place—far from his family—he was quite conscious of his isolation. However, I poured out My Presence upon him in the form of a glorious dream. When Jacob awoke, he responded, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it…”

Not only am I constantly with you, but I’m also within you: in the inner recesses of your heart and mind. My knowledge of you is picture-perfect, and it is framed in unconditional Love.

Let feelings of loneliness remind you of your need to seek My Face. Come to Me with your ever-so-human emptiness, and My divine Presence will fill you with Life to the full!7

Let us not forget that Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). We can rest in that promise every day, regardless of our circumstances. Praise the Lord!

Originally published October 2021. Adapted and republished May 2025. Read by John Laurence.

1 Daniel Henderson, “Never Forget: You Are Not Forgotten,” Strategic Renewal, https://www.strategicrenewal.com/never-forget-you-are-not-forgotten/.

2 “The Gift of Loneliness,” Just1Thing.com.

3 “Bloom Where You’re Quarantined,” Christianity Today, April 1, 2020, https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/april-web-only/coronavirus-covid-19-bloom-where-youre-quarantined.html

4 “Lonely Me: A Pastoral Perspective,” August 4, 2011, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/lonely-me-a-pastoral-perspective

5 “What Christians Should Know About Loneliness,” The Gospel Coalition, November 21, 2020, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-faqs-what-christians-should-know-about-loneliness

6 Sarah Young, Jesus Always (Thomas Nelson, 2017).

7 Sarah Young, Jesus Lives (Thomas Nelson, 2009).

How Can I Make a Difference?

May 14, 2025

By Mara Hodler

There is a thought that has been on my mind for some time. For the past while, each time I access social media, which is also regretfully my news source, I have seen things that have greatly troubled me.

There are a great many troubling, and in some cases, very ugly things highlighted in the news. You may be viewing these situations in the news today, and like me, you may find yourself oscillating between despair for the people who are suffering and anger toward the perpetrators of suffering, wars, and oppression.

As people comment on these, there are always comments along the lines of “This is so sad!” or “I hate that this is happening!” While I agree with both of those statements, I can’t help but feel that such comments are a bit useless. How does saying that we dislike catastrophic-size problems help the people who are having their lives turned upside down because of them? It does nothing for them.

So what can I do? Do I pack up a large first-aid kit and head off to a war zone? Do I open my home to five homeless families? Do I put up a video on YouTube exposing the nastiness of bullying? How can I actually make a difference in problems of such proportions that are afflicting our world and causing people harm?

I think this is a question that people have struggled with over time, especially in recent times when, thanks to modern communications technologies, we are so aware of what is happening around the world. What can we do about the evil and suffering that is happening in the world? How can we make a difference in situations of such huge proportions?

Some people take the approach of choosing not to be informed. They don’t follow the news; they block out all the problems. Others follow the news closely and grow anxious and depressed and lose hope as the problems seem too large and impossible to solve or even make a dent in changing.

Others figure that it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and you just have to look out for numero uno—yourself. They think it’s okay to trample on someone else, because if you don’t trample on someone else, then someone else will trample on you. You also see the people who just conclude, in despair, that there is nothing you can do to make a difference, so why bother trying? But that sort of defeatist attitude is a depressing one that won’t result in any kind of change or improvement.

Another approach is to donate to charities, and to consider that in so doing we have done our part. While that can be good and important, does that absolve us of any further responsibility for the state of the world or the needs of the people around us?

In pondering this question of late, I realized that I don’t want to live in fear, ignorance, and depression regarding the fate of the world and where it’s headed. Nor do I want to simply ignore the plight of people in need.

In my search for a Christian perspective regarding the problems of the world, I looked to the life of Jesus. In ancient Palestine there were many social problems, not unlike what we face in our world today: poverty, sickness, suffering, war, oppression, and indifference.

The Bible tells us that “when He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus looked on the crowds with compassion. He also looked with compassion on the individuals that clamored for His help and healed them: “And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean’” (Mark 1:40–41).

Throughout the Gospels, we see that Jesus helped those around Him. He healed, encouraged, blessed, and made whole person after person. He pointed the way to truth, eternal salvation, and true lasting values. And many of those whom He blessed, healed, and made whole went out and spread the joy, the good news, and the blessing with others.

We read of the Samaritan woman whom He spoke to at the well, who ran back to her town and proclaimed, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” And because of this one woman’s testimony, many of them went to see Jesus, and the result of this was that “many Samaritans from that town believed in him” (John 4:28–30, 39).

Who knows what the full ripple effect was of that one encounter with that one woman. Jesus’ ripple effect continues today, and each of us has a part to play in making that happen. You may not be personally called to go to a war-torn country to provide aid or humanitarian assistance or create a charity to feed the poor. But we are all called to do our part to be a light in our corner of the world.

We can each be a bright spot in a dark world. We can show kindness and compassion. We can share a life-giving message of salvation in Jesus that will change a person’s eternal destiny. Take advantage of every day as an opportunity to share God’s love and the awesome good news of the gospel. Talk to the cashier, smile at the kid in the park, thank the teacher, policeman, mailman or server. Be gracious with the poor guy on the street corner. “Give to everyone who begs from you” (Luke 6:30).

And go a step further by being generous. Give of your time, resources, and heart to others. See each encounter with another person as an opportunity to shine God’s light to brighten their day, to bring hope, to be a living example of His love.

Neither you nor I may be able to make a difference to the whole world, but we can make a difference in the little bit of world that surrounds us. We can do our part to shine God’s light and hope on the lives of the people we interact with each day, whether at our workplace or in our day-to-day activities or in our neighborhood or local community. We can give people the opportunity to know God and receive His gift of salvation through faith in Jesus.

While there are problems of massive proportions in the world that I cannot personally do much about other than praying for God’s intervention, there is usually someone or something right in front of me that I can help in some way. There I can make a difference, and by the grace of God show them the love of Someone who cares for them like no other person can. I can reflect God’s unconditional love, care, and compassion to those around me.

When I have the opportunity to help in a big way, I will help in a big way. When I can help in a small way, I will help in a small way. And regardless of how I help, I will remember Jesus’ words: “Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

May we each do our part to reflect God’s love to those around us, to share the good news, and to show His compassion, love, and kindness to everyone we can.

Adapted from a Just1Thing podcast, a Christian character-building resource for young people.

Waiting Well

May 13, 2025

A compilation

Audio length: 11:19

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Are you faced with options, choices, and decisions, but you don’t have any idea which direction to take? You know you want to move in the direction God is leading, but the problem is you don’t know which direction that is. You’re floundering, not knowing where to go, what to do, or how to do it. You can’t see far enough ahead to know what the outcome of each choice will be. Very few things can be decided on their own, and many factors have to be considered in making each single decision.

I was reminded recently of the verse, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart” (Psalm 27:14). It led me to meditate on the wisdom of waiting for God to dispel the fog, rather than making decisions when we can’t see clearly ahead. Given time, things fall into place, and we are able to see the way more clearly.

I’m sure you can think of times in your life when you had to make a certain decision, but you couldn’t seem to get any clear direction. But when you waited in prayer and with faith, trusting God to come through for you, He eventually made the way clear—and you were glad you had waited and trusted.

Waiting is an important element of the faith life. It’s not easy, but it’s part of the process that God uses to instruct us, teach us patience, build our character, and draw us closer to Him. The next time you’re in a holding pattern or in waiting mode, be encouraged. The fog will lift—it always does!—Maria Fontaine

Holding patterns in life are frustrating, just like holding patterns on a flight. You just circle and circle and circle and circle. And your soul loses the hope to even hope for something different. Yet, over and over again in the Bible we are told to “wait on the Lord.” … Psalm 130:5–6 says: “I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord. More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.” …

This is how we are to wait well.
With anticipation.
With hope.
With longing.
With expectation.
With desire.
With faith and obedience.

These things, and more, dissipate doubt and despair. As we read in Psalm 27:13–14, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”

In Lamentations, we find the benefit to waiting well. “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. It is good to wait quietly” (Lamentations 3:25–26). God is good to those who wait well, but what does it mean to wait well? … Overall, to wait on the Lord means to not go outside of God to fix the issue you are waiting for. … To wait on the Lord is to wait on His hand, His intervention—His guidance, His provision, His power, and His solutions. … Rather than taking matters into your own hands, leave them in God’s. As the saying goes, “Let go. And let God.”

James 5:7–8 talks about this a bit, although from a different context: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.” Just as a farmer must wait for the rains and the soil to produce the growth of the seed, we must also wait for the Lord to produce within us and through us the purpose He intends. …

Part of the Christian experience, at various segments of our lives, is one of waiting. Waiting on timing. Waiting on divine hook-ups. Waiting on preparation. Waiting on other people. Waiting on ourselves. Waiting on development.

Waiting on God means not going outside of God to resolve the issue. It also means obeying God, as you wait. Based on His revealed will from His Word, obey what you know. Because you will never see what God plans to do in secret unless He sees you obeying what He has already revealed. God never tells you everything He is going to do, but He has told you something. Whatever it is, obey that. However small, however insignificant it may seem—obey that. …

Learning to wait well involves learning how to put into practice the everyday-ness of living as a child of God. It means putting into practice those things we already know.—Tony Evans1

We all struggle with questions like, “How long, Lord, will you ask me to wait? Why me? Why this? Why now?” As we press God for an answer, we try to remind ourselves that we belong to the God “who acts for those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4). But we feel that this waiting is forced upon us, and we wrestle with it. Wouldn’t a good God lift this oppressive burden? Why doesn’t he? When will he?

We pray, we groan, we cry to the only one who can act for us, but no matter where we turn, just like Job, we cannot see him anywhere around us (Job 23:3, 8–9). He seems silent, and we try to fight down the fear that he might not fulfill this desire. We fret that he won’t come through for us. … How do we live well in that waiting space between asking and receiving?

That’s where patience comes in—patience both with our own personal faith and with the God who calls us into this patience-producing faith.

Patience is not quite the same as waiting. While waiting is something we do, patience is something we offer. We wait because we must—we have little choice in the matter. But patience is our gift to our Father while we wait. In the silence, in the waiting, patience chooses to declare, “Lord, I love you. I know I don’t love you as I ought, but I want to love you more than your answer to my prayers. I will try to offer you my patient heart as long as you ask me to wait on this.”

What is patience? Patience looks like perseverance. James encourages us to quietly persevere like a farmer waiting for his crops to grow (James 5:7–11). Paul tells us to “be patient in tribulation” (Romans 12:12), calling us to bear up without complaint or anger in the midst of painful circumstances. And he reminds us that patience is one outworking of the Spirit’s ever-increasing life within us and proof that we belong to Christ Jesus (Galatians 5:22–24).

Patience proves our love for God and our trust that his plan is worth waiting for. Patience offers to our heavenly Father a calm heart. We repent of our agitation and annoyance at his seeming silence. We look calmly into the darkness around us, and we choose to believe what he tells us about himself, resting in the knowledge that truly he does see, he does know, he does care, despite how it appears in our present situation.—Jani Ortlund2

Keep your eyes on Me! I am with you, taking care of you in the best possible way. When you are suffering, My care may seem imperfect and inadequate. You seek relief, and I make you wait. Just remember: There are many different ways to wait, and some are much better than others. Beneficial waiting involves looking to Me continually—trusting and loving Me.

Thank Me for this time of neediness, when you must depend on Me more than usual. Do not waste this opportunity by wishing it away. Trust that I know what I’m doing—that I can bring good out of everything you encounter, everything you endure. Don’t let your past or present suffering contaminate your view of the future. I am the Lord of your future, and I have good things in store for you. I alone know the things I am planning for you—to give you a future and a hope.—Jesus3

Published on Anchor May 2025. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso. Music by John Listen.

1 Tony Evans, Detours—Bible Study Book: The Unpredictable Path to Your Destiny (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2017).

2 Jani Ortlund, “Let Your Waiting Say, ‘I Trust You,’” Desiring God, June 18, 2019, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/let-your-waiting-say-i-trust-you

3 Sarah Young, Jesus Today (Thomas Nelson, 2012).

My Love for You Will Never Run Out

May 12, 2025

Words from Jesus

Audio length: 11:04

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But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.—Lamentations 3:21–23

Since the beginning of time, the sun has been rising and setting without fail every day. Can you imagine how many different sunrises and sunsets I’ve painted since the beginning of time? And yet, there have never ever been two exactly alike—and there never will be.

Just as I will never run out of sunsets, My love for you will never run out. My goodness will continue to flow like a never-ending stream (Amos 5:24). My Word is spirit and life (John 6:63), and it is eternal (Isaiah 40:8)—like rivers that never run dry! In fact, nothing about Me will ever come to an end.

As you grow ever closer to Me, you will be filled with the endless ocean of My love. And as you give of My love to others, you will receive My blessings in return in good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over (Luke 6:38).

Wonderfully made

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.—Psalm 139:14

Wonderfully and fearfully made—that’s the way I see you. You may feel like “I’m such a mess!” and maybe you are at times, but you are always wonderfully and awesomely made.

I know everything about you—when you sit down or stand up, when you travel and when you are at home—and I love you. I know your thoughts and what you are going to say before you say it, and I surround you with My presence and I place My hand of blessing on your head (Psalm 139:1–5).

Even when you feel like a mess and you can only see your flaws and failures, I see you as My good creation, because I can see the end from the beginning. One day, you will be made perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:4). With every day that passes, you are being shaped and transformed into My likeness until that perfect day (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Onward and upward

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.—Philippians 3:14

Each stage of your life represents a step forward, a step upward. Every step of your walk with Me has a goal and purpose, even if you aren’t always able to discern it. As you take time to reflect on your life, you will see how I have blessed you and strengthened you each step of the way.

Life ultimately is a journey of many steps, the culmination of many decisions to just keep on walking even when the going is tough and the terrain is difficult—to just keep taking the next step. Sometimes the journey is smooth, and you feel like you are sailing along. But at other times you have to put forth extra effort to keep moving forward, progressing and climbing as you continue to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward, heavenward calling I have given you (Philippians 3:14).

I know it hasn’t been easy at times, which is why it is called the “good fight of faith,” as you continue to take hold on eternal life while loosening your grasp on the things of the world (1 Timothy 6:12). So keep taking the steps of faith each day as I lead you, and remember that I am always with you every step of the journey and each moment of every day.

Aging with grace

For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day.—2 Corinthians 4:16

I understand your concerns about how you will fare as you get older, but I want you to trust that I will be with you just as I have been through every stage of your life. Of course, there are things you can do to help keep your body as strong and healthy as possible, such as exercising and eating healthy food. But the most important of all is to trust Me that I have a purpose and a time for every season of your life, and I have made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8). So even as your body is aging and weakening, trust that you are being spiritually renewed every day.

When you’ve done your part to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then simply trust Me for the rest and place your health and aging in My hands. Remember My promise to you: “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4).

So don’t worry about the future—I am with you always, no matter what stage of life you are in. Trust that I am always with you, and I still have a calling and a purpose for your life. No matter what your situation, keep encouraging others and radiating My love and joy to everyone you come in contact with, and be faithful to keep pointing people to Me and My kingdom.

Always with you

Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.—Matthew 28:20

Life can be challenging and filled with storms, and it’s not always easy to understand why things happen the way they do. When everything seems to be going wrong, it’s natural to question whether I am with you, but it’s during those very times that I am closer than ever to you. My love for you is unchanging, unconditional, and ever-present, and I will be with you through the tough times.

Even when you question why troubles have befallen you, I love you and understand. Remember, there is no condemnation in Me, for I have set you free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1–2). Even when you question My love or doubt My Word, I still love you and I never give up on you.

No matter what you experience and the struggles you face, I will always love you unconditionally. That love will be a light in dark places, a compass when you feel lost, an anchor to hold you fast in the storm, and My presence will comfort you when you feel alone.

Never out of My sight

The Lord watches over you… He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.—Psalm 121:5–8

Always remember that you were formed with great care and attention. Each characteristic, talent, and gift, and each fiber of your being were uniquely created to accomplish My good purposes in your life.

When I breathed into you the breath of life, it was a moment of My great love for you—just you. I knew the joy that you would bring to Me through your love and commitment to Me and those whose lives you would touch while on your journey of life. I knew the decisions you would make to love and serve Me and others.

My eye has been on you from the very beginning. I have watched you, loved you, cared for you every step of the way. You have never been out of My sight, and I keep continual watch over you.

My love for you is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 103:17). It is greater than the ocean that stretches further than the horizon. It is a love that the entire universe with all its stars and galaxies cannot contain—love that extends far beyond your understanding into eternity!

Published on Anchor May 2025. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Dooley.

What Is Faith?

Maria Fontaine

2023-04-04

Someone who loves Jesus, yet has faced many difficulties and hardships, told me that she couldn’t help but wonder whether, if she just had greater faith, perhaps she wouldn’t have so many troubles. I explained that having more afflictions doesn’t mean that you are lacking faith. Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” We all face struggles; they are an unavoidable part of this life. The verse goes on to say, “but the Lord delivers them out of them all.” It is the Lord who delivers us as we place our trust in Him and His love for us.

Faith in God isn’t something that we create within ourselves through our own effort. It is the fruit of opening our hearts to His love and placing our trust in Him. That’s why memorizing His promises can help strengthen our faith and help us find peace in the midst of difficulties. Jesus’ “commandments” are the conditions He has given us in order to claim His promises. As we take them to heart, we are reminded to look to Him, wait on Him, and follow Him and His Word with trust, gratitude, and faith.

“Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding your kinsman.”—Proverbs 7:2–4

The spiritual principles that Jesus teaches us are simple and attainable for all when we are trusting in Him, knowing that whatever God allows, He does in love. Faith is built on trusting Him and loving Him. I’m using the word “simple” to mean something that is uncomplicated, clear, and understandable. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy to implement.

God makes what He is teaching us simple. It’s humankind that too often turns it into something tangled, complicated, and nearly impossible to attain. Whether it’s salvation, faith, perseverance, loving God, obedience, what God expects of us, or many other spiritual principles, there always seem to be simple answers which God has provided for what could be seen as very deep and complex topics. Some examples are:

Salvation: Rather than the impossibly complex and unachievable act of being good enough to deserve God’s forgiveness, Jesus gave us the simple requirement of receiving Him as our Lord and Savior. (See John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8–9.)

Pleasing God: Rather than following every detail laid out by the Mosaic Law and the prophets, and trying to never make a mistake, Jesus gave us two simple rules: to love God with our whole heart and to love others as ourselves. (See Matthew 22:37–40.)

And about faith: What is faith? Is it something we have to work up enough of to meet the need? Or is it an attempt to impress God, so that we can overcome any problem? The book of Hebrews explains what faith is and why it is essential to our relationship with God.

“Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. … And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”—Hebrews 11:1, 6

So, is there a simple path to faith? Faith is knowing that no matter what difficult situation you find yourself in, He will bring you through to something better in His perfect time.

Reminding ourselves of His truth and His promises can help us to turn to Him, but taking that step of faith is a choice that we have to make. Our faith doesn’t have to be “great” or perfect. Sometimes, we may falter like the apostle Peter did. He began to walk on the water to Jesus in the storm, but then he looked around at the waves and storm and started to sink. Looking at the impossibility of our circumstances can easily distract us, because we are human, but even then, Jesus understands the love and trust in our hearts and never fails us. He holds on to us, as He did with Peter. (See Matthew 14:22–32.)

Faith is the act of trusting in God’s love for us. Faith is placing ourselves in His hands, trusting Him no matter what situation we are faced with. It doesn’t mean that it’s always something easy to do. We never know what a day may bring. But if we are trusting Him, then we might be surprised by what that trust can turn into when the need arises.

When we are struggling to have faith, sometimes it’s because we think that we can’t hear Jesus’ voice, but perhaps the solution is as simple as moving closer to Him, by pausing in our frantic rush, and getting quiet in His presence. I like this little anecdote, which illustrates this point.

A man had lost his job. He was at the point of desperation and didn’t know which way to turn, so he went to see an elderly preacher who had once helped him.

Pacing about the preacher’s study, the young man ranted about his problems. Finally, he clenched his fist and shouted, “I’ve begged God to say something to help me, preacher, why doesn’t God answer?”

The preacher, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply, something so hushed that it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. “What did you say?” he asked.

The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher’s chair.

“Sorry,” he said. “I still didn’t hear you.”

With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more.

“God sometimes whispers,” he said, “so that we will move closer to hear Him.”

This time the young man heard and he understood.

We all want God’s voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problem. But God’s voice is often the still, small voice, the gentle whisper.

Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God’s whisper means that I must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His. And then, as I listen, I will find my answer.

Better still, I find myself closer to God.—Author unknown1

And here are some inspiring quotes that give good insights on faith and trust:

“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.”―Max Lucado

“When the solution is simple, God is answering.”—Albert Einstein

“Each of us stands as an individual before God. And, before God, each of us must have the faith to trust God’s will in our lives.”—Bernard Schnippert

“My faith didn’t remove the pain, but it got me through the pain. Trusting God didn’t diminish or vanquish the anguish, but it enabled me to endure it.”—Robert Rogers

“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.”—Martin Luther

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”—Corrie ten Boom

“True faith is willing to accept a ‘no’ answer as well as a ‘yes’ answer.”—Joseph Tkach

“None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go forward, because we trust, because we have faith.”―Paulo Coelho

“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.”―G. K. Chesterton

“When you get to the end of all the light you know and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.”―Edward Teller

“The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.”—Billy Graham

I will close this post with a few verses that we can hold on to, as reminders of the love we have for our Savior.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.—John 3:16

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.—Ephesians 2:8–9

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”—Matthew 22:37–40

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”—Micah 6:8

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”—Psalm 46:10

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”—1 John 5:3

“Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.’”—John 14:23

1 Public domain.

A Personal God

Peter Amsterdam and David Brandt Berg

2015-03-19

God is a personal and active being. His personhood is seen in that He has self-awareness, rational consciousness, self-determination, intelligence, emotions, knowledge, and will, all of which are necessary for personhood. We, as human beings, are personal and possess personhood. We have personhood because we are made in the image of God.

The difference between human beings and all other created things on earth is that we are made in God’s image and they are not; we possess personhood and they don’t. As William Lane Craig said, “Man is a person because God is personal, and that is what enables us to relate to God.” God being personal and possessing personhood doesn’t mean that God is human; rather it means that we as humans share personhood with God.

God personally interacts with humankind, as can be seen throughout the Bible. He enters into relationships with people. He has made agreements or partnerships, called “covenants,” with them. He speaks to them throughout the Bible. These are personal acts.

In the Old Testament, God actively involved Himself with His people, Israel, in their times of need—such as by parting the Red Sea and the Jordan River, giving them food and water, providing them with land, and so on. He sent messengers, the prophets, who delivered His words, and He rewarded or punished people in accordance with whether they obeyed or disobeyed those messages. Throughout the Old Testament it’s plain that God was personally and actively involved with His people.

The book of Genesis shows God interacting in a personal way with His creatures in many instances, including in the creation of the world, in His actions and conversations with Adam and Eve, through His entering into personal covenants with Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He continued to show Himself as personal through His dealings with Moses and the children of Israel.

God’s Word ascribes emotions to God: love, hatred, anger, repentance, grief, compassion, indignation, abhorrence, patience, longsuffering, joy, and others.

When Moses asked, God spoke His name—Yahweh, I AM. Having a name and giving that name to another is a personal act. He also has titles that depict Him as personal, such as Father, Judge, Shepherd, or Husband.

Nothing showed that God is personal as clearly as His revelation of Himself in Jesus. Jesus was God walking the earth, and He was personal in every way, in every act, so much so that He personally died so that we could receive salvation.

