Avoiding Unworthy Leaders

 

“Do not deceive yourselves.”

—1 Corinthians 3:18a

All too often, controversy swirls around spiritual leaders. Occasionally, the charges are proven false. Most of the time, a close examination validates the charges and sadly discloses even greater sinfulness. How can believers avoid following unworthy spiritual leaders? One way involves using the measuring stick of the Apostle Paul’s careful instruction found in 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; 4:1-2:

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants [bond-slaves] of Christ and as [stewards] those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

Over the years, I have written several times about this passage of Scripture, and pointed my readers to Deuteronomy 15:12-18 for the explanation of the word “bond-slave,” or in New Testament Koine Greek, “doulos.”

If any of your people—Hebrew men or women—sell themselves to you and serve you six years, in the seventh year you must let them go free. And when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed. Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the Lord your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.

But if your servant says to you, “I do not want to leave you,” because he loves you and your family and is well off with you, then take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life.

[That is, a “bond-slave”—one who binds himself or herself to his or her master.]

Do the same for your female servant. Do not consider it a hardship to set your servant free, because their service to you these six years has been worth twice as much as that of a hired hand. And the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.

So, the message of these two passages of Scripture is clear. Instead of self-glorification, genuine spiritual leaders must view themselves as “bond-slaves of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” Making this important distinction can profoundly transform the ministry of any spiritual leader.

A steward is, by definition, “a slave elevated to a position of responsibility in his or her master’s household.” Still a slave, a steward thinks only of the interests of the master. A steward never thinks of his own self or her own self, and never has a personal agenda. Please allow me to repeat: a steward never has a personal agenda!

What better description could ever exist of genuine spiritual leaders than that they humble themselves—utterly and completely—as enabled by the Holy Spirit, to become “bond-slaves of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” And, equally important: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Therefore, and it is worth repeating, a genuine and trustworthy spiritual leader is one who has become a doulos—a bond-slave for Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God, who having been given a trust, consistently proves himself or herself as one who is faithful.

As a wise pastor once told me: “May it be so and more so, also.”

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, May 1, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

The Level Pathway

 

“Teach me to do your will…”

—Psalm 143:10a

Do you remember the song from the musical or movie, “The Sound of Music,” with the following words:

Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every highway, ’til you find your dream”

This song paints a musical picture of how difficult life can sometimes become. And, that picture is true for many of us. The Psalmist also understood the trials and tribulations of life when he wrote these hopeful and encouraging words of prayer in Psalm 143:10:

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

As a new day begins, we may trust the Holy Spirit to make our pathway level and to lead us along in a trustworthy manner. Let us determine to make every effort to seek, to know, and to do the will of God, by studying His written Word and by obediently following His direction.

Then, let us step out with confidence on the level pathway that God provides, in order to gently and respectfully share God’s love with those we encounter along the way. If we do this, we will find that God will lighten the load we carry and give us a joy that will help us overcome whatever difficulties we may face in our lives.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, April 30, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

A Great Day, Indeed

 

“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth’…”

—Revelation 21:1a

As believers in the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ, we “Christ’s-ones,” or Christians, too seldom think about our ultimate destiny. I wonder, if we thought more about heaven, would we live with more determined urgency here on earth—urgency to more and more become vessels of God’s mercy, grace, and unfailing love? The Apostle John recorded these powerful words in Revelation 21:1-7:

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”

Many, many gospel songs have been written to remind us of what our eternity will be like. Based on Scripture, these gospel songs intend to provide encouragement, comfort, hope, but also intend to motivate believers to diligently serve Christ and His Kingdom. In 1933, George S. Schuler wrote these words for just such a gospel song. In turn, Gertrude S. Dugan wrote an appropriate, yet haunting, melody:

When we reach the land of light
Where shadows are no more
O what a day!
When we meet our blessed Savior
On that peaceful shore
O what a day!

O what a day that will be
When my dear Savior I’ll see
In those mansions of love
Now awaiting above
O what a day, O glorious day.

When we see the Holy City
With its mansions fair
O what a day!
When we look upon the glories
That await us there
O what a day!

