Prepared to Give a Respectful Answer

 

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you…”

—1 Peter 3:15b

As citizens of God’s Kingdom, chosen by God before the foundation of the earth to belong to Him, we live to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strengths, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Naturally, we hold our Great King Jesus in the highest possible esteem. We bow before Christ in reverence, recognizing that He is the source of everything that is good in our lives. We also live to share His love with others in a tender and caring manner.

The Apostle Peter sums up our “marching orders” with these precious words in 1 Peter 3:15:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

The greatest possible hope resides within our hearts: the certain hope of eternal life in God’s glorious heavenly Kingdom. Naturally, we want to share this hope with others.

So, as we begin a new day, let us stand ready with answers to the question: “Why do you have such a hope?” And, let us give a gentle and respectful answer that will partner with the Holy Spirit, as He irresistibly draws people to a saving knowledge of Jesus. What better way could we possibly show God how much we love Him?

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, February 19, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Destroyer of Death

 

“…Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death…”

—2 Timothy 1:10b

The only video game I have ever played was “Pong.” Yes, I’m that old. Two vertical lines that one could move up and down. A dot that bounced across the screen from side to side. No finesse, no subtlety. Really quite simplistic. But, in its day, quite fun.

I am amazed at the elaborateness of today’s video games. Fabulous graphics showing armies at war. Heroes rescuing damsels in distress. Amazingly realistic sound effects. Even dramatic music to heighten the mood of the game. It’s all quite mind boggling.

The Apostle Paul wrote about an all-too-real battle when he penned these words in 2 Timothy 1:9-10:

He (Jesus) has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

In this battle, the power of the risen Lord Jesus Christ has destroyed death and Satan. It’s not make believe. It’s very real. We who belong to the Savior have been set free from sin and death. In the distress of our eternal damnation, Christ has rescued us.

As this day unfolds, we should rejoice at our freedom in Christ. And, we should seize every opportunity He gives us to tell others about this miracle of God's grace.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, February 18, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Flame Tenders

 

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God…”

—2 Timothy 1:6

Camping in the desert offers a unique challenge. At night, the temperature often drops 30 degrees Fahrenheit or more. The desert winds pick up and blow rather severely. If someone doesn’t keep watch over the camp’s fire, it might go out in the night. If the fire does become extinguished, it may be nearly impossible to restart the campfire in the heavy wind.

In our spiritual lives, we also must tend the flames of devotion to Christ and to His Kingdom. That’s why we need to read our Bible and spend time in prayer each day. That’s why we must gather for worship with other believers. We must fan the flames of obedience to God’s will and to His written Word.

In writing to his son in the faith, the Apostle Paul put it this way in 2 Timothy 1:6-7:

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

We can rely on the constancy of the Holy Spirit’s divine Presence in our lives. But, we have to do our part, too. Let’s determine this day to fan the flames of devotion to our Savior. By so doing, we will fulfill the role given to us by God as flame tenders and be able to tell others about the wonders of God’s mercy, grace, and love.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Know My Anxious Thoughts

 

“…test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

—Psalm 139:23b

The Dictionary defines the word “anxiety” as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” Most of us have some level of anxiety in our lives. Sometimes our anxiety is about something quite trivial. At other times, possible life-threatening—or at least life-changing—events fuel our anxious thoughts.

No matter what anxiety may color our existence, the God who loves us, and who has redeemed us, knows our anxious thoughts. He understands our anxiety. He wants us to give Him our anxiety and trust in His unfailing, undying love. The Psalmist has written these words of prayer and longing in Psalm 139:23-24:

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

When the road ahead seems impassable, God will guide us through the trials that may produce road-blocking anxiety. We must learn to relax into His enfolding arms of love.

Please join me in beginning this day by spending a few quiet moments. In these moments of quietness, let us consciously and purposefully lay our anxiety at the feet of Jesus. Then, let us rise and go out into this new day with the sure knowledge that God will lead us in the way everlasting.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Perfect Faithfulness

 

“I will exalt you and praise your name…”

—Isaiah 25:1b

One of the most frustrating aspects of a relationship takes place when the other person does not act toward us in a consistent manner. During the time when I counseled others, a woman sought my help to give her strategies to save her marriage. She explained:

“I never know how my husband is going to react to what I tell him.”

