A Refreshing Spirit

 

“Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.”

—Proverbs 25:13

This summer, which we most recently experienced, brought very high temperatures to much of our nation. On certain extremely warm days, nothing provides quite the same amount of refreshment as a cool glass of water. Sparkling, clear, cool water from a natural spring flowing from deep in the earth has an amazing restorative ability.

When we obediently serve as God’s ambassadors to a needy and troubled world, we bring a special refreshment to Him that pleases Him very much. In a very real sense, we become a source of joy to the God who loves us with His everlasting love.

Our purposeful obedience not only brings us the benefit of forward spiritual growth, it illustrates how important we believe God’s truth is to a world that needs to connect with God’s genuine wisdom. As we bow our selfish human wills to God’s perfect, divine will, we become vessels of His holiness. King Solomon shared his vision of this transaction in Proverbs 25:13:

Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

In very hot weather, we sometimes wish for the coolness of fresh fallen snow. Even when someone doesn’t particularly like winter weather because of the challenges it brings, on a hot summer day, the thought of a beautiful white blanket of snow produces a certain longing for a cold that will bring relief from the extreme heat.

Let’s determine today to become vessels of refreshment for our God. Let’s show Him our love by obeying His will and sharing His truth with those who cross our pathway. And, let’s joyfully serve the One who loves us so very much.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, September 29, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Don't Trip! Don't Fall!

 

“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”

—Psalm 119:165

The National Safety Council reports that trips and falls still account for a significant number of injury-causing accidents in the United States. In fact, retail establishments, such as the big box stores and supermarkets, often go to great lengths to try to prevent customer trips and falls on their properties. Each year thousands of lawsuits are filed based on trip and fall accidents.

In our spiritual lives, we also have to guard against “trips” and “falls.” Most often these kinds of “accidents” begin when we consciously make a decision to ignore one of God’s instructions. We know full well what the Bible says about a particular offense. But, we put that knowledge aside and proceed anyway. This kind of deliberate act constitutes a “trip” in our walk along the pathway God has laid out before us. Once we “trip,” we often continue with a “fall” that seriously damages the forward progress of our spiritual formation. That’s why the so-called “little sins” frequently lead to more serious offenses against the holiness of God. To help us make a forthright decision to avoid these trips and falls, the Psalmist offers these wise words in Psalm 119:165:

Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

You see, if we truly love God’s law—if we delight in obeying His commands and in following His instructions—we will avoid the “trips” and “falls” that might assail our spiritual walk with Him. As a result, we will experience true peace. By placing obedience to God’s perfect will above the desires our own selfish human wills, we will find that the Holy Spirit will fill our minds and hearts with God’s perfect peace.

As “Christ’s-ones” who long to faithfully serve God, we do well whenever we remain alert for those little sins that might creep into our lives because of our inattention and carelessness. We need to guard our footsteps to make certain we don’t trip. The lasting peace that comes from obedience to God’s instructions is truly a reward that is well worth pursuing.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, September 28, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

They Turned Away

 

“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.”

—John 6:66

Have you ever had a situation where someone, or a group of individuals, followed closely what you had to say? At times, they seemed enthralled by your words. They complimented you on your wisdom. They appreciated the knowledge you shared. They seemed to enjoy your company. They made an effort to get close to you, to get to know you better.

But then, you said something or did something and suddenly they left you so quickly that the wind in their wake nearly knocked you over. You were left virtually alone, puzzled why they had left, yet convinced that likely they did not really believe in what you said, or what you did, after all. This is exactly the situation that Jesus found, as recorded in John 6.

Jesus had fed the 5,000 men and even more women and children by blessing the lunch of a small boy: five loaves and two fishes. Then, He had sent His disciples out across the Sea of Galilee (Lake of Gennesaret). A storm had arisen and the disciples feared they would drown. But, Jesus came to them, walking across the water, and He calmed the storm. Arriving on the distant shore and surrounded by a crowd of the people of that region, the disciples asked Jesus a question. And, His response began this marvelous story. However, this lesson is so profound and so powerful, that I find I must let Scripture speak for itself. Here’s this rather long passage from John 6:25-69:

When they (the disciples) found him (Jesus) on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” (Exodus 16:4; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24-25)

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

“And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ (Isaiah 54:13)

“Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.

“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.

“This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.”