Our God is not some faraway disinterested being. He is a God who is personal, who has a relationship with His creation. He has made Himself known to us through His Word. He has shown us some of what He’s like. He is interested in us as individuals. He has made a way for us to live with Him forever, through salvation. Through belief in Jesus, the Son of God, we become God’s children. This enables us to touch Him personally, to communicate with Him, to hear His voice, to share our hearts with Him. He communes with us, abides in us, and loves us. We commune with Him, abide in Him, and love Him. We have a personal relationship with the Personal God. How incredibly wonderful!—Peter Amsterdam

God so loved the world

Some of the world’s major religions do not believe in or worship a personal God at all. Instead, He is viewed as a sort of “supreme reality,” “ultimate principle,” or “absolute” that is underlying the universe. This rather indefinable concept of the Almighty is usually perceived as a God who generally remains rather distant and aloof from specific human needs, individuals, and circumstances. However, the Bible tells us that the true God is very personally concerned about each one of us, and that “as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who love Him.”¹

Other religions, recognizing the marvelous wonder of the beauty and balance of nature, have concluded that the physical creation itself must be God, that everything we can see is a manifestation or part of God. Such a view is actually very close to what the Bible itself says: “For He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things, and in Him we live and move and have our being.”² Because He is the great power who has created all things, in a sense God is a part of all things and all things are a part of Him, from the vast galaxies of the heavens to the cohesive power of the tiniest atom.

Perceiving the close link between the invisible Creator and the visible things He has made, some religions give reverence and worship to the creation itself—the sun, the moon, the mountains, the wind, the seasons, etc. But the Bible tells us that we can worship and personally know and have a living relationship with God Himself, so therefore we do not need to “worship and serve the creation more than the Creator.”³ He is pleased when we admire, marvel, and wonder at the beauties, glories, and miracles of His handiwork, His gorgeous creation, but He doesn’t want us to glorify or worship the things that are made while neglecting their Maker.

God is so great, so high, so almighty, so beyond our limited human understanding and comprehension, that it is impossible for us to fully understand or grasp Him or His ways. He says, “As the heavens are high above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”⁴ But He so much wanted to help us and to become our close friend that He sent somebody who could show us His love, somebody who could live with us as a man, who could embody and show us what God Himself is like.

God loves us so much, He doesn’t want us to have to suffer separation from Him. When we’re without God’s love, our hearts can never be truly satisfied, and we will remain spiritually empty and lifeless. So to bring us His everlasting life and salvation, He sent His own Son, Jesus, to earth almost 2,000 years ago.

Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Spirit of God and born to a young virgin girl named Mary. He grew up to become, in a sense, a picture of His Father, so we could see what the great invisible Creator is like. And that picture is a picture of love, for Jesus went about everywhere doing good, helping others and teaching about God’s great love for us all.

Finally, Jesus completed His task of proclaiming the good news of salvation to the world, and He gave His life, and was cruelly crucified by His religious enemies. Then, three days after His lifeless body was laid to rest in the grave, Jesus arose from the dead, conquering death and hell forever. The Bible tells us, “God so loved the world (you and me) that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.”⁵—David Brandt Berg

Originally published August 2011 and May 1988 respectively. Adapted and republished March 2015. Read by Jerry Paladino.

¹ Psalm 103:13.

² Colossians 1:17; Romans 11:36; Acts 17:28.

³ Romans 1:25.

⁴ Isaiah 55:9.

⁵ John 3:16.

It’s Not Magic: Understanding the Power and Pattern of Prayer

May 9, 2025

By Layton Talbert

Prayer by itself has no power whatsoever. It wields no inherent supernatural sway; nor does it involve a formula or ritual which, if “done right,” guarantees any desired result. Christian prayer is not magic. As the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery says: “Biblical prayer must be set in contrast with many other schemes for influencing deity common in the ancient Near East. Biblical faith excludes any attempt to use magic or formula to control or placate God.”

Prayer is not a spiritual power, but a means of communicating and conversing with an All-Powerful Person. Prayer is “powerful”—that is, meaningful and effective—only when and because it accesses a relationship with the one true God. The power is not in the prayer per se; it is in the Person with whom the Christian engages in prayer. …

(Read the article here.)

May 8, 2025

Ambassadors for Christ

Treasures

Audio length: 11:58
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In 2 Corinthians 5:20 Paul teaches that “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” In other words, we are representatives of Christ. As citizens of heaven, we represent the kingdom of God. We are on temporary assignment on earth to represent our country and our King. We represent the Prince of Peace, and we have the calling and privilege of imparting His message to the world, as the second half of the verse goes on to say: “We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.”

So many people in our world are lost, lonely, downtrodden, weak, and weary. There are those who are trampled on and oppressed: the poor, the persecuted, the hungry, victims of war, crime, and exploitation. There are those who lack political or social capital and have little in the way of worldly goods or lack basic necessities.

There are others who do have material goods and yet are prisoners of their own desires, and are weary and heavy laden with stress, fears, and phobias. There are those who wear a smile, yet ache inside; those who are engulfed in a sea of emptiness; those who suffer from pain, guilt, bitterness, and condemnation; those who feel remorse over the past or fear the future. There are so many people who live in despair in the world.

Event after event leaves people questioning. “Why all the pain and strife in the world? Why the war and the death of innocents? Why troubles and sorrows?” People desperately need to know the truth and see the light. As Christ’s representatives on earth, we are called to share the gospel message so that people have the opportunity to “know the truth that will set them free” (John 8:32), and to shine His light and love to those around us.

Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. … In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16)

Through His children, God is trying to show the world what He is like. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus said that the second of the two greatest commandments was to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39), and He told His disciples that “by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Jesus’ last message to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension to heaven expressed what is known as the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). The first Christians were obedient to this calling and changed the world and the course of history forever with God’s love and truth.

The way they lived convinced others that their faith was real. Even their Roman persecutors marveled at the love the Christians had for each other and for all people, and how they served and gave selflessly to people in need. And within two hundred years, one out of five people in the Western world were professing Christians.

Today, over two thousand years later, the heart of humankind is still the same. Many people search for love, truth, and answers to the big questions of life but seldom find them. We who have come to know God and His love have what others need desperately. In the Bible, we find the answers to life’s biggest questions, such as: Why am I here? What is the purpose for my life? Is there a God? Why is there suffering in the world? What is the meaning of life? As Christians, we have been commissioned to share these truths with others.

Greater works

Jesus told His first followers, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these will he do” (John 14:12). This prophetic message was fulfilled as those He was speaking to at the time carried the gospel much further than Jesus had been able to during His brief public ministry, and those they reached carried it even further.

But some Christians today look at the miracles Jesus performed and think, “What are You talking about, Lord? We couldn’t possibly do greater things than You did during Your earthly ministry! You raised the dead, healed the sick, fed the multitudes. How could we do greater things than these?”

For a start, we could feed a bigger multitude than Jesus ever fed. Jesus multiplied five loaves of bread and two small fish to feed 5,000 people for one day (John 6:5–13), but many dedicated Christians have fed more people than that over a lifetime. We can help to provide food for those who lack their daily sustenance, and Christ-followers have been active in feeding the needy of the world throughout history.

Jesus raised the dead. As His followers, we can play a central role in raising people to new spiritual life to live forever with God. The people the Lord raised from the dead eventually died again physically, but when we lead people to believe in Jesus and receive His gift of salvation, they enter into the kingdom of God forever.

In today’s world, Christians have the means to continue to do “greater things” for God. The means for sharing the Good News are far greater with the printed word, the internet, television, radio, and the postal system. We have the greatest opportunities and means at our disposal for spreading the gospel in history.

We are a privileged generation, as we are the first to witness the gospel being preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations (Matthew 24:14). The gospel is being preached to people everywhere in the world, but there are still millions, if not billions, of individuals who have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel. Even if they have heard of Christianity and the name of Jesus, they don’t comprehend who Jesus really was—the Son of God—and what He taught and why it matters.

The Bible says that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). As ambassadors and witnesses for Christ, we have an important role to play for people to hear the Word of God, for “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14). We each have the opportunity to share the Good News of salvation in Jesus with those whom our lives touch each day.

The only way people can come to a saving faith in Jesus is by believing in God’s Word. As a witness, you become a living example of the Word of God whenever you impart God’s love and Word to others and the message of salvation. If you have God’s Spirit dwelling in you, you will manifest the love of Jesus as you are being transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:17–18).

There are so many people who have never heard how they can be saved or never had a chance to understand what Jesus did on the cross, because they have never heard the message or seen a living example of the gospel. As American evangelist Dwight L. Moody (1837–1899) once said, “The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather.” Edward D. Kimball led Moody to the Lord in the back of the shoe shop where Moody worked. Moody would have never become a great preacher of the gospel if this otherwise unheard-of Sunday school teacher hadn’t reached out to him.

Every time you share your faith with someone, you are giving them the opportunity to become a child of God and to enter into a relationship with God and receive the gift of eternal salvation. Jesus is the only way to salvation. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). There are so many people who have never heard or had a chance to understand what Jesus did by His death on the cross.

Every Christian is called to be the Bible bound in shoe leather—because many people may never read the Bible or other Christian literature until they see the living example first. We are called to be the love of Christ to the world and to let others see Jesus in us and through our lives. What greater work can we do than to show Jesus to others and tell them about Him through our witness and help them to find Jesus and enter into a relationship with the God “who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3–4).

Let us never forget that the prime requisite for any Christ-follower should be the love that motivated the apostle Paul, the disciples of Jesus, and every great man or woman of God. As Paul expressed it: “The love of Christ compels us.” And the passage goes on to give us the reason for that motivation: “He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

In the book of 1 John, we read that “God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him” (1 John 4:9). And Jesus said, “As the Father has sent Me, even so am I sending you” (John 20:21). Jesus came in love to reconcile the world to His Father, and He calls us to express His love in every facet of life and wherever we find ourselves and to whomever we encounter—to be a living example of God’s love to others. May we be faithful to our calling and privilege to be His ambassadors and represent the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

Published on Anchor May 2025. Read by Reuben Ruchevsky.

May 7, 2025

The Endtime and Eternity: What Matters Most

By John, Mideast

The Second Coming of Jesus will no doubt be the most exciting and glorious day in all history. Yet, in Matthew 24, Jesus warns us three times to not be deceived. He even questioned whether there would be faith upon earth when He returns: “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).

Matthew 24, which is mostly comprised of Jesus’ endtime discourse, is a thrilling and fascinating chapter. Yet, it only covers a brief segment of history. The chapter that follows, Matthew 25, is far more important to our spiritual lives as it covers all of eternity and how we will live our lives there. Our present life is but a vapor compared to eternity (James 4:14).

Whether through death or Christ’s return, our current life is merely a transition to our eternal life. Any present worries are part of the journey and will fade when we enter God’s eternal kingdom.

The teachings about the end times are not the essence of Jesus’ message. Our main goal and His command to His followers is to love God and others with all our hearts (Matthew 22:37–40) and do the work of establishing His kingdom on earth (Luke 9:2). As Mother Teresa once said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness.”

While Matthew 24 focuses on the signs of Christ’s Second Coming, Matthew 25 begins with the parable of the ten virgins. All ten virgins had oil lamps. Some had sufficient oil in their lamps at the hour of Jesus’ coming, and others were unprepared and without oil in their lamps and missed the wedding of the Bridegroom.

And at midnight a cry was heard: “Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!” Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”

But the wise answered, saying, “No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.” And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!” But he answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.”Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming (Matthew 25:6–13).

This parable reminds us how we must be spiritually ready at all times, since we will meet Christ either when He returns to earth or when we die—and we don’t know when either will happen.

Jesus repeatedly told us to watch, not primarily for the signs of His coming, but to watch our own hearts and examine ourselves to ensure we remain faithful. As He warned:

But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:34–36).

Matthew chapter 25 concludes with the parable of the sheep and the goats, a story that moves beyond parable to the soul-searching questions we will face on judgment day. According to Matthew 25:31–46, the world, including the church, will be judged according to the charity which they exercise toward other people, manifested by both physically and spiritually caring for the poor, the sick, the refugee, the destitute, the widow and the orphan.

The righteous ask on the judgment day: “When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” (Matthew 25:39). Jesus answers: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). How we live our lives during our time on earth is what ultimately counts, not whether or not we fully understand endtime prophecy and can put a label on every horn and beast mentioned in the books of Revelation and Daniel.

As believers we are called to

Love God and love others

Share the gospel (Mark 16:15)

Live and teach Jesus’ teachings (John 14:15)

Walk humbly before God and people (Micah 6:8)

If we are faithful in these things, we can trust that we will be prepared for whatever comes.

The call to selfless, other-centered love

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me (Matthew 25:35–36).

Loving others is of utmost importance and is our liturgy and our spirituality. Loving and caring for others can be the cure for many of our own problems. If you are feeling sad, unloved, lonely, or empty, reach out to give to someone else who is in even greater need, and you will sense the life of God within you start to grow stronger.

Matthew 25 emphasizes acts of charity, which are important. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus told us to let our lights so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). St. Augustine of Hippo wrote, “Whoever thinks that he understands the Scriptures, or any part of them, but puts such an interpretation upon them as does not tend to build up the twofold love of God and our neighbor, does not yet understand them as he ought.”

The parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) was an important teaching in the early church. Church fathers often used it in their teachings. The early church understood this parable as a literal moral lesson about helping others regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, or social status. Some saw the good Samaritan as representing Christ helping wounded humanity.

The parable was particularly relevant to early Christians because they were often caring for sick people during plagues and helping travelers and strangers—practical applications of the parable’s message. They saw this kind of sacrificial care for others as a defining feature of Christian life.

In our earnest desire to please God and serve others, we must remember that we are saved solely by His grace, not by our good works, as Ephesians 2:8–9 and Titus 3:5 make clear. Eternal life is God’s pure gift to us (John 3:16), and our service to Him should naturally flow from gratitude for His boundless mercy.

Through His death on the cross, Jesus ushered in a new covenant, a new agreement between God and man, a new era of amazing grace. It cost us nothing, but it cost the giver everything. God does not love us because of the works we do for Him. While He may appreciate our good works, He values most of all our love for Him—and our good works should flow from our love for Him!

S. Lewis wrote that “A man’s spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God.” Christian spirituality and the Christian ethic are summarized in a very simple premise, “Love God and love others as you love yourself.” The New Testament emphasis is to love others, love others, and love others. The early church caught on to a very important principle: Our religion, our faith, and our spirituality are worked out in the relationships we have with others, and in serving one another.

The late English professor, Thomas Howard, offers a definition for love in one phrase: “My life for yours,” echoing Jesus’ words: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Paul wrote about the primacy of other-centered love in his letter to the Corinthians:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1–2).

The love that Jesus and Paul talk about goes so far beyond earthly love; it is a love that goes beyond human comprehension to love even our enemies, and is love for the misunderstood, the condemned, and even for the fallen. The secret to this love is our relationship with God. As Anne Graham Lotz wrote: “The first secret to loving others is to immerse yourself in a love relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—and abide there.”

May we continually seek the true riches found only in Jesus Christ, as we look forward to hearing those wonderful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21).

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”—C. T. Studd

The Adventurous Climb

May 6, 2025

A compilation

Audio length: 11:56
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Habakkuk 3:17–19 expresses the faith of the prophet in the face of troubled times: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

When we run with hinds’ feet on high places, treading “on the heights,” we live above our circumstances. God gives us the grace, courage, and inner strength we need to press on to attain new heights and experience new vistas. … And like a deer on a mountain slope, we step boldly into whatever God has called us to do. …

God is the Solid Rock that never fails (Psalm 144:1–2). With God’s promises as our strong foundation, we can walk in freedom and courage, as unafraid and undaunted as a deer leaping on high places.—GotQuestions.org1

I recently climbed Table Mountain, here in South Africa, and what a wonder it is! A flat-topped mountain smack-dab in the middle of a city, overlooking two oceans, and with a mountain range dubbed “The 12 Apostles” right behind it. It’s over 3,500 feet (1,066 m) high and teeming with gorgeous vegetation, birds, wild animals, rocks, and cliffs, but my favorite thing about it is the breathtaking view!

We set out for the climb in the early morning and arrived at the starting point just before dawn. As we walked up, we watched the sun rise and the city begin to wake. We encountered others also making their way to the top, equally determined to take advantage of an early start.

At first, the climb felt grueling. I was out of breath and had to make a few stops to rest and drink water. The rest of the group kept going, and I felt as if I were being left behind. My husband (a Table Mountain veteran) stayed by my side, giving me encouragement and reassurance that I was doing well. A couple of times, we even caught up with the rest of the group at a rest stop before they went on.

With aching limbs and much laughter in good company, we, the slow ones, made it to the top in just under two hours. And there it was: the view!

From the top, you can see the whole city of Cape Town, the surrounding mountains, both oceans, valleys, fields and plains beyond the city, and—even farther in the distance—the next mountain range. The sense of being amidst God’s beautiful creation overwhelmed me and I was enthused with a feeling of achievement.

The summit was my goal, and I had to take many steps to get there—over 10,000 according to my pedometer—but there were also psychological steps, like planning, overcoming fears and apathy, and persevering when I didn’t feel like it. These are similar to the steps to reaching personal goals: calculate, plan, execute, and keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough. There will always be the temptation to give up along the way, but with my goal in mind and with the help of like-minded people, my goals become achievable.

Table Mountain isn’t the only mountain there is to climb, just as there are many goals waiting to be achieved and many views waiting to be seen. So, we tackle one at a time, gaining experience along the way. With good company and lots of encouragement, taking it one step at a time, and not giving up, we can all reach our personal “summits.”—Ester Mizrany

Our knowledge of Christ is somewhat like climbing one of the Welsh mountains. When you are at the base, you see but little: the mountain itself appears to be but one-half as high as it really is.

Climb the first rising knoll, and the valley lengthens and widens beneath your feet.

Go higher, and you see the country for four or five miles round, and you are delighted with the widening prospect.

Mount still, and the scene enlarges; till at last, when you are on the summit, and look east, west, north, and south, you see almost all England lying before you. Yonder is a forest in some distant county, perhaps two hundred miles away, and here the sea, and there a shining river and the smoking chimneys of a manufacturing town, or the masts of the ships in a busy port.

When we first believe in Christ, we see but little of Him. The higher we climb, the more we discover of His beauties. Paul, when grown old, sitting grey-haired and shivering in a dungeon in Rome, could say with greater emphasis than we can, “I know the one in whom I trust” (2 Timothy 1:12), for each experience had been like the climbing of a hill, each trial had been like ascending another summit, and his death seemed like gaining the top of the mountain, from which he could see the whole of God’s faithfulness and love.—Adapted from a text by Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892)

If in climbing a mountain you keep your eyes on each stone or difficult place as you ascend, seeing only that, how weary your climb. But if you think of each step as leading to the summit of achievement from which glories and beauties will open before you, then your climb will be so different.—A. J. Russell

In life, we all experience overwhelming circumstances. If we let them, these moments remind us how dependent we are on God. There’s hope in recalling where our help comes from:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1–2).

Psalm 121 is a “psalm of ascent,” a type of prayerful song that ancient Israelites would sing as they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship God at His temple. They faced uncertain terrain and dangers on the way. Yet as they lifted their gaze toward the holy city, they preached courage to their hearts, proclaiming their help was found in their Creator, not in creation nor in a destination.

After confidently declaring who was their help, they reminded themselves of how He would help them:

The Lord would ensure their feet wouldn’t slip (Psalm 121:3).

He would protect and preserve His people (Psalm 121:7–8).

He never sleeps, so His vigilant eye would always be on them, guarding them from evil (Psalm 121:4).

No matter what “help me” moment we find ourselves in, God is ever-present, supremely interested and personally vested. We, too, can look beyond what is made to behold our Maker, reminding ourselves that Jesus has unlimited power to save, keep, and carry us safely home.

Our journey won’t always be easy. But the God who created the mountain before us is far greater than the dangerous climb. He’s enthroned on high but journeys with us down low, sovereignly watching over every shaky step. …

The Lord may not eliminate every problem on this side of heaven, but He walks with us through it all and hears our every cry.—Beth Knight2

Be willing to keep climbing this high mountain with Me. Sometimes you look back nostalgically. At a long-ago stage of your journey. You yearn for that easier, less complicated time in your life. But I want you to recognize it for what it was: a base camp. It was a time and place of preparation for the arduous adventure ahead of you.

The mountain you are climbing is exceedingly high; the top of it is hidden in clouds, so it’s impossible for you to know how far up those heights you have come—and how far you have yet to go. However, the higher you go, the better view you have.

Although each day is a challenge and you often feel weary, take time to enjoy the magnificent scenery! This journey with Me is training you to see from a heavenly perspective that transcends your circumstances. The higher up the mountain you climb, the steeper and more challenging your path becomes—but the greater your adventure as well. Remember that the higher you go with Me, the closer you get to your ultimate goal—the heights of heaven!—Jesus3

Published on Anchor May 2025. Read by Jerry Paladino. Music by Michael Fogarty.

1 “What does it mean that God makes our feet like the feet of a deer (Habakkuk 3:19)?” GotQuestions.org, January 4, 2022, https://www.gotquestions.org/feet-like-a-deer.html

2 Beth Knight, “If All You Can Pray Is ‘Lord, Help Me,’” Proverbs31.org, February 29, 2024, https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2024/02/29/if-all-you-can-pray-is-lord-help-me

3 Sarah Young, Jesus Today (Thomas Nelson, 2012).

Humility Towards Others

May 5, 2025

By Virginia Brandt Berg

Audio length: 8:50
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In Matthew 11:29, Jesus said: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Humility is a place of such rest and contentment. Everything that Christ ever did—His words, His walk—was always an illustration of humility, and when He chose His disciples, He chose humble men. There were a few scholars among them, but they were men that had the grace to learn this virtue.

Even His mother Mary said, “The Lord hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden” (Luke 1:48). It wasn’t high position or high-mindedness that made her fit to be the mother of God’s Son, but lowliness.

In the Gospel Jesus prayed thus: “I thank Thee, O Father, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matthew 11:25)—that is, to the humble. Christ is here setting forth the statement that only the humble can receive the deepest truths of God.

Remember perhaps what Bunyan said: “It’s hard to get down in the valley of humiliation, for the descent is rugged and rough and steep, but it’s surely a fruitful valley when you get down there.” So much of the Christian suffering and heartaches come because Christians rebel at being humble in the hands of God.

In Colossians, God’s Word says: “Put on the heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. Forbearing one another and forgiving one another, even as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12–13). But remember, humility doesn’t consist in hating oneself, but in not thinking of oneself, in thinking of others and revealing to them the humility of Jesus through your life.

Note this wonderful verse: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who … emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself” (Philippians 2:3–8). That’s in Philippians. “In honor preferring one another, servants one of another, each counting others better than himself, subjecting yourselves one to another” (Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 5:5).

I wonder if you remember how the disciples disputed, in Luke chapter nine, who would be the greatest in the kingdom. God’s Word says that Jesus set a little child in the midst of them and said, “Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child shall be exalted.” Then they asked, “Who shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus answered, “He that’s the least among you, the same shall be great” (Luke 9:46–48).

You remember about the sons of Zebedee; they asked Jesus if they could sit on His right hand and His left hand—the highest places in heaven (Mark 10:35–37). He told them that was not His to give, but He added, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant, even as the Son of man came to serve” (Matthew 20:27–28).

How few Christians make humility the object of great longing and how little this topic is preached! Yet in Luke 18:14, we find this statement: “Everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

So many times I’ve thought of this little illustration of a young preacher. When ascending a platform to preach, he was quite sure of himself, and was confident that his sermon was going to be good. He had put a great deal of thought into it, and he had some well-prepared notes. He was sure he was going to make a very good impression on the congregation and folks would tell him afterwards what a fine sermon that was.