The woman had done the right thing in seeking counseling. She truly loved her husband. But, his inconsistent behavior was putting an enormous strain on their marriage.

As I listened to her talk, I began to think of all the far too many times I had allowed some little thing to trigger an out-of-proportion emotional response in me. In that moment, I was convicted and said a quick prayer asking God to forgive me for my own inconsistent behavior. Then, I determined to ask God to help me respond to others in a more consistent manner.

In contrast, God always acts consistently toward us. Even during times of confusion or great trial in our lives, God always acts in our best interest. Even when He seems far away and we can't figure out why these seemingly bad things are happening to us, God has a plan He is working out in our lives for our very best.

The Prophet Isaiah clearly understood the steadfastness and perfect faithfulness of God when he wrote these words in Isaiah 25:1:

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

Let us begin this new day by praising God for His perfect faithfulness and for the steadfastness of His behavior toward us. And, let us strive to imbue all our relationships with a consistency of behavior that honors the example God has set for us.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, February 15, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Teaching The Commands of God

 

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.”

—Deuteronomy 6:6

The most fortunate children are those who grow up in a God-honoring home. If the people who raise a child love God and put Him first in their lives, then that child has truly gained the best possible advantage he or she can have in this life.

I was one such child. Conceived as the result of an illicit love affair between a pastor and a church organist, my birth mother very wisely placed me for adoption. I can only imagine the deep emotional price she paid in doing so.

In God’s providence, a loving older couple—she was 42 and he was 40—adopted me. Their most important quality was that they loved God and taught me to do the same.

I grew up in a wonderful church family where the good news about Jesus was preached every Sunday. I had godly Sunday School teachers and godly Youth Fellowship and Youth for Christ leaders who lived out their faith in Christ and taught me to do the same.

I attended one of the finest and most academically rigorous Christian colleges in the land. My professors not only were recognized experts in their fields, they taught in ways that integrated their faith in Christ with their academic subjects.

In every case, all through my early life, I have had the distinct privilege of being exposed to people who took their roles of spiritual mentors seriously. Each one of these very special people took to heart God’s instruction recorded in Deuteronomy 6:6-7:

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

While God did not choose to bless my wife and me with children, nevertheless, I have tried to be a mentor to young people and follow in the footsteps of those who mentored me.

I begin this new day praising God and thanking Him for those who made a serious effort to teach me God’s commands. If you belong to God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, I urge you to take every opportunity to teach the young people who cross your pathway about God’s mercy, grace, and unfailing love.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, February 12, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Our Constant Companion

 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…”

—Joshua 1:9

I am not a big fan of new experiences. Oh, once I am actually in the middle of a new experience, I may relax and enjoy it. And, after the new experience has ended, I may look back on it with a certain fondness. But, contemplating any new experience produces at least a small amount of anxiety. Having someone accompany me always helps allay my fears.

As we Christians walk the road of life, we have a constant companion—the blessed Holy Spirit dwells within us. He walks with us and guides us along the pathway that God has laid out before us. So, no matter what we may have to face, no matter what new experience presents itself, we have a constant companion.

The Scripture records these words from God Himself as stated in Joshua 1:9:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Just as God spoke these words to Joshua upon the death of Moses, so He speaks them to us today.

“Be strong and courageous,” He says. “I will be with you wherever you go.”

As we begin another new day, let us step out into the world with boldness and courage. God is with us. His Holy Spirit will be our protector and guide. God will be our constant companion. And, dear ones, there simply is no one better with whom to travel the road of life.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, February 11, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Higher Thoughts

 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts…”

—Isaiah 55:8

It impossible for us to fully understand the thoughts and intentions of God. We can’t psychoanalyze God. We can’t completely figure out what He is doing in every situation. We can only know as much about Him as He has chosen to reveal to us.

