Light for Our Way: Messages of Hope & Inspiration from God's Word

By David Renison

Spend some time reading hope-filled messages inspired by the timeless, life-changing truths of God's Word!

Life is filled with noise, rattle, and panic. The Christian journey is a walk of faith. And when trouble comes, our confidence in God never remains the same. It either diminishes or it deepens. Why? Because our faith has bee

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Apr 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685561918

David Renison

Drawing from decades of teaching, singing, and discipleship, the author of WORSHIP THE KING! and LIGHT FOR OUR WAY shares Biblical truths in a practical and highly readable way. DAVID RENISON says, “Once my eyes opened to the beauty of God’s grace, I found it on every page of the Bible! Today, I point others to the Christ I have come to know.”

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The Lord is my light and my salvation… whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1

Light

for Our Way

MESSAGES OF HOPE & INSPIRATION FROM GOD’S WORD

DAVID RENISON

Light for Our Way: Messages of Hope and Inspiration from God’s Word

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2022 by David Renison

All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version Bible. Public domain.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Manufactured in the United States of America

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-68556-190-1

E-ISBN: 978-1-68556-191-8

www.TheChristianLife.net

Dedication

To my wife Marjorie,

our children, and grandchildren.

You are always in my heart!

Table of Contents

Dedication

Introduction

Foreword

A Godly Heritage

Salvation Settled and Secure

Magnify the Lord with Me

A Sacred Place to Meet God

Adrift with a Wounded Spirit

A Steadfast Mind

God Will Restore the Dream

An Excellent Spirit

There Are No Despairing Christians

Beware the Company You Keep

Celebrate Grace

Rest in God’s Sovereignty

The Testing of Our Faith

Contentment in a Discontented World

Courageous Indifference to Slander

His Majesty

Friendship with Jesus

Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord

In Jesus’ Name

Justification More Than Forgiveness

From Darkest Night to Brightest Day

Morning Will Come

The Wilderness Experience

A Teachable Spirit

Be a Barnabas

Blessed Years with a Young Family

Calm My Spirit, O Lord

Serving Faithfully, No Matter What

Embrace the Detour

Surviving the Dark Nights

The Family of God

Finding Purpose in Our Later Years

God Loves a Repentant Heart

Friend of the Fallen

Fruit: Evidence of a Saving Faith

Revive Me, O Lord

Growing Old with God

Serve from Where You Are

Give the Past to God

The Joy of Giving Thanks

Keep Looking Heavenward

Reflecting the Light of Jesus

Jesus Drew Near

The Dim Valley of Dementia

Resting in God’s Grace

A New Song

Jesus Christ, the Only Way

Loving God by Serving People

God in the Storm

Joseph’s Brethren and Me

Legalism, Grace, then Freedom

A New Road for a New Year

Let Me Hear You Pray

His Name is I AM

A Living Testimony

Let the People Say Amen

Beyond the Tangible Tasks

Do Not Park There

More Joy These Days

Divine Healing

Stirred, But Not Changed

Near Him to Hear Him

A Dad Who Will Not Leave You

Alone with God

An Invitation and a Promise

Courage to Overcome

The Danger of Riches

Desiring to See Jesus

The Ministry of Refreshment

A Renewal of Strength

Healing for Wounded Hearts

Encourage Someone Today

Bearing Good Fruit

Love

Joy

Peace

Longsuffering

Gentleness

Goodness

Faith

Meekness

Temperance

God’s Purpose for Me

He Does Not Leave Us Sinking

Highest Use of My Days

God’s Church, My Family

Humility Before God

A Tree of God’s Design

In My Father’s House

Numbering Our Days

More Like Jesus

Let Go and Let God

Longing for Home

Miracles

Moved with Compassion

One Thing I Know

Nudge Somebody

People We Meet

His Hand is Bigger Than Mine

Words Aptly Spoken

Praise from a Cave

Resurrection Life

The Lord’s Prayer

Joyously Walking with God

Be Not Dismayed

Safely Abiding in Christ

God Is in The Interruptions

The Choice is Ours

Sharing His Gospel

That Ye May Know

Sheep of His Pasture

People of Second Chances

Sir, We Would See Jesus

Stay the Course

Stewardship, Not Ownership

Such as I Have

The Conduct of True Christianity

Move from Doubt to Worship

The Greatest Legacy of All

The Value of a Good Name

What is in Thine Hand?

Wise Men Worship Him

Yet Will I Trust in Him

A Baby Changes Everything

A Look of Love

That Your Joy Might Be Full

A Psalm of Care and Provision

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Use Me, O Lord

By Him, Actions Are Weighed

Contented in Jesus Christ

From This Day Forward

Given to Hospitality

Forever Changed

God of All Comfort

Growing Old God’s Way

He Makes All Things New

I Will Remember

A Servant’s Heart

In Him Will I Trust

Joy in Believing

Living Beyond Condemnation

Put Purpose in My Days, Dear Lord

Quietness in a Restless World

Sing Something That Matters

The Blessings of Daily Provision

Great is Thy Faithfulness

The Plans I Have for You

His Presence is Enough

The Way of the Righteous

Thy Will Be Done

Trusting God with Our Children

Never This Way Before: My Darkest Road

I Have Anchored My Soul

Introduction

The Christian experience is a journey of faith. What is this way of faith? It is that we find the world of the unseen more convincing than this one. In the uncertainties of life, there is certainty in what God has promised: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast… even Jesus (Heb. 6:13–20). Let us hold fast the profession of our hope without wavering, for He is faithful that promised (Heb. 10:23).