For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” ¹

How very sad that, faced with the powerful truth from the lips of our Savior, some of His followers could not apprehend it. In response, they turned and walked away. The key verse for this passage of Scripture is found in John 6:66:

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

As we begin another day, let’s determine to accept with joy the teachings of Jesus, especially His hard teachings. This may mean that we will stand out from the world. It may mean that while everyone else in our culture goes in one direction, we will have to go in the opposite direction. While vast crowds turn their backs on God, we will stand firm in His truth.

God did not promise us popularity. Nor did He promise that the world would love us. In fact, He promised just the opposite, as recorded in John 17:14. But, isn’t it better to be loved and accepted by God than loved and accepted by the world? I’m certain I know the answer. And, I think you do, too.

______________________

1 As you read this passage, I hope you noticed one of the linchpins of the Reformed Theology of John Calvin, as recorded in Jesus’ own words: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” (John 6:44a). Before the foundation of the earth, God has chosen those who will belong to Himself. In due season, He sends His Holy Spirit to draw to Himself, by irresistible grace, those ones He has chosen. If you are a “Christ’s-one,” at some point in your life, God caused you to learn of the gift He has given you of salvation from sin and eternal life with Him. As a chosen one, you responded to this good news by acknowledging this gift. In this salvation transaction, God has done everything. That’s one of the most beautiful realities about our relationship with God. He reaches out to us and we simply fall into the precious arms of His mercy, grace, and love.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Why Join a Small Group?

 

Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”

—Mark 9:30-31

During the last ten years of my career at the insurance company, where I worked for 30 years, I had the privilege of managing the engineering training department. My background in both engineering and psychology made me uniquely suited for that responsibility.

During that time, I was fortunate to learn a great deal about the philosophy and strategy for effective adult learning. I was able to experiment with a variety of educational development processes and validate their ability to convey necessary information in a way that would help the learner to retain the needed facts.

It became clear to me, very early in these experiments, that small group learning had some significant advantages in dealing with very complex material. By creating group projects that would apply the principles of a particular subject, the members of a small group could match the apprehending of the critical information to their individualized learning styles.

It should be no surprise to us that Jesus fully understood the importance of working with a small group. Calling twelve disciples—each one with distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses—allowed Jesus to share His truth in such a way that this truth would penetrate deeply into the minds and hearts of these twelve men. Then, they would be better able to share this truth with others.

Jesus would often draw his twelve disciples away from the crowd, so that He could teach them in the best possible setting. Notice the incident recorded in Mark 9:30-31:

Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”

Here, in a small group setting, Jesus shared very important news with His disciples. We see how necessary it was for Jesus to offer the most in-depth teaching and most private information with this carefully chosen small group of individuals. We can learn from this in forging the best possible process for promoting in-depth spiritual formation among our fellow believers.

Small groups have a great importance in the teaching ministry of any Evangelical Christian church. Groups of believers, gathering in small groups, can learn much more effectively the truths of God’s written Word. Yes, it is important to have pastors preach sermons. These sermons often convey broadly applied truth from God’s written Word. But, to get the most out of an in-depth study, people learn best in a small group where they can discuss and otherwise interact with one another, making the truth relate to, and come alive in, their own lives.

As we begin a new day, I urge every believer reading this blog post to join a small group for the purpose of studying God’s written Word. With a properly designed, educationally valid curriculum—based on the truth of God’s written Word—a believer will find the depth of his or her spiritual formation increasing at a much more rapid pace than it would without this small group involvement. And, after all, learning more and more about the God who loves us is certainly a very worthwhile experience.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Refreshing from God

 

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

—Jeremiah 31:25

In the last blog post, I shared the importance of the eternal rest that God willingly gives to us. From the comments I have received by email, I know that some readers seem perplexed that their lives are devoid of this kind of rest. They have told me they doubt that such a rest really exists, as least for them.

But, I want to reassure all of us that God’s refreshing is real and available. He has given us His written Word, the Bible, as a source of learning about Him. And, as we read, study, and mediate on His written Word, we find countless examples of how God’s refreshing is actively at work in the lives of those He loves. For example, it seems that the Prophet Jeremiah had a very stress-filled life. In spite of this, the Prophet shared these words directly from God, as found in Jeremiah 31:25:

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

Here is yet one more example of God declaring Himself as a source of refreshment for those who need such a special touch from Him. We need to accept this reality and learn how to take full advantage of His mercy, grace, and love.