So, he ascended the steps of the platform with his head held high with considerable pride and self-assurance. There wasn’t much need for leaning on the Holy Spirit; he was so sure of himself. But when he got to preaching, he couldn’t get his stride. He stumbled and fumbled, and he lost his train of thought at times, and he didn’t feel the anointing of the Lord. So, when he finished, he came down quite different than he had gone up. His head was hanging low, and as he passed a faithful old elder sitting on the front seat, the elder touched his arm and whispered to him: “Oh, son, had you gone up the way you came down, you could have come down the way you went up!”

External teaching and preaching can’t give humility. It must be the Holy Spirit of God. How much there can be of active, earnest religion, and yet not Christlike humility! The grace of humility is surely scarce. God help us to remember that the test of the daily Christian walk is love and humility.

Humility toward others is proof of humility toward God, for the spirit of our lives manifests itself in our interaction with others in sweet humility. Humility before God is nothing if not shown in humility before men and in our home life as well.

“Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to those that are lowly” (Romans 12:16). Another verse says: “Through love be servants one of another” and “let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another” (Galatians 5:13, 26). The Bible also says, “therefore walk with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

I’ll confess, it’s one of the hardest lessons to learn, and it’s rarely learned in the schools of men. It has to be learned through fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, as you humble yourself in His presence and learn of Him, being meek and lowly of heart.

When you hear about all the confusion, doubts and fear in the hearts of men today, remember that Jesus has promised you rest. “Take his yoke upon you and learn of him, and ye shall find rest” (Matthew 11:29). It doesn’t say you’ll become an advanced thinker or a great intellectual, but if you’ll learn of Him, because He is meek and lowly of heart, you shall find rest for your soul.

Take time to learn some of these wonderful scriptures on humility, and thus you will draw near to the heart of God.

Humility
By Margaret Cagle

One day I heard a person say,
“I’m proud that I’m a humble man.”
I thought, “This is an ironic remark.
I’ll try to understand it if I can.”

It is not easy to be humble sometimes.
We often say, “We have to eat crow,”
When we have to admit we’re in error,
And it can be embarrassing, we know.

All through the Bible are examples.
We’re told of men who did stumble,
But God forgave them when they prayed
And sought to be meek and humble.

Humility goes a long way with God.
He really hates a proud look.
You’ll see that God honors humility
If you take a look in His Book.

O Christian, don’t boast about success.
Let your spirit be humble and meek.
Try to please your Heavenly Father,
And for other men’s praise, never seek.

From a transcript of a Meditation Moments broadcast, adapted. Published on Anchor May 2025. Read by Debra Lee.

Better Days Ahead—Part 1

May 1, 2025

All Things Work Together for Good

By Peter Amsterdam

Audio length: 19:08

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And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.—Romans 8:28

God is good. He does all things well. He doesn’t overlook or forget things. He is all-knowing. He never says, “Whoops, I didn’t see that one coming.” He is never late. He is sovereign, and His providence touches every aspect of each of our lives.

The tests, trials, and losses we endure in life can work together for good for us as we place our trust in the Lord, follow Him, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives to bring about His plan. No matter how difficult things are, no matter how much we suffer, by His grace, we can continue to trust the Lord. We know that we have a glorious eternal future ahead.

Maria wrote:

Because “many are the afflictions of the righteous” (Psalm 34:19), it’s certainly comforting to know that “all these things work together for good to them that love the Lord, to them who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). In fact, in order to come through our many trials, difficulties, battles, and temptations victoriously, it is imperative that we make this promise in Romans 8:28 a vital part of our lives.

If we don’t send the events of our daily lives through the filter of Romans 8:28, if we don’t constantly view our disappointments, hurts, tests, illnesses, opposition, battles, etc., through the perspective that Romans 8:28 gives us, we will sadly miss many valuable lessons the Lord is trying to teach us. And we will rob ourselves of the peace that comes from absolute trust in this precious promise and principle.

If we learn the simple equation, “Trials equal good,” our lives will be richer, our lessons greater, and our minds more tranquil, and we will more easily recognize the Lord’s hand in the events of our lives. It makes all the difference in the world whether you look at a flood of problems, trials, and tribulations just waiting to see the worst happen, or if you look at them with anticipation to discover all the good that you know the Lord will bring out of them.—Maria Fontaine

It is such a privilege to know that we can trust the Lord no matter what difficulties, hardships, or challenges come into our lives. George Mueller once said: “In one thousand trials it is not five hundred of them that work for the believer’s good, but nine hundred and ninety-nine of them, and one beside.”

Romans 8:28 isn’t a “feel good” slogan or a mantra that helps us get through a rough day by visualizing a better day. It is a promise from our Father, given to those of us who love Him and who, by His grace, are doing our best to follow Him. The following excerpt explains a couple of important caveats about this well-known promise.

First, Romans 8:28 doesn’t mean we can live any way we choose, and God will fix our messes. To understand the truth of Romans 8:28, we can’t just quote the part of the verse we like: “And we know that in all things God works for the good …” and skip the rest, “of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 is a promise for believers. Real believers. Those who are living for Christ. … This verse says to those who love God and are doing their best to obey his commands, “Even though bad/sad/evil/wicked things will touch your life, I (God) will use them to ultimately bring about good, both in your life and in the world.”

Joni Eareckson Tada, an inspirational speaker, author, and singer, is a quadriplegic who has been confined to a wheelchair for more than 40 years. When people ask her why God allows suffering, she often says, “God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves.” And what does God love? For people to enter into relationship with himself and become more like him. Joni’s life and ministry are a stunning testimony of how God can use a tragedy like a paralyzing diving accident to impact the lives of millions.

Romans 8:28 tells us God can use all things together for good. He doesn’t say all things are good. … The truth of Romans 8:28 reminds us that although sin and Satan are powerful, God is more powerful. He is able to redeem and restore anything for our good and his glory. All things may not be good, but God can and will use all things for good.—Lori Hatcher¹

Some people have really good imaginations and they find it easier to understand a spiritual principle if there’s something in the explanation that they can see in their mind’s eye. I recently read the following article, which I found to be an edifying and encouraging word picture.

I have a life preserver, which is my most valued possession. While sailing on the sea of life, so many times I have looked out to see a storm brewing on the horizon. I grab my life preserver and tie it on securely, then brace myself for the unforgiving blast that approaches.

When the storm hits, my little craft is tossed by the angry waves. They threaten to swamp and drown me, but with my life preserver, I know I will survive. No, more than survive. I will rise again, bruised and beaten perhaps, but victorious.

Sometimes the storms creep up on me from behind. Caught unawares in the raging fury, my boat capsizes, throwing me into the icy waters. I choke, sputter, and gasp for air, and find myself caught in a whirlpool. The more I struggle, the tighter the water holds me in its grip.

Alone, helpless, and defeated, I wait for the end, hope flickering like a melted candle. As I sink under the waters for the last time, a Voice comes over the sound of the storm. “Grab the life preserver! It is your only hope.”

Straining to see in the darkness, I catch sight of something floating on the water. It is my life preserver—always there when I need it most. I tie it on and immediately begin to float.

The darkness still envelops me. The sea still churns and foams, and its angry waves threaten to pull me under. The rain continues to sting my cheeks. But I am buoyant once again. With complete trust, secure in my life preserver, I am content to wait out the storm.

What is the secret of my life preserver? It is so simple that you may dismiss it. It is a verse from the Bible: “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). ALL things—storms, rain, and winds included—are for our GOOD. Someday, somehow we will understand.—S. Jade

I have to admit, it’s a whole lot easier to trust the Lord when things are going well—when we’re in good health, we have what we need, and we and our loved ones are safe and secure. But when things are not going well, it can be a whole lot harder to trust the Lord. The temptation is to worry, stress, complain, work harder, and try to “fix” the problems in any way we can. But we know that’s not the solution.

We don’t always understand at the time why the Lord allows some heartbreak or tragedy in our lives, and in many cases, we have to trust Him in spite of not being able to see the full picture. Edward Teller reminds us: “When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” Here is some excellent insight on this from the late Reverend Billy Graham:

It’s easy to believe that God loves us and cares about us when things are going well, but when life turns against us, it becomes much harder to believe He cares.

Why should we keep trusting in God, even when nothing seems to change, and it looks like He isn’t even listening? One reason is because no matter how many changes have taken place in our lives, God has not changed. The Bible’s statement is true: “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

And if God doesn’t change, then that means His promises don’t change, either. He promised to be with you in the past—and He still is. He promised to guide you in the past—and He still will. Know His promises, study His promises, believe His promises, and trust His promises. In the Bible “he has given us his very great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4).

Don’t let your faith be overcome by your circumstances, but let your circumstances be overcome by your faith.²

If you’re suffering with a debilitating illness or a loved one has passed away, quoting and meditating on Romans 8:28 doesn’t change the situation and may not do much to ease the pain immediately. We live in a fallen world, and when we or those we love suffer loss or tragedy, it hurts! We weep. We grieve. And it usually takes time for us to see the good that comes from the bad things that happen, which often test our faith as we continue to trust in Him in trying times. In his book Why Us? Warren Wiersbe states that God “proves His sovereignty, not by intervening constantly and preventing these events, but by ruling and overruling them so that even tragedies end up accomplishing His ultimate purposes.”³

Of course, we may not personally experience a clearly visible manifestation of the good that God has promised to work in our lives. During such times when our faith is being sorely tested, it comes down to placing our lives, our loved ones, our health and livelihood in God’s hands, and trusting Him to care for us. Even when the Lord appears to be silent and the trials seem to be endless, or the losses we suffer are major, God is merciful and faithful, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

In the story of Joseph in the Old Testament, we are given a beautiful example of how God brought good out of a seemingly hopeless situation. As R. W. De Haan commented:

[I am reminded] of the biblical truth that there are no accidents in the lives of God’s children. In Scripture, we read how Joseph interpreted a difficult experience that had seemed like a great calamity. He had been thrown into a pit and then sold as a slave. This was a great test of his faith, and from the human standpoint it appeared to be a tragic case of injustice, not a providential means of blessing. But Joseph later learned that “God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).⁴

I think it’s most challenging to trust the Lord to cause all things to work together for good when you feel it’s your fault that you are in a difficult predicament. When you feel you’ve made mistakes or misjudged a situation or made unwise decisions, and therefore things have taken a turn for the worse, you can feel like you deserve to suffer the negative consequences. You get that sinking feeling in your gut and you can feel you are not “qualified” to receive God’s grace and mercy in the form of Romans 8:28. But we need to remember that this fulfillment of God’s Word is a manifestation of His grace! I am encouraged by the concept of “divine reversals” in the following message from Jesus.

I am the God of divine reversals. I can derive good out of evil: My master plan brings victory out of an apparent defeat. Come to Me just as you are—wounded from battle—and expose your wounds to My healing Light. …

When you experience a divine reversal in your life, you are thrilled to observe how masterfully I operate in the world. Your suffering gains meaning because you know I can—and do—bring good out of evil. Ultimately, My plans will not be thwarted. I have the last word! As you see how utterly beyond you are My wisdom and ways, you get a glimpse of My Glory. This inspires you to worship Me—bowing before My infinite intelligence and limitless Power. As you open your soul to Me in worship, you gain assurance of My unfailing Love. “I know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).⁵

No matter what is going on in our lives, we need to remind ourselves that God is good! He is love! He allows us to experience difficulties, tests, and trials, but it doesn’t end there. He also brings forth beautiful blessings. So, if we are tempted to doubt and wonder why things are not going as we hoped, we can take a lesson from Arthur Ashe, as explained in the following testimony:

Tennis superstar Arthur Ashe died of AIDS, which he contracted from a blood transfusion during heart surgery. More than a great athlete, Ashe was a gentleman who inspired and encouraged many with his exemplary behavior on and off the court. Ashe could have become embittered and self-pitying in the face of his disease, but he maintained a grateful attitude.

He explained, “If I asked, ‘Why me?’ about my troubles, I would have to ask, ‘Why me?’ about my blessings. Why my winning Wimbledon? Why my marrying a beautiful, gifted woman and having a wonderful child?” Ashe’s attitude rebukes those of us who often grumble, “Why me? Why is God allowing this to happen?”

Even if we’re suffering acutely, we must not forget the mercies God pours into our lives—such things as food, shelter, and friends—blessings that many are deprived of. And what about spiritual blessings? We can hold the very Word of God in our hands and read it. We have the knowledge of His saving grace, the comfort of His Spirit, and the joyful assurance of life everlasting with Jesus. Think about God’s blessings and ask, “Why me?”—Vernon C. Grounds⁶

What an important reminder! We have so many blessings in our lives. Praise the Lord! As you place your trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, you can be confident that He will strengthen you, bless you, provide for you, and lead you in His will, and one day, whether in this life or the next, you will see the fulfillment of His unfailing promise to cause all things to work together for your good!

Originally published October 2021. Adapted and republished May 2025. Read by John Laurence.

¹ “‘All Things Work Together for Good’—3 Things You Never Noticed About Romans 8:28,” Preaching.com, https://www.preaching.com/articles/things-work-together-good-3-things-never-noticed-romans-828/

² Billy Graham, “Don’t let your faith be overcome by your circumstances,” Gaston Gazette, October 12, 2012.

³ “Romans 8:28 Commentary,” PreceptAustin.org, https://www.preceptaustin.org/romans_828-39

⁴ “Romans 8:28 Commentary,” PreceptAustin.org.

⁵ Sarah Young, Jesus Lives (Thomas Nelson, 2009).

⁶ “Habakkuk Devotionals & Sermon Illustrations,” PreceptAustin.org, https://www.preceptaustin.org/habakkuk-devotionals-and-sermon_illustrations

The Man Who Changed the History of a Nation

April 30, 2025

Treasures

Our story takes place in the fifth century BC, during the time when Israel had been carried away into captivity as a result of their sin and rebellion against God (2 Chronicles 36:14–21). God did not abandon His people forever in exile, and after seventy years, they were allowed to return to their land as prophesied in Scripture (Jeremiah 25:9–13). In 537 BC, Cyrus of Persia allowed the Jewish people to return to Israel and begin rebuilding the city and temple.

During this time, Nehemiah was a servant in an honored position, that of royal cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. He spent most of his life in exile, but never wavered in his faith, and is a lasting testament of faithfulness to God and diligence in prayer.

When Nehemiah heard that Hanani and certain men of Judah had arrived from Jerusalem, a 700-mile journey, anxious for news about his people, he sent for them to come to the royal palace at Shushan. Hanani recounted the affliction, reproach, and suffering experienced by those who had returned from exile. The once great wall of the city was still broken down, the gates were burned with fire, yet no one had done anything to build it back (Nehemiah 1:1–3).

Upon hearing this, Nehemiah sat down and wept and mourned and continued fasting and praying before God for several days. He interceded for his people with heartfelt prayer: “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, to hear the prayer of Your servant that I now pray before You day and night” (Nehemiah 1:4–6).

Nehemiah went on to acknowledge that the plight of the people of Israel was due to their sin and reminded God of His promise to restore them: “Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make My name dwell there’” (Nehemiah 1:6–11).

The desire burned in Nehemiah’s heart to go to Jerusalem to help his people, and it became difficult for Nehemiah to hide his sorrow. When the king noticed the sadness of his normally cheerful servant, he asked, “What could it be that has caused you such sorrow of heart?” Nehemiah, in fear and trepidation, answered, “O king, how can I not be sad when I know that the city where my fathers are buried is in ruinous heaps, and my people are in great trouble?” (Nehemiah 2:1–3).

“Well then, how can I help you?” queried the king. Nehemiah sent up a quick prayer for wisdom. Taking the plunge, he requested that the king send him to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. The king thought for a moment, then responded, “How long will you be away?” And when Nehemiah gave him a specific time, the king granted his request, and his prayer was answered (Nehemiah 2:4–6).

Nehemiah’s diligence in serving the king for many years led Artaxerxes to consider his appeal with kindness and reward his faithfulness. Along with personal letters of recommendation, appointing Nehemiah as governor of Judah, the king authorized the keeper of the royal forest near Jerusalem to give him all the timber needed for construction of the gates of the fortress of the temple and the wall of the city, and for Nehemiah to build a house for himself. The king also sent along a small military escort for the long and hazardous journey (Nehemiah 2:7–9).

Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah wisely inspected the wall under cover of night, as there were those in neighboring lands who would no doubt oppose any strengthening of Jerusalem’s defenses. Therefore, Nehemiah told no one of his intentions to fortify Jerusalen and rebuild the wall until he had a well-devised plan (Nehemiah 2:10–16).

Once he had devised a plan, Nehemiah called together the rulers, priests, and nobles of the city and told them how the “hand of God was upon him for good” to rebuild Jerusalem, and about the support he’d received from the king. And all the people shouted excitedly, “Let us rise up and build!” and so they began this good work (Nehemiah 2:17–18). Nehemiah’s faith and vision sparked a flame of new hope in the hearts of all who heard him. Before his arrival they had been downhearted and without direction, but now they came together to work toward a common goal.

However, there were enemies such as Sanballat the Horonite (a Samaritan) and Tobiah the Ammonite who were “greatly displeased that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel” (Nehemiah 2:10). Soon they launched a propaganda warfare to discredit Nehemiah’s leadership, accusing him of rebelling against the king by fortifying their defenses, an extremely serious charge.

But Nehemiah would not be intimidated. Instead, he replied with faith and conviction, “The God of heaven will give us success. We His servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it” (Nehemiah 2:19–20). At once Nehemiah organized the workforce by allotting a portion of the wall for each family to rebuild, confident that their goal would be reached, “for the people had a mind to work,” and they worked on it with all their heart (Nehemiah 4:6).

When Nehemiah’s enemies from the surrounding lands saw that the repairing of the walls was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they grew very angry and plotted together to fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion. Sanballat jeered at the Jews and in the presence of his brothers and the army of Samaria said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves?” (Nehemiah 4:1–2).

When Nehemiah heard of their intentions, instead of cowering, he called out to God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night. He then took decisive action, arming the workers with swords, bows, and spears, and posting a 24-hour guard. “Do not be afraid of them,” he shouted. “Remember the Lord, your God, who is great and awesome—and fight for your people, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” (Nehemiah 4:7–14).

From then on, the workers did their work with their swords at their sides, and those who fetched building materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. So dedicated and vigilant was Nehemiah that he and his men even slept with their clothes on in case of any trouble (Nehemiah 4:15–23).

When it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah that the wall and the gates were nearly complete, they conspired against Nehemiah and dispatched a special envoy, saying, “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the Plain of Ono.” But Nehemiah knew that this invitation to talk peace was a trap to harm him. “I am doing a great work,” he replied, “and I cannot come down! Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:1–3).

Their enemy sent four more messages, but when Nehemiah still refused to meet them, they sent an open letter stating that “reliable sources” had informed them of his plans to rebel against the king, which was the real reason why he had fortified Jerusalem. If Nehemiah refused to negotiate with them, they threatened to report his “treasonous conduct” to the king.

Nehemiah perceived that this was a conspiracy to frighten them to stop work on the wall. Yet he remained steadfast in his faith and focused on his work, praying, “God, they’re trying to frighten us, thinking we are weakened by all our labor. But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” He then responded to them by saying, “No such things as you say have been done—you are inventing them out of your own mind” (Nehemiah 6:8–9).

True, the people had grown weary with building and the burden of moving all the rubble, coupled with the barrage of threats and misinformation of their enemies. But Nehemiah’s undaunted faith and perseverance held the men together. His secret was that he knew that this work was God’s work, and He would work on their behalf to complete this monumental project, upon which the future of Israel depended (Nehemiah 4:20).

Soon the seemingly impossible job of rebuilding the wall was completed—and in only 52 days! What utter jubilation filled the city when the gigantic wood and iron gates were finally mounted and shut. The same people who had been weary, discouraged, and without hope were now singing in the streets for joy that the work was finally done. “When all of the surrounding nations heard about this,” Nehemiah wrote, “they were afraid and lost their self-confidence, realizing that this work was done with the help of our God” (Nehemiah 6:15–16).

Because of Nehemiah’s faith and the obedience of the people, God poured out His Spirit upon the people in a tremendous spiritual awakening. The whole nation united together while the priests taught them from God’s Word. “And they read aloud from the Word of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8).

For seven days all the people spent each morning listening to God’s written Law and confessing their sins, making right their relationship with God. Everyone praised the Lord and counted the many blessings God had given them, despite their past sins and straying from His ways. But as they came to understand what God had intended for them and how they had strayed from His ways, they began to weep and lament for their past failures.

At this time, Nehemiah stood up before the great congregation and encouraged their hearts, saying, “Do not mourn or weep! Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and give some to the poor who have nothing. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10). We read later in the book of Nehemiah that as the people committed to walk in God’s way, He made them to rejoice with such great joy that the rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away (Nehemiah 12:43).

This is an amazing true account of how one man’s faith changed the history of an entire nation, as he acted in prayer and faithfulness to fulfill God’s purposes. His determination not only preserved his people in his day, but more importantly, it preserved them as a nation for the coming of Jesus Christ a few hundred years later, when He would sacrifice His life for our eternal salvation and reconciliation with God. For “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). “To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

From an article in Treasures, published by the Family International in 1987. Adapted and republished April 2025.

Choose Your Priorities Wisely

April 29, 2025

A compilation

Audio length: 11:33

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Everyone has priorities. We arrange our schedules, budgets, and relationships according to perceived importance. Putting God first means we give Him top priority over everything else. He is the principal figure in our lives and central to all we do and think. …

Putting God first means that we keep the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). … Everything we have and everything we are is devoted to Him. We hold nothing back. …

Putting God first means that we strive to follow in Jesus’ steps (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus’ life was characterized by total submission to the Father’s will, service to others, and prayer. …

Jesus taught us to “seek the Kingdom of God above all else” (Matthew 6:33). That is, we are to seek the things of God over the things of the world. … Those who put God first will stand out from the rest of the world. … The Christian life is characterized by moment-to-moment selfless service to God that flows from love for Him and His people. In all things, the believer trusts, obeys, and loves God above all else.—GotQuestions.org¹

This day of life is a precious gift from Me. Treat it as the treasure it is by prayerfully prioritizing. As you look into the day that stretches out before you, seek My Face to help you discern what is most important. Set priorities according to My will, and use them to guide you as you go along your pathway. This practice will help you make good choices about the use of your time and energy. When you reach the end of the day, you can feel at peace about the things you have done—and also the things you have not done.

I encourage you to invite me into everything you do. The briefest prayer, “Help me, Lord,” is sufficient to involve Me in your activities. I delight in your acknowledgment that you need Me continually. And I want you to delight in your neediness, for it is a strong link to My radiant Presence. Although living in a dependent mode is countercultural, it is a blessed way to live—rejoicing in the Glory of My Presence.—Jesus²

If today was going to be your last day and you knew it, how much time would you spend on things that mean nothing in the scope of eternity? Your minutes would be extremely valuable, and you would choose to spend them on the things that were most important to you. The things of the world would seem pointless—almost offensive to your spirit. You would want to love those dear to you, and to make sure they know how much they mean to you. You would be righting any wrongs and working out anything that had come between you.

If you have ever come face to face with death or been with a loved one through a life-threatening illness and seen their priorities realign, you understand this. Everything becomes abundantly clear in those moments. The only thing that matters is love.

In good times and rough times, the happiness and joy that Jesus can give you is light years beyond anything that the world can offer. Fulfillment, peace, love, satisfaction, knowledge, truth—there is no way that the world can compete with Him in those areas.

It takes discipline of mind and body to learn to treasure those things above the fleeting pleasures that the world has to offer. It’s a matter of satisfying your heart and mind more than your five senses. When it comes down to it, that’s really all the world can give you—the temporary satisfaction of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches. But beyond those things, nothing the world has can satisfy the other cravings in your soul. Only Jesus can really satisfy. He is the answer.—Maria Fontaine

How would you feel about an incident that cost you your nose, half your right arm, and all the fingers on your left hand? I’m guessing that you wouldn’t have positive feelings. But that’s what happened to Dr. Beck Weathers, and he sees that loss as the defining event in his life.