For example we know that He is the awesome, all-powerful creator of the universe. We know that He is tender-hearted and loving toward those He chooses to belong to Himself. We know that He extends mercy and grace to those who follow Him. We know that He has given us many promises in His written Word, the Bible. We know that He is always faithful and always true.

But the development of our faith and trust comes forth most clearly when we understand that, this side of eternity, we can never fully know God completely. He has much higher thoughts than we do. God has told us this Himself in Isaiah 55:8-9:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I actually think it’s pretty amazing that God has revealed to us as much as He has done when He sent His one and only Son to earth to be our Savior. Jesus is “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.”

Jesus told us in John 14:9 that:

“…anyone who has seen me has seen my Father.”

So, through Jesus, we know so much more about the nature and character of God.

Part of the joy of the Christian life comes from the fact that we are loved by a God whom we cannot fully know in this life. But, we will spend eternity with Him and there we will see Him face to face. In that Day, His higher thoughts will be revealed. And, we will stand amazed in His Presence. Oh what a Day that will be.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

I Have Kept to His Way

 

“I have kept to his way without turning aside.”

—Job 23:11b

When a person walks through a dense forest, one way of not becoming lost is to stay on the path. As long as the person does not wander into the deep woods on either side of the path, he or she will eventually find the way to his or her ultimate destination.

So it is with us “Christ’s-ones.” If we stay on the pathway that God opens up before us in our lives, we will arrive at the place where God wants us to be.

The Patriarch Job made this declaration in Job 23:10-11:

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.

God knows our way when He tests us. And, if our feet follow closely the footsteps He has left for us—if we stay on His pathway—we will arrive at the very place He wants us to be.

In the light of this new day, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. And, as we meet others along the way, let’s become instruments of God’s mercy, grace, and love in their lives.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, February 9, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

The Light of His Face

 

“It was not by their sword that they won the land…”

—Psalm 44:3a

Everyone looks to some source of inner power to give him or her the ability to navigate through the challenges of this life. Many rely on their own cleverness, or their intellect, or their quick tongues, or their physical beauty. But the Christian has a source of power that exceeds all human power. That power is the very Presence of God’s Holy Spirit in his or her life. The Psalmist clearly understood this when he wrote these words in Psalm 44:3:

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.

The very light of God’s face—His divine Presence—gave them victory over their adversaries. This is as true today as it was then. Every victory over our adversary, Satan, comes because of God’s power in our lives. The light of God’s face guarantees our success in overcoming whatever trials invade our lives. His great love for us, expressed in the light of His face, enables us to achieve everything He wants us to achieve.

So, dear ones, be encouraged this day. Receive God’s love with great joy. Bask in the light of His face. And, meet the world today knowing that He has already overcome the world.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, February 8, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

A Proper Hate

 

“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”

—Psalm 97:10

On Valentine’s Day, we generally focus on the myriad aspects of the word “love.” In contrast, the word “hate” has all kinds of negative emotion wrapped up in its four short letters. We often think of “hate” in contrast with “love” and rightly choose “love” over “hate.” But sometimes, there may actually be a time for what we might describe as a “proper hate.”

Near the very end of a Psalm of Praise to God, we find the Psalmist writing these words found in Psalm 97:10:

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

After spending the nine previous verses voicing appropriate praise to God for His goodness, mercy, and unfailing love, the Psalmist decides that it is important to remind those singing this Psalm that there is a “proper hate.” Those who identify with the Kingdom of God—and celebrate the fact that He has chosen them to belong to Himself—have a responsibility, even a duty, to hate evil.

We live in a society that more and more wants to tolerate sinful behavior and even celebrate wrongdoing. Six years ago, the Christian writer Rod Dreher wrote an article—“Teen Love in the Ruins 2016”—about a new book, Firsts by a female author, Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, that celebrates the sexual activities of a teenaged girl. Dreher points out that the marketing for this book is unabashedly directed at girls from the ages of fourteen to eighteen. The publisher, MacMillan, literally celebrates this as a ground-breaking book. If you are at all squeamish, you may not want to click on the link above.

