Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Dealing with the Trials of Life

 

Photo of a Scripture verse


“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial…”
—James 1:12

Trials will always eventually come into our lives. We live in a fallen and sin-cursed world. Evil surrounds us. Satan desires to destroy us. Our human bodies are frail and subject to all manner of disease. Relationships are tentative and insecure. So, we should not be at all surprised when difficulty tracks us down.

As believers in the life-transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ, we must constantly consider how we will face trials, what we will do, and what we will say. God intends to give us the strength we need, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Addressing both men and women—for in the Koine Greek text, the noun “man” and pronoun “he” frequently mean humans of both male and female gender—the Apostle James writes these words found in James 1:12:

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.

I don’t know what trials you may face in your life today. If you are not yet facing trials, they likely will find you before you live out the length of your life. I do know what God can and will do to sustain all of us when trials overtake us.

Let’s cling to God this day and every day. Let’s allow Him to bear our burdens, defeat the enemy, and gives us victory over our trials. We can put our full trust in Him. He will never fail us.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.

 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Our Active Faith

 

Photo of a Scripture verse


“Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch,
where they and many others taught
and preached the word of the Lord.”
—Acts 15:35

Not every Christian is called by God to actually preach. But, every Christian is called by God to proclaim—in a tender, gentle, and loving way—the truth of God’s gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus. There really is no point to trying to be a passive Christian.‬

Christianity is an active faith. Because we Christians recognize the great gift that God has given us through release from the power that sin has over us and through the cleansing of our sins by the blood of Jesus, we must become active in sharing everything that God has done in us, and for us, and through us. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20:‬

‪I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.‬

Paul recognized that, through Christ, the hold that sin had formerly had over him had been nailed to the cross. The new life that Christ provided for Paul—and provides for us—promotes an active response. That is why Dr. Luke records the following in Acts 15:35:‬

‪Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.‬

The very least that Paul and Barnabas could do when confronted by “so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3) was to actively proclaim the magnificent truth of the gospel by means of teaching and preaching. While we may not be called, nor equipped, to preach, or even teach, we have been equipped by the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit to lovingly share what God has done for us through Christ.‬

Therefore, as we begin another new day, let’s remain aware of those opportunities that God may bring our way to share a word of encouragement and love in the name of Jesus. We do well when we actively participate in God’s work in this world. We are, after all, a vital part of God’s Kingdom here on earth. It’s high time we took advantage of the privilege that is ours to represent our Great King to a troubled and needy world.‬

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.

 

Monday, November 4, 2024

Redistributing Wealth?

 

Photo of a Scripture verse


“But remember the Lord your God, for it
is he who gives you the ability to produce
wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which
he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.”
—Deuteronomy 8:18

A major thrust of the social and political philosophy pushing at least half of the leaders in the United States today can be summed up in the term “income redistribution.” This is actually a philosophical principle of Marxist Communism that says those who have earned higher incomes should be forced by the government, through various means, to give an equalizing portion of their income to those who have not earned as much. This “income redistribution” purports to “level the playing field” of society and to create a more seemingly equal financial turf across the wide spectrum of the populace.

Of course, the concept of government-forced “income redistribution” is anti-Constitutional, anti-democratic, anti-Scriptural, and immoral. Scripture makes it plain that some individuals will always end up with more wealth than others. In some cases, this greater wealth may come about through nefarious means. But, more often than not, the greater wealth comes about from an abundant blessing of God, through the clever application of the talents and abilities that God has given a particular individual, through hard work, or through an inheritance that has come from a family history, over which the individual receiving the inheritance has no control. Scripture indicates that such wealthier individuals have a greater responsibility to society than those who have not fared as well, but such an obligation must be given voluntarily and not be forced by government intervention.

The Bible teaches God’s people to be particularly generous in their care of the poor and needy, the widows and orphans, and anyone who genuinely needs a helping hand. But, such generosity stems from the recognition of how graciously and lovingly God has dealt with us in our own individual lives. It decidedly is not a “generosity” forced upon us by any government mandate. And, therein lies the rub with the philosophy of roughly half of our fellow citizens—the Marxist Communistic-based concept of compulsory redistribution of wealth.