“Would I like to have my hands back?” he said in an interview on CBS Evening News. “Sure. Would I like to have my hands back enough to go back to who I was? No.”

What event would cause a man to willingly embrace such a drastic disability? The answer can be found on Mount Everest. You see, Beck Weathers was one of the people on that peak during a blizzard in 1996 that cost twelve people their lives.

Weathers was forty-nine years old when he ascended Everest. At that point, he had been a mountain climber for ten years. And it consumed him. He acknowledges: “I regret the time taken away from my family, from my wife and two children. … I realize I was defining myself by climbing and not dealing with the rest of my life. It’s an excessive goal, and it never ends. You get about one day of happiness, and then you’re planning your next trip.”

Weathers always spent a lot of time in preparation for his next trip. Before Everest, he had scaled six of the seven highest mountains. And for each climb he underwent a grueling training regimen.

For the Everest climb, Weathers signed on with an expedition led by New Zealander Rob Hall. Before the team got to the high camp (at 26,000 feet), Weathers was doing fine, despite the difficult conditions—bitter cold and one-third of the oxygen present at sea level. But as he ascended the peak on May 10, Weathers realized he was in trouble. Some years before, he had undergone radial keratotomy surgery to correct his vision. As he went up the mountain, the altitude caused the lenses in his eyes to flatten out, and that made him blind.

At the time, the wisest decision seemed to be for Weathers to wait where he was, then rejoin the crew as they came back down from the summit. But a freak blizzard rapidly enveloped the mountain, dropping the temperature to about fifty degrees below zero and increasing winds to seventy miles per hour. The storm made everyone scramble for survival. As that happened, Weathers was left behind on the mountain. Hours passed, and he lapsed into a hypothermic coma.

Fellow climbers searched for Weathers for hours. And early in the morning on May 11, they found him; he was covered with ice and barely breathing. They knew he would die, so they left him where he was, returned to camp, and radioed his wife that he was dead.

No person has ever come out of a hypothermic coma and survived—except Beck Weathers. Somehow, he revived, got up, and staggered back into camp. His jacket was open, his face was black beyond recognition with frostbite, and his exposed right arm was frozen upright in front of him.

Even after his miraculous return to camp, nobody thought Weathers would survive. But he kept pulling through. Back home in Dallas, he underwent ten surgeries; they amputated the fingers on his left hand, amputated his right arm near the elbow, and reconstructed a new nose using tissue from other parts of his body.

Through it all, Weathers went through a radical learning process. He believes he traded his hands for something more valuable—lessons about himself, his values, and life. He admits: “I’m probably a much happier person now having gone through what I’ve gone through. I have a different set of priorities. You never know who you are and what you are until you’ve really been tested. You gain a whole lot more from having failure kicked up from around your ears than success could ever teach you.”—John C. Maxwell³

Published on Anchor April 2025. Read by Lenore Welsh. Music by John Listen.

¹ “What does putting God first really mean?” GotQuestions.org, January 4, 2024, https://www.gotquestions.org/putting-God-first.html

² Sarah Young, Jesus Always (Thomas Nelson, 2017).

³ John C. Maxwell, Failing Forward, Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success (Thomas Nelson, 2000).

Go Ye: Our Commission

April 28, 2025

By David Brandt Berg

Audio length: 6:21

Download Audio (5.8MB)

“Go ye into all the world‚ and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) is not an option. It’s a commandment! The message is clear, and there’s no denying it or excusing ourselves. Jesus made it quite clear that all Christians are ordained to preach the gospel when He said in John 15:16: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.”

Therefore, witnessing and telling others about Jesus is not just a nice thing to do when we feel like it or can find the time, but it is the God-given job and commission of all His children. Paul said, “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

We are commissioned to preach the gospel to every creature and to bring others into the kingdom for Christ. “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8).

Chosen and appointed

Each one of us is commissioned to reach the lost, to share the good news with the people who need God’s message. Jesus said‚ “As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). And He still says this to His disciples, His followers of today, calling them to give their lives daily in loving concern and care for others, to share His heart and love with those who are seeking for “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He came to love the world, and He calls us to do likewise in every facet of our everyday life‚ to share His love and salvation with others.

One of the last questions that Jesus asked one of His disciples before His ascension was, “Do you love Me?” When He asked the same question for a third time, Peter answered, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!” And Jesus said, “Then feed My sheep” (John 21:15–17).

If we truly love Jesus, we will also love and tend to and feed His sheep, and we will proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:15).

Jesus intended and called for all of His children to participate in His Great Commission. He said, “I have chosen you and appointed you to go and bring forth fruit” (John 15:16). This is the duty of every Christian: to witness, to be a testimony, to share the gospel of Jesus’ love, to be the gospel in shoe leather.

We are called to witness to people where they are and share with them His love and His good news of the gospel of salvation in Jesus—to go forth in faith so that people have the opportunity to believe and receive Him and be saved.

The call to discipleship is much more than just being a believer. A disciple walks with Jesus, follows Jesus, and lives with Jesus! This is the difference. God’s Word says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). These are those who not only have been reached with the gospel, but their lives have been radically and definitively changed, their whole lifestyle has been changed, and their lives are completely different than they were before—a new creation.

The love of Christ

Let me emphasize here that the preeminent requisite for discipleship must be the same driving passion which motivated the Apostle Paul and all the apostles and all the martyrs and every great man or woman of God. In fact‚ that irresistible compassion should motivate every child of God in everything you do, everything you say‚ everywhere you go, with everybody. The great Apostle Paul summed it up in these few famous and ringing words which have cried out from the heart of every true Christian in every true good deed he has ever done‚ and for which indeed he is willing to die: “The love of Christ constrains [compels] us!” (2 Corinthians 5:14).

“Hereby perceive we the love of God: because He laid down His life for us‚ and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (1 John 3:16; John 15:13). As the Apostle Paul taught, to win some, you must be winsome and willing to become all things to all people so that you might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19–23).

Only God’s love will make you strong enough to make it—Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Then you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). But if you have any other motive, your efforts will fail! Do you want to bear fruit for the Lord and make a difference in the lives of others? Then love, for love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). It never fails because God is love (1 John 4:8).

If you go forth in God’s love, you will help people to discover that God’s love is the answer to everything. It saves souls, forgives sin, satisfies hearts, purifies minds, redeems bodies, wins friends, and makes life worth living. It’s the truth, and the only way to everlasting life and enduring peace!

Compiled from the writings of David Brandt Berg. Adapted and republished April 2025. Read by Jerry Paladino.

The Deity of Jesus (Part 1)

The Deity of Jesus

Peter Amsterdam

2018-05-29

Christians believe that God is a Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—and that He is also One.¹ We believe that God the Son became incarnate, that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of His mother, Mary. After preaching and teaching for some years, He was crucified and died on the cross. He was laid in a tomb, and on the third day He rose from the dead. Forty days later, He ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God.² Jesus being God (along with the Father and the Holy Spirit) is fundamental to Christianity and is something we all know and believe.

I recently read a very uplifting book called Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Divinity of Christ.³ The authors showed from Scripture that Jesus is God, just as the Father is God, by comparing Old Testament verses which tell us about God alongside New Testament verses which show the same things about Jesus. I found it inspiring and informative to see how verses which speak of God the Father are echoed in verses speaking of Jesus. I thought it might be helpful to share some of them for your inspiration and edification.

Glory and honor

One of the ways glory is spoken of in Scripture is in the sense of the proper response to have toward God. We are to give Him glory, to glorify Him.

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name.⁴

In both the Old and New Testaments, we read of God being praised. An Old Testament example is:

Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.⁵

Another is:

My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.⁶

A New Testament example is:

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.⁷

Another is:

According to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.⁸

Both the Old and New Testaments teach us to give glory to God.

In the book of Revelation we read of God being praised:

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.⁹

And then, in similar language, we hear of the Lamb—Jesus—being praised:

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!¹⁰

Within the New Testament we read of Jesus receiving glory paralleling that given to His Father:

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.¹¹

We give glory and honor to God and to Jesus.

Worship

The importance of our worship of God is woven throughout the Old Testament.

Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!¹²

Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy!¹³

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!¹⁴

As seen in the last verse above, part of worship in the Old Testament consisted of bowing down and kneeling. This has carried over even today, as people often kneel when they pray. When used in a religious or spiritual context, the Hebrew word translated as “worship” in the Old Testament as well as the Greek word used for “worship” in the New Testament both mean “to bow down.” The act of bowing down in such a context meant bowing before—and thus worshiping—a deity. An example in Scripture is when God said:

You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God.¹⁵

God made it very clear to His people that they were not to worship other gods.

If you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.¹⁶

Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you.¹⁷

Jesus made reference to this when He said:

Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”¹⁸

While the Old Testament is clear that the only proper object of worship is God, we read throughout the New Testament that Jesus was also a proper object of worship. When Jesus was walking on the water, Peter stepped out and walked toward Jesus, but then started sinking.

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”¹⁹

After Jesus had risen from the dead, He met [two women] and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.²⁰ In the book of Hebrews we read:

To which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”²¹

As God the Father is worshiped, so Jesus, God the Son, is also worshiped.

Prayer

The Bible teaches that God is the only One to whom we are to appeal in prayer. He is the One who hears our prayers, and He answers them according to His will. God is the only being worthy of prayer.

Throughout the Old Testament, we read of God’s people calling out to Him in prayer:

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.²²

Give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name.²³

I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”²⁴

I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.²⁵

Just before Jesus died on the cross, He called out to His Father:

Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.²⁶

In a similar fashion, in the book of Acts we read of Stephen calling out in prayer to Jesus as he was being stoned to death.

As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.²⁷

As Jesus prayed to His Father, so Stephen prayed to Jesus.

Throughout the New Testament, we read of believers calling on the name of Jesus in similar fashion as those in the Old Testament called on the name of God.

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.²⁸

After stating that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,²⁹ Paul quoted from the Old Testament:

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.³⁰

In so doing, he was making the statement that calling on the name of Jesus was the same as calling on the name of God.

Jesus told His disciples to pray to Him:

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.³¹

After His resurrection, when His disciples were trying to decide who should replace Judas as an apostle, they prayed to Jesus, saying:

“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”³²

Scripture teaches us to pray to God, and in like manner to pray to Jesus.

Love and obedience

In the Old Testament, God spoke to His people and conveyed that He expected them to love Him as well as to obey Him through following His words.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.³³

His people were expected to keep His commandments.

You shall therefore love the LORD your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.³⁴

If they did, God would bless them and their land.

If you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil. And he will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full.³⁵

The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, when you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.³⁶

Jesus spoke to His disciples about keeping the commandments, and of the blessing they would receive for doing so.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.³⁷

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.³⁸

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.³⁹

God also warned, in no uncertain terms, of the dangers His people would face if they turned away from Him.

If you will not obey the voice of the LORD your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.⁴⁰

He also included a serious warning about relatives trying to turn their family members away from the Lord.

If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods,” which neither you nor your fathers have known … you shall not yield to him or listen to him.⁴¹

This command expressed the importance of giving devotion to God primary importance above every other relationship.

Jesus called His disciples to similar love, devotion, and commitment to Himself.

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.⁴²

Jesus used “hate” as hyperbole, in order to dramatically make the point that the love and commitment His disciples had for Him was to be greater than for their loved ones. Elsewhere He made the same point using other words:

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.⁴³

Just as the Old Testament associated obedience to God’s commands with love for God, so Jesus associated obedience to His commandments with love for Him.

(To be continued in Part Two.)

¹ For an explanation of the Trinity see The Heart of It All: The Trinity (three parts).

² He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3). See also Hebrews 8:1–2, 12:1–2; 1 Peter 3:21–22.

³ Robert M. Bowman Jr. and J. Ed Komoszewski, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Divinity of Christ (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2007).

⁴ Psalm 29:1–2.

⁵ 1 Chronicles 29:10–11.

⁶ Psalm 71:8.

⁷ Philippians 4:20.

⁸ Galatians 1:4–5.

⁹ Revelation 4:11.

¹⁰ Revelation 5:12.

¹¹ 2 Peter 3:18.

¹² Psalm 96:9.

¹³ Psalm 99:9.

¹⁴ Psalm 95:6.

¹⁵ Exodus 20:4–5.

¹⁶ Deuteronomy 8:19.

¹⁷ Deuteronomy 11:16–17.

¹⁸ Matthew 4:10.

¹⁹ Matthew 14:31–33.

²⁰ Matthew 28:9.

²¹ Hebrews 1:5–6.

²² Genesis 21:33.

²³ Psalm 105:1.

²⁴ Psalm 116:4.

²⁵ Psalm 116:17.

²⁶ Luke 23:46.

²⁷ Acts 7:59–60.

²⁸ 1 Corinthians 1:2.

²⁹ Romans 10:9.

³⁰ Romans 10:13, quoting from Joel 2:32.

³¹ John 14:13–14.

³² Acts 1:24–25.

³³ Deuteronomy 6:5–7.

³⁴ Deuteronomy 11:1.

³⁵ Deuteronomy 11:13–15.

³⁶ Deuteronomy 30:9–10.

³⁷ John 14:15.

³⁸ John 14:21.

³⁹ John 15:10.

⁴⁰ Deuteronomy 28:15.

⁴¹ Deuteronomy 13:6, 8.

⁴² Luke 14:26.

⁴³ Matthew 10:37–38.

Jesus Is God

Peter Amsterdam

2017-11-14

In a recent article I gave some examples from Scripture of how the Holy Spirit, as Jesus’ successor after His Ascension, worked on the disciples’ behalf in much the same way as Jesus had.¹ Jesus, as God, sent the Holy Spirit, who is also God, to be with believers. I thought it might be helpful to look at how, in similar fashion, Jesus does what the Father does—showing that, as the Father is God, so too Jesus is God.

Throughout the Old Testament, we find descriptions of God which can generally be categorized as names and images. There are also descriptions of God’s attributes, but here we’ll focus on His names and images. In Old Testament times, names were given to express hopes, observations, understanding, feelings, etc. For example, Adam named his wife Eve, which meant “living” because she was the mother of all living.² God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, thus changing the meaning of his name from “exalted father” to “father of a multitude.”

The names of God in Scripture likewise convey meaning—they tell us what God is like. When Moses asked God His name, God revealed that His name was Yahweh (LORD), meaning “I Am.” Elsewhere in the Old Testament, He is called Elohim (God) and El Shadday (God Almighty). These are descriptions of God. When He told Moses that His name was Yahweh, He included other information about Himself:

The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty.”³ (Many Bibles translate Yahweh as LORD, in all capital letters, as it expresses God’s proper name.)

In addition to the names He has revealed, we find images of God, which also function as names of God, throughout the Old Testament. One example is Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel.⁴ This description of God with the image of a shepherd then becomes one of His names. Through His names God reveals Himself to us, and God’s names reflect who God is.

For example, when we “praise His name,” we are praising God.

I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.⁵

For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name.⁶

Besides praising God’s name, Scripture tells us to ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;⁷ to exalt his name together;⁸ and to fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God.⁹ Since Scripture says that God alone is to be worshipped, this language equates God’s name and God Himself. This is also seen in various verses where God’s name is described as doing things which are attributed to God Himself.

May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!¹⁰

O God, save me by your name.¹¹

His name is eternal, awesome, and holy, just as He is:

Your name, O LORD, endures forever.¹²

Holy and awesome is his name!¹³

So as we can see, God’s name does and is everything that Scripture says about God Himself, and as such His name is equated with Himself. When we understand this, it’s easy to see why the third commandment tells us not to misuse God’s name:

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.¹⁴

As mentioned earlier, Yahweh (God’s name) is translated as LORD in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the word kyrios is translated as “Lord.” In Greek translations of the Old Testament, Yahweh is also translated as kyrios, thus carrying the same meaning when used in reference to Jesus in the New Testament. Within the New Testament, we find the phrase “(the or our) Lord Jesus Christ” 63 times.

When we read the New Testament, we see that Jesus’ name is used in the same way Yahweh is used in the Old Testament, and that actions and attributes of God are present in Jesus as well. Let’s look at some comparisons:

In the book of Isaiah, God said:

To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.¹⁵

We read in Philippians:

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.¹⁶

In the book of Joel, we read:

It shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.¹⁷

Both the apostles Peter and Paul quoted this verse in reference to Jesus, and in so doing were referring to Jesus as God (Yahweh).¹⁸

Scripture reveals that God created the universe:

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.¹⁹

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.²⁰

Within the New Testament we read that Jesus, the Word of God, participated in the creation of the world.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.²¹

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.²²

In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.²³

One of the most important, and often repeated, commandments to the people of Israel in the Old Testament was the injunction to only worship the LORD and to not worship any other gods. They were promised severe punishment for worshipping other gods.

“You shall have no other gods before me.”²⁴

If you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.²⁵

Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you.²⁶

While only God is to be worshipped, it’s clear within the Gospels that there were times when Jesus was worshipped. When Jesus walked on the water, and rescued Peter from sinking as he tried to do the same, we’re told:

When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”²⁷

His disciples worshipped Him when He appeared to them after His resurrection:

Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.²⁸

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.²⁹

We also read of Jesus being worshipped in heaven:

I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.³⁰

Scripture clearly teaches that only God is to be worshipped, yet it also teaches us that Jesus was and is to be worshipped. The only reason that it is legitimate to worship Jesus is that He is God.

From Old Testament Scripture, we understand that God is the one who judges:

The LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us.³¹

God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.³²

In the New Testament we see that Jesus, like His Father, also judges.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom.³³

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.³⁴

The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. … he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.³⁵

Many times throughout the Old Testament, God is called “the savior”:

I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior.³⁶

I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior.³⁷

Jesus is also called the Savior, again showing that He too is God.

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.³⁸

Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.³⁹

The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.⁴⁰

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.⁴¹

God is depicted as sitting on the throne of heaven.

I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left.⁴²

God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.⁴³

We also read of Jesus depicted as being on a throne with His Father.

The Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd.⁴⁴

The angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.⁴⁵

No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.⁴⁶

As we read the Bible, we discover that God has told us something of Himself through revealing His names and images. We also find that many of those same names and images are applied to Jesus. Scripture teaches that Jesus, like His Father, is God. Jesus expressed it this way:

“I and the Father are one.”⁴⁷

In the Epistles, it’s beautifully expressed like this:

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.⁴⁸

In him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.⁴⁹

God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.⁵⁰

Note

Unless otherwise indicated, all scriptures are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

¹ See “Jesus—His Life and Message: Discipleship (Part 6).”

² Genesis 3:20.

³ Exodus 34:6–7.

⁴ Psalm 80:1.

⁵ Psalm 7:17.

⁶ Psalm 18:49.

⁷ Psalm 29:2.

⁸ Psalm 34:3.

⁹ Deuteronomy 28:58.

¹⁰ Psalm 20:1.

¹¹ Psalm 54:1.

¹² Psalm 135:13.

¹³ Psalm 111:9.

¹⁴ Exodus 20:7.

¹⁵ Isaiah 45:23.

¹⁶ Philippians 2:10–11.

¹⁷ Joel 2:32.

¹⁸ Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13.

¹⁹ Genesis 1:1.

²⁰ Isaiah 40:28.

²¹ John 1:1–3.

²² Colossians 1:16–17.

²³ Hebrews 1:2.

²⁴ Exodus 20:3.

²⁵ Deuteronomy 8:19.

²⁶ Deuteronomy 11:16–17. See also Deuteronomy 30:17–18, 2 Chronicles 7:19–20, 1 Kings 9:6–7.

²⁷ Matthew 14:32–33.

²⁸ Matthew 28:9.

²⁹ Luke 24:50–52.

³⁰ Revelation 5:11–14.

³¹ Isaiah 33:22.

³² Ecclesiastes 12:14.

³³ 2 Timothy 4:1.

³⁴ Acts 10:42.

³⁵ John 5:22–23, 27.

³⁶ Isaiah 43:11.

³⁷ Hosea 13:4.

³⁸ Luke 2:11.

³⁹ Acts 13:23.

⁴⁰ Acts 5:30–31.

⁴¹ 1 John 4:14.

⁴² 1 Kings 22:19.

⁴³ Psalm 47:8.

⁴⁴ Revelation 7:17.

⁴⁵ Revelation 22:1.

⁴⁶ Revelation 22:3.

⁴⁷ John 10:30.

⁴⁸ Hebrews 1:3.

⁴⁹ Colossians 2:9.

⁵⁰ Philippians 2:9–11.

Forget About Yourself

April 25, 2025

Six Paths to Better Thoughts

By Scott Hubbard

S. Lewis describes it as the cheerful hallmark of humility. Tim Keller calls it the doorway into freedom. John Piper names it as the best friend of deep wonder. And we know it as one of earth’s most elusive gifts: self-forgetfulness.

Joy, true joy, does not live in the land of mirrors. Peace of mind is not found in our inner wells, no matter how deep we lower the pail of introspection. No personality test can usher the soul into contentment. Yes, we must know something of ourselves to live well in this world. But the healthiest people hardly consider what psychological categories they belong to, hardly care how they compare to others. They mainly forget about themselves and live.

(Read or listen to the article here.)

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/forget-about-yourself

Making Time for the Things That Matter

April 24, 2025

Words from Jesus

Audio length: 11:56

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Every day is filled with things to be thankful for. Some are obvious, others are veiled; some are spectacular, others are disguised as common occurrences—or even problems. Yet everything that comes your way is meant to be approached with praise and thanksgiving. As the apostle Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

You can give thanks in every situation, because you have the sure knowledge that I will work in all things for your good no matter what the situation (Romans 8:28). Even when the outlook is bleak, you can trust that I am with you. And because I love you and have called you according to My good purposes, you can be confident that everything that comes your way will somehow fit within My plan of bringing to completion the good work I began in your life (Philippians 1:6).

Take the time to acknowledge My work in your life and to recognize My presence through everything you face. Trust that I will fulfill My purpose for your life, and I will never forsake the work of My hands (Psalm 138:8). When you choose to be thankful in every situation, it will help you to adopt a positive approach to your work, the way you relate to others, and the way you react to circumstances and events. It will show in your attitude, in your decisions, and in your actions. My joy will become your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Make time for people

It’s easy to become wrapped up in your immediate circumstances, as you deal with the cares and stresses of your life and work and other responsibilities, which can be difficult to keep up with. It can seem like there’s very little time for reaching out to others. But as My followers, you have been called and chosen to share My love with others and to shine My light to the world (Matthew 5:16).

When I was on earth, I had only about three and a half years for My public ministry and to accomplish My mission. At times My disciples or others thought that the people I engaged with weren’t worthy of My time. I spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1–42) and a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5–13). I noticed Zacchaeus—a despised tax collector—up in a tree and asked to spend the evening with him at his house (Luke 19:1–10).

I invited the children to come to Me. I also took time to personally encourage thousands of others—conversations so numerous that they aren’t documented in the Gospels, yet each had an impact on someone’s life. You are also called to show love, kindness, and understanding to those around you throughout your day.

As you give of My love and care to others, you’ll find this giving of yourself will not be a sacrifice. As you give of what you have received, I have promised to pour forth My blessings to you in good measure until they are running over (Luke 6:38).

Living life to the full

So many people are content to just let life pass them by without seeking true meaning and purpose for their lives. They may be busy keeping up or trying to get ahead, or they may fill every spare moment with relaxing activities, while rarely pausing to ponder the deeper questions of life and eternal truths.

The secret to knowing the truth that will set you free and living life to the full is found in living close to Me and remaining faithful to My teachings (John 8:31). Seek My presence and include Me in your daily life and activities, and look to My Word for guidance (Psalm 119:105). As you commit your life to Me, it will be filled with meaning and purpose. You will not only find My joy and fulfilment, but you will brighten the lives of those around you as you reflect My love and share My truth with them—the truth that can set them free (John 8:32).

