Overcoming the World

 

For everyone born of God overcomes the world …

—1 from John 5:4

To Christians, the term “the world” represents all that is wrong in life: sin, degradation, distrust, abuse, and evil. In fact, the terms: “the world, the flesh, and the devil” are set in sharp contrast to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The former ends in eternal death, while the latter leads to eternal life. Notice these words of instruction that the Apostle John gives to the “Christ’s-ones” to whom he is writing, as recorded in 1 John 5:4:

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

The new birth in Christ that followers of Jesus experience leads us away from “the world” and into the new world that awaits us because of Jesus’ birth, life, suffering and death on the cross, His resurrection from the grave, and His ascension into heaven. His blood has cleansed us from our sins. He has given us newness of life.

As we begin a new day, we should remember that, as followers of Jesus, the world cannot bring us to destruction. Rather, through Christ, we have overcome the world. It no longer has any hold on us. We are free from the bondage that the world would impose on us.

I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s singing a lovely gospel hymn written by John Henry Yates with a truly sprightly tune written by Ira David Sanke. The hymn was titled “Faith is the Victory.” ¹ Here are the words:

Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers rise,
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies;
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.

His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints before
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.

On every hand the foe we find
Drawn up in dread array;
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.

To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv’n;
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in heav’n;
Then onward from the hills of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.

 

______________________

1 Yates, John Henry. “Faith is the Victory.” Though this hymn citation is noted to be in the Public Domain, this hymn does appear in various Hymnals published by a variety of publishing companies. In the case of any company, organization, or entity claiming Copyright protection of this material, please note that the citation in this blog post of any Copyrighted material is made strictly for Educational Fair Use illustration purposes only. All Rights Reserved by the original Copyright Holder.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Listen to the Father

 

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline …

—from Proverbs 3:11

No one likes to receive a rebuke for his or her behavior. We all would rather that people just let us behave in whatever way we choose to behave. However, if we all lived like that, life would consist of one scene of chaos after another. We would soon fall into a heap of exhaustion because of the confusion and nastiness around us.

In order to proper guide their dearly loved children, loving parents learn early that they must discipline their children to point them in the right direction. Every time I’m in a restaurant where very young children scream out, I think of the family in my church in Connecticut, many years ago, who taught their children to remain calm and not scream whenever they entered a public place. If one of their children started to raise his or her voice, the dad of the family would calmly say:

“Remember, no screamies.”

It worked! At least it worked for these kids. They would never scream out in a public setting where their piercing screams might disturb others.

God longs to help us learn how to behave in a world tainted by sin and a world that possesses a natural overriding sin nature. God does so lovingly, but firmly. The degree we will grow in our walk with Him depends on how well we receive His discipline. Notice what King Solomon writes, as recorded in Proverbs 3:11-12:

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

As we start another new day, let’s cheerfully and gratefully receive the Lord’s discipline whenever He sends it our way. If we learn to allow Him to shape our behavior through His loving and caring instruction, we will become much better followers—much better disciples—bathed in God’s love and grace.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Oaks of Righteousness

 

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me …

—from Isaiah 61:1

All throughout literature we can read descriptions of the mighty oak trees. They represent power with deep roots in the soil that allow them to resist perilous winds. They provide shade and, through their dropping of acorns, they provide self-perpetuation that can produce a dense, dark forest. The Prophet Isaiah declares the purpose God has given the coming Messiah in the opening verses found in Isaiah 61:1-3:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

This is the very passage of Scripture in which Dr. Luke records Jesus reading to those gathered in the synagogue in His home town of Nazareth (see Luke 4:14-30). It is a powerful statement of purpose. But, as Jesus quotes from the Isaiah passage above, it also ends with a hopeful declaration for all who come to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

As we begin a new day, we can draw hope from this declaration. As we submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we too can become “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” May this be so for us this day and every day, as we obediently serve our Great King Jesus.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Really Good News

 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation …

—from Romans 8:1

We can categorize some news we receive as “good news.” Unfortunately, still other news we must categorize as “bad news.” But then on certain special occasions, there comes to us news that sets our hearts on fire with great joy. That news we can gladly categorize as “really good news.” These words of the Apostle Paul, found in Romans 8:1, certainly meet the criterion of “really good news”:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Just as the rising sun marks the beginning of a new day, so the newness of life we experience each day should prompt us to greet the day with praise to God for who He is and also for what He has done for us. Christ has set us free from sin, death, and Satan’s power over us. That truly is “really good news”!

As we begin another new day, we can celebrate, with overwhelming joy, the reality that the condemnation for our many sins has been covered by the blood of our Savior. And, that fact should motivate us to lovingly, kindly, and gently share this “really good news” with everyone whom God prompts us to share it.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Keep Me From Shame

 

In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge …

—from Psalm 31:1

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines the word “shame” as:

“… a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety; a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute; something that brings censure or reproach.”

Shame is not something that we want much of in our lives. Yes, we’ve all done things over the course of our lives that have made us feel shame—unless, of course, we’re sociopaths, in which case we would never feel shame in any case. But, most of the time in our shame—since we recognize the fact that because Christ has paid the penalty for our sins and God has forgiven us—we eventually learn to forgive ourselves, as well.