Dreher pushes back very hard against this book. As a Christian, he obviously believes he must use his bully pulpit, as a well-regarded writer for The American Conservative website, to denounce what is essentially a soft-porn enticement for unrestrained and wholly inappropriate sexual activity by very young girls.

As we begin another day, we may not have to face this particular kind of challenge in our lives. But, we do see examples of various kinds of evil every day—from the kinds of angry conversations that take place within the walls of our homes, to the open hostility of our current political climate, to the plethora of inappropriate programming provided by our national media. While our culture wants to silence all dissenting opinions, we who belong to Jesus need to take a definite stand against evil. We can no longer remain silent. We can no longer hide because we don’t want to offend our non-Christian friends.

In ways that are tempered by God-breathed love, we can take a stand against evil in this world. And, we can start by taking a stand against the evil in our own lives. If we do, we will fulfill a part of our responsibility as Christ’s ambassadors that few seem willing to address these days. And, we will most certainly please our God, who is the very embodiment of holiness.

As far as evil is concerned, there definitely is a time for a proper hate. More and more it seems that such a time is now.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Sunday, February 7, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Power Beyond Timidity

 

“ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid…”

—2 Timothy 1:7a

For someone who has had to speak to more than 500 different groups of people during my professional career, including one group of three thousand, I am actually painfully shy. I have great difficulty in making eye contact with those to whom I am speaking. Because of my shyness, I would much rather speak to a large group than to a smaller group. In larger groups, it is harder for those listening to tell whether or not I am looking at them, as my head turns and my eyes rove across them just above their heads.

Yes, those who have closer contact with me will agree it’s also true, when I attend virtually any kind of class, that I am likely to often speak out all too boldly at those times when I become frustrated with what’s being taught. Furthermore, it’s true that I am annoyingly confident about the knowledge I have regarding a wide variety of subjects.

Nevertheless, inspite of these seemingly paradoxical behaviors, I remain painfully shy, especially in social situations. My most dreaded business event was the cocktail party. Please let me explain:

For one thing, I do not drink alcoholic beverages. But, I have no negative or judgmental feelings regarding those who do drink such beverages. I have just made it a life-long practice to never drink alcoholic beverages.

Secondly, I’m not at all good at “small talk” or, as I like to think of it, “conversational torture.” I am very interested in people and like to hear their stories. But, I am not a good “social conversationalist.”

Thirdly, I have virtually no interest in sports. You see, my father was not at all interested in sports, so I never caught the “sports bug.” As a teenager, I would much rather work on a piece of electronic equipment than watch sports on television. This lack of interest in sports means I have little to talk about with most other men.

All of these details represent my attempt to explain to you some of the nature of my painful shyness and timidity, particularly in social situations. Oddly, I have literally no nervousness in talking to a large group. And, I have no nervousness talking on the radio. Obviously, I also have no shyness about communicating with others in writing.

Just don't ask me to socialize with people unless I know them well, or have some driving need to wish to get to know them. Oh, I can “fake it” for a little while. But, I’m almost always the first one to leave a party—that is presuming you can get me to attend that party in the first place.

With this background, imagine my surprise when I first read the Apostle Paul’s words to his son-in-the-faith, Timothy, found in 2 Timothy 1:7:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Even though I’m painfully shy and, therefore, timid—particularly in social situations—I’m grateful that whatever inertia I have to rise above my timidity comes from God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God has equipped me with power beyond timidity.

Long ago I realized that all that I am and all that I have has come to me as a gift from God who loves me. And, I am so very grateful! This is true for you dear ones, too. God has equipped us with power beyond timidity.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Please join me in thanking God this day for the precious gift of His Holy Spirit, who gives us the ability to overcome our natural human timidity and who will infuse us with every quality we need to serve God and represent Him well to those He brings into our lives.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, February 5, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Love in Actio

 

“…let us not love with words or speech…”

—1 John 3:18

Have you ever heard this old adage?