It starts by making a habit of taking time at the start of every day for prayer and communion with Me and My Word (Proverbs 8:17). Commit your day to Me and trust in Me to work throughout your day, whether you’re on the job, running errands, or with family and friends. You’ll find that life will be richer and more meaningful as you look to Me.

Patience through the cycles

There are cycles in life—times in which everything seems to go well, and times when things seem to go poorly or contrary to your wishes and hopes. I want you to learn to draw near to Me through each phase of the cycle.

When you are faced with a new obstacle or problem, don’t let it discourage you and don’t worry that you won’t be able to overcome it. Problems can be the catalyst to cause you to call out to Me and to exercise your faith as you rise to meet the challenge.

Each time you face a new test, you have to take up the challenge, call on Me for help, and once again overcome and grow in the process. So don’t look at the low points in your life as defeats, but rather as opportunities for Me to work in your life to make forward progress. I know it’s often difficult to go through these cycles, but trust Me that these times are needed to keep moving forward and growing in your faith.

Making good judgment calls

Throughout life, you will face a series of judgment calls, big and small, that affect your decisions and how you interact with people and how you invest your time. Nearly every day you have to make judgments about some situation or approach or cultural trend, and your opinions and decisions can have consequences for you and other people.

I once told My critics, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (John 7:24).What is right judgment? It is judging fairly and honestly, and applying the right principle to that particular situation. It often takes looking beyond the facts as you know them to see the hearts and true intentions of those involved.

Before passing judgment, it’s important to remain impartial and get all sides of the story. The more informed you are, the better chance you will have of judging correctly. And it’s always wise, even in seemingly small matters, to come to Me and seek My guidance. I am the One who will judge the world at the end of days, so take the time to seek My wisdom and study My Word to make wise judgments and decisions.

Seeking My thoughts

What may seem logical to you in a particular situation may not be the way I see it, because “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9).

For this reason, it is important to learn to commit all your ways to Me and seek My insight and guidance, and trust in Me with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5–7). Sometimes I will lead you to answers in My Word. Other times I may guide your thoughts until you reach the right conclusion, or through the advice of someone else. Not only am I able to guide you, but I am also able to give you the peace of mind and general sense of well-being that comes through a close walk with Me (Isaiah 26:3).

So come to Me with all your weights and burdens and concerns. Come to Me with an open heart and open mind, and trust that I will sustain you and guide you throughout everything you face in life (Psalm 55:22).

A meaningful life

I want you to live a meaningful life—one that will make a difference in the lives of others. I came so that all who believe could have life—and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). You are ultimately responsible to make choices that will lead you to walk in My ways and will. It starts with committing your ways to Me and asking Me to direct your paths.

Sometimes the process of making decisions can be challenging. You may have to wait and exercise patience to find My will. Circumstances change. People change. You change. However, no matter what you face, you can trust that I am with you and I am at work in your life as the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).

I created you. I have been with you from the beginning of your life and will be with you until the end. As you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me and My guidance for your life (Jeremiah 29:13).

Published on Anchor April 2025. Read by Reuben Ruchevsky. Music by Michael Dooley.

A Doctor’s Depression

April 23, 2025

How God Became My Healer

By Kathryn Butler

“When I was at my lowest and life seemed a never-ending shadow, God gave me what my broken soul needed most: himself.”

“Dear friend, if the bleakness of depression envelops you, cling to God’s word. Earmark Psalms that reveal his mercy, his sovereignty, and his steadfast love and faithfulness. Return to them as the deer returns to the clear, cool stream (Psalm 42:1).”

“When depression enshrouds you, and even when you cannot discern a way forward, know that hope in him endures (1 Peter 1:3–5) and that in Christ nothing—not even the throes of depression—can tear you away from his love (Romans 8:38–39).”

(Read the article here.)

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-doctors-depression

Heavenbound

April 22, 2025

A compilation

Audio length: 10:48

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God’s plan for us is not just to eat, drink, be merry, and then die. There is so much more to life than this. In reality, we are heavenbound. It is for this reason that the apostle Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). And because life does not end here on earth, we need to fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, who is able to translate us from this life to the next life in heaven. …

To emphasize that we are not earthbound but heavenbound, the apostle Peter said, “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). We should therefore not think and act as if this world is our permanent home. We are merely passing by. The ultimate goal is heaven, the home of the redeemed. Therefore, in actuality, we are on a journey. This journey is exciting, challenging, and yet rewarding.

When we embark on a journey to heaven, it is exciting in that we are expectant of good things happening along the way. It is even more exciting when we are given an idea of what is waiting for us at the end. … Therefore, “let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Yes, our own journey to heaven is exciting, as we grow in our knowledge of the Lord and have a good view and understanding of what awaits us in heaven. …

Our journey to heaven is rewarding. While trials and challenges will try to dampen the excitement that we have at the beginning, our effort will pay off if we press on towards our goal. The apostle James said, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Therefore, let us not lose sight of the greater reward. The trials and obstacles that come our way in this journey should not derail us. …

In this journey, we need to walk by faith. Heaven is a wonderful place, but we can only get there through our Lord Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, we cannot enter heaven. For this, I thank God for Jesus and for his love. The words of the apostle Peter are so true, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8–9). Amen!—Teck Uy¹

The eternal riches of heaven

When we learn to keep our eyes on heaven and God’s promises for our eternal future with Him, it helps us to endure the challenges of today. If we’re only looking at what’s happening around us today, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture of eternity.

The Apostle Paul said, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19). We have to look beyond what we’re experiencing today to the future: the rewards, the joy, the surcease from life’s battles. We have so much to look forward to, and as we remind ourselves of all that God has promised for those who love Him, the day-to-day difficulties, sorrow, and pain will be easier to bear.

Jesus said: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. … My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1–3).

Keeping a heavenly perspective takes stepping back from the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of life and focusing on the bigger picture of God’s plans and purposes. It’s remembering that you are on earth for a short time, and that one day you will shed all the struggles, difficulties, and problems of this life, and only the eternal and lasting things will come with you.

Paul wrote in the book of Romans that he considered that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). We can’t always understand God’s purposes for what we are experiencing, but we can be assured that even if “now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror,” then we will “see everything with perfect clarity.” And what we know today may be “partial and incomplete,” but “then we will know completely, just as God knows us completely” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

When you invest your time and life in that which has eternal value—God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33)—you are storing up treasures in heaven. “And where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20–21).—Maria Fontaine

The heavenward journey

When my oldest child died, I knew that my life would never be the same. In the initial months that followed, I expected that the change would be entirely negative. However, not all of the differences were painful. The Lord did something unexpectedly positive that has remained with me ten years later.

On November 10, 2013, my son lived in my house. On November 11, 2013, he lived in heaven above. Heaven was no longer an abstract, theological concept. It was now my son’s home. … After my son’s death, the Lord created a change in my mind, heart, and life that I would describe as a “heavenward shift.” … I became consumed with heaven in a manner that eternity had a constant presence in my perspective in the routine matters of daily life. …

And then I met my “friend,” the apostle Paul. As I read his letters with fresh eyes, I noticed that Paul integrated heaven into just about everything, including somewhat mundane matters of life. … What I discovered in the apostle’s theology of heaven is that the eternal realities of every Christian’s salvation should naturally create a magnified consciousness of heaven in all of us.

At the core, Paul believed that the coming of Jesus constituted the long-awaited divine visitation of God, known as the Day of the Lord. … Believers, upon conversion, are transferred into this heavenly realm on earth, which Paul often refers to as the Kingdom of God, the new creation, the age of the Spirit, or the light. We are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of his beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). Hence, our current citizenship truly becomes heaven the second we put our faith in Christ (Philippians 3:20).

In addition, the Lord blesses us with particular blessings of the future heavenly life during our time on earth. We come into union with Christ, which will be the bedrock of our heavenly joy. He declares the current, heavenly blessing of union with Christ in Colossians by saying, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Furthermore, Paul described the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the present “guarantee” or “down payment” of the future communion with God in the heavenly life. As a result of all these new realities brought about by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, Paul lived with a foot in heaven and a toe on earth. …

The heavenward journey begins with knowing the present and future eternal realities of your salvation. They will bring you such life, hope, and joy! Having a heavenward life, where eternity comprises the perpetual backdrop of your day-to-day consciousness, is a gracious work of the Holy Spirit in your heart, mind, and life. Seek his truth about heaven and pray for this work. The Lord may surprise you with an inspiring pivot in your spiritual life in the same way that he unexpectedly has turned ashes to beauty in my life.—Cameron Cole²

Published on Anchor April 2025. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Fogarty.

¹ Teck Uy, “Heavenward,” Friends of Jesus Christ, Canada, January 21, 2018, https://friendsofjesuschrist.com/2018/01/21/heavenward/

² Cameron Cole, “Looking Heavenward Transforms Our Sorrow,” Crossway, April 18, 2024,

https://www.crossway.org/articles/looking-heavenward-transforms-our-sorrow/

The Two Builders

April 21, 2025

By Peter Amsterdam

Audio length: 7:45

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Within the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His disciples a parable designed to drive home the importance of doing what He taught. Matthew’s and Luke’s versions of the Sermon on the Mount both end with the parable of the two builders, one whose house stands and the other whose house collapses.

The account of the two builders in Matthew 7:24–27 reads as follows:

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

The account of this same parable in the Gospel of Luke has some differences in details. The textual differences are minor, and some commentators explain that Luke, writing for Gentile Christians, slightly adapted the parable in a manner that would make the word picture more relevant to them, while Matthew’s text reflects first-century Palestinian building practices.

Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great (Luke 6:47–49).

Matthew’s wise builder makes sure that his house is built on a solid base of rock, whereas the man in Luke digs through the topsoil until he reaches the bedrock below, building the foundation of the house on the rock. They both make the same point—that building on a strong foundation makes the house strong. The one who hears Jesus’ words and does them is like this builder.

The second builder avoids the hard work of digging down to bedrock and rather chooses the easier way, building on the surface without a solid foundation. Luke says the second builder constructed his house on the ground without a foundation, whereas Matthew makes the same point by saying the house was built on the sand.

Upon completion, both of these houses would look pretty much the same, and under normal conditions, one couldn’t tell the difference. But what a difference there was! In first-century Palestine, most houses were built in the summer months in order to avoid working outdoors in the rainy season. The summers are hot, and digging a foundation during that time of year would be difficult. But the hard work was necessary to build a house that would stand strong.

The difference between the two houses is seen when the rain comes. Israel’s wet season is from mid-October to March, with the majority of the rain falling in January. When there is heavy rain, it can produce runoff from the hills and mountains, which sweeps away anything in its path.

It is such a situation that Jesus refers to when He says, “the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house.” A heavy rain with wind and flooding assailed the house built on rock, but it stood firm. The house with no foundation collapsed. Both houses faced the rain, wind, storm, and flood; but only the one with the firm foundation stood unharmed.

Luke focuses on the flooding, and the waters assailing the house and causing it to fall. This word picture may have resonated more with those he was writing for, who lived in areas outside of Israel and would have been more familiar with rivers overflowing and causing flooding. In either case, the house without the foundation fell.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught about discipleship and living in God’s kingdom. Then He put forth the challenge to do the hard work of applying what He had taught. The Jewish people to whom He was speaking were familiar with the concept of hearing and doing what was taught in Torah, but Jesus was specifically speaking about hearing and doing “these words of mine.” He made the point that His teachings were on par with the teaching of Scripture. He later said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33).

In telling this parable, Jesus challenged the listeners with a choice: to hear His teachings and ignore them, or to hear them and put them into practice. His point was that those who hear and do what He has taught are wise and those who don’t are foolish.

Storm and flood language is used in the Old Testament to describe life’s difficulties: “I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me” (Psalm 69:2), as well as God’s judgment (Isaiah 8:7–8; Ezekiel 38:22). The collapsing house is ultimately a picture of judgment. At the same time, the parable can be seen as referring to the testing believers encounter in this life.

This parable, which came at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, was spoken to Jesus’ disciples, and is likewise directed to all of us who believe in and follow Him (Matthew 5:1–2). Christians are expected to apply the teachings of Jesus to their lives, and when we don’t, we are like the foolish builder whose faith and endurance fails in time of testing. The touchstone of discipleship, of true belief, is the doing. Hearing God’s Word without obeying it and applying it isn’t sufficient. According to Jesus, the one who does not live by what He taught will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

Our faith, our discipleship, is meant to be sound and enduring, growing and maturing. In the same way that digging down to bedrock and building a foundation was hard work in first-century Palestine, listening to and learning from Jesus’ teachings and applying them daily takes great effort. It’s hard work to live the teachings of Christ, but it’s foundational if we are to become strong and mature in our faith and withstand the storms of life. If we make the commitment and put in the effort to hear and do what He teaches, then we will be like the wise builder whose house stood strong.

As Jesus’ brother James wrote, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

Originally published June 2016. Adapted and republished April 2025. Read by Jerry Paladino.

The Glory of Easter! —Part 2

The Glory of Easter

Maria Fontaine

2022-04-12

Quotations on the death and resurrection of Jesus

Here are some more beautiful thoughts on the theme of the death and resurrection of Jesus. As Christians, it’s such a core part of our lives, our purpose, our very existence.

I pray that the following quotes can be a powerful reminder of who we belong to and a tool to inspire those who are seeking truth to look to Jesus in their times of need and find everything they have longed for.

Genesis ends with Joseph’s death. Deuteronomy ends with Moses’ death. Joshua ends with Joshua’s death. The Gospels end with Jesus’ resurrection. And that changes everything.—Tony Merida

Come, and see the victories of the cross. Christ’s wounds are thy healings, His agonies thy repose, His conflicts thy conquests, His groans thy songs, His pains thine ease, His shame thy glory, His death thy life, His sufferings thy salvation.—Matthew Henry

“What are we to make of Christ?” There is no question of what we can make of Him, it is entirely a question of what He intends to make of us. You must accept or reject the story.—C. S. Lewis

Our God is a God of restoration, not destruction. He is a God of renewal, redemption, regeneration, resurrection. God loves to redo and restore. “I am making everything new!” he announced (Revelation 21:5). Gone will be hospital waiting rooms, gone will be tear-stained divorce papers. Gone will be loneliness, foreclosure notices, and abuse. Gone will be cancer. God will lay hold of every atom, emotion, insect, animal, and galaxy. He will reclaim every diseased body and afflicted mind. “I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).—Max Lucado

Maria: The world and the news are constantly throwing death at us. War and disease and poverty, the destructive forces, abound. But Jesus overcame death, He conquered death and rose again, and that is the hope we need to pass on to this suffering world. He lives, and because of that we—and they—can live too!

It cost God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things; but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion.—C. S. Lewis

Two thousand years ago, in the Middle East, an event occurred that permanently changed the world. Because of that event, history was split. Every time you write a date, you’re using the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the focal point.—Rick Warren

Maria: I like that quote. Throughout the course of a day or week, I bet we all find ourselves writing dates with the year included. If every time I do so, it served as a reminder of the resurrection, I would be developing a habit that will help me place greater focus on hope, and is therefore a habit that is well worth developing!

Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right;
Faith and Hope triumphant say
Christ will rise on Easter Day!—Phillips Brooks

Maria: To reflect on how Jesus overcame death at His resurrection is so encouraging today, in the face of the negative, difficult, and evil things of this world. With all the problems of everyday life that each of us has to deal with, we need to know and be reminded that Jesus is with us every step of the way. He has overcome. We can rest in Him even in the midst of life’s battles.

We can afford to follow Him to failure. Faith dares to fail. The resurrection and the judgment will demonstrate before all worlds who won and who lost. We can wait.—A. W. Tozer

The church came into existence not to promulgate some political programme or campaign for moral renovation; but primarily to bear witness to the fact that God had intervened in history, raised Christ from the dead, and that forgiveness of sins could be received in his name.—John Lennox

If a man can predict his own death and resurrection, and pull it off, I just go with whatever that man says.—Andy Stanley

“Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men” (Lamentations 3:32–33). Does God ordain? Permit? Plan? Allow? The verb is not so much the important thing as the noun: God. And God is love.—Joni Eareckson Tada

The resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s kingdom. … It is the decisive event demonstrating that God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.—N. T. Wright

Maria: Just think of that! We’re part of God’s kingdom that He launched on earth through the resurrection. That’s an important vision to keep in front of us. We’re not just people scattered around the world, trying to do the best we can for Him and to survive—we are part of His kingdom. And we are also His ambassadors. That’s a high calling!

Belief in the resurrection is not an appendage to the Christian faith. It is the Christian faith.—George Carey

The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for all His people. Death is no longer a prison, but a passage into God’s presence. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!—Clarence W. Hall

Jesus lives! And because He lives, we live too. Death is conquered. He has overcome! Hallelujah! This life we live now is only the beginning! Let’s keep sharing this grand news with others in this hurting world. He has conquered death, and that is His promise of life for all who believe!—Joni Eareckson Tada

* * *

Jesus: My resurrection life within you is more actual energy than you’ve probably ever realized or utilized. You have the Spirit of My Father who raised Me from the dead dwelling within you, and just as He raised Me from the dead, so can He quicken your earthen frame by His Spirit. That’s one of My wonderful truths and promises I’ve given to you, and this resurrection power that is within you through Me has given you the same power to rise above. Claim it as yours!

* * *

Maria: Happy Easter to all God’s children! I hope this series of posts uplifts your hearts and focuses your vision on God’s kingdom and your personal invitation to it, delivered to you by Jesus. What a wonderful cause for celebration!

Celebrating Easter—Why the Resurrection Makes All the Difference

Peter Amsterdam

2022-04-11

As we celebrate Easter, we are celebrating God’s way of bringing salvation to us. In His love for humanity, God made a way for us to enter into an eternal relationship with Him, and the means was through His Son coming into the world, living as a human being, and laying down His life for us. Jesus did just that. He came into this world out of love, lived as we live, and gave Himself over to be crucified. His death made it possible for us to truly know God and to live with Him forever.

Jesus was God’s Son. We know this because of the account of Him given in the Gospels, and through the rest of the Bible. He did and said numerous things which spoke to the fact that He was God’s Son. His resurrection from the dead, which we celebrate every Easter, was proof that He was all that He said He was—that He was the long-awaited Messiah, and that He was God the Son.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of Man over seventy times throughout the Gospels. While on occasion He stated that He was the Messiah, He generally didn’t refer to Himself as such. The title of Messiah carried with it preconceived ideas in the minds of the people of His day and expectations of a political nature. Continually claiming to be the Messiah would most likely have prematurely brought Him problems with the Jewish leaders as well as the Roman government. It would also have brought up the stereotypical ideas about the Messiah which were prominent in those days—someone who would throw off the shackles of the Roman oppressors and physically free the Jewish people.

By referring to Himself as the Son of Man, a non-messianic title from the book of Daniel that the Jews of Jesus’ day were familiar with,¹ Jesus was using a title which allowed Him to speak modestly about Himself and to include aspects of His mission such as His suffering and death, which weren’t considered part of the Messiah’s role. At the same time, in line with what is said in Daniel, it enabled Him to express His exalted role, while avoiding the messianic misconceptions of the time. In using the title Son of Man, Jesus could speak of His mission on earth—which included His suffering and death, His second coming, His role in judgment, and His glorious future—without using the politically charged title of Messiah.

Within the Gospels, Jesus was the only one who used the title Son of Man in reference to Himself. He used the title to claim the authority to do what only God could do, such as forgive sins. “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”²

He also referred to Himself this way when telling His disciples about His coming crucifixion and resurrection on the third day. He spoke about the Son of Man giving His life as a ransom, teaching that His death was a vicarious sacrifice, that He was laying down His life for the salvation of others. “As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.’ And they were greatly distressed.”³

Jesus foretold that as the Son of Man, He would lay down His life for us: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”⁴ And so He was crucified, died, and was buried—and then rose from the dead. Because He rose, we have affirmation that His heavenly Father set His seal upon Him, and that His sacrificial atoning death has given us eternal life.⁵

Another way in which Jesus used the phrase the Son of Man was when speaking of His second coming, when He will return to the earth to establish His rule and to pronounce judgment. The book of Daniel speaks of “one like a son of man” coming on the clouds of heaven. This reference to a human-looking figure with authority, glory, worship, and an eternal kingdom evokes an image of power normally reserved for God.

I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.⁶

When Jesus speaks of His return, He refers to what Daniel saw in his vision. He explains that He will come “in the glory of His Father, coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, seated on a glorious throne, at the right hand of Power.”⁷

He also speaks of the time of judgment which He will preside over, as His Father has given Him the authority to execute judgment. “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”⁸ These claims Jesus made about executing judgment are extraordinary—far beyond what any human could or should claim. However, Jesus, as the Son of God, has this authority, and His claims were validated by the fact that God raised Him from the dead.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is referred to as the Son of God, both by Himself and by others. His Sonship is woven throughout the Gospels, especially in the things He said about Himself. From the Gospels we understand that He existed eternally with the Father before the creation of the world as the Logos, the Word of God, and that He made all things. The Logos then became flesh, in the person of Jesus, who through the life He led taught us about God and His love.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.⁹

We are told of His Sonship in the birth narratives, where His paternity comes directly from God through the conception of the Holy Spirit, and therefore He is called the Son of God.¹⁰ He was named Jesus, which means “Yahweh is salvation”—Yahweh being one of the names by which the Jewish people know God.

When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan at the beginning of His mission, the voice of God stated that Jesus was His Son. “When Jesus was baptized, … He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”¹¹ Close to the end of His mission, when He was transfigured, God once again declared that He was His Son.¹²

Jesus had a unique relationship with the Father through knowing Him as only His only begotten Son could. The Father has also “given all things into His hands.”¹³ When asked by the Jewish leadership if He was the Son of God, He answered in the affirmative: “The high priest asked Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’”¹⁴

The statements Jesus made about Himself and His relationship to God, claiming to be equal to God, at times accepting worship,¹⁵ and claiming to do the work of the Father were seen as outlandish and blasphemous. The Jewish religious leaders who considered Him a false messiah came to the conclusion that He needed to die so that the Romans wouldn’t destroy the nation because of Him.¹⁶ While the Jewish leaders didn’t have the authority to kill Jesus themselves, they were able to have Him crucified by the Roman authorities. The supposed false messiah who claimed to be God’s Son was crucified, and the problem was seemingly taken care of.

But then … He rose from the dead. And His resurrection proved that all He said He was, all the authority He claimed to have—the messiahship, the power and dominion, the judgment, and His Sonship—was genuine. He is who He said He was.

Had Jesus not risen, had there been no resurrection, then everything that God’s Word says about Him would be false. Our faith, as Paul said, would be worthless.¹⁷ But the resurrection proves that our faith is of inestimable worth. It proves that Jesus is God the Son.

Because of the resurrection, we are assured that through belief in Jesus we have eternal life. That’s what Easter is all about. That’s why it’s a day to praise and thank Him for His sacrifice, for laying down His life for us. That’s why it’s a day to worship God for the wonderful plan of salvation which He enacted. That’s why Easter is a wonderful day to make a personal commitment to share the good news that Jesus is risen and His free offer of salvation is available to all who will receive it. Happy Easter!

Originally published April 2014. Excerpted and republished April 2022.
Read by Jerry Paladino.

¹ Daniel 7:13–14.

² Matthew 9:6 ESV.

³ Matthew 17:22–23 ESV.

⁴ Matthew 20:28 ESV.

⁵ John 6:27.

⁶ Daniel 7:13–14 ESV.

⁷ Matthew 16:27, 24:30, 26:64.

⁸ Matthew 25:31–32.

⁹ John 1:1–3, 14 ESV.

¹⁰ Luke 1:31–32, 35.

¹¹ Matthew 3:16–17.

¹² Matthew 17:5.

¹³ John 3:35.

¹⁴ Mark 14:61–62 ESV.

¹⁵ Matthew 14:33.