King David recognized the role that shame can play in our lives. David knew that shame can become a barrier to wholeheartedly serving God. Shame can cause us to shrink from our responsibility to reach out to others in God’s behalf. Shame can isolate us from others. Shame can make us feel that we are unworthy. David penned these vital words, found in Psalm 31:1:

In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

As we begin another new day, let’s make certain that we acknowledge our sins. But, let’s also make certain that we do not wallow in shame. Instead, let’s seek refuge in the God who loves us with His unfailing, undying love. And, let’s make certain that we never seek to shame someone else because of what they may have done.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Do Not Judge

 

Do not judge …

—from Matthew 7:1

Many people use the phrase “Do Not Judge” as a way of controlling serious discussion about problems in our society. But, most of the time, that usage places the words of Jesus in a wrong context. Here’s what Jesus actually said, as recorded in Matthew 7:1-5:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

The context makes several things clear. First of all, Jesus is talking about those who are joined together in the family of God—in other words, our brothers and sisters in Christ. The words of Jesus “Do not judge” apply to the familial relationship we have, not to society in general. Secondly, the purpose of not judging is so that we will invest our energy in removing the plank in our own eyes—that is, remove the sin in our own life first, before we attempt to help our brothers and sisters remove the sin in their lives.

While we must always approach everyone with humility, kindness, and God-breathed love, we are not supposed to turn a blind eye to the evil influences in our world. Just as some strong-minded individuals cling to “science”—right up to the point where “science” no longer supports their position regarding social engineering—so we must not cling to our own ideas. Rather, we must rely on the whole counsel of God as expressed in His written Word.

As another new day opens up before us, let’s make certain that we deal with the sin in our own lives in a very forthright manner. This will then allow us to lovingly and carefully help our brothers and sisters in Christ deal with the issues they face in their own lives. Together, as a family, we can move forward and bring glory to God.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

His Favor Lasts a Lifetime

 

For his anger lasts only a moment …

—from Psalm 30:5

Have you ever had a friend, or a boss, whose favor waxed and waned depending on some almost imperceivable change in circumstances? Please let me explain:

I once had a boss whom I never knew whether today I would find in him a friendly response or a cold, almost angry and hostile response to virtually anything I might say. It was more than an expression of moodiness. It was almost as if he was two different people. One day he would receive me with a warmth and friendliness. The next day he might receive me with a tinge of cold anger.

Since I am by nature an introvert, his changes in behavior toward me was more than a little disconcerting. I kept trying to figure out what I had done to either earn his favor or trigger his anger. I finally just accepted the fact that he was nuts.

We generally respond much better to people who act toward us with stability. We can handle people who are warm toward us. We can also handle people who are always angry toward us. It’s the ones whom we never know how we will be received that produce anxiety in us.

God is not at all like my old boss. God is above all things the same yesterday, today, and forever. Notice what King David writes about God in Psalm 30:5:

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

God’s favor lasts for a lifetime. That is really good news for us. Does He have a right to be angry when we sin? Yes, of course He does. But, His love still always rises to the surface. In fact, His love for us is so great that He made a way for our sins to be forgiven through His precious only Son, Jesus.

As we begin another new day, let’s rest comfortably in the knowledge that God loves us and grants His favor to us all the days of our lives. We, in turn, should extend His love to others in the same way. Even when people disappoint us, or act toward us as if they hate us, we can respond with a gentle, caring love that comes through us from God. The mark of His stability on our lives is truly one of the blessings we have from Him.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

A High and Holy Place

 

I live in a high and holy place …

—from Isaiah 57:15

In our current Christian culture, the emphasis is largely on God’s love for those humans He has created. And certainly, the Bible talks much about God’s love for His people. The Apostle Paul even made this startling, yet so very perfect, summary statement found in Galatians 5:6:

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

In other words, it doesn’t matter whether a person is a Jew or a Gentile. The only thing that really matters is if a person expresses his or her faith through love. So, love takes on an enormous importance in the Christian worldview.

But, we must not forget that a major attribute of God is His holiness. He is a holy God. And, because He is holy, He cannot tolerate sin. Thus, in order to communicate His unfailing love toward humans, God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to become a man, live like a man—yet without sin—and die in our place to cover our sins with His precious blood. The Prophet Isaiah reports these words of God found in Isaiah 57:15:

For this is what the high and lofty One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

As we begin a new day, we can be thankful that while God is, indeed, a God of love, He is also a God of holiness, who loves us enough to come and dwell with us through His Son Jesus, and also through the indwelling Presence of His Holy Spirit. It is true that we do belong to God through Christ. And that, dear ones, is a wonderful reality in which to live.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

I See Your Sins!

 

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye …

—from Matthew 7:3

We seem to have a quick trigger when it comes to recognizing other people’s sins. Why we may often jump right up onto our soapbox and begin to decry all manner of evil in others. But, we seem all too slow to recognize our own sins. Notice the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 7:3-5:

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

In this statement, Jesus is not minimizing the sins of others. In fact, His whole point is that we have enough sin in our own lives that we should focus first on dealing with our own sins before we start attacking the sins of others.