“Your actions are so loud, I can’t hear what you’re saying.”

The most common words out of an abuser’s mouth are “I love you!” Whether the abuser is a parent, a spouse, a relative, or a friend, such an abuser often wraps his or her abhorrent behavior in words of love.

In stark contrast, God has not only told us He loves us, He has demonstrated that love for us over and over down through history. He has cared for and protected those He loves. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die in our place on a cruel Roman cross of torture. God’s demonstration of love seemingly knows no boundaries. His acts of love could easily fill every page of every book that has ever been written. This reality prompted the Apostle John to write these words, found in 1 John 3:18:

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

God has clearly set the example for us. As we begin another day, let’s make a conscious effort to follow His example and heed the Apostle John’s words. Let’s show our love to God and to others by what we do, as well as by what we say. We must not simply speak words of love to God and to those He brings across our pathway. Instead, our words must become magnified by our behavior. God has set the pattern for us. We do well to follow that pattern.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, February 4, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

God Showed Us His Love

 

“…God showed his love among us…”

—1 John 4:9a

In the early days of a romance, both parties look for signs of love in each other. This is especially true if one party has begun to feel himself or herself falling in love with the other person. Does he seem to love me? Do I see any sign of love from her?

Long before either party is willing to say the words “I love you,” each one is trying to find evidence that love has begun to bloom in the other. This searching for the return of love from someone we love is a normal and natural part of the exchange of human love. We always want to know if we can actually risk loving someone else, in the hope that our beloved will return his or her love to us.

When it comes to the amazing love that God has for those He has chosen to belong to Himself, what signs do we see that tell us He really does love us? The Apostle John offers these words of evidence in 1 John 4:9:

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

The sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus, in our behalf on Calvary’s cruel cross is the most telling evidence of God’s love for us. What more evidence could we possibly require? Knowing without a doubt that God loves us with His unfailing, undying love, let us go out into this day with great joy and share the knowledge of His love with others.

The great hymn-writer, Charles Wesley (1707-1788) penned the following words that clearly express the enormity of God’s love for those who belong to Him:

And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!

’Tis mystery all! Th’Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine!
'Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.

Refrain:
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!

He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race;
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.

Refrain:
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quick'ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

Refrain:
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Refrain:
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!

God has shown us His love. Now, as the indwelling Holy Spirit enables us, let us live our lives through Him.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, February 3, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Life After Death

 

“He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”

—Matthew 22:32b

Sadly, for many people who do not believe in God, when death comes they believe they cease to exist. In thier minds this life on earth is all of which their lives consist. Once they die, they believe that they have come to an end of reality.

But for Christian believers, we have the sure knowledge that, because of Christ— His miraculous birth, His life, His suffering, His sacrificial death on the cross in our behalf, His burial, His resurrection, and His ascension, returning to God in heaven—we have eternal life with Him. In fact, Jesus spoke these words, as recorded in Matthew 22:31-32:

“But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”

Knowing this life is but a part of our journey to eternal life changes everything for those whom God has called to belong to Himself. So, as we begin a new day, let’s rejoice that some day, when we pass from this life to the next, we will spend eternity at the feet of Jesus. And, with that comfort in mind, let us emthusiastically share this message of His love with those who cross our pathway this day.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Plans to Prosper

 

“For I know the plans I have for you…”

—Jeremiah 29:11a

“There’re so many things you Christians aren’t supposed to do. What fun is that?”

The person who spoke those words simply did not understand the glories of the Christian life. Christianity is not a faith based on a long list of rules and regulations. It’s not a list of dos and don’ts. Instead, Christianity is a wonderful relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. God has done everything necessary to build that relationship. The only things He asks of those who follow Him is to open their four human modalities—heart, soul, mind, and strength— in order to receive the gifts He gives and then respond in obedience to His written Word. The benefits of this relationship are beyond measure.

Looking toward the cross of Calvary from the depths of ancient history, in Jeremiah 29:11-13, the Prophet Jeremiah reported these words from the lips of God:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

God does indeed have a wonderful plan for the lives of those He loves. His plan considers every area of the lives of those He has chosen to belong to Himself. He cares for His dearly loved children from the moment they are born until the moment they pass from this life into eternal life.