¹⁶ John 11:47–50.

¹⁷ 1 Corinthians 15:14.

The Triumphant Message of the Resurrection

April 18, 2025

By Charles Stanley

Dr. Stanley shares what God’s Word reveals about the resurrection of the saints. Make peace with death—taking comfort in the knowledge that God’s plan for you extends far beyond your final breath into an eternal life with your heavenly Father.

Run time for this video is 24 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-S74xV8hus

The Glory of Easter

April 17, 2025

Quotations on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

By Maria Fontaine

Audio length: 10:49

Download Audio (9.9MB)

I cherish the memories I have of celebrating Easter as I grew up. Our church gathered every Easter morning on the top of a hill where we watched the sun rise, sang songs of praise, and thanked Jesus for having risen, bringing new, never-ending, transforming life.

I believe that the Lord uses many things in nature to remind us of spiritual truths, like the sunrise reminds us of Christ’s resurrection from the darkness of death into the glory of a new dawn.

In celebration of Jesus’ wonderful gift of the resurrection, I’d like to share a few Bible verses and quotes from a variety of Christian authors on the subject.

* * *

I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.—John 11:25–26

The best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring his infinite beauty.―John Piper

The joyful news that He is Risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice.—Henry Knox Sherrill

No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.—Josh McDowell

The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry … He’s risen!—Charles R. Swindoll

Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him, everything else thrown in.—C. S. Lewis

Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.—Pope John Paul II

The story of Easter is the story of God’s wonderful window of divine surprise.—Carl Knudsen

Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless.—Charles M. Crowe

After death, something new begins, over which all powers of the world of death have no more might.—Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent [coming] splendor.—Charles H. Spurgeon

God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I love you.”—Billy Graham

Maria: We can hold on to the reassurance of God’s great love for each one of us, knowing that “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Death used to be an executioner, but the resurrection of Christ makes it nothing but a gardener. When he tries to bury you, he’s really planting you, and you’re going to come up better than before.—George Herbert

Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord’s Prayer is about.—N. T. Wright

The earliest Christians believed in the resurrection not because they couldn’t find a dead body but because they found a living Christ.—Barry McCarty

While the resurrection promises us a new and perfect life in the future, God loves us too much to leave us alone to contend with the pain, guilt and loneliness of our present life.—Josh McDowell

Jesus Christ did not come into this world to make bad people good; He came into this world to make dead people live.—Author Unknown

The point of the resurrection … is that the present bodily life is not valueless just because it will die. … What you do with your body in the present matters because God has a great future in store for it. … What you do in the present—by painting, preaching, singing, sewing, praying, teaching, building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems, caring for the needy, loving your neighbor as yourself—will last into God’s future. These activities are not simply ways of making the present life a little less beastly, a little more bearable, until the day when we leave it behind altogether. They are part of what we may call building for God’s kingdom.—N. T. Wright

Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus Christ is the greatest evidence of all for the resurrection. It was the resurrection which transformed Peter’s fear into courage and James’ doubt into faith. … It was the resurrection which changed Saul the Pharisee into Paul the apostle and turned his persecuting into preaching.—John Stott

Maria: It was the resurrection that sent the disciples courageously into all the known world of their day, and the resurrection that helped the martyrs fearlessly face death. The resurrection of Jesus is the great motivator!

To preach Christianity meant (to the Apostles) primarily to preach the Resurrection. … The Resurrection is the central theme in every Christian sermon reported in the (book of) Acts. The Resurrection, and its consequences, were the “gospel” or good news which the Christians brought.—C. S. Lewis

In short, I didn’t become a Christian because God promised I would have an even happier life than I had as an atheist. He never promised any such thing. … Rather, I became a Christian because the evidence was so compelling that Jesus really is the one-and-only Son of God who proved his divinity by rising from the dead. That meant that following him was the most rational and logical step I could possibly take.—Lee Strobel

If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said. If he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.—Timothy Keller

The truth is, Satan and God may want the exact same event to take place—but for different reasons. Satan’s motive in Jesus’ crucifixion was rebellion; God’s motive was love and mercy.—Joni Eareckson Tada

Maria: When we ponder the vast love and mercy that we have received from God through Jesus’ life on earth, His crucifixion, resurrection, and victory over death and sin, how can we not praise Him, follow Him, trust Him, love Him, and tell others about Him?

Originally published April 2022. Republished on Anchor April 2025. Read by Debra Lee. Music by John Listen.

The Son Must Rise: What Made Easter Inevitable

April 16, 2025

By David Mathis

On this world-changing Sunday morning, Jesus’s closest disciples first assumed his body had been taken and laid elsewhere. “As yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead” (John 20:9). Must rise. In Jesus’s mind, and in the courts of heaven, and in the pages of holy Scripture, the suffering and subsequent resurrection of the Messiah were not just possibilities or likelihoods. These were not options. They were musts. Jesus had said it before, and later that day he would explain it again—that it was necessary, that it must have happened this way.

(Read or listen to the article here.)

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-son-must-rise

God’s Pursuit of Humankind

April 15, 2025

A compilation

Audio length: 12:27

Download Audio (11.4MB)

All throughout the Bible, we see the ongoing charge for us to pursue God and we see the story of Him pursuing us. In Jeremiah 29:13 God tells the Israelites, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” From the time of creation, God has been pursuing relationship with humanity.

The purpose of our creation was for communion with God, and the story of the Bible is the story of God pursuing relationship with us. When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God among the trees in the garden of Eden. God is the one who pursued and came after them; “the LORD God called to the man” (Genesis 3:8–9).

God has always had a desire to reconcile us to Himself; He sent His son Jesus “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). From creation to now, God has been pursuing connection with us because He loves us. Jesus came and lived and died for the sake of God pursuing us (John 3:16–18).

Before we ever seek and find God, He is the one who first draws us to Himself (John 6:44; see also Psalm 53:2). … Because God is our Creator, He knows us well and cares about us individually (Matthew 10:29–31; Psalm 139:13). He values us so much that He created us in His own image (Genesis 1:27). God pursues us so that we may know Him and true life in Him.

Those of us who have come to know God are privileged to be used by Him here on earth as witnesses for Him and of His goodness. In part, God pursues people by using other people to share His truth and tangibly express His love. Jesus charged the disciples to continue on with His work as witnesses of the reconciliation that He desires: “You will be my witnesses … to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Since then, believers in Jesus have been spreading the good news of the gospel: God is pursuing a relationship with each one of us, and Jesus made the way.

Once we are believers, God continues to pursue us through the Holy Spirit who indwells us. … The Spirit is God pursuing us and enabling us to pursue Him back so that we may have a close relationship with Him and bear spiritual fruit (John 15:1–11). The Spirit is here to pray for us and help us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). He illuminates God’s Word (the Bible) to us so that we can know God better. … [The Spirit] guides us in life and reminds us that we have been adopted by God and can rest steadfastly in hope in Him, trusting that He will fulfill His promises (Ephesians 1:3–14). …

We serve a God who pursues us and who loves us more than we can fully understand (Ephesians 3:14–19). What an amazing gift! What an amazing God!—Compelling Truth¹

God’s quest

Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as a seeker. We find Him on a continual pursuit for something. We find the Father seeking (John 4:23), scanning the earth from heaven (Psalm 14:2), His eyes running to and fro throughout the planet to find something (2 Chronicles 16:9). We find Jesus telling us that He has come to seek (Luke 19:10). We find Him giving us a deeper glimpse into His heart by comparing Himself with a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to seek the one lost (Luke 15:4–7), with a woman combing through her entire house on the search for a lost coin (Luke 15:8–10), with a father who incessantly scans the horizon for the return of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20), and with a merchant seeking fine pearls (Matthew 13:45–46). …

Right from the beginning of creation, God reveals Himself as One who is seeking communion with human beings. In the garden of Eden we find God walking beneath the trees searching for Adam. God knew where Adam was and already knew what happened; still He came searching and calling for Adam. In the first pages of the Bible, God wanted to point out one thing: Right at the root of this Book, the entirety of creation and all of history we find God in search for man. “Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:8–9). …

How is it possible that at the core of the completely self-sufficient, eternally happy and completely satisfied God we find the all-consuming flames of desire for His creation? … And how is it possible that He would choose something so weak, broken, and imperfect as the object of His pleasure? No other book in all of history has given a clearer account on the utter depravity of man. Yet it’s the same Book that tells us we are the delight of the Holiest being of all. We are told that we are dark, yet lovely (Song of Solomon 1:5), we are told that we are sinful and gone astray (Romans 3:23), yet we are called the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45). …

We have yet to grasp the intensity of God’s desire for us. In the eyes of God we are the precious pearl and somehow worth enough to sell everything in order to get it, worth so much to Him that He would give all, even His life, to obtain it, so precious that the Everlasting would embark on such a vehement pursuit for the hearts of the ones He created.

In the incarnation and crucifixion of Jesus we see how relentless He is in His pursuit for the human heart. Jesus willingly died through the hands of His creation to show us how far His love would go. Once and for all He proclaimed that He’ll stop at nothing, that no effort and no price is too high to win our hearts.—Benjamin Schäfer²

A love story

In the Bible, God often uses metaphors or word pictures to describe our relationship with Him; for example, a shepherd and sheep (John 10:7–15), a father and child (2 Corinthians 6:18), a vine and branches (John 15:1–5), and a bride and groom (Isaiah 62:5).

Although the Bible contains 66 books, commentators have often noted that it is really one book with a consistent theme. It is a love story. Like every love story, this one has a beginning, some ups and downs, and a dramatic conclusion.

This love story truly starts “in the beginning” when God created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. He fashioned them exactly as He wanted, breathed the breath of life into them, and then admired His handiwork: “This is very good!”

Unfortunately, the first man and woman chose to reject God’s offer of an eternal, perfect, intimate relationship with Him and instead chose to wander away into the pursuit of self and sin. Without God, humans who were created to enjoy intimacy with Him instead experienced loneliness, confusion, and pain. Throughout the millennia, we have tried all sorts of things to recover the feeling of fulfillment that this lost intimacy provided, but nothing was able to satisfy.

In the end, although we were the ones who turned our backs on God, it was He who initiated reconciliation. In His love, He knew that there was only one solution. Despite the cost, He chose to willingly send His own Son to lead the way back to Him.

What does that mean for us? It means Christianity is not simply a religion, or rules or rituals. Christianity is a relationship—and not just any relationship, but one that the Bible likens to a marriage, where there is meant to be intimacy, transparency, open communication, and shared hopes and desires. The Bible tells us, “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name” (Isaiah 54:5), and that we are “married to Him who was raised from the dead [Jesus], that we should bear fruit to God” (Romans 7:4).—Ronan Keane

Inexplicable love

Motivated by unexplainable love, God pursues humanity. No matter our state in life—married, single, dating, living for God or running from Him—God seeks to win the affection of our hearts by relentlessly and faithfully pursuing us.

We see a clear depiction of this pursuit in our key verses, John 3:16–17: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

The love John refers to in this scripture is agape love, which is sacrificial and considered the highest form of love that exists. This love was costly for God, but He pursued us through the radical act of sacrificing His Son. … And even more astounding is that God demonstrated His lavish and sacrificial love while we were sinners. …

But God’s pursuit of us did not end with Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. For all our days, He will continue to pursue us with His unexplainable love. If you long to be romanced and pursued, may this be an encouragement: You are the object of God’s affection. He has relentlessly pursued and will continue to pursue you.

Dear God, thank You for pursuing me. Continue to remind me of Your steadfast love for all my days. Help me to rest in the fact that I am lavishly loved by You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.—Kia Stephens³

Published on Anchor April 2025. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso. Music by John Listen.

¹ “Does God pursue us?” Compelling Truth.org, https://www.compellingtruth.org/does-God-pursue-us.html

² Benjamin Schäfer, “God’s Pursuit Of Man,” A Yearning Heart’s Journey (blog), January 29, 2014, “https://yearningheartsjourney.blogspot.com/2014/01/gods-pursuit-of-man.html

³ Kia Stephens, “God’s Pursuit of Us,” Proverbs 31, “February 1, 2023, https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2023/02/01/gods-pursuit-of-us

Lessons from the Cross

April 14, 2025

By Virginia Brandt Berg

Audio length: 6:54

Download Audio (6.3MB)

As we near Good Friday, we remember the cross of Christ. In Luke 23, the 34th verse, we find these words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

So many of Jesus’ expressions from the cross were expressions of His wonderful love. He prayed for His enemies when He said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” in the hour of their triumph over Him, and in the midst of the shame and suffering that they delighted in showering on Him. Yet He poured out His love in prayer for them. I think that is a call to everyone who believes in the crucified Christ to do likewise. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Then the next expression of love from the cross: “Woman, behold thy son,” and [to John], “Behold thy mother.” The very same love that cared for His enemies cared for His friends. Jesus knew just what the anguish must be in the heart of His widowed mother, and He committed her to the care of the beloved disciple John. Even so, we who are disciples of Christ must not only pray for our enemies, but also prove our love by loving those who are around us.

Then we read about the thief who was hanging next to Jesus who said, “We are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (See Luke 23:41–43.) Jesus was demonstrating His love for the penitent thief. He had appealed to Christ’s mercy to remember him, and what an immediate answer he got to his appeal!

So whether it was the love that prays for enemies, or the love that cares for friends, or the love that rejoices over a penitent sinner, Christ proved that the cross was a cross of love, and the crucified One is the very embodiment of love that surpasses all knowledge. (See Ephesians 3:17–19.)

With every thought we have of what we owe to that love of the cross, I pray that God will help us prove that the mind of the crucified Christ is our mind, that His love is not only what we trust in for ourselves, but what guides us in loving others and our loving interaction with the world around us.

I lived for some time once with a person who was perfect in her social graces and read the Bible continually and was perfect in church attendance. But her life was like an icicle of coldness. There had been resentment there, and that resentment had turned into a lifelong grudge against a certain person. It just seemed to drain the love and joy out of her life.

So often when I think of that person, it reminds me of the little boy who was in the orphans’ home, and some very wealthy people came to take him home because it had been decided that he could go with them. They began to tell him of what he would have, what would be his possessions in their beautiful big house, and how someday he was going to have a real live pony, and how they would get him a watch that was his very own when he became a teen, etc. But his little heart was hungry for just one thing. When they got through with the possessions that they would give him and what they were going to do for him, he looked up with appealing eyes and said, “Can you spare a little bit of loving?”

I used to think of this when with that particular woman, as I had to abide in her home for a while. “Oh, can’t you spare just a little bit of loving?”—Because I was going through a great trial myself at that time.

Human love has weaknesses, but Christian love is divine, it is God-given. Romans 5:5 says, “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” And 1 Peter 3:8 says: “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” A divine brotherly love will bind Christians in a solidly united family. Jude 1:21 says, “Keep yourselves in the love of God.”

As long as Christians walk in love, they will enjoy fellowship with their heavenly Father. But Satan has many tricks, and he tries so hard to draw a Christian outside the bounds of love, and he will do it if he possibly can.

If you want to grow spiritually, walk in love and continually try to practice the love of Christ that is in your heart. But when a Christian starts to criticize and loses his loving spirit, he stops growing, for he is no longer walking in love.

A Christian needs to watch and pray. Not watch and criticize, but watch and pray! Beloved, those who do wrong don’t need criticism; they need prayer and lots and lots of love. God’s Word says in Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

In Hebrews 10:24 God’s Word says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” And may I just add this: That love begets love. One person walking in love will encourage others to do likewise. It’s such a catching thing, the love of Christ in action, and it spreads from heart to heart.

God’s Word says in 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all things, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Love doesn’t talk about the mistakes of others. This scripture tells us that love covers with a veil of silence the mistakes of others.

God bless you as Good Friday approaches and you think about Jesus Christ, who manifested such love from the cross.

From a transcript of a Meditation Moments broadcast, adapted. Published on Anchor April 2025. Read by Lenore Welsh.

False Accusations

Word Topics

1998-01-01

Definition: False accusation is very closely related to slander. Slander is a false report maliciously uttered, with the intention of injuring the reputation of another.

Accusing others falsely, or “bearing false witness,” as it is usually referred to in the Bible, is specifically condemned and forbidden by the Lord.

Exodus 20:16 — [The Ninth Commandment says:] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Exodus 23:1,7a — Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. ^7aKeep thee far from a false matter.
Proverbs 24:28 — Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

Accusing falsely is a form of lying.

Proverbs 6:16,19a — [The Lord hates] a false witness that speaketh lies.
Proverbs 10:18 — He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Proverbs 12:17 — He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Proverbs 14:5 — A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

At the root of false accusations there are very often the serious sins of pride, selfishness, bitterness, jealousy or envy, as illustrated by these examples from the Bible:

Genesis 39:7-18 — [Joseph was falsely accused of rape by his master’s wife:] And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. ⁸But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; ⁹There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? ¹¹And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. ¹²And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. ¹³And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, ¹⁴That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: ¹⁵And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. ¹⁶And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. ¹⁷And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: ¹⁸And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.
Numbers 16:3 — [Korah and his cohorts jealously accused Moses and Aaron:] And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?
Esther 3:2,5,8 — [His pride wounded, Haman maliciously accused all the Jews to King Ahasuerus:] And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. ⁵And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. ⁸And Haman said unto King Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.
Daniel 6:1-5 — [Jealous men set a trap whereby they might accuse Daniel to King Darius:] It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; ²And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. ³Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. ⁴Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. ⁵Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
Luke 23:1,2 — [Jealous and hypocritical religious leaders falsely accused Jesus to Pilate:] And the whole multitude of them arose, and led Him unto Pilate. ² And they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King.
Acts 6:8-13 — [Confounded by Stephen’s inspired witness, his “rivals” conspired to accuse him falsely:] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. ⁹Then there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. ¹¹Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. ¹²And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, ¹³And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law.

Those that accuse others falsely will be chastened by the Lord.

Psalm 94:9,10a,16,21-23 — He [God] that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see? ^10aHe that chastiseth the heathen, shall not He correct? ¹⁶Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? … ²¹They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. ²²But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. ²³And He shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off.
Proverbs 19:5,9 — A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. ⁹A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Daniel 6:24 — And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
[See also: Deuteronomy 19:16-20, which describes the manner in which false accusers were disciplined under the Mosaic law.]

We must be careful to avoid tit-for-tat, finding fault with those who justly or unjustly accuse us or point out our errors.

Proverbs 24:29 — Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Matthew 7:12 — Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
1 Peter 3:10 — For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

When we are accused falsely, the Lord may want us to take it patiently, as He did.

Matthew 5:11,12 — Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. ¹²Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Isaiah 53:7 — He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.
Matthew 27:12 — And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.
1 Peter 2:19-23 — For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. ²⁰For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. ²¹For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: ²²Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: ²³Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.
1 Peter 3:16 — Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation [behavior] in Christ.

30 – Living Christianity: The Ten Commandments (Truthfulness)

Living Christianity

Peter Amsterdam

2020-10-27

(Points for this article were taken from The Doctrine of the Christian Life by John M. Frame ¹ and Kingdom Ethics by Glen H. Stassen and David P. Gushee.²)

The ninth commandment states:

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.³

This commandment addresses truthfulness. It is presented in the context of giving witness in a trial, and commands that someone who is testifying must not lie. However, it is not limited to testifying in a legal scenario; it also speaks to being truthful in our everyday lives. This concept is also seen in verses such as:

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD.⁴

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.⁵

Having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.⁶

The focus here will be on two aspects of truthfulness: vows and oaths, and lying.

Vows and Oaths

Throughout the Old Testament, we read of individuals swearing oaths or making sacred vows. At that time, when a vow was given or an oath was sworn, whatever was agreed upon was legally binding in the same manner as when two parties sign a contract today.

Some examples are:

Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned.” And Abraham said, “I will swear.”⁷

Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob.⁸

Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”⁹

[Hannah] vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”¹⁰

Within the Old Testament, God Himself is also depicted as making vows and swearing oaths. An example is the promise He made to Abraham.

By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.¹¹

Making a vow and swearing an oath in God’s name is stating that what we are saying or agreeing to is truthful, and that we are willing to suffer God’s judgment if we break our word. An oath is a sign by which we guarantee that our promise, our word, is authentic and that we will keep the promises we have made.

If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.¹²

In the New Testament, we find examples of vows made.

Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.¹³

Within Paul’s writings, we find other statements where he appealed to God’s name to give assurance that what he was writing was the truth.

I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth.¹⁴

In what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.¹⁵

God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.¹⁶

As Christians, part of our faith and our example is to be honest and trustworthy. When we make a vow or swear an oath, we have given our word and we should do our utmost to fulfill what we have agreed to do. Because we want to be truthful and to fulfill our commitments by doing the things that we promised to do, it is necessary to prayerfully and wisely consider the promises we make or the things we commit ourselves to. When we make promises or take vows, we do so before God, and having given our word before Him, we are bound to carry them out. Any vows or oaths one makes should be made only after much thought and prayer.

Lying

The ninth commandment—You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor—encompasses the sin of lying. While truth is an accurate representation of the facts, lying is any deliberate misrepresentation of the facts. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the embodiment of the truth, as stated in John 14:6:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

This is reiterated in the Epistles as well, where we read that the truth is in Jesus.¹⁷ We’re also told that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth.¹⁸

By contrast, Scripture teaches that Satan is the source of falsehood and lies. Jesus called Satan a liar and the “father of lies.”¹⁹ He introduced the first lie in the garden of Eden when he implied that God was lying.

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”²⁰

Scripture makes it clear that God is vehemently against dishonesty.

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD.²¹

In Proverbs 6, we read that there are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him. One of the things on that list is a lying tongue.²² We’re also told that a false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.²³ A false witness will perish.²⁴

Truthfulness is important because honesty is grounded in the character of God; therefore we are to be truthful, because God is truthful. The apostle Paul refers to God who never lies.²⁵ Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both referred to as the truth.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”²⁶

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.²⁷

The Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.²⁸

God’s Word is also referred to as truth.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.²⁹

Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.³⁰

As believers, we are called to emulate God; because He is truth, we are to be truthful.

Is it ever morally acceptable to lie? The easiest answer is no, we should never lie, and for the most part that is correct. However, there are some very rare situations when it would be morally acceptable to not tell the truth. There are biblical examples of individuals lying to save life. In Exodus chapter 1 we read about the Hebrew midwives who were ordered by the king of Egypt to put all Hebrew baby boys to death. They disobeyed, and when the king questioned them about it, they lied, saying it was “because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” So God dealt well with the midwives.³¹ Another Old Testament example of someone lying to save life is seen in the story of Rahab, who deceived the soldiers of Jericho to save the lives of the Israelite spies.³²

One nonbiblical example is found in the life of Corrie ten Boom, whose family was hiding Jews in their house during the occupation of Holland in World War II. When she was asked by the Gestapo if there were Jews hiding in the house, she lied to the authorities in order to protect lives. In such a case, the obligation to save lives was more important than the obligation to tell the truth, especially when telling the truth would result in the likely death of innocent people.

While rare incidents may occur where it would be morally acceptable to not tell the truth, the vast majority of the time telling the truth is the morally right thing to do, and is in alignment with the nature and character of God.

As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way … by truthful speech, and the power of God.³³

(To read the next article in this series, click here.)

Note

¹ John Frame, The Doctrine of the Christian Life (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing), 2008.

² Glen H. Stassen and David P. Gushee, Kingdom Ethics (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press), 2003.

³ Exodus 20:16. See also Deuteronomy 5:20.

⁴ Proverbs 12:22.

⁵ Proverbs 19:9.

⁶ Ephesian 4:25.

⁷ Genesis 21:22–24.

⁸ Genesis 25:32–33.

⁹ Genesis 28:20–22.

¹⁰ 1 Samuel 1:11. See also: Genesis 50:5–6, Joshua 6:26, 1 Samuel 14:24, Nehemiah 13:2.

¹¹ Genesis 22:15–18. See also Genesis 26:1–5.