Yes, we do have a responsibility to the world to offer commentary based on the holiness and righteousness of God. We know what He has required by reading His written Word. We also know that Jesus most often approached sinners with patience, kindness, and love. We would do well to follow His example.

As this new day begins, let’s start our day by examining our own lives and confessing our own personal sins. We need to pay particular attention to those sins which we repeat over and over again. If we have difficulty trusting God for this new day, let’s confess our lack of faith and ask for His help in believing that He will guide and protect us. If we have some other sins that trip us up continuously, let’s confess those sins and ask the Holy Spirit to help us steer clear of them.

By focusing on cleaning up our own lives first, we will do much better at following in the footsteps of Jesus than if we spent all of our time calling out the sins of others. And after all, if we are to properly represent our Lord in this troubled and needy world, we need clean minds and clean hearts.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Our Security Blanket

 

When you pass through the waters …

—from Isaiah 43:2

Most of us like to know that somewhere, somehow, we have a “security blanket” we can grab onto when things get rough. Please allow me to illustrate this point:

Several years ago, over a period of seven days, my brand new wheelchair-accessible van twice failed to start! It only had a little more than 400 miles on it. It cost me an enormous amount of money. I bought it specifically because I felt my eight-year old ordinary van was no longer reliable and I needed a van that would properly and securely carry my powered wheelchair. Surely a new specially crafted van would be a good investment.

Everything on this van depended on a computer. You couldn’t even manually shift the transmission. It’s all done by computer. So, when the tow truck came to tow my van to the dealership, the driver couldn’t shift the transmission into neutral because the problem the van was experiencing was related to the computer. Yes, the computer runs everything on this van?

Both times I became stranded, I reached out to my very own “security blanket” in the form of lifelong friends who were eager to help me. On the first occasion, they came and helped us get the van to the dealership. On the second occasion, I had put my friends on stand-by pending the arrival of the tow truck. And, before the tow truck arrived, another lovely couple from our church showed up, stayed with us until the tow truck came, drove us to the dealership so we could fill out paperwork, and then very graciously took us home. They became our new “security blanket.” As you might imagine, our gratitude towards these two couples knows no bounds.

As Christians, our real “security blanket” is God Himself. I have no doubt that He placed these dear folks in a position to give us aid when we needed it. I also know that in countless ways each day, God looks out for those He loves. Notice the words of God that the Prophet Isaiah wrote down, as recorded in Isaiah 43:2-3:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior …

No matter what trials may come into our lives, God waits for the opportunity to show His love for us by His abiding Presence. He rallies to our aid whenever we need His help. He brings people into our lives to extend His love and care to us when we have times of need. Let’s go out into this new day with a spirit of willingness to be used by God in people’s lives. Perhaps we can become someone’s “security blanket” in their time of need this day.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Entertaining Angels

 

Do not forget to entertain strangers …

—from Hebrews 13:2

Hospitality, that is to say “Christian hospitality,” is both a spiritual gift that God bestows on certain individuals, and it is also a duty that all Christians are called upon to provide. Followers of Christ should be the most welcoming individuals, always ready to lend a helping hand to make others feel valued and appreciated. That’s why the writer of the Book of Hebrews writes this statement, found in Hebrews 13:2:

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

We practice Christian hospitality, not only by opening our homes to others for a meal or a time of refreshment, but we practice Christian hospitality in the attitude with which we greet others along the pathway of life. A ready smile, a kind word of encouragement, a helping hand, a generous heart are all ways we extend the hospitality of Jesus to others.

This new day should be one wherein we extend Christ-like hospitality wherever we may go along the road of life. Let’s make certain we take every opportunity to live in this world the way Jesus would live. After all, we are, indeed, his representatives.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

The Essence of Faith

 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for …

—from Hebrews 11:1

The word “faith” gets tossed around quite a bit in our current culture.

“I have faith that every time I turn the key in my vehicle it will start—particularly because I always take good care of it.”

“I have faith in taking this test because I have studied very diligently.”

“I have faith that, when I reach into my wallet, I will have enough money to pay for lunch.”

“I have faith that next time my political party will win the election.”

Or, “I have faith that in the next election my political party will retain control of the government.”

These simple statements may all represent one idea of what the word “faith” means. But, for followers of Jesus, the word “faith” has a very special significance. The writer of the Book of Hebrews well understood the importance of this key word. Notice what he writes in Hebrews 11:1:

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

As we begin a new day, let’s remember that our faith is based on the reality of Christ’s presence within us by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit gives testimony that we are the children of God. The Apostle Paul stated in Romans 8:16:

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Yes! God has chosen us to belong to Himself. Our faith has that solid foundation.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Much More Than Simply Listening

 

Do not merely listen to the word …

—from James 1:22

I once worked with a man who would often ask for help in completing a task. He seemed to have particular difficulty when the task involved the use of a personal computer. Many of you may relate to his dilemma.

He was a relatively smart man. He had served as a career sailor in the U. S. Navy. In fact, he worked on submarines. He had good mechanical ability, was articulate, and contributed significantly to the success of the department where he worked. But, when it came to using a personal computer, he seemed lost.