O what a day that will be
When my dear Savior I’ll see
In those mansions of love
Now awaiting above
O what a day, O glorious day.

To behold the faces of our
Loved ones gone before
O what a day!
From the Savior’s Presence
To be severed nevermore
O what a day!

O what a day that will be
When my dear Savior I’ll see
In those mansions of love
Now awaiting above
O what a day, O glorious day.

During my high school days in the early and middle 1960s, I had the privilege of singing the high tenor part in a gospel quintet. “O, What a Day” was one of our most requested songs. As I have already mentioned, it had a haunting melody that made George Schuler’s words fairly vibrate with emotion.

From time to time during the weeks and months ahead, let’s break away and occasionally think about heaven. As another gospel song writer has written: “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!”

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Simply Remain

 

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”

—John 15:4a

Here’s a warning that has become all too common today:

“Wherever you go, travel in a group: at least three people, but more is better.”

No, I was not in a foreign country when I received that admonition from the concierge at the hotel where I was staying. I was in a major American city. I won’t name that city because the event occurred many years ago and safety issues may have improved there in the intervening years—though recent reports on the television nightly news seems to indicate that crime has greatly increased there. Traveling with others seems like a good idea.

As believers in the life-changing power of the Lord Jesus Christ, we do well to understand the role of close fellowship with other believers. Even more importantly, as we walk the road of life, we need to maintain close fellowship with our Savior. Please take note of Jesus’ words as recorded in John 15:1-4:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Here Jesus urges His disciples to remain in Him. We need to heed these words of our Lord, as well. We must remain in Him.

I have written in other blog posts about the New Testament Koine Greek word “meno,” which is translated “remain.” Other translations render this word “abide” or “stick with” or “stay close to.” The message is clear: to make our way safely through this life, we need to stay as close as possible to “the One who knows us the best and also loves us the most”—Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

God with Us

 

“If you love me, keep my commands.”

—John 14:15a

Have you ever been homesick? Maybe you went off to summer camp for the first time with great excitement. But, once you settled in and your parents drove away, you suddenly realized you were alone. You were outside that protective circle of your family. You tried to hide your feelings of dread. But eventually, that aching in your stomach grew to the place where your tears began to flow. Finally, a wise counselor let you make a phone call. As soon as you heard your father’s or mother’s voice, you poured out your heart and begged to come home.

After you talked with your parent, you felt better. Just hearing your parent’s voice brought comfort. You were able to steel yourself, settle down, and even begin to enjoy the summer camp experience.

In contrast, maybe you were someone for whom your parents had anticipated your panic and sense of aloneness and did their best to prepare you for those moments of clarity that would come when you realized your parents were gone and you were stuck in an alien environment. Their words of preparation helped you recognize and deal with your feelings of fear and dread. You took their words to heart and received comfort that allowed you to tolerate and even enjoy the experience of being away from home.

When the Lord Jesus knew He was about to die, He did His best to try to prepare His disciples. Notice what He said to them, as recorded in John 14:15-27:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Then Judas not Judas Iscariot said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

We followers of Jesus live in a most hostile and alien environment. A spiritual warfare rages both within us and around us. We can take great comfort in the words of our Savior. The heartache and frustration of this world can melt away, as we rest in the truth of His words.

We are not alone! God has sent the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, to be our Comforter and Guide. Today, let us receive this great outpouring of God’s love with great joy and be thankful.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, April 27, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

You Bring Me Joy

 

“ I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers…”

—Philemon 1:4a:

“You bring me great joy!”

Imagine what a thrill it is to hear someone say that to us. We may not think we’re very important or that what we do has any great significance. But every once in a while, someone gets enough courage to tell us how much we mean to them. Normally, they may hesitate to tell us, lest we misunderstand what they’re saying. The Apostle Paul had no hesitation in declaring how much Philemon meant to him when he wrote these words in Philemon 1:4-7:

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Nothing is quite as encouraging as being on the receiving end of a great outpouring of love from God’s people. Let’s determine to live in such a way that we do not withhold God’s love from our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, April 24, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

The Promise of His Presence

 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”

—Matthew 28:19

In our current age, many people seem to lack direction in their lives. But, for followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is never the case. Note these words of our Lord recorded in Matthew 28:16-20:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Thus, we have our marching orders for this day and every day. And, just as importantly, we have the promise of Christ’s Presence. Today, tomorrow, and every next day, let us go out with joy to serve the Great King, knowing that He is always with us everywhere we may go.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, April 23, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Serving God Rightly

 

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

—2 Timothy 4:2

Here’s a question to consider:

“What does it really mean to be a called servant of the Most High God?”