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the gospel that must be preached everywhere to everyone. It is a simple gospel, and thankfulness is the only response we can have for forgiveness and holiness so complete and undeserved. Romans 3:21–31 declares that we are not justified by good works but by God through faith in Christ alone. He is with me to accomplish His perfect will in my imperfect life. Truly, I have found a faithful friend and Savior!

When trouble comes, our faith changes. It either diminishes or deepens because it has been challenged. We want to figure things out and understand the reasoning behind everything that is happening. But there are so many things we cannot understand. And for those who are suffering, any intellectual response seems inadequate. Yes, we experience pain and confusion. But in times of trouble, we need more than logic. We need hope. Jesus Christ is that hope! Do not stumble at the mysteries of life where there is no explanation. Rather, find comfort in the knowledge that you are a child of God, living by faith with heaven in view (Rom. 1:17). Jesus taught us to live one day at a time (Matt. 6:11). If we want peace, we must give up the need to understand.

I pray that, with each devotional you read, you will be inspired to draw closer to the Lord. All of my writings are rooted in the Word of God, and I have included Scriptural references for study. God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). The Master of the wind has calmed the storms of my life, and He is causing the sun to shine ever brighter than before. What I have come to understand about God’s grace has made a powerful difference in me, and He will do the same for you. Today, I find joy in reminding others how Jesus Christ longs to redeem every situation and circumstance. My desire is that you will draw joy from the wells of salvation (Isa. 12:3). God has truly been with me wherever I have gone. Dear friend, may God be with you!

Foreword

True Christians always desire to have a deeper, more meaningful walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Proverbs 20:5 tells us, As deep water, so counsel is in the heart of a man; but a wise man shall draw it out. One way we are able to reach those greater depths in our knowledge of Christ is with the help of men like David Renison. He masterfully draws from the deep well of wisdom from the Bible.

Light for Our Way is filled with practical, helpful lessons and illustrations from Scripture. Each writing is articulated in such a way as to draw our hearts and minds closer to the spirit of humility and holiness that our Heavenly Father desires in us.

You will be challenged and encouraged as you turn the pages of this book. Even through days of sorrow and struggle, Brother Renison has been a light to many through his encouraging words and many years of faithfulness. He has pointed others to the light of the Savior when his world was very dark. He has personally blessed and encouraged my family over the years, and I consider him a dear friend. Every time I speak with him, he sharpens me with his kind wisdom and tender heart for the Lord. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I have. I know that his words are not empty, nor his thoughts vain. But rather, a labor of love to convey the sincere truth of God’s Word.

— Pastor Parry Dalzell

Central Valley Baptist Church

Manteca, California

A Godly Heritage

I was born into a Christian family, a household where my parents and grandparents faithfully served God for many years. I will forever be grateful to have been raised in such an environment! I was not born a Christian. No one is (Psalm 51:5). But as soon as I was able to know names, I knew the name of Jesus. I was raised in a home of love and discipline. My sisters and I felt secure. Despite the frayed circumstances of life, my parents walked upright in the Lord. They reflected the light of Jesus by their interaction with others.

Dad has been gone ten years at this writing. Losing a parent will force us to face our own mortality. It serves as a reminder that we owe it to our children and grandchildren to be the best we can be. I spoke briefly at my father’s funeral, and it was difficult for me. But to do it again now would be even more difficult. I thought time would be a healer, but for me, it has not happened that way. I miss him more each year. He was not rich or famous, but he had character and backbone. Dad was dependable, and he expected the same from me. My father was a happy man who served God faithfully. He was a pastor’s friend. His focus was on his God, his family, and his church. Dad lived according to biblical principles (James 1:22–27). He had the ability to see all sides of an issue and then act with uncompromised integrity. He would never let the actions of others govern his. Dad prided himself on his penmanship, his memory, and his desire to do everything with precision. He demonstrated his love by the things he did every day. Today, as I look at photos of our many fishing and hunting trips, so many great memories flood my mind. Dad suffered some physical setbacks that would have broken the spirit of most men, but I never heard him complain. My father prayed for God’s wisdom, trusting that He does all things well (Mark 7:37). Two nights before he passed from this life, I sat with him, telling him how much I appreciated all he was to me. At one point, I told him I hoped I would be as strong as he was in the face of death. With a few tears, he could faintly say, You will be. I miss him so much. My father was not perfect, but I would not change a thing.