Whenever he would come to me with a question, I would suggest that he take some notes while I carefully explained what he should do. As his supervisor, I felt it was important that I take the time to help him develop the skills he needed in order to progress in his job responsibilities. Dutifully, he would take notes, thank me, and proceed to return to his workstation. Sadly, quite often he would return fairly soon and still not be able to complete the task.

One day, I asked to see his notes, hoping that I could tweak them a little and set him on the right pathway. To my amazement, I found that his notes were nearly incomprehensible. He was writing words down on paper. But, those words appeared to have no relationship to what I had tried to explain. You see, he was listening to me without really understanding and then doing what I had said. The Apostle James expresses this same advice to his fellow Christians, as recorded in James 1:22:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

As we begin another new day, it’s important that we not only listen to what God’s written Word says to us, as we read it, we must do what it says. God has given us a great gift by inspiring authors to write down exactly what He wants us to know and do. If we merely read God’s written Word without putting what it says into practice, what good does it do for us and others?

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

True Faithfulness

 

“Well done, good and faithful servant! …”

—from Matthew 25:21

When I was a teenager working at Radio Station WESB in my hometown, I had the great privilege of engineering an early Sunday morning radio broadcast created by a local pastor, Rev. John F. Olexa. On his radio program, he billed himself with this tagline: “A Prophet of Doom with a Message of Hope.” He was one of the finest men in ministry, with whom I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and working.

Rev. Olexa’s tagline may sound a bit corny. But, John Olexa was anything but corny. He was a loving, caring, devoted servant of God, who overcame the debilitating illness, polio, that had left him with a very awkward gait. He was quite short in stature. However, God had given him a booming voice and a very articulate way of opening God’s written Word and unpacking the truth of Scripture.

I greatly enjoyed working with “Pastor Johnny,” as many people called him. He taught me a great deal about preaching effective sermons. And, he taught me even more about genuine humility, in service to Christ and His Kingdom.

In addition to pastoring two of the local Evangelical United Brethren Churches, John served as the head of the Bradford District Youth Fellowship, as well as overseeing the Youth Fellowship for the entire Erie Conference of the EUB Church. He asked me to serve as Treasurer of the District Youth Fellowship—partly, I’m fairly certain, because he knew that my dad served as Treasurer of our local EUB church, which was the largest EUB Church in the District. No doubt Pastor Johnny felt that my dad would help me keep the books straight, and he was right.

Pastor Johnny would often say:

“Use the talent God has given you to the best of your ability. Then, rely on the Holy Spirit to multiply the effectiveness of your God-given talent.”

I felt that those words set a definite course for my life. I owe a great debt of gratitude to the Rev. John F. Olexa. And, I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.

Jesus would certainly agree with Pastor Johnny’s statement regarding the use of one’s talents and abilities. Notice these words of Jesus, as He tells His followers the “Parable of the Talents (or Bags of Gold),” as found in Matthew 25:20-21:

“The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

In the “sweet by-and-by,” we all long to hear Jesus say those precious words to us:

“Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Our devotion to serving our Great King begins today. Yes, at the start of this new day, we can, and should, determine to use whatever gifts God has given us to the best of our ability, and then rely on the Holy Spirit to multiply the effectiveness of those God-given talents.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

"You Are Mine"

 

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you …

—from Isaiah 43:1

God’s dealing with His chosen people, the children of Israel, is a foretaste of His dealings with those of us Gentiles, who have been grafted in to the line of David. As the Apostle Paul explains in Romans 11:17:

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 …

So, we can learn great lessons from observing God’s relationship with, and His actions towards, His chosen people. For just as God chose Abraham’s offspring to belong to Himself, so He has chosen us, as well.

That makes the words of God recorded by the Prophet Isaiah particularly important to us. Notice these words of God, as found in Isaiah 43:1:

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

God says to those of us He has called to Himself that we belong to Him. “You are mine,” He says. And, based on this declaration, we have confidence to determine this day, and every day, to honor and serve Him with all four of our human modalities: our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

No Paybacks

 

Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” …

—from Proverbs 20:22

An old adage insists:

“Don’t get mad, get even!”

It’s actually a horrible piece of advice. In dealing with others, we should neither get mad, nor get even. Instead, we should follow the way of the cross, that is, living our lives in the pathway forged by the footsteps of Jesus.

It’s interesting that the word “mad” can mean both angry and mentally ill. In some sense, when we lose control of our emotions and become angry, we do—at least momentarily—act as if mental illness has overcome us. That fact alone should help us steer clear from allowing ourselves to become angry with another person. King Solomon offered these words of advice, found in Proverbs 20:22:

Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.

In every situation that we face, especially when we are mistreated by someone else, we should allow God room to deal with the situation in our behalf. God’s protection is worth more than any momentary satisfaction we may receive by getting angry about something. And certainly, getting even with someone who has harmed us is a sin that we should definitely avoid committing.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

The Lord Upholds the Righteous

 

“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; …”

—from Psalm 37:16

“By what measure do we determine our worth?”