As we take off on the course of another day, let’s not try to go it alone. Instead, let’s allow God’s refreshing to keep us on a steady path of spiritual formation and obedient service. We will do very well when we allow God to refresh us. As we fall back into His loving arms, He will soothe the needs of all four of our human modalities: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical. He will help us cope with the trials that arise on the pathway He has opened up before us.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, September 25, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Come and Rest

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28

Life’s hard. It’s hard because it’s hard and it’s hard because we often make it hard. I know that I am my own worst enemy. How about you?

In the midst of the trials of life, we need somewhere to go and find refreshment. But, what we truly need is a place where the refreshment will last as long as possible. That’s why the only place that can possibly meet that criterion is at the feet of Jesus.

As we spend time reading the Bible and absorbing God’s truth, we learn of a God who provides eternal refreshment. The refreshing of our four human modalities—emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical—can only come from the God who created us, loves us, and pours into us His mercy and grace in abundance. Notice Jesus’ words, as recorded in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Through Jesus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, God gives us rest for the totality of our being. We need to seek this rest. We need to appropriate the fullness of this rest. We need to actualize the reality of this rest.

As we begin a new day, let’s not forget to rely on the rest that God willingly gives us. Part of His equipping us for His service is to provide this rest. It is a very, very great gift. And, it is ours to gratefully receive from the God who loves us with His everlasting love.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, September 22, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Forgive

 

“If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

—Matthew 6:14

“How are we doing in the ‘forgiveness department’?” I often think about that question when I consider the reality that, through the Lord Jesus Christ, God has forgiven my sins. Even though I deserved eternal death for transgressing the holiness of God, His mercy, grace, and love have prevailed. He has redeemed me by paying a terrible price: the death of His Son on the cross.

In light of “so great a salvation,” how can we fail to forgive others? I know, I know: we feel that others do not understand how very deeply we have been hurt by their actions or by the words of certain individuals. Yet, since God has forgiven us, should we not forgive others?

Jesus shared these words that follow, found in Matthew 6:14, immediately after He taught His disciples the prayer we now call “The Lord’s Prayer” Remember, in the Lord’s Prayer we pray: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (If you prefer, feel free to substitute the words “sins” and “sin” for “trespasses” and “trespass.” Or, you may substitute the words “debts” for “trespasses” and this verse becomes: “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”) In any case, Jesus taught His disciples:

“If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we acknowledge that there is a relationship between our own forgiving spirit and the mercy, grace, and love that God has shown us through His forgiveness. We need to constantly consider: “How are we doing in the ‘forgiveness department’?”

As we begin a new day, let’s consider those against whom we continue to hold a grudge. We may feel that we have a very good reason for doing so. Yet, God has forgiven us for so much greater offenses than anyone could have committed against us. In many ways, the least we can do is have hearts willing to forgive. Then, when the one who has sinned against us seeks our forgiveness, we can quickly respond in the same way God responds to us: we can forgive.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, September 21, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Turn to God

 

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

—Acts 3:19

When we think of the message of an evangelist, we often picture a rather rotund man dressed in a black suit with sweat pouring down his brow. He is banging his fist on the pulpit, shaking his Bible in the air, telling stories about the horror of a fiery eternity in a place of damnation, and urging sinners to repent. In contrast, when we read of one of the first recorded evangelistic messages after the Apostles received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we find Peter preaching a very carefully reasoned sermon using a gentle, but persuasive tone, to a crowd of Jews.

This should come as no surprise. After all, Peter was a Jew and the people around him were Jews. Furthermore, it was very appropriate for the mindset of Jewish people to deal with issues in their lives with the careful reason and studied logic that Peter employed. Instead of a fiery message, Peter’s sermon is a simple yet eloquent one. He charts the progress of the relationship between God and His chosen people, the Jews. He leads them to understand that the long-awaited Messiah is, in fact, the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter closes his sermon with the words found in Acts 3:19:

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

This simple message is the very same message that we believers have for the world today. And, our present world is just as needy as the world of those long-ago Jews, who were under the captive thumb of the Roman government. More so, these people of God were chained to the sin of their fathers and the sins they had committed on their own—just like people in our world today.

As we begin a new day, let’s remember that our message to the world—in word and deed—is a message of God’s mercy, grace, and abiding love. God is holy and wants to have a relationship with a forgiven, holy people. He has provided the means of salvation through His Son, Jesus. He patiently longs for those He has called to receive His gift of love and redemption.