As I attempt to answer that question, I must confess to you that, apart from a relatively small specific number of ministers, over the last sixty-five years I have become somewhat leery of most of the pastors who have crossed the pathway of my life. Across the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working with a very large number of different ministers—in fact, at last count I have had some interaction with over 350 pastors. Many of them were sincerely trying to serve God. In contrast, a very few other pastors had significant personality anomalies. And one, in particular, showed signs that suggested he was a vicious sociopath.

The sociopath was the most dangerous. He had a unique gift from the evil one that enabled him to endear himself to those he wanted to control. And, he also had an uncanny ability to detect those he could not fool. Thus, he surrounded himself with “buddies” who would help him damage or destroy those individuals he considered “targets.” He lavished his favor on the “buddies” in order to control them. And, he systematically harmed the “targets,” largely because they were individuals that he could not control.

Please take note of these words of admonition from the Apostle Paul to a fellow minister, his “son in the faith” Timothy, as recorded in 2 Timothy 4:1-5:

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

So how do genuine servants of the risen Christ answer the question:

“What does it really mean to be a called servant of the Most High God?”

Here is one observation recently posted by one of my dear ministerial friends:

In the course of a 40-year ministry, I have preached thousands of sermons. I’ve preached very few in the last six years, however, and none at all in the last 16 months, so I’ve had ample opportunity to ponder the preacher’s role without being under pressure to prepare sermons.

One conclusion: I need to repent and to confess that most of the times I preached, my spirit was consumed with my skill as a public speaker, my authority as a ‘minister,’ and pride. The larger the crowd, the more those elements consumed me.

I am only beginning to see the degree to which I reflected attitudes and influences that are exactly the opposite of those appropriate for a preacher, i.e. humility, gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of how great a privilege it is to stand before a group of God’s people as a channel for a word from God.

If someone were to ask me today how to evaluate a preacher and a sermon, I would say:

“Look for clear and obvious signs that the preacher is aware of his or her own humanity and recognizes how great a privilege it is to be a preacher among the people of God.

“Look for humility and a sense of almost debilitating awareness of the reality and presence of God.”

Those characteristics won’t build a megachurch, but they will more faithfully reflect the character of Jesus.

To this declaration, I add a hearty: “Amen!”

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Walking Together

 

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”

—2 Timothy 1:3

We all need someone to mentor us in our walk with Christ. Yes, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us. We also have God’s written Word to instruct us in right living. But, there is something very special and very useful to have someone be willing to share his or her faith experience with us to offer us guidance in our own Christian walk.

We can learn from the example of the Apostle Paul who mentored his son in the faith, Timothy. Two of Paul’s letters—his epistles—bear Timothy’s name. Paul wrote words of admonition and encouragement to Timothy, as Timothy went out to serve as a spiritual leader. Notice the inherent power and also the inherent humility and inherent openness we find in these words of Paul to Timothy from 2 Timothy 1:3-14:

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

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. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.

Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He 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.

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

How fortunate we are that God has preserved Paul’s words of counsel. We are all “Timothys” in need of this instruction. Thus, Paul can mentor us. His words can give us a reality check against which we can measure the words of any other current mentor.

When God choses to give us a mentor, let’s gratefully and eagerly seek the instruction our mentor might choose to share with us. And, we should be quick to express our appreciation to anyone who obediently offers us godly counsel.