A social studies teacher, in the autumn of my ninth grade school year way back in 1961, asked my class that question. Amazingly, or perhaps not so amazingly, no one wanted to volunteer an answer. No one wanted to talk about himself or herself. Even so, I overheard several students talking about the question during the time between classes. Everyone seemed to have an opinion about how other students might measure their worth.

• “Cheryl measures her worth by her good looks,” offered one student.
  
  
• “Bill thinks he’s important because he’s the star of the football team.”
  
  
• “Linda always dates older guys, so she thinks she’s better than the other girls.”
  
  
• “John’s family is so very rich. That’s what makes him valuable.”
  
  

As usual, I was lurking on the very edges of the outside of the group. I found it most interesting when I considered what my fellow students thought measured the worth of their peers. I knew that I secretly harbored a distorted sense that I was smarter than most other people—what a foolish notion! But, I also knew that virtually no one liked me because I was too quick to voice my opinions and, generally speaking, lacked even the most basic social skills that seemed so natural to others.

The truth is that such measures of our value and worth are truly meaningless, in terms of the biggest picture—the picture that includes not only our current time, but eternity. For our true value and worth comes solely from our relationship with God. King David understood this fact from his own experience. Notice these words David wrote, as recorded in Psalm 37:16-17:

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.

Temporal means of judging value and worth pale when faced with eternal measures. No matter what the circumstances in which we may find ourselves this new day, it is our relationship with God that truly gives us meaning and worth.

Our value comes from God: not from what we look like, or how much money we have, or how smart we think we are, or any other quality that we may have previously relied upon. That’s something we need to keep in mind all through this day and every day.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

God's Love in Us

 

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”

—John 17:24

In the moments before Jesus was arrested by the armed emissaries of the high priest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed a magnificent prayer. Bible teachers often refer to this as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.” Certainly, this prayer shows Jesus in the role of priest to His followers. It also expresses the highest of spiritual ideals.

Today, concludes my series of blog posts that have focused on this prayer of Jesus. It is my hope that by sharing verses from this prayer with you, you will find, as I have found, great comfort and great blessing from the words of our Savior.

Jesus concludes this magnificent prayer with these words, found in John 17:24-26:

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Considering the words of Jesus—as He prayed for His disciples and for us as well—should give us courage and strength to face another new day. Let’s determine to make this day count for Him.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

"I In Them And You In Me"

 

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.”

—John 17:22-23a

Several blog posts ago, I stated that, in the moments before Jesus was arrested by the armed emissaries of the high priest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed a magnificent prayer. Bible teachers often refer to this as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.” Certainly, this prayer shows Jesus in the role of priest to His followers. It also expresses the highest of spiritual ideals.

Today, and in the next blog post, I intend to continue to focus on this prayer of Jesus. It is my hope that by sharing verses from this prayer with you, you will find, as I have found, great comfort and great blessing from the words of our Savior.

Jesus continues this magnificent prayer with these words, found in John 17:20-23:

“My prayer is not for them [my current disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

As we begin a new day, the very fact that Jesus prayed for us—for you and for me—in the moments before He would be led off to the cross of Calvary should give us a strong sense of how very much He loves us and cares for us. The fact that, since His ascension into heaven, Jesus continues to make intercession in our behalf (see Romans 8:34) should bring us such sense of peace that we can go forth in His name and do all that He longs for us to do. Let’s allow these wonderful truths to permeate to the very core of our beings.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Sent By God

 

“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”

—John 17:18

As I stated at the beginning of each one of the last few log posts, in the moments before Jesus was arrested by the armed emissaries of the high priest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed a magnificent prayer. Bible teachers often refer to this as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.” Certainly, this prayer shows Jesus in the role of priest to His followers. It also expresses the highest of spiritual ideals. For the next few blog posts, I intend to focus on this prayer of Jesus. It is my hope that by sharing verses from this prayer with you, you will find, as I have found, great comfort and great blessing from the words of our Savior.

Jesus continues this magnificent prayer with these words, found in John 17:13-19:

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

When we apprehend the fact that we are, indeed, marked as Christ’s ambassadors to a needy and troubled world, we must also understand that Jesus has sent us into the world, even as God the Father sent Him into the world. As we begin a new day, we should be able to take comfort from the fact that we are ambassadors who have been sent with God’s sterling credentials. We come to those around us with the decree of God’s appointment, and with His amazing blessing.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Not One Has Been Lost

 

“I will remain in the world no longer …”

—from John 17:11

As I stated at the beginning of the last several log posts, in the moments before Jesus was arrested by the armed emissaries of the high priest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed a magnificent prayer. Bible teachers often refer to this as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.” Certainly, this prayer shows Jesus in the role of priest to His followers. It also expresses the highest of spiritual ideals. For the next few blog posts, it is my hope that by sharing verses from this prayer with you, you will find, as I have found, great comfort and great blessing from the words of our Savior.