So, as we begin a new day, let’s step out with the confidence that comes from knowing God has plans to prosper us in ways that we cannot even imagine. Yes, God’s measure of prosperity may be radically different from the measure of prosperity of our current culture. But His prosperity lasts for eternity. And that, dear ones, is very comforting as we journey along the pathway of life.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, February 1, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Planning the Good

 

“Do not those who plot evil go astray?”

—Proverbs 14:22a

I hope you’ve never been the target of an evil plan. It’s not a pleasant experience. In fact, it’s a horrible experience.

After I retired from full-time employment in 2003, the senior pastor of the church I attended at the time recruited me to come work with him to help repair a dangerously low staff morale and improve the communications within the church and between the church and the world outside of the church.

For five-and-a-half years I volunteered virtually full-time and saw many positive improvements on both fronts. But, some people in the church plotted against me.

When a new pastor came, these people convinced him, even before he actually arrived on the scene, that I and two other key staff members would have to go. So, they joined forces to plot against us and forced us out.

I cannot begin to describe the trauma this caused in my life, and more so in the lives of my two colleagues. I can say with certainty that the worst and most unfair treatment I have received in my life came at the hands of people who, supposedly, were my brothers and sisters in Christ. For this very same reason in his own life, King Solomon made this declaration in Proverbs 14:22:

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

I hope you never have someone plot against you. If you do, please take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. After all, Jesus was the subject of a terrible plot against Him by the religious leaders of His day. And, even more important, I hope you have never plotted against someone to harm them. If you have, you must follow these steps:

1. confess what you have done
   
   
2. repent of your actions
   
   
3. make restitution for the harm you’ve caused, and
   
   
4. seek complete restoration with the brother or sister in Christ whom you have harmed.
   
   

God does not honor those who plot evil against one of His dearly loved children. And, He holds those who focus on doing good in a special place in His heart. So go about planning good. Flee from plotting evil. Your reward will be the peace of God that passes all understanding.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, January 29, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Driving Out Fear

 

“There is no fear in love.”

—1 John 4:18a

We do a pretty good job of putting on a brave front. However, in the core of our beings, most of us have a list of things of which we are afraid. These things, whatever they are, from time to time make us full of fear. Do you know what makes you fearful? I am all too keenly aware of my fears.

You see just about 40 years ago, my personal care physician, concerned about my morbid obesity—that’s a polite term for someone who is ghastly overweight or, in my case, strikingly fat—referred me to a psychiatrist to see if he could uncover the deep psychological reasons for my “weight problem.” In other blog posts, I’ve recounted my eighteen months of therapy that ended when the psychiatrist fell asleep during one of our counseling sessions. I did not have an “Eureka” moment and suddenly shed pounds. In fact, as I have also recounted previously, I eventually grew my weight to a truly deadly 557 pounds and became hospitalized at Christmastime in 2005 for congestive heart failure.

Fortunately an open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in July of 2006 resulted in a weight loss of 237 pounds. So, while I am a shadow of my former self, I’m still, to this very day, cast an enormous shadow.

The psychiatric counseling did not disclose any one cause for my obesity. But, I did learn a great deal about myself. I know that I am so starved for human love and acceptance—stemming from an unreasonable sense of abandonment by my birth mother—that virtually no amount of human love and caring, no matter how genuine, will ever satisfy my “needs.” I also learned that because of experiences I have had from a very young child in relating to other people, I have an overwhelming distrust of others that prevents me from forming the normal bonds of friendship that most people enjoy.

As a result, among my many fears, I have a fear of not belonging that promotes me to behave in ways that pushes away the very people I dearly want to love and accept me. Fear is a very powerful foe. And, the only power that can dispel fear is God-breathed—agape—love. This knowledge prompted the Apostle John to write these words in 1 John 4:18:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I have no idea what fears may plague your life. I also know from my own experience that you may not even be aware of the fear that is controlling a part, or all, of your life. But, I do know for an absolute certainty that the more we surrender to God’s love, the more our fear will be driven away.