Let us go out into this day with the same surety of Paul and Timothy, knowing that God has chosen us to be objects of His unfailing love. And, let us boldly—but humbly and gently—share what God has done for us with those who cross our path this day.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Poor Little Me

 

“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth”

—Isaiah 49:13a

I confess that I don’t always feel joyful. In fact, most of the time people around me observe that I’m a “Gloomy Gus.” They would suggest that I walk around feeling sorry for myself, angry at the world, grumpy, miserable, and depressed. At least to them, that seems to be my most natural disposition. In fact, that’s the way my disposition appears to me when I try to examine myself: “Poor Little Me!” Yet, I can’t help having to stifle a chuckle when I hear a particular children’s rhyme in my head:

Nobody loves me!
Everybody hates me!
Guess I’ll go eat worms!

Of course the rhyme is not true. While many people don’t seem to like me very much, others seem blissfully unaware of what a wretch I am and a very few people even seem to enjoy my company. These ones appear to feel that time spent with me is worthwhile, even pleasurable. The best news of all is that God loves me! And, do you know what? God loves you, too. As the Prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 49:13, 16:

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Imagine that! God has engraved our names on the palms of His hands! He obviously loves us!

So, I will strive more, work harder, and concentrate more to put away my gloom. I will stop being such a grump. I will lift my eyes to the Lord. And, I will even be so bold as to invite you to join me. This day, and every day, let’s rejoice in Him!

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, April 20, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Full Steam Ahead in the Right Direction

 

“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you…”

—Isaiah 48:17b

Many people wander through life being pulled this way or that way by the ever-changing wind of the current cultural trends. It’s a full-time job keeping up with all of the changing trends. Even staying up-to-date with the latest “insider language” can take a significant amount of time.

With our current ever-widening political divide here in the United States, it has become even more difficult to try to discern which of the cultural trends are worth our time and which are mere momentary hyperbole. I suspect this may become even more difficult before it begins to swing back to a more neutral and more appropriate direction.

As Christians, we have a distinct advantage. God is the One who lovingly opens up the pathway He has for us each day. The Prophet Isaiah reminds us of this fact in Isaiah 48:17:

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

As followers of Jesus and believers in God’s overwhelming love and grace, let us gratefully follow God’s leading in our lives today. Let us be aware of those moments when the Holy Spirit nudges us to change direction. Let’s rejoice that the God who loves us gladly and continually points us toward the right path. Then, let’s move full steam ahead in the right direction.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, April 17, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

A Generous Seed

 

“These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”

—Luke 8:3

Please allow me to begin this blog post by relating this long-ago event:

“Come with me, Dean.”

Paul Colburn was an amazing man. Quiet, humble, extremely careful and precise, Paul had pulled himself up from humble beginnings. He used the GI Bill after World War II to put himself through a jewelers’ school and opened a very tiny watch repair business in a remodeled front porch of his house.

By the late 1950s, Paul had done well enough that he could build a modern two-story building in a shopping district a few blocks from his original location. Paul and his wife lived on the second floor and operated an expanded full-service jewelry store on the first floor.

In early 1960, Paul asked me if I wanted a job. I had been working two doors down the block at a boat store, wiring boats. But, the end of summer put an end to boating season and an end to my job.

So, I began to work for Paul: engraving trophies, bracelets, and watches; doing some simple repairs on Westclock Big Ben and Little Ben clocks; shoveling snow; washing windows; sweeping floors; and doing inventory.

On this day, a few days before Thanksgiving, Paul led me into the garage behind the store. Twelve big boxes of groceries were lined up along one wall. We loaded the groceries into Paul’s car and pulled into the alley, and then onto East Main Street.

The first house we stopped at was barely more than a shack. The minute we stepped through the door, the stench of poverty assailed my nostrils. We carefully set two boxes of groceries down on the dirty linoleum flooring. Paul said a few words to the woman who stood there surrounded by four small children.

We repeated this at several houses until we had delivered all the boxes of groceries. At each stop we encountered families very much in need of help. It was an eye-opening experience for me.

I sat beside Paul in stunned silence as we drove back to the store. While I personally lived in very modest circumstances, compared to the families we visited that day, I lived in unimaginable luxury.

“Thanks!” Paul said simply. “To whom much has been given, much is required …” he concluded, quoting Luke 12:48.