Our place in all of this is to gently, tenderly, yet forthrightly represent God to a needy world. It is an honor and great privilege to do so. Our message is not a harsh message of condemnation. It is a message of love, seasoned by grace. It is the very best message we could ever have the honor to present to others in need.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Come and Worship

 

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

—John 4:24

The Season of Advent and Christmastide are still many months in the distance. And yet, as I read the passage of Scripture for today, I cannot help but think of the text of the refrain of a particularly moving Christmas hymn. James Montgomery wrote the words to the poem and Henry T. Smart wrote the hymn tune “Regent Square” to which Montgomery’s poem has been sung in churches since the 1820s. The last verse and refrain read:

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One.
Refrain: Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

The fact is, as believers in the life-transforming power of the living Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to come and worship Him. As I’ve mentioned before in this blog, the word “worship” means to “attribute worth” to God. Said another way, when we “worship” God, we tell Him how much we value who He is, or how greatly He has worth to us. We illustrate to Him the qualities that He has revealed to us that stir our hearts and minds and persistently draw us to Him.

Worship plays a very important part in the spiritual formation of a believer. And, contrary to what many may experience in today’s churches, worship is not a “spectator activity.” By its very nature, worship is participatory. We cannot simply observe worship. We cannot merely sit and watch others perform acts of worship, as if we were watching a play, or a concert, or a sporting event. No, to truly worship, we must participate and invest the totality of our human modalities—heart, soul, mind, and strength; or emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical—in the act of worship.

When we consider the setting in which we gather with other believers for worship each week, we need to ask ourselves: “Do we wholeheartedly worship? Do we invest all of ourselves in the act of telling God why we love Him and how much we appreciate His qualities that He has revealed to us.” Consider these words of Jesus, on an occasion when He was teaching His disciples about worship, as recorded in John 4:24:

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

As we begin another day, let’s plan now to invest all of ourselves in worship this coming weekend. Let’s not go to church as spectators. Rather, let’s go to church prepared to act in worship as true disciples. Let’s desire the fullness of the worship as a means of growing the depth of our spiritual formation. Yes, let us truly “come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new-born King.”

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Please, No Reward from the Crowd!

 

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

—Matthew 6:1

When do we do most of our “good deeds”? Do we perform them when we have an audience? Or, do we make an effort to do our good deeds in private, where no one can see what we’re doing?

That’s a critical test of our motivation. It almost goes without saying that, whenever possible, we should concentrate the performance of our acts of righteousness—our good deeds—in private, outside the spotlight of attention. If we consistently do as much as we can, in behalf of Christ and His Kingdom, in secret, it is much better for our own spiritual formation. Doing so will keep the spotlight on Christ, and not on us. Jesus offered these words of instruction, as recorded in Matthew 6:1:

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

Now, of course, some acts of righteous service do have to be performed in view of the public. A minister much preach, a musician must perform, and a host of other deeds must take place in public. But, when we do have to perform good deeds in public, we need to make certain we do not do so to attract the attention of others so they will praise us. This is often a difficult line to walk. Please let me explain:

In high school, I had the privilege of singing the high tenor part in a men’s gospel music group. The group consisted of four other young men and a pianist. Several songs highlighted the tenor part. I found myself sometimes basking in the glow of attention from members in the congregation or audience when I had sung particularly well. Since I was normally someone who did not receive public acclamation, I found that it could become a bit addictive.

Suddenly, one day, I realized that I had begun to sing for the praise of the crowd and not for the glory of God. I was ashamed and humbled at the realization of what had happened to me. I repented of my sin and, from that day forward, have tried very hard to stay as much in the background as possible.

In fact, I have developed such an purposeful aversion to public attention—due to this particular experience and also to my profound shyness—that I go to great lengths to avoid even ordinary socialization and, most certainly, public praise. I may well have bent too far in the other direction. But, I would rather err on the side of caution. I remember all too well how addictive public praise had become for me.

As we start another new day, let’s remain aware of the tug of public praise. Let’s determine to let our lights shine, but only to bring glory to God, not to ourselves. Let’s reserve our good deeds for times when we can offer them in private, as much as possible. Let’s not do anything to seek the approval of the crowd. Rather, let’s make certain we do what we do to the glory of God alone.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, September 18, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Calling Sinners

 

“But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

—Matthew 9:13

“Sometimes, when I observe the inner peace and great joy that Christians seem to have, I long to experience that in my own life. But then, I realize I simply am not good enough to become a Christian.”