Government-mandated “income redistribution” is actually a way of vesting ever more power and control in those who run the government. This quest for “income redistribution” is not really rooted in a desire to help those in need. Rather, it is a way of taking the power of money away from those who have gained wealth and re-vesting that power in the few who control the government’s programs for redistributing that wealth.

One of the reasons why Marxist Communism—and its false sister, Socialism—has utterly failed wherever it has been instituted is that the power does not ever truly vest with the common people, the Proletariat. Instead, every Marxist Communistic system ever manifested on earth has vested power only with a very select few individuals who are a part of, or at a slightly higher level than, the Bourgeoisie.

Now, in a fully Marxist Communist country, this may well be an entirely different Bourgeoisie than the Bourgeoisie found in a fully Capitalistic society, but it is still a “middle to upper echelon” controlling group of people who exercise authority over all others in society through the implementation and control of the means of production, through their relatively higher level of education and greater cohesion, and through their heightened influence on the dictates of government.

Contrary to what many left-leaning Christians may opine, Christianity is neither Marxist Communistic, nor Socialistic, nor Capitalistic. No, Christianity is an amalgam of all economic philosophies, which recognizes that the condition of humankind results from the will and purpose of God and from His gracious and kind dealings with those humans who belong to Him, no matter what social or economic status they may have within a particular society. Notice these words from Deuteronomy 8:18:

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

God gives the talent and ability to produce wealth. Humans can choose to apply or ignore this God-given talent and ability. But, the source of wealth begins with God. And in fact, the source of wealth ultimately always belongs to God. He may grant it to some individuals for a season on this earth. But, wealth is always His for all eternity.

As we begin a new day, we need to very carefully examine our personal positions with regard to economics and government:

  • Do these personal positions square with Scripture?

  • Do these personal positions honor the role that God plays in our lives?

  • Do these personal positions recognize certain immutable truths, such as the fact that in any society there will always be both rich and poor?

  • Do these personal positions encourage God-inspired generosity toward those in need? Or …

  • Do these personal positions with regard to economics and government constantly create friction with our faith?

As a part of our walk with God, we need to make certain that nothing comes between us and Him. And that includes our economic and political beliefs.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, November 5, 2018

Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.

 

Friday, November 1, 2024

We Should Have No Shame

 

Photo of a Scripture verse


“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power
of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”
—Romans 1:16

Do you ever sense the Holy Spirit nudging you to speak a word of God’s love and grace to someone, and yet you hesitated to do so? Don’t feel too ashamed about that. It happens to most of us. We realize that, in our world today, any mention of God, or His Son, Jesus, or the wonderful plan He has for people’s lives is often met with scorn and derision, even anger.

God understands the circumstances that surround our lives. But, He also will not stop prompting us to speak words of comfort, or caring, or love in His behalf. And, the more often we respond and speak such words, in a gentle way, to someone whom the Holy Spirit prompts us to address, the more comfortable we will become in serving our Lord in this way.

By the time he wrote the following words, as recorded in Romans 1:16, the Apostle Paul had become quite bold in his witness:

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

As this new day opens up before us, let’s be sure to listen with our spiritual ears for the nudging of the Holy Spirit. We will sense that nudging deep within our innermost being. When we do sense that nudge, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us. In the most gentle and tender way possible, let’s share words of God’s mercy, grace, and love with whomever has crossed our pathway at that moment. When we do this, we bring great joy to the God who loves us with His everlasting love.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, November 2, 2018

Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.

 

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Jesus Completes Us

 

Photo of a Scripture verse


“In Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily
form, and you have been given fullness in Christ,
who is the head over every power and authority.”
—Colossians 2:9-10

“Until I met Jesus,” new believers are often heard to say, “there was something missing in my life. There was a hole in my being that nothing could fill. Now, I feel as if I am complete.” I have shared in a previous blog post the words of a hymn that Clara T. Williams wrote in 1875. Entitled “Satisfied,” this hymn expresses the thoughts of so many new believers in the life-transforming power of the living Lord Jesus Christ, that I will share it again here:

All my life long I had panted
For a draught from some cool spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.

Refrain: Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

Feeding on the husks around me,
Till my strength was almost gone,
Longed my soul for something better,
Only still to hunger on.

Refrain: Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

Poor I was, and sought for riches,
Something that would satisfy,
But the dust I gathered round me
Only mocked my soul’s sad cry.

Refrain: Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.