¹² Numbers 30:2.

¹³ Acts 18:18 KJV.

¹⁴ 2 Corinthians 1:23.

¹⁵ Galatians 1:20 NAS.

¹⁶ Philippians 1:8.

¹⁷ Ephesians 4:21.

¹⁸ John 14:17. See also John 15:26, 16:13.

¹⁹ John 8:44.

²⁰ Genesis 3:2–5.

²¹ Proverbs 12:22.

²² Proverbs 6:16–17.

²³ Proverbs 19:9.

²⁴ Proverbs 21:28.

²⁵ Titus 1:2.

²⁶ John 14:6.

²⁷ John 16:13.

²⁸ 1 John 5:6.

²⁹ John 17:17.

³⁰ Psalm 119:142.

³¹ Exodus 1:19–20.

³² Joshua 2:1–24.

³³ 2 Corinthians 6:4–7.

A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break

April 11, 2025

By Timothy Keller

For centuries, in their teaching and worship, churches have focused on the subject of the mission of Jesus Christ. What did Jesus come into the world to do? In the final chapters of the book of Isaiah, Isaiah prophesies about a mysterious figure that is called the Servant of the Lord. In the New Testament, the writers identify the Servant of the Lord with Jesus Christ. However, there are some things that the prophecies tell us that even the Gospels don’t tell us about Jesus, His work, ourselves, and what we bring that we find nowhere else but in the book of Isaiah.

This podcast will focus on chapter 42 of Isaiah, which depicts a Servant King, a Healing King, and a Suffering King. Run time is 42 minutes.

https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/a-bruised-reed-he-will-not-break/

Running the Race Set Before Us

April 10, 2025

Treasures

Audio length: 12:17

Download Audio (11.2MB)

Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.—Hebrews 12:1

In Hebrews chapter 11, which has been referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame,” the Bible recounts the stories of the heroic men and women of faith of the Old Testament. Starting with Abel, the chapter gives a brief summary of the faith and obedience of renowned biblical characters such as Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Rahab, David, and the prophets. In Hebrews 12, the picture is painted of a stadium where the runners are set to run a race, and these heroes of the faith are depicted as the cheering section in the heavenly stadium, eagerly watching as present-day believers run the same race that they once ran.

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we are then exhorted to “lay aside every weight” (Hebrews 12:1)—the things that slow us down or hinder us from running the race that God has set before us. Sometimes runners wear weights while training, in order to build up their muscles, and at times the Lord allows us to wear a few weights to test us and strengthen our spiritual muscles. But when these have served their purpose, we are told to lay them aside and run the race.

We are also told to lay aside “the sin that so easily entangles us,” or ensnares or clings closely to us. What is sin? The New Testament uses a variety of words when speaking of sin, which are translated as transgress, miss the mark, failure, wrongdoing, deviate from the right path, unrighteousness of heart and life, ungodliness, unbelief, disobedience, and falling away. In short, sin is turning away from God, His Word, and His will. So, “let us lay aside the weights and the sins”—anything that holds us back from doing our best to be what God wants us to be and pursuing His will and ways in our lives.

Then, after laying aside all these weights and distractions and sins, we are called to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Not only do we have to believe in God, but we have to do His will and His work. As long as you are striving to walk in His will and His ways, you’re running the race.

We can only have the endurance and perseverance to run the race by putting our faith and trust in the Lord. If we don’t have our eyes fixed on God, we can be tempted to lose heart and quit when challenges arise and we grow weary. But the Apostle Paul points out what’s at stake and the high calling we are pursuing: “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:14).

We have each been called to run a race that has been marked out for us by the Lord, and we’re to run with perseverance the race that is set before us, being faithful to follow the Lord however and wherever He has called us. The only way we can have the endurance we need to run and finish this race is by “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” We have to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and consider all that He endured for our salvation so that we don’t “become weary and discouraged in our souls” (Hebrews 12:2–3).

Keeping the faith

In his first epistle, the Apostle Peter writes about the eternal gift we have been given in Jesus of being “born again to a living hope” and “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” that is being kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3–4). He then goes on to speak about the trials and tests that all believers will face in this life: “Though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6–7).

The Bible teaches us that the Lord will sometimes allow us to go through times of trials and tests to grow our faith and draw us close to Him. The story of Job in the Old Testament provides a good example of this.

We read in the Bible that God spoke about Job to Satan, saying “There is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil” (Job 1:8). But Satan challenged God, saying, “No wonder he fears You! You have hedged him about on every side to protect him and You have blessed the work of his hands and given him many possessions. Let me work him over and we’ll see if he remains faithful!” (Job 1:9–12).

So God allowed Satan to inflict many tests and afflictions on Job. Job lost his family, his wealth, and his health (Job 1:13–19). His initial reaction has resounded throughout history, as “Job fell on the ground and worshiped.” And he went on to say, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:20–21).

Despite the terrible losses on every front that Job went through and struggled to make sense of, the Lord won a great victory out of what looked like a terrible defeat in the making. When things couldn’t have been going worse for Job and his future couldn’t have looked darker, he declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). This is a beautiful testimony of sustaining faith in the face of great suffering, defeat, and discouragement.

The Lord rewarded Job for his faith, and we read at the end of the story that “the Lord restored the fortunes of Job … and gave him twice as much as he had before, and … blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” (Job 42:10–12).

While some experiences we face may be very painful at the time, we have God’s promise that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).—Not some things or certain things but all things.

One thing is certain: God knows what He’s doing, and He loves us and cares for us as our heavenly Father. Whenever we don’t understand why He allows something to happen in our lives, we have to continue to trust Him, and bring every care, concern, worry, and anxiety to Him, knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We can’t always know why God allows certain things to happen, and in some cases, we may never know till we get to heaven. His Word says that just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

One of the great questions of this life is why God allows seemingly bad or evil things to happen to people, and specifically to Christians, as His children. We can see part of the answer to that question and understand some of the reasons, but we won’t fully comprehend this until the next life when we can see the whole picture. As Paul wrote: “All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

In the meantime, we have to trust God no matter what we face, even if we don’t understand why some things happen. It could be that God permits some things to happen in our lives that we don’t understand, as Job experienced, to test our faith as we learn to trust Him no matter what. We can recite to ourselves, as Job did: “Though I have been facing tough times and I don’t understand why, yet will I trust Him! Though I face the loss of a loved one or affliction threatens me or someone close to Me, yet will I trust Him. Though I can’t make sense of what is happening in my life or the world around me, yet will I trust Him.”

The Bible even tells us to “count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2–3). That’s the greatest victory of all, when you face overwhelming challenges that seem impossible to overcome, and yet you still persevere in your faith and unwaveringly trust the Lord. That pleases the Lord greatly when you choose to trust Him in the face of loss, tragedy, disaster, or agony.

After Hebrews 11 commemorates the martyrs and saints of the past, the chapter goes on to say that “these all died in faith” (Hebrews 11:13). That is the greatest thing that could be said of them. They died without receiving all that God had promised them—some were even martyred—but they never lost faith; they never lost heart. They died trusting God, in anticipation of the promise of a heavenly country to come, which God had prepared for them (Hebrews 11:14–16).

Despite the trials and challenges of life we as Christians will face, we can “rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” because we know that we will “obtain the outcome of our faith—the salvation of our souls” (1 Peter 1:8–9). We can count our blessings even in the midst of our trials and struggles, as we keep our eyes on the promised prize waiting for us at the end of the race. We stand on the Bible’s promise that “blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

Paul’s reflections as he neared the end of his life journey offer great encouragement to all who love the Lord. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

May God bless you as you continue to keep the faith, run the race, and fight the good fight of faith, with your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Published on Anchor April 2025. Read by Reuben Ruchevsky.

Through the Looking Glass

April 9, 2025

By Nina Kole

I’ve found that it’s rare that a TV commercial will teach me something important. Most are terribly boring or obviously making unrealistic promises. You know the story: fit, beautiful people eating junk food, or that tired-looking mom suddenly looking fresh with a sparkling kitchen after changing her dish soap. Others obviously try to play on your emotions by starting with some moving story, only to end up promoting some unemotional product.

However, every now and then someone gets an interesting concept and shows us something that makes us think. There’s one commercial that went viral. It was called Real Beauty Sketches by Dove.¹

A sketch artist, who had worked for the San Jose Police department for many years, was brought into the studio to sketch women who sat behind a curtain, where he couldn’t see them. He asked them to describe themselves and he would sketch them as they saw themselves: a large forehead, jutting chin, a round face, stringy hair, and so on. Someone who had sat next to these women in the waiting room would then come in and describe them the way they saw them. This person mentioned good traits that these women actually had, but had never noticed or appreciated about themselves.

The sketch artist then hung these two portraits next to each other. Invariably, the sketch according to the other person’s description was more beautiful than the person’s own description. Both looked very much like the person (which showed that this portrait artist was an amazing artist), but one portrait focused on the “bad” traits while the other focused on the good.

This showed me that dwelling on the worst aspects of yourself only seems to draw attention to them. Have you ever had a friend who went on and on about something they didn’t like about themselves, and eventually you start to notice it when you hadn’t before?

That’s where I think inner beauty comes into the picture. If I describe someone who I think has inner beauty, it would be someone who is kind, friendly, outgoing. Even if they’re shy by nature, they would still not be afraid to start up a conversation, and most of all, they don’t come across like they’re thinking about themselves all the time. They may try to look nice, but you don’t see them continually primping or fussing throughout the day worried that a hair may have gotten out of place. Sure, they have flaws like the rest of us, but they don’t spend all their time worrying about it.

I personally love makeovers—seeing someone look better with a fresh haircut, more flattering clothes, and tasteful makeup. But more than the physical difference, you notice the confidence they receive when they see their new improved selves. They smile more, they “walk a little taller,” they laugh more easily because they feel better about how they look. That feeling of confidence contributes to the makeover as well.

The good news is that you can get the same boost to your confidence without a big makeover. There’s a great quote that says that there are three versions of every person: the way you see yourself, the way others see you, and the way God sees you. Let’s break those down.

The first version—the way we see ourselves. This probably is the least flattering, and the version where you’ll most likely hear the most about the flaws. Okay, you may be one of those people who think they’re absolutely wonderful and a breath away from perfection. But if you tend to judge yourself harshly, focusing on your faults and failings, then you’re in the same boat as most of us.

In Romans, Paul asked his fellow disciples, “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” (Romans 9:20). Whoever he was talking to must have not liked things about themselves.

The next version—how others see us—is usually more positive. We can see this from the example of the Dove commercial I talked about. Sure, there may be judgmental people who are critical or just plain mean, but in general, I think you’d be surprised to see how many others admire you for things you have never fully appreciated.

Try to make a note of the next time someone gives you a compliment and allow it to boost your confidence. Rather than brush it off, stop and thank the Lord that someone notices there is something nice about you.

Now the third and ultimate version—the way God sees us. He’s the architect that designed and created us, and He loves us as we are. Now in today’s society, we allow the media and fashion trends to determine what is beauty. In the olden days, ladies wanted to be plump and have lighter skin—this showed that they were wealthy and could afford lots of food, and that they didn’t have to work out in the sun. Now your typical model is lean and tanned and pretty much the opposite of what used to be considered beautiful.

In some countries in Africa that I’ve lived in, naturally thin women try hard to gain weight because being bigger and curvier is more attractive to the men in their culture. Also, losing weight can be a sign that you’re ill. In fact, a common greeting after not seeing a friend for a while is to say, “You’ve grown fat!” This was much to my chagrin as a teenager, until I learned the good nature behind the compliment. It means you look well and not poor or sickly.

I’m a big fan of looking and feeling healthy and fit, but it’s important to step back and realize that healthy can come in various packages, and you shouldn’t feel that you have to fit into anyone else’s version. Since you’re a creation of God, you should take good care of the body He gave you so that you can live a long and productive life. Everyone has their battles to fight in life, and one goal to ask the Lord to help you with is to see your own good traits and focus on them.

Easier said than done, I know. I battled with eating disorders for many years and tried every diet and cleanse under the sun, but it was only when I was older and made peace with myself and accepted the Lord’s help to focus on other things in life that everything became much more balanced. Now I enjoy life so much more.

I have some really beautiful friends, but they’re far more beautiful because of the kind of people they are. They’re a joy to be around, they care for others, and their so-called flaws just seem to disappear because I love being around them, and when I’m with them I see their fun, easygoing, loving nature.

Golda Poretsky said, “Beauty shouldn’t be about changing yourself to achieve an ideal or be more socially acceptable. Real beauty, the interesting, truly pleasing kind, is about honoring the beauty within you and without you. It’s about knowing that someone else’s definition of pretty has no hold over you.”

If you can work on being a better person on the inside, the Bible says the outside will follow. “A happy heart makes the face cheerful” (Proverbs 15:13). “Wisdom lights up a person’s face” (Ecclesiastes 8:1).

We are not attractive because we look a certain way; we are attractive because we are children of God.

Adapted from a Just1Thing podcast, a Christian character-building resource for young people.

¹ “Dove Real Beauty Sketches,” YouTube (6:35 minutes), April 18, 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=rrHoDJinMQI

Courageous Courage

April 8, 2025

A compilation

Audio length: 10:05

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Sometimes in our lives we are called to make big decisions. At such moments, we can be overcome by the fear of failure, humiliation, poverty, and pain. When this happens, we need to remember that courage does not consist in the elimination of fear, but in the management of it. No one who has shown exceptional courage has been without fear. They have simply learned how to master it well. Joshua needed to be brave when crossing the borders into the Promised Land, a place where giants roamed.

God didn’t remove Joshua’s fears. He spoke a word that enabled Joshua to conquer his fears. So often the real giants are not in the land, they are in our hearts. God’s Word is simple: “I am with you every step of the way.” If we are walking in His will, He is with us. If He is with us, who can stand against us? Whatever the big decision is in your life right now, be brave. Have courage. Master your fear through the application of God’s magnificent promises.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified … for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).—Mark Stibbe¹

Today I look back at my childhood worries with amusement. I realize now that I’ve always felt lacking in courage. The other day, however, I happened to look up the definition of courage when writing an article. “Courage” originated from the French word cœur for heart. One etymology site says that the original French word meant “‘heart, innermost feelings, temper.’ In middle English [it was] used broadly for ‘what is [on] one’s mind or thoughts,’ hence ‘bravery,’ but also [meaning] ‘wrath, pride, confidence, lustiness,’ or any sort of inclination.”² Today, courage is defined as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”³

In the Bible there are countless stories of men and women who did courageous things. Hebrews 11 lists many of these courageous folk. “What more can I say? I would run out of time if I told you about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Through faith they conquered kingdoms, brought about justice, realized promises, shut the mouths of lions, put out raging fires, escaped from the edge of the sword, found strength in weakness, were mighty in war, and routed foreign armies” (Hebrews 11:32–34).

Looking at the brave men listed in this chapter, the origins of the word “courage” take on greater meaning—their hearts were in the right place. These men had something wonderful in common—the source of their courage.

We will all go through times that will be emotionally or mentally difficult and that will require moral courage—the will to do what we know is right. And I think that what we’ll do in such a time can be traced to something very simple. I think it will be what we’ve stored up in our heart that will determine the strength of our courage.

Everyone loves a good hero story. But in real life, you don’t get to decide whether you’ll have the opportunity for a huge heroic moment—if you get to rescue someone, or somehow or another save the day—but you do control what you put in your heart. That’s how you can be prepared for these larger-than-life moments, as well as those everyday moments that require courage.—Roald Watterson

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.—Acts 4:13

In the Bible, courage is also called “good cheer” as in Mark 6:50 when Jesus gave the command to the disciples who saw Him walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee and coming toward them. The Greek word translated “courage” and “good cheer” means literally “boldness and confidence.” In the Bible, courage is the opposite of fear. When God commands us to fear not, to be of good cheer, and to have courage, He is always commanding against fear, which is the opposite of courage.

But God doesn’t simply command courage with no reason behind it. In nearly every incident where God says “fear not,” there follows a reason to have courage, and that reason is God Himself, His nature and His perfect plans. … In each incident, we see God commanding courage, not because it is natural for man to be brave and courageous, but because, when God is protecting and guiding us, we can have courage because we are confident in Him. …

[Courage] is the result of understanding the foreknowledge and sovereignty of God, whose plans and purposes cannot be thwarted and whose omnipotence makes every circumstance of life subservient to His will.—GotQuestions.org⁴

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.—Dale Carnegie

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop and look fear in the face. … You must do the thing you think you cannot do.—Eleanor Roosevelt

Waiting to develop courage is just another form of procrastination. The most successful people take action while they’re afraid!—Author unknown

One wet and miserable morning in Ohio, Ray Blankenship was making breakfast when he looked out the window onto the open stormwater drain that ran alongside his house. What he saw terrified him—a small girl being swept down the drain. He also knew that further downstream, the ditch disappeared with a roar underneath the road.

Ray ran out the door and raced along the ditch, trying to get ahead of the little girl. Then he hurled himself into the deep, churning water. He surfaced and was able to grab the child’s arm. They tumbled end over end.

Within about one meter of the drain going under the road, Ray’s free hand felt something protruding from one bank. He grabbed ahold and held on for dear life. “If I can just hang on until help comes,” he thought. But he did better than that.

By the time fire-department rescuers arrived, Ray had pulled the girl to safety. Both were treated for shock. On April 12, 1989, Ray Blankenship was awarded the US Coast Guard’s Silver Lifesaving Medal. The award is fitting, Ray Blankenship was at even greater risk to himself than most people knew. You see, Ray can’t swim.—Reported in Los Angeles Times Syndicate

Published on Anchor April 2025. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Dooley.

¹ Mark Stibbe, God’s Word for Every Need (Destiny Image Publishers, 2017).

² Online Etymology Dictionary, s.v., “courage (n),” http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=courage

³ Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “courage,” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage?show=0andt=1305771775

⁴ GotQuestions, “What does the Bible say about courage?” January 4, 2022, https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-courage.html

Tremors and Trust

April 7, 2025

By Maria Fontaine

Audio length: 11:46

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We’d all like to be pictures of perfect peace during the adversities of life, our faces beaming with light, as we calmly look upward with absolute serenity. But over the course of our lives, we all encounter times when reality is a bit more “down to earth.” In fact, reality can sometimes be all the way down, in the mud and pain and sorrow and suffering of this world.

But whatever you may be facing in the present, He can help you to find the way through it. Something that gives me strength to persevere when I’m facing battles is looking at what Jesus Himself went through. His greatest victory over death and sin came by way of betrayal, agony, torture, unspeakable pain, and death. So, when I don’t always feel so glorious in the process of growing, learning, and gaining valuable victories, I take comfort in knowing that our Great Shepherd understands when I get tired and worn down by the struggles of this life.

This season has been pretty stressful for many of us, myself included, and though things have been victorious overall, it has taken a toll on me. The Lord spoke to me about this in the following prophecy:

You have had a lot to carry recently, which at times took you to the limits of what seemed bearable, but I had a purpose in allowing this. Through this time, you have learned that what you face is often going to be too much for you to carry on your own, but it will never be too much when you’re giving it all to Me.

As David used to say, you sometimes have to see where it’s not at in order to discover where it is at. You didn’t experience all this just to show you what you can’t do or to leave you feeling overwhelmed. The purpose of My allowing you to be stretched to the limit was to convince you of what you can do if you let Me lead you each step of the way.

You have learned to apply the principle of trusting and not worrying in new ways, when you had to put it into practice under difficult circumstances. You had to see the limitations of some of your past approaches so that you could see the new areas of growth and learning that I’m guiding you into.

You now know that you can’t try to work more hours, juggle more things, and spread yourself thinner and thinner. As a result, you’re beginning to relax more, and that is manifested in your sleeping better and taking things more as they come. Rather than struggling to carry problems you can’t do anything about, or problems that might arise in the future, you are placing more and more of these in My hands and focusing on the present and what needs to be your priority today. You’re allowing yourself to be who you are, who I created you to be, the way I created you, rather than trying to carry the problems and weights yourself.

Lots of people have the idea that when they gain a victory in some area of their life, they should feel invigorated and bursting with joy and luxuriating in glory. But in reality, at the end of the battle, a fighter who has won the victory is almost always exhausted, beaten up, bruised and bloody from the fight. You’ve poured out every ounce of strength and fight you could muster. Now it will take a while to recover and to begin to fully realize that the victory is won and the enemy has been defeated. The wisdom you have gained in the process is changing how you see what needs to be done next.

This is a picture of where you are at right now. While you feel like you still have a way to go before My healing is fully manifested in some areas of your health, you are starting to see glimpses of My answered prayers. Now is a time to consolidate your progress, to allow yourself time to rebuild, and one way to do this is through getting as much sleep as you can to strengthen your body.

You’ve experienced many things that have helped solidify your faith in Me. You’ve gained a deeper conviction than ever before of the need to bring life’s challenges to Me, and to let Me show you new ways to deal with whatever life brings along your path.

Maria: For some years, off and on, I have experienced a condition called essential tremors, mostly in my hands. The cause is unknown and so is the cure. At times the tremors can make it difficult to do things that require a steady hand, such as writing.

I’ve been accustomed to waking at night and having the Lord give me thoughts and ideas, which I would quietly write down so as not to disturb Peter. However, during these last months, the tremors had begun to hinder my doing this as they had made my writing illegible, especially at night. But I didn’t want to miss what the Lord wanted to tell me “in the night seasons” (Psalm 16:7), so I asked Him what to do. He said:

There are always solutions, and as you look to Me, I will lead you to them in My perfect time. I can show you new approaches that can either fix the problem or show you a way to work around it. If you can’t write down your ideas, perhaps you’ll be able to dictate them. If that is not possible, because your voice would wake Peter, ask Me and I’ll show you the ideas at a different time when Peter won’t be disturbed.

I often don’t just hand you the answer to a challenge, but I present options that you can pursue, because there is more for you to gain as you seek the best solution for whatever you are facing.

Having to face challenges enables you to learn the underlying principles that can be applied to other areas of your life as well. It also hones your connection with Me and strengthens your confidence that I’m going to help you do whatever I know needs to be done.

I’m not going to make it impossible for you to do what I ask you to do. So, if things change, don’t worry. Instead, start looking for a new way to accomplish what I’m showing you to do, and I’ll give you all that you need.

Maria: I believe the Lord was saying that the answer to a challenge isn’t always in fixing the specific problem so that you can go back to doing things as you did them before. Many times, the victory is in discovering new approaches that will result in our doing something even better.

Most great discoveries were the result of major challenges in a person’s life that forced them to stretch and seek and be willing to let go of preconceived limitations in order to find better ways to do things. That principle can be applied to our lives and our relationship with Jesus. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to inspire us with ways to help ourselves or others. Sometimes we have to stretch our faith to trust the things God shows us, but as we do, the answers we need will be there.

The Lord must know that it has to be simple for most of us. So He gives us principles that apply in big and small ways. We don’t have to be facing some world-changing event to apply this principle. It holds true even for the small steps we have to take each day. Most discoveries that we make are personal ones: changing how we act, or think, or feel; or how we look at others, or at Jesus, or at our circumstances. This personal growth helps us navigate both the small difficulties and the seemingly insurmountable challenges.

It’s important to confirm our decisions with the Lord. For example, in the course of our experiences with Peter’s procedures, the process of discovering what the problems were and what to do to fix them, we had three times when even good, sincere doctors mistakenly prescribed medications that were likely to have harmful side effects when combined with some of Peter’s other medications, even when they were fully informed about what he was taking.

In other cases, procedures were recommended that, in spite of the doctor being well trained, the Lord showed us to get further counsel that turned out to be more accurate. And even with a very highly qualified and sincere specialist, there were unanticipated conditions that had to be dealt with during one of the procedures, which prolonged the procedure. I would have been tempted to worry, but the Lord had absolutely confirmed to me that He would work through this doctor, so I had the confidence from Jesus to hold on to.