I was startled by the comment of my seatmate on the flight from Hartford, Connecticut, to Los Angeles, California. It was a long, cross-country flight. I usually tried to put on headphones and read to forego any conversation with the person sitting next to me in First Class. As a Delta Airlines “Million Miler,” I was usually able to upgrade to First Class, especially on longer flights. My innate shyness kept me from desiring any social interaction with a seatmate.

But, in this case, I had taken my headphones off when the meal came. It was at this point that my seatmate began to talk to me. She commented about the title of the book I was reading. It happened to be The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren. She indicated that she had heard about the book and then made the comment I quoted above.

My heart was moved by her comment. I tried to gently and very carefully explain that no one was worthy of God’s mercy, grace, and love. “We are all sinners—stained by the sin we inherited from Adam and guilty of the sins we’ve committed in our own lives. That’s part of the great miracle of salvation,” I told her. “It’s for sinners, not for ‘saints.’”

Jesus shared these words with His disciples, as recorded in Matthew 9:13:

But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

Every single one of us whom God has chosen to belong to Himself have come to Him as sinners. Through His great love and the death of His Son, Jesus, on the cross, we have become sinners saved by God’s grace. God has sought us, while we were completely unworthy, to be His dearly loved children.

As we begin a new day, let’s never forget that we are no better than any other human being. We are all sinners. God longs to save those whom He calls. And, as the Scripture above teaches us, God calls sinners. He calls them so He can give them His righteousness. No one—no one—is ever worthy of God’s love. It is He, and He alone, who makes us worthy by His calling us to Himself.

Let’s take great comfort from the reality that we are unworthy, yet made worthy. And, that is truly good news.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, September 15, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Generosity Rewarded

 

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

—Proverbs 11:25

Among the gifts—“redeeming works”—that the Holy Spirit gives to believers is the gift of generosity. Though we usually think of this gift in terms of financial generosity, it can also mean generosity expressed in a wide variety of ways: generosity of spirit, generosity of kindness, generosity of helpfulness, generosity of love, generosity of understanding, and so forth.

Generosity begins when a believer comes to recognize that all he or she is and all he or she has comes as a precious gift from God. Since we do nothing to deserve the bounty God has given us, it really belongs to Him. We simply—but importantly—become stewards of His goodness to us.

I’ve written about stewards many times in this blog. Throughout history, a steward was a slave elevated to a position of great responsibility in his or her master’s kingdom. Still a slave, this steward acts with authority and dedication on behalf of his or her master. The steward thinks nothing of himself or herself. Rather, the steward considers—only and always—about what is the very best for his or her master.

Many individuals became wealthy and powerful due, largely, to the diligence, wisdom, and hard work of that one’s steward. Usually, the steward receives no credit other than a personal and humble sense of honor and accomplishment that comes from having served the master well.

We “Christ’s-ones” are stewards of God. And, some of us may well have been given—“redeeming works”—great gifts, materially or otherwise, to dispense on behalf of Christ and His Kingdom. One such gift is the gift of generosity. King Solomon recognized such generous ones when he wrote these words, as recorded in Proverbs 11:25:

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Here we see a steward who gives of himself or herself with such generosity that brings refreshment to others. This ties in quite nicely with the last two posts on this blog. In those posts, I shared with you how fellowship and the gift of refreshment play such important roles in the life of a believer. Among our brothers and sisters in Christ is often someone who has the gift of such a generous spirit—“a redeeming work”—that he or she brings a heightened sense of refreshment to others.

As we begin another new day, let’s ask God to point us toward those who need the kind of generosity that we might bring. Even if we are people of modest means, we still can use the gift of our generosity to become an instrument of refreshment in someone’s life, simply by being willing to use the generous spirit that God has given us. While we do this solely out of love for God and for others, we should not be at all surprised when God blesses us for our faithfulness.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, September 14, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

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Blessed are the Refreshers

 

“May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.”

—2 Timothy 1:16

In yesterday’s blog post, I wrote about the importance of fellowship between followers of Jesus. Such times are very important in the life of each believer. It is also important to note that some believers simply have the gift of making other people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.

