HOW TO FINISH WELL June 25, 2008

BE AWARE OF THE ENEMY. Many Christians do not finish well because they do not comprehend that there is an enemy. Peter warns us: “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Plainly the Bible tells us that if we want to finish well, we must be aware of our enemy, the devil. Peter explicitly said that the devil is full of schemes & his purpose is to destroy us. He is not playing games; he wants to wipe us out physically and spiritually. In the military, there are four colors that describe each level of the soldiers’ physical and mental preparedness. Code white means the soldiers can relax. The next level is code yellow, which means the soldiers are physically relaxed but mentally alert. Code orange means the soldiers are both alert physically and mentally. Then code red means the soldiers are ready and prepared for battle. The Bible tells us to be of sober spirit; meaning, we should be on the alert. In Ephesians 6:11, the apostle Paul puts it this way: he wants us to be always on code red. “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Sadly, many Christians today are still in code white, in a state of rest. They have no idea of the enemy and the warfare that is going on. Paul writes: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephes. 6:12). Our antagonist is not flesh and blood. We are against spiritual forces. Many times, our miseries and sorrows come from other people, but we must realize that they are not our real enemies. Our real adversary is the devil. ACTIVELY RESIST THE DEVIL. Peter writes: “But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:9). We must be firm in our faith because Satan will use all kinds of sufferings to cause our faith to waver. That is why it is important that we must always be on the alert and know our weaknesses. A strong person is someone who knows his or her weaknesses and takes precaution not to succumb to them. In order to resist the devil, one of the things we need to learn is to know his schemes. What are these? First, he wants us to be careless. The devil does not want us to take him seriously. He wants to lead us in believing that he does not exist or that he is not after us. Second, he wants us to be trapped in certain kinds of sins. One of the favorite schemes of the devil is to use bitterness and unforgiveness. This is a very effective plot because most of us have been hurt and betrayed by other people. Satan uses the pain for us to harbor ill feelings towards other people and before we know it we’re already trapped in sin. That is why the apostle Paul writes in 2 Cor. 2:10-11, “But whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” Third, he wants us to be deceived. Have you ever wondered why many people will not come to Jesus? Because they are not aware that Satan is a deceiver and that they have been deceived. In Luke 8:11-12, Jesus warns us: “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.”And those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved.” Thomas Brooks puts it this way: “Satan promises the best, but pays with the worst; he promises honor but pays with disgrace; he promises pleasure and pays with pain; he promises profit and pays with loss; he promises life and pays with death.” Some of Satan’s Favorite Lies There is no consequence to disobedience. The truth is we are free to choose; but we are not free to escape the consequences of our decision. In Galatians 6:7, we read, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Our happiness is dependent on possessions, people, and position. The Word of God says, “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). Our priority should be God. When we are in His presence we will experience joy and peace. We can earn God’s love by performing certain activities and rituals. Romans 5:8 say, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” We are the victim of our past and cannot change. But the bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” We have plenty of time and following God and committing to Him can wait.The truth is: “…now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). There are many ways to heaven as long as we are sincere. But Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). There is only one way to heaven. Heaven and hell are not real places, but states of the mind. But John 14:1-2 clearly states: “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” Our faith is based in our belief on the Word of God and on the character of His Son. If we doubt Jesus, our faith will waver. The Bible says that the only way to resist the devil is to be firm in our faith. Satan will throw all kinds of problems at us; he will mock and scorn us. It is our choice, either we give in or resist him. Peter writes: “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1Peter 5:10). We should trust in the character of God. C.S. Lewis once said, “When you are in trouble, the problem is not denying the existence of God, but in thinking ill of God.” The greatest problem is not that we would doubt God, but that we would think of God with malice. How can we give our life to Jesus if we do not believe that He cares for us? This is the battle of the mind: TRUTH vs. LIES. So let us keep trusting God and keep being firm in our faith. This is the sure way of finishing well.

THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES US M.A.D. (Make A Difference) June 16, 2008

It should not make us mad when people say we are fools for Christ. But when we hear derogatory remarks like, “Why is he like that? Isn’t he a born-again Christian?” then it may be that we have a part in giving Christianity a bad name. 

In advertising, the “before and after” technique is used to show the effects of a product as its selling point. But if a dirty shirt, after being washed by what is promoted as a “powerful” detergent, does not look any different, would consumers buy it? In the same way, when people look at our lives, do they see the difference that Jesus makes? Will they be attracted to the Savior we speak of? Is there a difference that people can clearly see?