Jesus continues this magnificent prayer with these words, found in John 17:11-12:

“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”

As followers of Jesus, we can take great comfort from the fact that He protects us by the infinite power of God’s blessed name. Jesus keeps us safe from spiritual attack. And, He lovingly holds us safely in His loving arms. We can move forward in His behalf, knowing that He is always with us and that He enables us to serve Him in the best way we possibly can do so.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

We Know God

 

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world …”

—from John 17:6

As I stated at the beginning of the last blog post, in the moments before Jesus was arrested by the armed emissaries of the high priest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed a magnificent prayer. Bible teachers often refer to this as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.” Certainly, this prayer shows Jesus in the role of priest to His followers. It also expresses the highest of spiritual ideals. For the next few blog posts, it is my hope that by sharing verses from this prayer with you, you will find, as I have found, great comfort and great blessing from the words of our Savior.

Jesus continues this magnificent prayer with these words, found in John 17:6-10:

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.”

How fortunate we are, those of us who follow Jesus. As He said in this portion of His prayer, He has revealed the very essence of God the Father to us. We know so much more about God than we normally would know because we have seen who Jesus is through God’s written Word, and through the testimony of countless saints down through the centuries.

As we begin another new day, let’s grasp onto this knowledge of God, and draw strength and comfort from knowing that He loves us with His everlasting, unfailing, undying love. Let us also hold dear in our hearts that God always has our very best interests in the forefront of His mind.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Glorify the Son

 

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son …”

—from John 17:1

In the moments before Jesus was arrested by the armed emissaries of the high priest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed a magnificent prayer. Bible teachers often refer to this as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.” Certainly, this prayer shows Jesus in the role of priest to His followers. It also expresses the highest of spiritual ideals. For the next few blog posts, it is my hope that by sharing verses from this prayer with you, you will find, as I have found, great comfort and great blessing from the words of our Savior.

Jesus begins this magnificent prayer with these words, found in John 17:1-5:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

As a follower of Jesus, I wonder if we ever think about the fact that, as God glorifies His Son, that glory also comes to us, as well. Since God has called us to Himself, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we now belong to Jesus. Because we belong to God’s blessed Son, His glory becomes our glory—not in some kind of foolish or arrogant way, but in a humbling, even overwhelmingly grace-filled way.

Jesus’ glory, expressed to us through the Holy Spirit, energizes us in every way that we strive to honor Him. As we begin a new day, let’s allow the glory of Jesus to so fill us that we will have an even greater determination to love Him and to serve Him with all of our might.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Choose the Correct Pathway

 

Enter through the narrow gate …

—from Matthew 7:13

I’ve written many times in previous blog posts that life is a series of choices. We move from decision to decision, all the while hoping that we’ve made the right choice. There is a way we can discern whether the choice we’ve made is the correct one. Jesus offers these words of advice, found in Matthew 7:13-14:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

At the beginning of this new day, let’s strive to be one of the individuals who finds the narrow gate and the narrow road that leads to life. In calling us to Himself, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, God has already opened up the pathway before us. Let’s not hesitate to start down the road He has given us. The destination will be well worth making this wise choice.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Always Give a Wise Answer

 

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

—from Matthew 4:3

When someone asks you a serious question, or tries to persuade you to do something out of character, it’s best if you give a wise and thoughtful answer. We enter into possible danger, whenever we listen to someone and either respond or do what that one asks without giving careful heed to the wisdom that God willingly supplies. A case in point is offered in the exchange found in Matthew 4:3-4:

The tempter came to him [Jesus] and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

At the beginning of this new day, we do well if we pattern our consideration of requests, our careful answers, and our responsive actions in the same way that Jesus did. Jesus answered the enemy, Satan, by quoting Scripture. If we base our answers on God’s written Word, how can we possibly go wrong?

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Heed Instruction

 

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers …

—from Proverbs 16:20

When beginning a task or starting a journey, do you carefully follow verbal or written instructions? Or, do you launch off on your own and do what seems to make sense without even listening carefully to the verbal instructions, or even opening to read and follow the written instructions?

Once I began my career as a fire protection engineer inspecting very large industrial facilities, I learned that God had given me a somewhat unusual gift. I can look at a piece of machinery and instantly know how it works. Now, I could not design that machine, nor build it, nor repair it. But, I can tell you exactly how it does what it’s supposed to do.

However, this gift definitely does not translate into putting things together without reading the instructions. I’ve tried to do that and failed miserably. There is something very important about carefully and clearly written instructions. Someone has taken the time to write down the very best way to do something. It’s a good idea to follow those instructions to the letter.

In life, as followers of Jesus, God has given us His instructions in His written Word, the Bible. We would do very well to heed His instructions and recognize that, as the Creator and the Sustainer of All, He knows the very best way for us to live our lives. King Solomon wrote this testimony in Proverbs 16:20:

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

Let’s begin this new day with a determination to follow God’s instructions. Let’s take time to read His written Word and follow whatever clear pathway that God opens up before us. He has given us His Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us. We do very well when we follow God’s instructions—all of them.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

A Balanced Life

 

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

—from Philippians 4:11

“Walking along the road of the Christian Life is very much like walking across a high span on a tightly stretched wire. The key to a successful crossing is balance.”

That quote exists on one of the originally blank pages at the front of my Bible. Presumably, it came from some sermon that I heard many, many years ago. Unfortunately, I did not write down the name of the pastor who preached that sermon. But, that thought has remained in the forefront of my mind for lo these many years.