While we all may try to show Christ’s love for others, the Holy Spirit has certainly given some individuals a special spiritual gift—a “redeeming work”—that enables them to minister in a truly unique way to their fellow believers. Barnabas was such a person. Dr. Luke describes this travel partner of the Apostle Paul with these words, found in Acts 4:36-37:

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Imagine being recognized by the Apostles as one who brings encouragement wherever he goes. That is quite an honor. Just imagine the way this servant of Christ helped many other believers by using his encouraging spirit to lift them up out of a pit of despair or discouragement. As a member of the Tribe of Levi, Barnabas had inherited a long tradition of priestly ministry. He was gifted in an amazing way by this special “redeeming work”s to represent the Great High Priest.

The Apostle Paul also speaks highly of another fellow “Christ’s-one,” Onesiphorus, when he shares these words found in 2 Timothy 1:16:

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.

Paul is under a Roman guard—effectively imprisoned. Normally, no one wants to have anything to do with a prisoner. After all, the reputation of a prisoner might rub off on the one visiting him or her.

But apparently, Onesiphorus was someone who not only visited Paul while he was in chains, but Onesiphorus brought a spirit of refreshment to the Apostle. Onesiphorus didn’t care that Paul was a prisoner and was not ashamed of Paul’s circumstances. He only cared about Paul as someone in need. Onesiphorus responded to the need he saw in Paul by showing God’s love to this imprisoned servant of Christ.

As we begin another day, we need to ask ourselves to whom, among our fellow believers, can we have the privilege of ministering in Christ’s behalf? There may be many people in our circle of Christian friends who need the kind of refreshing that we can bring. For a whole variety of reasons, there may be someone of whom others might feel ashamed. But, we can stand out from the crowd. We can boldly go to that one and provide refreshment and support.

One of the ways we live out our faith is to become “Sons and Daughters of Encouragement.” Like Barnabas, we can become vessels of God’s mercy, grace, and love to our fellow believers. Like Onesiphorus, we can serve as a source of much needed refreshment to someone in the depths of need and despair. And, what a wonderful privilege that will be for us to serve Christ and His Kingdom in this way.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Joy in Fellowship

 

“By God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.”

—Romans 15:32

When believers gather together for a time of fellowship, there is something very special that happens. The Holy Spirit weaves the hearts of God’s people together. They feel such joy in being with other believers that their sense of well-being is lifted higher. That’s part of the “taste of heaven” that belonging to Jesus brings to us while we’re still on this earth. There is nothing quite as sweet as the fellowship of likeminded followers of our Great King.

The Apostle Paul looked forward to such times of fellowship. In his role as a major evangelist and church planter, he felt great struggles with the powers of darkness every single day. When he could escape that daily battle and gather with fellow believers, he knew that his soul would be restored. Notice what Paul writes in Romans 15:32:

“By God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.”

Fellowship plays an important role in the life of a “Christ’s-one.” We must not turn away from such times. In fact, these opportunities to interact with other believers are truly gifts—“redeeming works”—lovingly given to us by God.

As we begin another day, let’s make certain we take the time to plan some specific opportunities for fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our souls and spirits need the kind of refreshing for which the Apostle Paul longed to experience. We can receive an uplifting of our own spirits by making certain we spend time in fellowship with those around us who love Jesus.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Bring Them to Jesus

 

“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

—Mark 10:13-14

What do you do with your children on the weekend? I’m specifically asking because more and more I observe parents making plans with their children that involve fun activities, but to do so they set aside church and Christian Education (Sunday School) attendance.

I recognize that trips to the children’s favorite venue may seem like much more fun than going to church or Sunday School. But, I wonder if one more visit to some fun place might spell the difference between building a lifelong habit of church attendance and creating the idea that attending church is actually an optional activity.

I can hear the groans from Millennial and Gen-X parents all the way across the miles:

“There he goes again,” they say. “Some old-fashioned geezer trying to tell us how to raise our kids. What does he know? He never even had any children!”

It’s true that God never blessed my wife and me with children. But, I was a child once myself. And, frankly, I lived in a household where we never—and I mean never—missed church. Even when my parents would take me on a rare vacation, we always had to be back in time to go to church on Sunday.

Nothing I can write in this blog post will actually convince parents to change the behavior that they have already justified in their own minds. I do believe, firmly believe, that families belong in church on Sunday. I don’t think that there’s ever a genuine excuse not to gather to worship God, except for illness. However, I will stop lecturing now and simply turn to the event recorded in Mark 10:13-14:

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

The Kingdom of God is populated by little children. They are under special grace. It is vitally important that this grace remain throughout every day of their lives. One way to help ensure that remaining grace is to bring those children to worship. Help instill in them the vital importance of a lifelong commitment to God.