I have never forgotten that day. It motivated me to hold all that I have in an open hand. (It also got me in trouble when my generosity exceeded my means—but that’s a story I’ve narrated in another blog post.)

God wants those whom He has called to Himself to be His dearly loved children to be quick to help others who are truly in need. Notice what Dr. Luke wrote in Luke 8:1-3:

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary called Magdalene from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Here we see that these women, who became devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, graciously provided financial support from their own resources. Their generosity helped Jesus and His disciples minister without having to worry about their financial needs.

Scripture teaches us “Christ’s-ones” (Christians) many lessons. Among those lessons is to quickly move to help those who genuinely need help.

What a blessing it is for us to cheerfully and joyfully comply with these wishes of our Great King. Let’s not hesistate to move swiftly when we encounter someone who genuinely needs our help.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, April 16, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Before We Sleep

 

“By day the Lord directs his love”

—Psalm 42:8a

To begin this blog post, please allow me to ask you these questions:

• After you pray, how do you end your day?
  
  
• You’ve spent some time talking to God and reviewing your day. You’ve settled in, adjusted your pillow, snuggled into the covers, now what’s next?
  
  

In offering an answer to these questions, I have a suggestion for you and me. But first, let’s consider these words from Psalm 42:8:

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

I strongly believe that God wants our nighttime sleep to be peaceful, restful, and restorative. So, here’s my suggestion:

One of the best things we can do as we prepare to drift off to sleep is to use our SmartPhone, or tablet, or laptop computer to listen to the late Bill Pearce and his wonderful program “Nightsounds.”

“Nightsounds” is surely one of the very best nighttime radio programs ever produced. It features an amazing musician and Christian radio personality. From the opening strains of Claude Debussy’s Beau Soir to the closing musical notes 30 minutes later, you will find this program relaxing, peaceful, and enjoyable.

Let’s try it for just one night. If you join me in this experience, I think you will find it just the perfect way to drift off to a peaceful and restful night’s sleep. To begin this nightime journey with me, just click the link below.

http://www.nightsoundsradio.org/

I feel certain that you will find this 30-minute program very helpful in preparing for a restful night’s sleep.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Rules We Can Trust

 

“Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord.”

—Psalm 119:65

A popular commentary of our culture was spray-painted in an elaborate font on the building’s wall by a talented graffiti artist. Like the sign at the beginning of this blog post, the graffiti read: “No Rules!”

We live at a time when lawlessness is celebrated by Millennials, Gen-Zs, and others, probably because our democratic society has become overrun with oppressive regulations. At every turn, the government imposes boundaries intended to shape us into compliant, non-thinking sheep. And frankly, most of us comply, even though we don’t like it!

In the Kingdom of God, His rules are viewed as just, fair, and righteous. God has given us direction in His written Word that will result in our lives lived well. The Psalmist spends a good deal of his poetry in Psalm 119—the longest Psalm in the Bible—praising God for His guidance. Notice these words from Psalm 119:65-66:

Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.

Let us join the Psalmist in celebrating God’s instruction this new day. Let us express gratitude for the Holy Spirit, who comes along side us to guide us along the pathway that God has laid out before us. Let us rejoice that, while we sinners are simply not capable of perfect obedience, our Savior lived a life of total obedience, even when it led to His death in our place on the cross. Let us rise up this day, with great joy, to obediently follow the pathway God has laid out before us. And, as a result, may we experience a freedom that no absence of rules could ever provide.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, April 14, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Generously Sharing

 

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

—Proverbs 22:7

One day, more than 20 years ago, I arrived home with a heavy heart. My desk was littered with bills that I could not pay. With God’s help, I had spent the previous decade digging myself out of an enormous credit card debt—well over $100,000. Most of that horrible debt came from time after time when I stepped forward to help someone in need: offering money I did not really have. Using my eleven credit cards, I bankrolled numerous projects at my church. I helped other organizations I was a part of purchase needed supplies. Soon, my debt had mounted so that I struggled to even pay the interest each month.

• A dear friend wanted to start a radio ministry? I bought all of the equipment he needed with one of my credit cards.
  