I believe the statement is absolutely true. As followers of Jesus, we cannot successfully walk the pathway God lays out before us unless we maintain our “balance” in all four of our human modalities: heart, soul, mind, and stregth—or in our emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical modalities. Walking the God-given pathway of life, we dare not lean too far to the left, nor too far to the right, or we will fall off the “spiritual high wire.”

I have friends on both sides of the political, cultural, societal, and even spiritual spectrum, who have more than once in their lives leaned too far in one direction and lost their spiritual footing. In fact, I have a very dear friend who has gone from one extreme to the other throughout most of the course of his life. But, my point is that we dare not fling ourselves from one extreme to another, back and forth across the spectrum of faith. If we do so, we will find that the one quality missing from our lives is genuine balance. The Apostle Paul summarized this well in Philippians 4:10-13:

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

As we begin a new day, let’s embrace “spiritual balance” as a key element in our walk with God. Let’s not be blown this way or that by every new wind of doctrine that might arise (see Ephesians 4:11-16). Instead, let’s hold firmly to the truth of God’s written Word. And, let’s recognize the fact that consistency, represented by spiritual balance, can chart the smoothest and most productive pathway for the sake of the Kingdom, as we strive to keep all four of our human modalities in balance.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

More Valuable Than Rubies

 

A wife of noble character … she is worth far more than rubies.

—from Proverbs 31:10

Almost every person has something that he or she values in this life. For some, the value comes from a large sum of money, or from other possessions, or from the warmth of a close family, or from the challenge and success of a good job, or from many other tangible items. But for a married man, God has given such a man a most valued gift. What has value beyond all other things? King Solomon offers this suggestion from Proverbs 31:10:

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

You may remember that, in his sin, Solomon had many wives and many concubines. You would think that he would regale the value of multiple wives and lovers. Yet, the construction of the Hebrew makes it clear that he is writing here about a singular woman—just one wife.

A woman of noble character is truly a gift from God to a married man. He should cherish her in the same way he might cherish the finest rubies, the best job, the greatest amount of money, or even the warmth of a large family. As a helpmeet and partner in life, such a woman has value beyond description to her husband.

As married men, let’s remember, at the beginning of this new day, the value that God gives us in the relationships with have with others, particularly those yoked with us in marriage. Our service to our Great King is heightened when we recognize the enormous value to us of the partner He has given us for the sake of His Kingdom.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Confess and Pray

 

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other …

—from James 5:16

As followers of the Great King Jesus, we Christians have a significant responsibility to show our love and concern for our fellow believers. God has called us to Himself and made us brothers and sisters. There are many concerns we share with each other. Among them is the concern that the Apostle James offers in this advice for believers, as recorded in part from James 5:16:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

That seems like very good advice to me. Of course, the person to whom we choose to confess must be someone trustworthy, who will keep our confession in confidence.

Even so, as we begin this new day, let’s decide to follow this advice and do what the Apostle suggests. If we do, we will gain a significant benefit. Okay?

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

We Will Know His Greatness

 

“And so I will show my greatness and my holiness …”

—Ezekiel 38:23a

God has a way of making Himself known at the most appropriate times. In fact, it’s a really good idea for those of us who follow His Son, Jesus, to keep our eyes peeled for those times when God reveals Himself in our daily lives. Jeremiah 29:13 declares:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I’ve written many times before about a little exercise first brought to my attention by my long-time spiritual mentor, Rev. Dr. David R. Mains, more than 47 years ago. That exercise is called the “God Hunt.” In fact, David and his wife, Karen, have written at least two books on this subject—one for adults and one for children. The key elements of this daily conscious-awareness of God at work in our lives includes looking for and taking note of the following:

• Any obvious answer to prayer, or …
  
  
• Any special evidence of God’s care, or …
  
  
• Any help to do God’s work in the world, or …
  
  
• Any unusual linkage or timing.
  
  

If we keep our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts on alert, we will see God’s hand at work in our lives every day. After all, God has promised He will make Himself known. Notice what God said through the Prophet Ezekiel, as recorded in Ezekiel 38:23:

“And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

As we start another new day, let’s be aware that God is always at work in our lives. It’s high time we acknowledged His presence by keeping ourselves looking for the way He interacts to bless us all through each day.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Resist! Resist! Resist!

 

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

—James 4:7

The term “Resist!” has currently inflamed our culture. One political ideology in our nation has decided that it’s better to resist than to find common ground. This stance frankly disappoints me greatly. A hallmark of our form of government has routinely been built on wise individuals, who have vastly different political philosophies and intentions, and yet work together to find points where they can agree. When one side determines that they will resist without any hope of compromise, we all suffer in the end.

But, resistance is not always a bad thing. Take note of what the Apostle James wrote, as recorded in James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Now, here’s a time when resistance pays great benefit. Resisting the enemy of our soul, Satan, and fleeing from his devious and destructive ways is a very good thing. Submission to God is also an excellent choice to make.

Therefore, at the start of this new day we can take these two marching orders to heart. As we begin to walk into our world this day, we can determine to resist Satan and all his clever wiles. And, we can determine to submit our faulty and selfish human wills to God’s perfect and divine will. What better ways can we possibly choose to act as children of the Great King Jesus?