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to examine our lives and ask, “Lord, is there something that is getting in the way of my being a witness for You?” It is the Holy Spirit that makes us M.A.D. — that stands for “MAKE A DIFFERENCE”. We are in this world to make a difference for the glory of God, and it is the Holy Spirit who will empower us to do it. We can make a difference because:

1. We are APPOINTED to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples…You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last” (John 15:8, 16). Jesus said we are appointed to make a difference. He called us to be the salt of the earth and as such we are to give people a taste of who Jesus is and what He is like through our lives, through our witness, and through our testimony. He said that we are the light of the world, and as such we are to radiate the character of Jesus in our lives (Matthew 5:13-16). Hence, the distinction that sets us apart as God’s appointees is a transformed life that makes a positive influence on others.

Christianity is more than just avoiding sins or going through life quietly. It is about creating an impact by our wise ways and kind, gracious speech, through which Christ is properly represented, thus giving justice to our assignment as His ambassadors. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). When people see how we make decisions, how we behave wherever we are, at work or at home, do we make a difference? Are we able to make an impact even in seemingly small things? 

2. We are EMPOWERED to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. The wonderful thing about the Christian life is that not only does the Lord say, “Go out and make a difference, make disciples and share the gospel”, He gives us the power to do so. He does not leave us on our own because He knows, like sheep, we are helpless without Him. Our sinful flesh is in constant conflict with the Spirit in us. We lust for things that are not in harmony with what the Holy Spirit wants (Galatians 5:16-17). Hence, we need to live by the Spirit, to be led by the Spirit moment-by-moment, to keep us from gratifying the desires of our sinful nature.  By constantly seeking God’s direction and wisdom, by praying without ceasing on every occasion, and making confession and repentance as part of our daily conversations with God, we are placing ourselves under the power of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to make a difference in this world. 

3. We are PRIVILEGED to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Having the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – is one reason why we are privileged as Christians. When we experience times of pain and difficulty and yet by the power of the Holy Spirit, we manifest the fruit of the Spirit in response, then clearly we make a difference for the glory of God. Christian living does not mean the absence or the removal of problems from life. It means the experience of the fruit of the Spirit in spite of difficult circumstances that may come our way. How we successfully cope sends a powerful message about Christianity, making others want what we have. The Gospel is, therefore, advanced, and Christ is made known.

“If being a Christian was a crime, would there be enough evidence in your life for a conviction?” We are in the world to MAKE A DIFFERENCE for the glory of God, and it is the Holy Spirit who will make it happen. How can we, in our own lives, counter the negative impressions about Christians and create a positive impact for Christ? Paul exhorts, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6).

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT June 10, 2008

The sheep is the most defenseless of all animals. Left untended, it cannot fend for itself. It lacks the ability to outsource food and water. Easily attracted by surrounding sights, it is prone to wander off and fall into crannies.  In many respects, we are so much like sheep.   Psalm 23 is a striking, poignant metaphor of what a shepherd does for his sheep. In our helpless state, the Lord has come to be our Good Shepherd. He takes care of us as our Good Shepherd when we have a personal relationship with Him. The Lord provides. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (v. 1). It is the shepherd’s job to look for food and water for the sheep. The Lord is Jehovah Jireh who makes sure we are provided with all our needs. For anyone who has the Lord to shepherd him, no good thing shall he lack, for the Lord provides. If earthly fathers know how to give good things to their children, how much more our Father in heaven who owns everything and cares so much for us to withhold what we need. “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (v. 2a). The shepherd looks for ideal pasture land that the sheep may graze on it. After a satisfying meal, the sheep lies down to rest on a bed of fresh, green grass. We are where we are because God put us there. But we need to have the readiness to leave and go elsewhere as the Lord deems fit. If we think we’re comfortable and contented where we are now, the Lord may have greener pastures for us. So where He leads, we must follow, otherwise we will be missing out on God’s best. God knows what’s best for us and will take care of every detail of our lives. The Lord guides. “He leads me beside quiet waters” (v. 2b).  The shepherd guides the sheep to a calm pool of water for a refreshing drink. Taking time out of our busy schedule to be alone with God will give us the refreshment we need.  He brings us to a place of stillness so we may see His face and drink from His life-giving Word. “He restores my soul.  He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (v. 3). Because of the stupid, stubborn nature of the sheep, shepherds sometimes resort to breaking the legs of the sheep to keep it from repeatedly going astray. Yet the shepherd also binds up the broken leg and nurses the sheep until it is completely healed.   Our Shepherd does not only take care of our physical needs; He is also after our spiritual welfare. The Lord accepts us “as is, where is.” However, He will not allow us to remain the way we are. God is in the business of restoration. When we fall, He picks us up. When we get dirty, He washes us clean. His forgiveness is available to those who humble themselves. The Lord’s holy name shall be honored. He will deal with our stubbornness through His discipline as a father who does not spare the rod so as not to spoil the child. “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines” (Hebrews 12:5-6). God will bring about that situation where we are in a position of moral uprightness and right living. We have God’s Word from which to derive the wisdom we lack to straighten our path. In guiding us, He sometimes takes away all earthly support so we may learn to depend on Him and consequently prove His sufficiency.  The Lord protects. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me” (v.4). God may sometimes allow us to go through valleys where there is darkness and dryness, so that we may learn to appreciate the better things He has for us in the uplands, where there’s fresher, greener grass.  The valleys lead us to mountaintop experiences – the better to taste Him more intimately, and for us to realize that He alone can revive and satisfy. “Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows” (v. 5). As a shepherd applies oil on the sheep as pest repellant, our protective Shepherd also shields us from all danger and evil. With God on our side, our foes are put to shame. We have nothing to fear, for God is our security. “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (v.6). The Lord relentlessly pursues us, not as a policeman would to issue a ticket for a violation, but because He bears gifts for us. He promised to be with us to bless us and preserve us all the days of our life.  Who, then, do we go to for our needs? When in trouble, who do we run to? Have we entrusted our lives to the care of the Good Shepherd? We’ll never go wrong when we turn to our Good Shepherd who will never fail us. The sheep hears the shepherd’s voice and follows. Are we listening to the Shepherd’s voice and following where He leads? Take the following self-check to determine whether you are a sheep following the Good Shepherd: 1) The ear test: Do you listen to the Shepherd’s voice? And 2) the foot test: Do you follow the Shepherd’s voice?