  
• Another friend had a death in her family and needed to fly to California to attend the funeral? I quickly bought her an airline ticket.
  
  
• The church I attended at the time needed to remodel the sound system? Of course, I bought and donated the equipment.
  
  
• A friend’s son could not afford to purchase his college textbooks? I called the college bookstore and give them one of my credit cards.
  
  
• Another friend had needed car repairs. Without a car, he could not find transportation to his work and he would lose his job. I stepped forward and paid well over a thousand dollars in repair costs.
  
  
• Medical expenses plagued another friend. She couldn’t afford the co-pay on her hospital stay. I offered one of my credit cards to settle the hospital bill.
  
  
• Over and over again, for what seemed at the time as the most honorable of reasons, I dug myself ever deeper in debt.
  
  

When my credit card debt finally overwhelmed me, I cut them up and determined that, with God’s help, I would crawl out of debt and never become indebted again. After ten long years of fighting my way out from under the weight of that debt, I had finally reached the point where I had one last card to pay off.

But, my health had begun to fail. I had more bills than I had money. I did not want to go backwards into debt. I arrived home that night feeling so discouraged.

As I looked through the mail, fearing that it might contain yet another bill, I came across a letter with an unfamiliar return address. I opened it to find a handwritten note and a check for $5,000.

Dear Dean,

My wife is writing this note for me, as I now suffer from Parkinson’s disease. I was thinking just the other day of that wonderful seminar you gave my employees several years ago. I feel as if I never had the chance to express the depth of my gratitude for the excellent and professional way you covered such complex subjects and made them so understandable for my valuable employees. I hope you will accept this small check as my “Thank You.”

To say the least, I was stunned. I stared at that check and my eyes flooded with tears. That gracious gift enabled me to pay my bills and stay on track reducing my credit card debt until it was fully and finally totally eliminated. The sender knew nothing of my circumstances. The seminar he spoke of had taken place more than five years before. Since that time, I’d had no contact with this individual. Nevertheless, God knew my genuine need and used this generous man as an instrument of His grace.

King Solomon has offered these relevant words in Proverbs 22:7-9:

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

As a new day begins and we start our day in prayer, let’s ask God if He will open ways for us to share generously with those who genuinely need help. Even if our current circumstances limit our ability to give generously of our material possessions, let’s give those in genuine need a friendly smile, a warm embrace, a kind word, a loving encouragement, and our sincere and fervent prayers. Let us remember the God who, in our deep need, sought us and bought us with the redeeming blood of His precious Son, Jesus. And, let us determine to show that same God-breathed love to others.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, April 13, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Pray for the Children

 

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

—Proverbs 22:6

Each generation has a responsibility to pray for and to care for the generation of people who come behind it. While God did not choose to bless my wife and me with children, all through my life I have consistently prayed for my nieces and nephews, as well as for the children of our close friends. In my old age, I have added to my prayers my grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and the chldren from the church I attend.

How very, very proud I am of each one of my eleven nieces and nephews. Their parents have done such a good job raising them to love God. Eight of them attended Christian colleges: two went to Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania, and six of them attended my Alma Mater, Houghton University, in Houghton, New York. As adults, they have prospered. But more so, they have lived their lives with a dedication to Christ and His Kingdom that makes my heart soar with rejoicing.

All of them are now married, all but one with children of their own, whom they are raising to love God. One dear little niece, the third oldest by birth, has been at the feet of Jesus for many years, having died in an automobile accident at age three. I long to see her, and will do so soon. I mention these dear ones to illustrate our need to employ the power of prayer, and also to illustrate the reality that no matter what life may bring, if we remain faithful in love and prayer, God will direct the steps of the children He brings into our lives.

King Solomon understood the importance of children when he wrote these words in Proverbs 22:5-6:

In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

I invite you to join me and to please take a moment today and pray for the children we know and for their parents. Ask God to hold each one in His protective arms. Pray that these dear ones will stay on the right pathway throughout their lives. And, thank God for His loving hand on them, even as He has kept His loving hand on us.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, April 10, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

The Roots Go Deep

 

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…”

—Ephesians 3:16

I woke this day, the sun shines bright.
I pray for God to hold me tight.