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

That We May Know Him

 

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

—John 17:3

God’s desire is that we will know Him. That’s why He has revealed Himself to us in His written Word: the Bible, and through His Living Word: His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s why He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to become a human and die on a cruel Roman cross of torture, bearing our sins, and fulfilling God’s justice that was destined for us. That’s why God has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within the hearts of all those who believe in Jesus.

Even in His moments of great agony, as the terror of the cross loomed large before Him, Jesus prayed these words, as recorded in John 17:3:

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

God wants us to know Him. That’s a thought that should give us courage to face another new day. To be known by God, to be loved by Him, and to know Him in return is the greatest, most wonderful gift God could have given to us. Let’s go forth into this new day with strength and with great joy because we belong to the One who both knows us the best and loves us the most.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

True Freedom

 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

—Galatians 5:1a

Here in the United States, freedom is something we take for granted. Most of us have been born into a freedom that people in other parts of the world can only dream about. And yet, instead of truly appreciating all the benefits that accrue to us because of our freedom, we take advantage of it and, in some cases, we misuse it.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. Christ has paid the price for our freedom from sin. Yet, we so often act as if we are still in bondage to that evil power. We need to take note of these words from the Apostle Paul, found in Galatians 5:1:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Not only has the death and resurrection of Jesus freed us from the penalty for our sins, Christ has freed us from the power that sin has over us. We need to start living in a way that reflects the freedom we have in Christ: true freedom. Therefore, as we begin another new day, let’s determine to live as people free from the bondage of sin and alive to the victory that we have through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Lord, and King.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

A Stern, But Gracious, Warning

 

“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

—2 Chronicles 7:14

The context of the Scripture verse at the beginning of this blog post is so important that it sheds an even more serious light on this verse than its normal use would imply. The occasion is the dedication of the new temple that King Solomon has built, finishing the work that his father, King David, had hoped to bring about. But, because of David’s sin, David was prohibited by God from actually completing the new temple. Here’s the context, taken from 2 Chronicles 7:13-22. God is speaking to King Solomon:

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

“As for you [Solomon], if you walk before me faithfully as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to rule over Israel.’

“But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. This temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why he brought all this disaster on them.’”

As you can see, the marvel and wonder of this oft-quoted verse lies within its context. Will God answer the fervent and earnest prayers of His people? Of course He will. Should we pray for our nation, the United States of America? Yes! Definitely! Will God hear from heaven and heal our land? Yes, I believe He will—most likely by sending a great, sweeping revival across the land from the east to the west and from the north to the south.

As we begin this new day, let’s begin by praying such a prayer:

“O God, heal our land. Let Your righteousness flow down and over and through our land like a mighty river. Send Your showers of blessing. Like spring rains, let revival cover every inch of our nation—to the glory of Your mighty name. We pray in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.”

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Learning from Jesus

 

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”

—from John 7:1

A wise person once opined:

“Life is one long learning experience.”

I’ve certainly found that statement accurately describes my life. I suspect it describes your life, as well. So, every single day, you and I are engaged in learning how to live our lives in a way that will be more effective, more productive, and more worthy of the life to which God has called us.

Fortunately, we have a major teacher in the person of God’s own Son, Jesus. Not only is He our Savior, Lord, and King, He is the best possible teacher because “He put on our flesh and walked in our bones.” ¹ For example, please note these words of Jesus to His disciples, as recorded in John 6:32-33, 7:1:

“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”

Here Jesus states that His principal purpose is to glorify His Father. Without meaning to propose something in a trite way, I might state:

“Good enough for Jesus—good enough for us.”

If Jesus intended to do everything in His life to glorify God, then that would be exactly the way we should live our lives, as well. Thus, as we begin another day, let’s examine our actions to make certain that everything we do is done in such a way that it brings glory to God.

Do we want to achieve our personal and work goals in life? Do those goals bring glory to God? Then, let’s move forward, making certain that every step we take to achieve our goals is done in a way that glorifies God—no shortcuts, no deceit, no treachery, just diligent hard work.

Do we want our marriage to be a happy, soul-enriching experience for our spouses and for ourselves? The, let’s pursue that goal in a way that honors God and brings glory to Him.

If God has called us to a life of singleness, do we want to live such a life in a way that displays enthusiastic acceptance of this calling, and thus brings glory to God as we follow every direction that He provides for us? Then, we should walk the pathway of our lives in such a way that we constantly examine each opportunity and choose those that will distinctly and purposefully bring honor to the God who loves us.

In fact, in every area of our lives, this day and every day, let’s live in a way that will glorify the God who loves us with His everlasting, unfailing, and undying love.

 

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1 Kromer, Helen and Silver, Frederick. “I’m Nothing, Nobody, No One” from the musical For Heaven’s Sake. Boston, MA: Baker Publishing Company and New York: Williamson Music Company, 1961. Please note that whenever a citation of Copyrighted material is made on this blog post, such a citation is given strictly for Educational Fair Use illustration purposes only. All Rights Reserved by the original Copyright Holder.

 

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