If I may, I would like to suggest that we prayerfully open our hearts, minds, souls, and strength to God’s love this day. The more we do, the more “real” we will become; the more “whole” we will become; the more like our Savior we will become; and the more God’s love will cast out our fears. And that, dear ones, will be very good, indeed.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, January 28, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Law-fulfilling Love

 

“Love does no harm to a neighbor.”

—Romans 13:10a

Whatever the diminishing percentage of people in the world may be who actually believe in eternity—and possibly care about getting there—they seem to spend most of their time trying to follow a set of rules set forth by their religion. That’s the one thing that totally sets Christianity apart from all other religions: there really are no rules.

If you believe you’re a Christian and are shocked by that statement, well, I’m not at all surprised. But, it’s true. There is absolutely, positively nothing we can do to earn our way into heaven. There is no set of rules we can follow that will assure we will pass to eternal life with God when we die. That’s because God has done it all without us. He, and He alone, has made provision for saving us from the penalty for our sins.

If God has chosen us to belong to Him—and we wouldn’t have any interest in Him whatsoever if He hadn’t chosen us—then, God has poured His love into us by sending His one and only Son, Jesus, to assume human form, to suffer and die for us, to become raised from the dead to secure our eternal home in heaven, to ascend to heaven where Jesus now sits on the right-hand of God and makes intercession for us. Furthermore, God has placed His Holy Spirit within us to guide us along the pathway that He has laid out before us.

So, you see it’s not up to us. God has done it all. There are no rules we can follow to achieve our salvation!

What’s that you say? What about free will? Oh, we have free will all right. Once God has chosen us, we can choose to follow the pathway God has laid out for us, or we can choose not to follow it. But, we will be much happier, more fulfilled, and more at peace if we decide to bend our human free will to God’s perfect will for us.

With these truths out on the table, we can finally understand what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote the words found in Romans 13:9-10:

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Love fulfills the Law. If we allow God-breathed love to flow through us and out into a needy world, we will become startlingly good and amazingly “well-behaved” people. Not because we’re trying to win God’s favor. But, because the only logical, reasonable, intelligent response to God’s love is to obediently become instruments of His love in a very needy world.

If we’re trying to win God’s favor by being “good people” we need to stop. By ourselves we can never become good enough. But, we can become tuned-in vessels of God-breathed love. And, if we allow that to happen, we can help change the world.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, January 27, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Covering Love

 

“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense…”

—Proverbs 17:9a

When you love someone, truly love him or her, you will tolerate a great deal of their off-putting behaviors. You will even tolerate behaviors with which you do not agree, or find quite distasteful.

That’s a very fair description of how God relates to those of us He has chosen as His very own children. Even though we are unworthy sinners saved by God’s grace, we are still sinners. And, we will remain sinners—redeemed sinners, but still sinners—until we pass from this life to eternal life.

Because we’re still sinners, we all too often act contrary to God’s perfect and divine will for us. In spite of our sinful behavior, God still loves us. His love is not fickle. In fact, His love, expressed through the shed blood of His precious Son, covers our sinful behavior. No matter what we do, God still loves us with His everlasting, covering love. And, dear ones, that’s exactly how God expects us to love others.

King Solomon wrote about this covering love in Proverbs 17:9:

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

We can hardly imagine a covering love. Our relationships with people are usually very performance-oriented. As long as the ones we love meet our minimum standard of behavior, we will love them. But, let them stray too far, or too often, from our standard of acceptable behavior, and we will begin to withhold our love from them. We think we can motivate them to modify their behavior by withholding our love. But, that punishment seldom works the way we want it to work.

We need to learn to love others in the same way that God loves us. So, this day, let’s focus on extending a covering love toward those whom God brings across our pathway. Just imagine how pleased God will be when we extend His covering love to others.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, January 26, 2016

_{Copyright © 2022 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}