As I go forth to do His will,
I pray that He will guard me still.

Many of you may know the nighttime child’s prayer that begins: “Now I lay me down to sleep…” But, how many of you know the child’s morning prayer that I quoted above? A prayer in the morning and one at night. Starting our day with God and ending it with Him, as well. This is, indeed, a most excellent discipline.

Prayer plays such an important role in the life of a believer. The Apostle Paul clearly recognized the importance of prayer when he wrote these words in Ephesians 3:14-21:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

As we begin this new day, let’s start our day in quiet meditation at the throne of God’s grace. As we start the day with prayer, let us also pray for each other. Let us mention each other by name and pray as Paul did:

… that out of His glorious riches God may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, April 9, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

A Truly Important Someone

 

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

—Ephesians 3:12

Have you ever been in the presence of someone you felt was really important? At one time or another in our lives, we all have met someone who has significant importance. As a small child, did your teacher send you to see the Principal of your school? Maybe you went to a book signing of a favorite author. Or, perhaps you had a backstage pass to meet your favorite musician, or actor, or dancer. Perhaps you met a famous preacher, or scientist, or educator, or politician.

When individuals are really important to us, they tend to inspire awe. The dictionary describes the word “awe” this way: “a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.” That awesomeness affects the way we approach such a person.

No one in heaven, or on earth, is more awesome than God. Even if you set aside for a moment the great mystery that He is One God existing at the same time in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—God’s awesomeness is unparalleled. God is the One who created all things. He is the One who breathed the breath of life into the human form He created, giving that lump of clay life and turning the dust of the ground into a living being. He is the One who placed the planets into orbit and with the sweep of His hand commanded the stars in the universe to appear. Notice the conclusion the Apostle Paul reaches, as you carefully read what he wrote in Ephesians 3:1-12:

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

So you see, dear ones, while God certainly blows the top off the chart that measures “awesomeness,” through faith in His Son, we may approach God with the confidence that He eagerly waits to welcome us into His divine presence. Because He has initiated the forgiveness of our sins through the shed blood of His one and only Son, Jesus, God has adopted us as His children and made us a part of His divine and everlasting Kingdom. Why did God do this for us? Because He loves us with His everlasting love. Before the foundation of the earth, He has chosen us to belong to Himself, now and forever.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, April 8, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Citizens of the Kingdom

 

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

—Ephesians 2:13

I have not traveled extensively outside the United States. I made one very quick three-day trip to Germany and a few trips into Canada. Frankly, I never enjoyed leaving the security of the United States. However, I remember the feeling I had when I crossed the international border back into my homeland and had my citizenship confirmed by the immigration authorities.

As those who belong to God through the life-transforming power of the living Lord Jesus Christ, we have our citizenship in the Kingdom of God, confirmed by Christ Himself. And, we have verification that we are citizens of God’s Kingdom through the in-dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Ephesus in Ephesians 2:11-22:

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” which is done in the body by human hands—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations.

His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Rest assured this day that, as a believer in God’s precious Son, we belong to His Kingdom. Our citizenship and all of the privileges that entails are ours, now and forever. Therefore, this day, let us go forth and let the Light of Christ within us shine brightly into this dark and needy world.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuwday, April 7, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Sons of God

 

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith…”

—Galatians 3:26

The English language is one of the most inelegant and irritating of all the languages. I first realized this when, in college, I studied Classical Koine Greek, and later, New Testament Koine Greek. The expressions of common phraseology create so much confusion in the English language.

For example: in English there is one word “love.” In Classical/New Testament Koine Greek there are four words for “love.” Another example: the word “man” in English denotes gender and age. Thus, in English, the word “man” excludes females and children. Not so in Classical/New Testament Koine Greek. Certain Greek words translated “man” in English do not denote exclusive gender, but very much include females.

Thus, even the most ardent defender of biological gender equality and biological gender respect must understand that when the Bible translators render a Koine Greek word as “man” in English, such a rendering does not exclude women. Likewise, when the Bible talks about our inheritance and uses the word “sons,” in our culture where females may inherit an estate equally with males, the word “sons” means male sons and—here we go again, as well as ladies—female sons, if you will.