I hope you will at least think about this. With another Sunday just a few days away, parents and grandparents could make a choice this weekend that might well have eternal consequences for their children or grandchildren. How about it? When Sunday comes, why not bring the children to Jesus?

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, September 11, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

The Golden Rule

 

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

—Matthew 7:12

Over the years, I’ve heard several take offs on “The Golden Rule.” One suggests: “Do unto others before they do unto you.” Another insists: “Do unto others and then run away as fast as you can.” In both cases, the wags who formulated these distortions completely miss the point.

“The Golden Rule” is part of the three most important chapters in all of the Bible. Matthew 5, 6, and 7 contain the teachings of Jesus that Bible scholars call “The Sermon on the Mount.” The verses in these chapters represent the spiritually derived moral teachings of Jesus. They are hallmarks of the Christian walk. They give believers a clear pathway of behavior regarding a whole variety of subjects.

Among these clear teachings is Jesus’ instruction regarding our relationships with all other people. He tells us that, in order to properly represent Him, we must treat others in the same way we want them to treat us. Specifically, His words, as recorded in Matthew 7:12, state the following:

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Do we want others to treat us with kindness, generosity of spirit, and respect? Then, that is how we should treat others. Do we want people to act toward us without regard for the way we look? Then, that is how we should treat others. Do we want to be treated with honesty and fairness? Then, that’s how we should treat others.

Our treatment should not reciprocate the way others treat us. Rather, our treatment should set an example based on how we would like to be treated. In some cases, that may seem like a very tall order. But, if you think carefully about it, this teaching of Jesus has the potential for changing the tone and tenor of every interpersonal relationship.

As we begin another day, let’s determine to follow this “Golden Rule” in all our dealings with others. By treating other people the way we would like them to treat us, we move the entire nature of our relationships to a higher plane. And, as a result, everyone benefits.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, September 8, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Our Soul-Restorer

 

“He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”

—Psalm 23:2-3

In the midst of the chaos and confusion that intrudes into your day, have you ever turned to those around you and said, “I’m going for a walk.” Distancing ourselves from the hectic pace of life can bring restoration to our troubled souls. That’s the image King David captures in what is probably David’s most famous Psalm—Psalm 23. David shows us the way that God will quiet our hearts and minds, when we need space and time to intervene and bring peaceful quiet into our lives.

One of the particular images that David paints with the words of this Psalm involves a walk along a quiet pathway. Notice these words recorded in Psalm 23:2-3, speaking of God:

He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

God is a Soul-Restorer! He leads His children out from the cacophony of daily life and into a place of quiet rest—a place where peaceful waters create a sense of serenity. There, along the banks of this quiet water, God empties us of our cares and woes and places His peace within us. It is a restorative act of His great love for us and of His amazing grace given to us. In a very purposeful way, God brings a new quietness to our inner beings.

This new day, let’s not hesitate to ask God to lead us beside quiet waters and, in that place, restore our souls. He will gladly do what is necessary to preserve and protect us from the hectic pace of life. He will breathe new life into our hearts and minds. He will calm our spirits and rejuvenate our souls. He will do these things, and more, because of His great and ever-abiding love for us.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, September 7, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Our Great Protector

 

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

—John 10:11

Were you ever attacked and someone rushed to your aid? Maybe it was when you were a child. Another child tried to beat you up, but your older brother or sister intervened. Yes, most of the time, day by day, that sibling was the source of your personal pain and annoyance. But, in the face of a threat from someone outside the family, your brother or sister proved himself or herself to be your champion and savior.

In the spiritual world, we can become attacked from every side. The evil one is always mounting subtle, or not so subtle, attacks against those who believe in the life-transforming power of God’s Son. As we come under such an attack, our brother, Jesus, is also our Savior. Why do I call him our “brother”? Because the writer of the letter to the Hebrew Christians tells us in Hebrews 2:11-15:

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

So, Jesus is, indeed, our brother. And, not only is He our brother, He is also our Savior, Lord, King, and Protector. Notice what Jesus says, as recorded in John 10:11:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Just as a human brother or sister might stand against those who would attack us, so Jesus stands against our enemy Satan, who desires to destroy us. Jesus protects us in the same way that a shepherd would protect the sheep given into his care. They are his sheep. He would die to protect them. And, in fact, Jesus did die for us. He died in our place on the cruel cross at Calvary. The Place of the Skull became a place of our Savior’s victory over sin, death, and Satan.