SURRENDERING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS VICTORY June 2, 2008

Are we as busy as Martha or as quiet as Mary as she lay at the feet of Jesus listening to His teachings? If we never learn to rest and be still before God, to bow before Him in reverence through prayer and Bible study, how can we come to know Him intimately? How can He take first place in our lives? 

Jesus said in Mark 8:34-36: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s shall save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” As long as we hold on to this life and all the other things our flesh holds dear, the victory Christ has won will never be ours.  Surrendering all to the Holy Spirit brings victory. For this to be true in our lives, we need to know the answers to these questions:

WHAT IS SURRENDER? Surrender is defined as to yield to the power, control or possession of another upon compulsion or demand; to give (oneself) up into the power of another, especially as a prisoner. Surrender, as the world understands it, is to concede defeat. It gives up a fight to give in to a stronger force, admitting helplessness and weakness, by waving a white flag, willing to be held captive by the other. But surrendering to God is to acknowledge helplessness and weakness, so that the Holy Spirit can take over in order to be filled with His power and be victorious over the real enemies – Satan, the world and self.

It begins as a voluntary act of the will to turn over our lives to Jesus. It is giving up our rights so He can defend our rights.  Surrendering to Jesus is not a one-time act at the instance of salvation, but a moment-by-moment choice as we face our daily battles. We need to realize that when we surrender to God, we give up to gain. Have we relinquished the throne of our lives to Christ?

HOW DO WE SURRENDER? There can be no surrender without humility, for it is really a dying to self. Surrendering is coming to the end of one’s self and turning to God in complete dependence and trust, with full admission of spiritual poverty. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). We can either deny sin, or we can deal with it. Healing comes only when we admit it. When we empty ourselves, we give God room to work in us. Surrender acts on the conviction that God is good, is in absolute control, will provide for our needs, and will always give us what is best (Psalm 25:8; Matthew 6:26).

Nothing happens apart from the will of God. Job, in surrender and with full trust in the Lord, welcomed adversity. “Shall we accept good from God, and not adversity?” (Job 2:10). Abraham, when asked to surrender his son, obeyed without delay. Trials are designed by God to develop our love for Him, weaning us away from the world so we may truly feast on the sufficiency of Christ. Paul, who was acquainted with sufferings, declared: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). In times of crisis, do we raise clenched fists and question God, or do we bow our heads and lift up our hands in submission? Crisis as bad as cancer loses its sting when we give God our unqualified trust and love. By letting God’s will be done in our lives, we are placing ourselves in an attitude of wholehearted surrender and obedience. 

All our struggles to yield our rights when we are wronged or trampled upon are nothing when we look at the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing, loving and trusting God and not ourselves allows us to surrender in total obedience.

WHY SHOULD WE SURRENDER? When the truth about Christ’s love for us cuts to the core of our hearts, abandoning ourselves to God is the only natural thing to do. Surrender, then, becomes worship. Surrendering to God is a great privilege and gift to glorify God and express our gratitude. All of us are given one life to live on this earth. That life will come to an end one day, sooner than you think. We’ve all been given a choice as to how we live our lives. You can choose not to burn the flame of God in your life. And if you do, you will waste your life. You will experience trials, difficulties, struggles and hardships, and you will be in darkness without God’s light. But if today, you choose to shine the light of God in your life, you will still have trials, difficulties and hardships, but you will have God’s light to show you the way.

Have we reached that point where we have made up our minds to let God have all of us? Have we dedicated our lives to Jesus and made that commitment to follow Him with no turning back? We deprive ourselves of God’s bounty when we hold back even just a bit. Have we surrendered all?