In my opinion, there are far too many factors in this life that cannot be foreseen for us to put our complete trust in any person other than Christ Jesus, the Son of God. Doctors and others have beneficial counsel and many skills with which to help us, but looking to Jesus to confirm what He wants us to do is the best and most reliable part of any decision we have to make.

Continue to place the burdens of the present in His hands. Keep rolling them over on Him, and let Him show you simple steps that you can take in the moment. An important element in growth and change and recuperation, both physical and spiritual, is to gently stretch yourself with reasonable challenges that help you make a bit more progress on a regular basis. That applies to life overall, as well as any relationship, including your relationship with the Lord.

The world is going through major changes, but Jesus is not going to change, nor will His promises to you change. His hand in your life will continue to keep you, no matter what. So entrust yourself to His care and allow Him to show you what to do with every problem, every challenge, every impossibility. You are held securely in His hands, and He’s not about to let go, not even for a second.

Do what you can and then stop and allow Jesus to work. He will either show you the next thing to do or He will step in and do what only He can do. Your faith enables you to not fear, because you know that He is with you and will keep you, now and forever.

Originally published June 2022. Adapted and republished April 2025. Read by Debra Lee.

Activated, March 2005: Special Easter Edition (part 1)

Volume 6, Issue 3

2005-03-01

Personally Speaking

One year ago, shortly before Easter, Mel Gibson’s movie The Passion of the Christ opened in theaters amid considerable controversy. Some film critics and religious leaders who had attended advance screenings expressed concern that the depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life contained too much graphic violence and that the film could cause an anti-Semitic backlash. Others praised The Passion as the most accurate and moving portrayal of Jesus’ suffering that had ever been filmed. Originally scheduled for release in only a handful of countries, The Passion quickly became an international hit, setting box-office and DVD sales records. Did Mel Gibson’s international stardom fuel public interest, or did all the controversy? Probably some of both, but it doesn’t really matter.

What matters most is the effect the film has had and is still having on millions and millions of people. Many Christians credit it for turning their lives around, restoring strained relationships, rescuing them from addiction, healing diseases, deepening their understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice, and strengthening their connection with Him. The reception The Passion has had among those of other faiths is also remarkable. In the Muslim world, the film has received overwhelmingly positive responses from the public and clerics alike. In mainland China, where the government reportedly banned the film due to its spiritual nature, pirated copies have been in high demand, especially by the young. In India, one young moviegoer summed up his experience for many by saying, “I had no idea what Jesus went through! I am deeply touched by His love for me.”

This issue of Activated contains a personal message to you from Jesus in which He explains His true passion and offers you the key to “freedom, peace of mind, joy, happiness, and true love—now and forever.” May this Easter issue bring you closer to Him.

Keith Phillips
For the Activated family

The Ant and the Grasshopper [Retold]

By Tomoko Matsuoka

At a primary school, during their weekly class on morals, a group of first-grade students were asked to finish the story of the hard-working ant and the lazy grasshopper in the way they thought would be best.

Most of us know this story—one of Aesop’s fables—of how the Grasshopper wasted the summer months playing his fiddle while the Ant labored hard storing food for the winter. When cold finally came, the industrious Ant and his friends were all safely tucked away with all that they would need, while the Grasshopper was left to search for food and found himself dying of hunger.

The six-year-olds were asked to draw a picture of and rewrite the ending of the story in any way they would like, but it needed to involve the Grasshopper asking the Ant for help. About half of the first-graders took the general view that since the Grasshopper was undeserving, the Ant refused to help him. The other half changed the end to say that the Ant told the Grasshopper to learn his lesson, and then he gave the Grasshopper half of what he had.

Then a little boy stood up and gave this version of the tale: After the Grasshopper came to the Ant and begged for food, the Ant unhesitatingly gave all the food he had. Not half or most, but everything. The boy was not finished, however, and cheerfully continued, “The Ant didn’t have any food left, so he died. But then the Grasshopper was so sad that the Ant had died that he told everyone what the Ant had done to save his life. And the Grasshopper became a good Grasshopper.”

Two things came to mind when this story was related to me. First, it reminded me what giving meant to Jesus. He didn’t go halfway for us, and He didn’t say we were “undeserving,” but He gave His all so that we could learn to “be good.” It was only through Him totally sacrificing His life that we were able to receive the gift of eternal life. It was just the way the Ant died for the Grasshopper in the six-year-old’s retelling of the classic tale. And for us it should also not end there. In gratitude, we should follow His example and give our all to tell of the wonderful thing He did for us.

Second, I learned what it means to give your all. It is not true giving unless it hurts, but when you do truly give, it will be multiplied many times over. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone.” But it doesn’t end there. Here is the bittersweet promise that makes it all worthwhile: “But if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24).

Tomoko Matsuoka is a full-time volunteer with the Family International in Japan.

“What Manner of Man Is This?”

By David Brandt Berg

He was born on the dirty floor of a barn. As an infant, He narrowly escaped a jealous king’s death squad … when His parents fled with Him to a foreign country, and they remained there until it was safe to return. Until the age of 30 He was a carpenter like His earthly father. But His heavenly Father needed Him for another job that only He could do.

When the time came for Him to begin His life’s work, He went about everywhere doing good—helping people, caring for children, healing heartaches, strengthening tired bodies, and saving all who believed in Him. He not only preached His message, but He lived it amongst the people. He ministered not only to people’s spiritual needs, but He also spent a great deal of time tending to their physical and material needs, miraculously healing them when they were sick and feeding them when they were hungry, all the while sharing His life and His love.

His religion was so simple that He said you must become as a little child to receive it. He didn’t advise people to observe any complicated ceremonies or difficult rules. All He did was teach love and show love as He strove to lead God’s children into the true Kingdom of God, where the only laws are to “love the Lord with all your heart” and “love your neighbor as yourself.”

He had very little to do with the hypocritical, pompous, rich-robed, religious leaders of that day except when they insisted on annoying Him with their critical questions. Then He would rebuke them publicly and expose them as the “blind leaders of the blind” that they were.

He refused to compromise with their false religious system, but rather worked totally outside of it. He shared His message and love with the poor and common folk, most of whom had long ago abandoned and been abandoned by organized religion.

He made Himself of no reputation, and was a companion of drunks, prostitutes, reviled tax collectors, and sinners—the outcasts and downtrodden of society. He even told them that they would enter the Kingdom of Heaven before the so-called “good” people, the self-righteous and the religious leaders who rejected Him and His simple message of love. The power of His love and appeal was so great and gave such great faith to the sincere truth-seekers that many didn’t hesitate to leave everything they had to immediately follow Him!

Once, while crossing a large lake with His disciples, a great storm arose which threatened to sink the boat they were in. He commanded the winds and the waves to cease—and immediately there was a great calm. His disciples, astonished by such a demonstration of miraculous power, exclaimed to one another, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

Throughout His ministry He gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, cleansed lepers, and raised the dead. In fact, so marvelous were His works that they prompted a leading member of the religious establishment that bitterly opposed and resented Him to exclaim, “We know that You are come from God, for no man could do these miracles that You do unless God were with him!”

As His message of love spread and His followers multiplied, the envious leaders of the religious establishment realized what a threat this formerly unknown carpenter had become to them. His simple doctrine of love was destroying their entire religious system by liberating the people from their power and control.

These powerful enemies ultimately had Him arrested and brought to trial on false charges of sedition and subversion. And though the Roman governor found Him innocent, he was pressured by these religionists to execute Him.

Just prior to His arrest, this Man, Jesus Christ, had said, “They couldn’t even touch Me without My Father’s permission. If I would but raise My little finger, He would send legions of angels to rescue Me!” But instead, He chose to die, to save you and me. Nobody took His life from Him; He laid it down. He chose to give His life because He knew that was the only way God’s plan for our salvation could be fulfilled.

But even His death did not satisfy His jealous enemies. To ensure that His followers couldn’t steal His body and claim He’d come back to life, they placed a huge stone over the entrance of His tomb and posted a group of Roman soldiers there to guard it. This was a scheme that proved futile, however, as these same guards became eyewitnesses to the greatest miracle of all. Three days after His lifeless body was laid to rest in that cold tomb, Jesus rose from the dead, the victor over death and Hell forever!

Death itself could not stop His work or His words! Since that miraculous day nearly 2,000 years ago, this same Man, Jesus Christ, has done more to change history and the course of civilization and the condition of man than any other leader, group, government, or empire. He has given hope, eternal life, and the love of God to billions.

God, the great Creator, is a Spirit. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere and in everything—far beyond our limited human comprehension. So He sent Jesus, in the form of a man, to understand us and show us what He Himself is like and to bring us to Himself. And though many great teachers have spoken and taught about love and about God, Jesus is love and He is God! Jesus is the only one who died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead. He is the only Savior.

A Message from Jesus

Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ has caused a stir and raised controversy.

Instead of trying to discern what the director is trying to say, ask yourself this: “How does this movie affect me? What does it mean to me? Does it mean I should change something in my life? Where do I go from here?” If you let this film inspire you to be a better person and to live the way I want you to live, then you will come out ahead.

Yes, this is Jesus, and I am speaking directly to you. And yes, I am alive, well, and very active today.¹I will speak to anyone who will listen. If you want to know more about My truest, greatest passion, read on.

The central focus of the film is My suffering and death—the intense, brutal, gruesome torture I endured when I was on earth 2,000 years ago.

I endured all this for you, because of My love for you. There had to be a punishment for your sins, so in dying this horrible death I took your punishment. I died for you, so that you could be forgiven, cleansed, and be together with Me forever. I gave Myself for you, so that you could be happy and fulfilled in this life, and someday join Me in Paradise for all eternity.

Why? Because I was driven by love to save you, to pay the price for your salvation. My love for you, just you, the one who is reading this now, is that great. If you were the only person in the whole world, I still would have died for you. I want you to be happy for eternity. You are My passion.²

Life is all about choices, and I made many choices that led Me to the cross. I could have backed out many times, and I had ample opportunity to do so. I didn’t have to keep silent when I was brought before Pilate, I could have defended Myself, but I didn’t. I died to save you and I have never regretted that decision.

While My last hours on earth represent a part of the passion I have for you, it didn’t stop there. My passion has been thriving for 2,000 years.

I want you to focus on My love for you right now—today. My love for you is true and lasting. It can never be dissuaded; it cannot be quenched. It never loses hope, and it knows no limits. My love for you is complete. My passion for you is real, and I want it to be a part of your everyday life.

I gave My life for you, and now I have more—so much more—to give you. I want to fill you with the totality of My love, if you will receive it.

I know everything about you, including your flaws and mistakes, and I still love you. I love you intensely and passionately, now and forever. I love you as a father loves his child, and as a husband loves his wife.

My love is forgiving, it is merciful, and it is constant. I care about you, and I want to be involved in every aspect of your life.

Others will fail you, but I will never fail you: I will always be here for you. I want to help you, guide you, comfort you, and care for you. Our love can grow deeper every day.

Even if you don’t understand everything about the sacrifice I made for you—why I had to give My life and why it had to happen the way it did—if you will open your heart and accept My love for you, then you will know that it is real, and in time you will understand it more.

I appreciate your remembrance of My death, and now I want you to move forward and keep on experiencing My passion. By knowing Me personally, you allow My passion to become a part of your life, to fill you and complete you.

If you don’t know Me yet, you can get to know Me right now. Just open your heart to Me. You can begin by saying this simple prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for me. Please forgive me for the wrong things I’ve done. I don’t understand everything about Your passionate love, but I want to know You. I ask You to please come into my heart, give me Your free gift of eternal life, and teach me more about Your love. Amen.

If you already know Me, get to know Me better. Work on our relationship. Open your life more to Me. Now that we are connected, please do not neglect Me.

Read My messages to you in the Bible, and try to apply them to your life. If you read the account of My life and the words I said as recorded in the Gospel of John and the other Gospels, you will understand more about My great love and passion.

I know it is difficult in this fast-paced world, but if you will make the effort to take time daily to get alone and quiet so you can talk to Me and let Me speak to you, it will make a difference in your life. You can talk to Me anywhere, any time, out loud or in your heart—any way you like! Tell Me all that is on your mind. I will communicate with you through an impression, a thought, a whisper to your heart. Open your mind and heart to Me and you will come to know the depths of My love.

The cross is empty now. I live, and I long to give you a happier life, filled with true love, with good things. I want to teach you about My deep, eternal, passionate love and to help you share that same passion with others. It will change their lives too.

My commission to those who love Me is this: Love Me first with all your heart, mind and soul, and then love others.³

Do the things I ask of you, and I promise that your life will overflow with joy, your satisfaction will know no bounds, and your happiness will know no equal. You will not only receive forgiveness for your sins, but you will find freedom, peace of mind, joy, happiness, and true love, now and forever.

Passionately,
Jesus

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). www.activated.org
© 2005 Activated. All Rights Reserved.

Wounded for Our Transgressions

A compilation

2018-03-27

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”—Isaiah 53:5¹

“He was pierced”—as with a spear.

“He was crushed”—pulverized, broken, ground to pieces.

“Upon him was the chastisement”—beaten with a whip.

“By his wounds”—His body cut, bruised, his skin flayed.

No other God has wounds

It is not always understood that our Lord Jesus died in terrible pain. If you run the clock back from 3 o’clock in the afternoon—the moment of his death—to about 1 o’clock in the morning and review what had happened to Jesus as he moves through those hours—what you discover is that our Lord has just been through 14 hours of torture.

Arrested in the middle of the night.

Slapped.

Pushed around.

Mocked.

Slapped again.

Crowned with thorns that went into his scalp.

Scourged with a large strap studded with bits of bone and stone and metal.

His beard ripped out.

Beaten again and again.

Forced to carry his own cross.

Nails driven through his hands and feet.

Crucified.

At this point a strange question comes to mind. Was Jesus a failure? You could make a good case that the answer is yes. Just look at his life. He was born into an unimportant family in an unimportant village. He was ignored, he was taken for granted, he was laughed at. When he speaks, the powers that be want nothing to do with him. He faces ridicule, opposition, and misunderstanding all his life. In the end he is crucified like a criminal. His sufferings in those last few hours are unspeakable. When he dies he appears to be yet another forgotten footnote in history. Working with the facts on one level, you could make the case that our Lord was a failure.

But his death is not the end of the story.

Jesus did not fail in what he came to do.

He perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will.

Look what we have in return:

We have peace with God. The word means wholeness, health, the absence of war, and safety. In a messed-up world filled with broken people and broken promises, through Christ we have peace that passes all human understanding.

We are healed. We are healed from our guilt, healed from our hatred, healed from our doubt, and healed from our shame. Through Christ, broken people are put back together again.

Was Jesus a failure? No!

He took our sin, bore our pain, and through his death on the cross, he healed us from the inside out so that we now live in peace.—From keepbelieving.com²

Hallelujah! What a Savior

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
—Philip Bliss, 1875

(Written shortly before his death. … A few weeks before his death, Mr. Bliss visited the state prison at Jackson, Michigan, where, after a very touching address on “The Man of Sorrows,” he sang this hymn with great effect. Many of the prisoners dated their conversion from that day.)³

Healed by His stripes

“He himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses in His own body on the tree.”⁴ “For He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”⁵ According to Strong’s Bible Concordance, the original Hebrew word translated here as “stripes” literally means “bruise, hurt, stripe, wound.”

What does it mean, “With His stripes we are healed”? There is some form of atonement, even for our diseases. He paid for it by His physical suffering. So we can claim healing, even as a part of His atonement. We can claim it as a part of what He paid for. It’s yours already for the asking.

“The great physician now is near, the sympathizing Jesus. He speaks, the drooping heart to cheer. Oh! Hear the voice of Jesus.”⁶

We who have personally received Jesus into our hearts already have His healing power manifested in our bodies through the Lord’s healing.⁷ But it will not be complete until we receive our eternal, supernatural, indestructible bodies on which death and sickness no longer have any power or claim whatsoever.

Healing is a sample, like salvation. When we experience salvation, we get a little sample of what eternal salvation and heaven are going to be like. We have a little bit of heaven in our hearts already! We have “tasted of the heavenly gift and the powers of the world to come,” as His Word says.⁸ Likewise, when we are healed we have a little sample of what God is going to do one of these days. He’ll not only give you one new part or fix you up a little bit or repair you, but He is going to give you a whole new heavenly body!⁹

But in the meantime, we’re still bound by our corruptible fleshly human bodies, and about all God’s doing now through healing is patching us up to make us last a little longer. He can patch you up a little bit, like an old car, and keep repairing you.

When those who believe in Jesus are resurrected, it will be like the difference between the grain of wheat and the full-grown, full-blown stock and head that comes from one grain, or the flower that comes from one tiny seed. That’s how much better your new heavenly body is going to be than your present one. It will be that much more wonderful.¹⁰—David Brandt Berg

Published on Anchor March 2018. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Dooley.

¹ NIV.

² http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/the-suffering-substitute.

³ http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/a/halwasav.htm.

⁴ Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24.

⁵ Isaiah 53:5.

⁶ William Hunter, 1859.

⁷ See Romans 8:11.

⁸ Hebrews 6:4–5.

⁹ See 1 Corinthians 15:42–58.

¹⁰ 1 Corinthians 15:35–38, 42–58.

‘Shrewd as Snakes’?

April 4, 2025

By Fenggang Yang

The Bible seems to give snakes a bad rap from the outset. Scripture depicts the serpent as evil and deceptive, from tempting Adam and Eve to disobey God in Genesis to representing the Devil in Revelation (Rev. 12:9).

Yet at one point early in his ministry, Jesus portrays snakes in a positive light. In Matthew 10:16, he tells his disciples: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

(Read the article here.)

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/01/snake-lunar-new-year-serpent-bible-persecution-china-church

Relations with Others

April 3, 2025

Happier Living Series

Audio length: 13:13

Download Audio (12.1MB)

The issue

Life is all about relationship-building. Throughout life, we enter into relationships with people on many different levels, as sons and daughters, friends, neighbors, parents, co-workers, clients, counselors, and more. For Christians, the starting point for relationship-building is the understanding that every person has been created in the image of God and is worthy of dignity and respect. Our duty and calling is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31) regardless of ethnicity, gender, creed, nationality, or social status.

When Jesus was asked “Who is my neighbor,” His reply was to tell the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). In this parable, the responses of people to a man in need are compared, and Jesus closes the story by asking, “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” The response was: “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus then said, “You go, and do likewise” (Luke 10:36–37).

This raises a question for us to consider: How do we see others? Do we view them as the “other” to ignore or pass by? Do we view them critically, making note of seeming defects, failings, or lacks, or do we see the goodness and wonder of God’s creation in people? How we treat people and our ability to share God’s love with them starts with the way we see them.

If we genuinely care about others, we need to show our concern and appreciation for them. We need to approach people with the understanding that every person has a story and burdens they are carrying and struggles they face.

Be kind. Every person you meet is fighting a difficult battle.

The starting point for building relations

Learning to communicate well with others and build relations starts with our relationship and communication with God.

In today’s ever-changing and increasingly complex and fast-paced interconnected world, more and more people find themselves caught up in the frenzied rush to become successful or make ends meet financially. They often have little time to ponder seemingly abstract matters such as the meaning of life or the eternal destiny of their own souls.

But as the years pass, people often find that the pressures of life and trying to meet all their commitments have filled them with stress and anxiety, not peace or satisfaction. Their private lives often suffer as a result, as they’re unable to find enough time to spend with family or friends or develop lasting relationships.

When a personal crisis or tragedy strikes—an unexpected accident or critical illness, a death in the family, a great personal loss of any kind—all the achievements and goods of this world can do little to bring or restore hope. It is during such times that people frequently realize that the true values of life—love, purpose, and eternal destiny—are what ultimately matter.

The Bible tells us that God is a loving Father who loves each human being uniquely. God is not some faraway uninterested being. He is a God who is personal, who has a relationship with His creation. He is interested in each one of us as individuals.

As Christians, He in turn has called us to reach out to others with His love, to communicate, to build loving relations, and to show that we care about them and that God loves them.—Activated

Who is our neighbor?

Our neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We are called not only to love those who are similar to us or with whom we are comfortable, but all whom God places in our path. In fact, Jesus said, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:44–48). God shows love to all people (John 3:16–18; 2 Peter 3:9). As His children (John 1:12), we are called to do the same.—GotQuestions.org¹

Keys to improving relationships

Do you want to know the key to better relationships in life? You must learn to serve.

The root of most relational problems is self-centeredness. You must deal with other issues, but the root is almost always self-centeredness. We want what we want, when we want it. Neither person will budge—and that causes conflict.

That’s why you need to step out of your own perspective and learn to serve others. Serving other people changes you, and it changes your relationships along the way.

One of God’s greatest lessons he wants you to learn while you’re on this planet is how to be unselfish. It’s a lifelong course of study… You can learn to be unselfish. How? It’s simple, really: You copy Jesus. Jesus says it like this: “Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

Next time you read about the life of Jesus in the Bible, notice how he dealt with others. Watch how he always put others before himself. When you imitate his attitude, you live your life not for your benefit but for the benefit of others. Jesus consistently showed this throughout the Gospels. …

The Bible says of serving unselfishly, “If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too” (Romans 14:18).—Rick Warren ²

A list of the most important words for our communications with others

The six most important words: “I admit I made a mistake.”
The five most important words: “You did a good job” or “I am proud of you!”
The four most important words: “What is your opinion?”
The three most important words: “I love you!”
The two most important words: “Thank you!”
The most important word: “We”
The least important word: “I”—Author unknown

Be generous with praise, cautious with criticism.

Keys for communicating with others

Some people are brought up from childhood to believe that it’s a sign of weakness to show your emotions, or to talk too much about your feelings. Consequently, they have never developed the ability to have meaningful conversations with another person or to share openly with someone else.

Others may be fearful of exposing what they feel or think. They do not want to run the risk of being rejected or hurt if someone else disagrees with them. Some people do not believe that they, as a person, have much to offer or that their ideas are worthwhile. They have a low opinion of themselves, and as a result, they withhold their comments and personal feelings.

Reservations and fears such as these can hinder our communications with others and prevent us from moving to deeper, more meaningful levels. If you’re interested in reaching people and you love them and want to show them that you care, it’s important to do your part to help them to communicate. “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out” (Proverbs 20:5).

One way to do this is to gently probe and invite people to share by asking them questions that show an interest in them and that you care about them. Then listen to what they share and consider how you can show them that you understand and that how they feel and think matters. When it is difficult, remind yourself that as a unique creation of God, each person is invaluable and matters so much to God that He gave His only son for their salvation and reconciliation (John 3:16).

Oftenit helps people just to talk about the things they’re experiencing, even if there isn’t an obvious solution to the problem or issue. As Christians, we can also offer to pray with people for them and about the issues that concern them. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. … This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1–4).—Treasures

Think about it…

Four of the Ten Commandments deal with our relationship to God while the other six deal with our relationships with people. But all ten are about relationships.—Rick Warren

If we are to love our neighbors, before doing anything else we must see our neighbors. With our imagination as well as our eyes—that is to say, like artists—we must see not just their faces but the life behind and within their faces. Here it is love that is the frame we see them in.—Frederick Buechner

Just remember the world is not a playground but a schoolroom. Life is not a holiday but an education. One eternal lesson for us all: to teach us how better we should love.—Barbara Jordan

What the Bible says…

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.—1 Thessalonians 5:11

Serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:13–14

Remind the people … to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.—Titus 3:1–2

Published on Anchor April 2025. Read by John Laurence.

¹ “Who is my neighbor, biblically speaking?” GotQuestions, https://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-my-neighbor.html

² Rick Warren, “The Key to Improving Your Relationships,” PastorRick.com, November 12, 2019, https://pastorrick.com/the-key-to-improving-your-relationships/