As we begin a new day, we should comfort one another with these words of truth and grace: Jesus is our Protector. He is our Brother. He is our Savior, Lord, and King. Hallelujah! Hallelujah, indeed!

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, September 6, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Food that Endure

 

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

—John 6:27

I know, I know—it’s a bit of a strange title for this blog post, isn’t it? Yet we all know that food, generally speaking, does not endure. Food has a definite shelf life. Once that shelf life expires, the food is not very tasty, nor very nutritious.

But, in the spiritual world, “food” can endure for a lifetime and beyond. That’s why Jesus told his disciples the following, as recorded in John 6:27:

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

Getting food is work. All I have to do to confirm this is to talk with my dearly loved brother-in-law who, with his two sons, operates a dairy farm. These family members prove every day that growing and bringing food to market is very hard work.

So it is in the spiritual world, as well. We must “work” with significant determination, in order to set aside time to study and mediate on the Bible. As we spend time in God’s written Word, our spirits will find food that will last for all eternity.

As we begin this new day, let’s be sure we have made provision for our spiritual health. Let’s read, study, and meditate on God’s written Word—our source of spiritual food. That way, we will be able to fill up on spiritually rich, nutritious food that will meet the need of our growing spiritual formation.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Sabbath Rest

 

“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.”

—Exodus 23:12

There is a moment in every person’s week when he or she must simply take time to set aside the cares of the world and rest. Not the rest of a deep sleep—a rest that frees the soul from the problems that plague our minds and hearts. This is exactly why God, in His great wisdom, specified the Sabbath rest. Please take note of these words from Exodus 23:12:

Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.

In our current society, we have largely lost the idea of Sabbath rest. Oh, we like to fill our weekends with lots of activities, many of them leisure-time fun. But, is that really the kind of Sabbath rest that God specified? Please allow me to illustrate my point:

Long ago, when I was a child, stores were not open on Sunday. For my Jewish friends, their stores were closed on Saturday, so they could continue their Sabbath celebration that had begun at sundown on Friday evening.

Churches had many more who faithfully atteneded every Sunday than many churches experience today. Many families used Sunday afternoon to go on a picnic, or visit with friends or relatives. It was a quieter, more leisurely time.

In the home where I grew up, no matter in what activity we engaged on Sunday, it was done at a much more leisurely pace. And, we always—always—had to return to church for the evening service. In fact, as a teen, I had to be back at church by 5:00 p.m. to attend Youth Fellowship, followed at 7:00 p.m. by the evening Worship service.

I wonder in our hectic world if we have lost the spirit of the Sabbath rest. Perhaps we can do something to reclaim, at least, a bit of it. Let’s give it a try today. Let’s determine this Sunday to spend some time in peaceful rest. We have a whole week to make the conscious choice to honor the day of Sabbath rest. Let’s plan right now to give our minds and hearts a break from the hustle. I think it will be good for us.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, September 4, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

This is My Son

 

A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

—Matthew 17:5

Have you ever felt pride and joy when someone acknowledged you? I can remember the very first time that I felt that kind of sense of well-being:

I had given a talk at a fifth grade program. After the program ended, I was making my way through the crowd to where my dad was standing. As I got closer, I heard someone ask him which child was his. Just as I reached his side, my dad put his arm around me and said with obvious pride, “This is my son!”

To understand how unique this experience was for me, you have to understand that my father—though he was a very wonderful man, a devout Christian, a hard-worker, a loving husband and father—did not normally exhibit much of any outward affection. So, it was surprising to receive a hug and to hear such pride in his voice. There is something very special about hearing such an acknowledgement.

Now imagine that you are the Son of God. Your Father, God, has directed you to take your key disciples to a mountaintop. There your Father reveals His power and glory. Here’s part of Matthew’s record of this event, as found in Matthew 17:5:

A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

As we begin a new day, this message from God echoes down through the ages:

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Let’s us obey God and listen to His Son. As we read the Gospels, let’s allow the words of Jesus to penetrate deeply into our hearts and minds. And, let us follow the pathway He has laid out before us.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, September 1, 2017

_{Copyright © 2023 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}