Refrain: Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

This song, and the thoughts of new believers, parallel the message that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians gathered at the church in Colosse, as recorded in Colossians 2:9-10:

In Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

In the Authorized Version of Scripture—also known as the King James Version—the phrase that the New International Version translates “and you have been given fullness in Christ” is translated “And ye are complete in Him.” Certainly, being complete in Jesus does, indeed, indicate that we have received from Him the fullness of life.

Without Him, there is no doubt but that we can feel a definite emptiness. With Him, Jesus replaces that emptiness with a fullness of joy, a fullness of peace, a fullness of delight, a fullness of grace, a fullness of mercy, and a fullness of love.

As we awaken to a new day, let’s rejoice that, in Christ, God has made us complete in Him. We are no longer needy, hungry, empty, confused souls, with a huge hole in our hearts. We are filled to overflowing with all of God’s precious mercy, grace, and love. And, that surely is a reason to celebrate.

______________________

The late Donald Doig sings Clara T. Williams’ beautiful words, with the haunting melody written by Ralph E. Hudson and arranged by Ronn Huff, that I hope you will enjoy:

Graphic of a play music arrow


 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, November 1, 2018

Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.

 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Time to Clean Up

 

Photo of a Scripture verse


“Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that
is so prevalent and humbly accept the
word planted in you, which can save you.”
—James 1:21

After years and years of observing the moral decline in our nation, I still find times when I am shocked by the language, visual images, crude jokes, suggestive attire, disrespectful behavior, and generally immoral attitude that has taken over the lives of more and more people in our land. As Christians, God intends for us to take a stand against evil, not to be drawn into the midst of it and relish the depravity around us. That’s why the Apostle James wrote these words found in James 1:21:

Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Since he wrote these words in the first century A.D., imagine what the Apostle James would think of our world today? He would probably faint dead away at the sound of the words people speak aloud, the suggestiveness of our clothing, the coarseness of our behavior, and the lasciviousness our choices for entertainment. I can hardly imagine how shocked the Apostle James would feel.

But, we can, and should, feel shocked and dismayed, as well. In response, we should purposefully do our part to stand against evil. How many Christian women watch “The Bachelor” or similar programs? How many Christian men leer at the attire of most women who appear on their television screens? How many Christians have fallen prey to pornography, or gambling, or excessive use of alcoholic beverages, or to the use of mind-altering drugs, or telling dirty jokes, or … ? And it goes on and on and on.

I know, I know, this is not at all a popular topic. It is quite possible that what I have just written will offend many of you reading this blog post. But, you see, I know my own heart. I know how enticing some of the sins that permeate our present age can become. Nevertheless, the call from the Apostle James seems quite clear to me. And, if you’re honest, doesn’t it speak to you, as well?

As we begin another day, while we bask in God’s love for us, let’s not forget the responsibilities we have as His ambassadors to a truly troubled world. When we choose our entertainment, or our clothing, or any other behavior, let’s think more carefully about what would honor Him the most. If we do that, we will surely be much better off.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Obedience Has Its Reward

 

Photo of a Scripture verse


“If you obey my commands, you will remain
in my love, just as I have obeyed my
Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
—John 15:10

Compared to children of today, my childhood was severely disadvantaged. Why? Because today, children often receive rewards for any slight indication of obedient behavior. In my childhood, growing up in the 1950s, I was expected to always obey without any reward. The obedience was its own reward. Can you imagine that?

If you are anywhere near my own age, you are laughing right now. You grew up the same way I did. We were not bribed to be obedient. We were simply expected to always behave. If anything, we were warned of dire consequences should we fail to be obedient. But, even in God’s economy, obedience to His will and His written Word have some startlingly real benefits. Note these words of Jesus, as recorded in John 15:10:

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

Obedience celebrates our place wherein we remain solidly connected to the vine of God’s love and grace. Not that we can do anything—in and of ourselves—to earn God’s love. Quite to the contrary—God gives us His love freely. But, for our own benefit, for our own nourishment, for our own health, we need to remain obediently connected to the vine of God’s divine provision. That’s what John 15 is all about.

As we begin this new day, let’s take time to click on this link and read through John 15. As we read the words of Jesus, let’s rejoice that in our obedience, as led by the Holy Spirit, we choose to remain connected to the nourishing vine of God’s love and grace.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.