Therefore, when the Apostle Paul writes these words in Galatians 3:26-29; 4:1-7, the wonderful news applies to men and women equally. Let me emphasize that point as strongly as I can: in the Kingdom of God, every person regardless of biological gender, or status, or race, or any other cultural qualifier, has an equal responsibility and receives an equal inheritance! Paul writes:

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

(And, by the way, lest your well-meaning ethnic sensitivity raises your hackles at the use of the word “slave,” please carefully read Deuteronomy 15:12-18 to learn about “bond slaves” and 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 to understand that we are all “bond slaves of Christ.”)

We are heirs of the Kingdom of God. He has chosen us and adopted us as sons: male sons and—yes, it’s true ladies—female sons! He has given us the amazing inheritance of joining His mission here on earth that we might someday celebrate our sonship at His feet in heaven. What wonderful, exciting, and heart-warming good news!

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, April 6, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Israel, Our Kinship

 

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith…”

—Galatians 3:26a

One of the reasons why many Christians feel a kinship with the people of Israel is that they are God’s chosen people. More so, when we acknowledged God’s Son as our Savior and Lord, we Christians become grafted into the same birth line as the people of Israel. Some will argue that my view on this matter is too simplistic. I readily admit that I am just a simple man. However, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in Galatians 3:26-29:

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

I realize that Paul was speaking of the oneness of Christians, no matter what their ethnic background. But, notice his last paragraph. This is consistent with what he wrote in Romans 11:17-18:

If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.

Another reason to support Israel is that Jews do not wish to kill Christians. In this current age, Jews and Christians live harmoniously. No matter what anyone may tell you, the holy book of Islam demands the slaughter of all infidels—every single unbeliever.

While it is true that in the Old Testament, God directed the children of Israel to conquer the land He had given them. At the same time, He always put very severe constraits on their fighting. Once the purpose of that fighting had been achieved, the fighting ceased. And, there can be no question that the New Testament teaches the overwhelming power that the peace of Christ our Savior brings into the lives of those who follow Him.

Let’s agree to pray earnestly for peace in the Middle East. And, Let’s do all we can to protect the lives of young children on either side of this terrible conflict.

Since Christ instructed us to pray for our enemies, let’s pray for those who want to kill us, that God’s love will conquer their hearts and reveal to them that only Yahweh—the One True God that we know through Christ as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Jehovah, God the Creator—is the One who loves us with His everlasting love.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, April 3, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Help from a Friend

 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

—Colossians 3:12a

I have now been disabled, with significant mobility issues, since the summer of 1998. In the last nearly 26 years, I have had to discard most of my pride and learn to gratefully depend on the kindness of others. This has not been easy for someone who has lived exceedingly independently for most of his life.

In the fall of 2014, ten years ago, a very dear friend appeared at my door. “I’ve come to help,"” he said. A few hours earlier we had talked by phone, just to catch up with each other. When he asked what I was up to, I told him about a humidifier issue I had struggled with for several weeks. Here’s what I shared with him:

One of my two basement humidifiers had been recalled. I ordered a new one, but it had quit after a couple of weeks. I then ordered yet another unit, which had arrived, but I had no way to get it down to the basement. I ended this part of the conversation by explaining that I had guests coming to dinner on the following Monday, six days away, and likely they would help get the new unit down to the basement.

In just a couple of hours, my doorbell rang. Here was my friend, who had driven across town. In no time at all he had the new humidifier into the basement, out of its box, hooked up, and running.

I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for this singular act of kindness. He responded with such grace and compassion because he knows how frustrated I am that my disability prevents me from doing things that used to be so easy.

In this case, as in so many others, continuing to this very day, I have learned that the kindness of friends, and sometimes strangers, can make a huge difference in my life. This is exactly what the Apostle Paul was talking about in Colossians 3:12-17:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Let’s all press on today and keep a sharp eye, so that we may look out for each other. And, whenever possible, let’s do acts of kindness to help one another and thus proclaim the love of Christ our Savior.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, April 2, 2015

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}