The highest calling for any Christian is to simply walk with God. My mother walked with Him not behind Him nor before Him, but in step with Him. To her, blessedness was to hear the word of God and to keep it — to do it — to make it who she was. No one could ever doubt this about my mother. She had the heart of Mary, who said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden… he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. She loved others as God loves them, looking past the mistakes, weaknesses, and appearances. Her faith rested entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ and God’s amazing grace (Eph. 2). Christianity was not merely emotion, nor meaningless words spoken. It was a quiet confidence. Mom never confused religion with relationship. New life in Christ affects the whole of life, and the Holy Spirit within her was evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:21–22): Love was the foundation of her life; the grace of Christianity (Matt. 22:34–40). Joy was a dimension of living, despite negative circumstances (Phil. 4:13). Peace was knowing the suffering of life would pale in comparison to what God had in store for her (John 16:33). Longsuffering was patient endurance (Eph. 4:2–3). Gentleness involved humility toward God and restrained behavior toward others (Gal. 6:10). Goodness was shown in a life characterized by a desire to be a blessing (Eph. 4:19). Faith was the practice of holding fast to the Word of God (Psalm 119:30). Meekness was the quiet strength that accompanied her trust in the Lord (James 4:6). Temperance was a resolve that was ruled by a Christ-centered purpose (Rom. 13:13–14). Alzheimer’s stripped Mom of her dignity, then her life. But her death is not the end. For just as Christ rose from the dead, we who are saved shall all likewise be raised. And rising, our song shall be: Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory (1 Cor. 15:55)?

True Christianity needs no label. The image speaks for itself. It is faith through grace that makes a Christian; life proves a Christian, trials confirm a Christian, and death will crown a Christian. What a privilege to be her son! She taught from a godly lifestyle. It was Mom’s faithfulness to the Lord and His to her that persuaded others to want a relationship with Him. Through the years, I have listened to thousands of people pray, both individually and collectively. And, while I wish the messages of Mom’s prayers would have gripped me earlier in life as they do today, none have influenced me like hers. Mom never used senseless phrases, but always a conversation of praise or a request from her heart (Matt. 6:7). My mother was always aware. She knew what the world had to offer, and she did what she could to protect her family. She knew the enemy of the soul would take everything of value and give nothing back. Her commitment and love for God were unwavering. I recall the many years my mother played piano while Dad led congregational singing in our local church. Her work in the kingdom was done with a humble and godly spirit. She was not self-promoting, and her desire was that others would see only Jesus Christ. What a blessing she was to those who needed encouragement!

My parents displayed a strong and wonderful spirit I can still visualize. I am now persuaded to say, Great is Thy faithfulness (Lam. 3:23) because I witnessed His faithfulness in their lives and of my grandparents. None were perfect, and neither am I. But I knew God was real to them by their words, attitudes, and actions. I was told of His great salvation. I was told how my Redeemer came and paid the price of my sin once for all with His precious Blood (Heb. 9:11–14). I want my own family to experience the reality of the love of Jesus in their lives and the promise of heaven.

What is the way of faith? It is that we find the world of the unseen more convincing than this one. In the uncertainties of life, there is certainty in what God has promised: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast… even Jesus (Heb. 6:13–20; Num. 23:19). The Old Testament prophet Moses prayed Psalm 90, Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. He prayed for mercy. He prayed that we might rejoice and be glad all our days. He prayed that the beauty of the Lord would be upon us and our work established. My parents knew each day had value, and they wanted to intentionally live in a way that brought glory to God and blessing to others. To ‘number our days’ is to evaluate the value of each one. Mom and Dad considered the shortness of days and how best to live. Life is empty without God in it, but every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Only God can teach us to see each day as an opportunity to walk by faith with the hope of heaven. How do you measure success? The answer is in the lives you touch and the people you influence for Jesus Christ. This is my prayer: Dear Lord, the days flash by. Help us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Time and life walk together, so please help us see the truth about time and use it well for you. I pray you will make our days useful, our nights restful, our homes peaceful, and our efforts fruitful. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Salvation Settled and Secure

Thank God for His wondrous salvation! There are several verses of Scripture that speak of salvation settled and secure, not the least of which is Galatians 3. This is where the apostle Paul addresses the Ephesians 2:8–9 issue of saved by grace and not of works with an admonition to individuals who had a blurred vision of the finished work of Calvary (John 17:1–5). He says to them, Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh? Salvation is the work of God from first to last (Rev. 22:13). It is not biblical to say salvation is received through faith (Eph. 2:8–9) and then maintained by something we do — or don’t do (Gal. 5:1–4). Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and the life… whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die (John 11:25–26). He said this to Martha, whose brother had just died. So, how could Jesus say that whoever believes in Him would never die? Our Lord was teaching from an eternal perspective; that through Christ, everlasting life is ours the moment we are born of the Spirit (John 3:1–21, 1 Tim. 6:12, 1 Peter 1:23) and the new birth will never end. By definition, eternal life is forever.

It is difficult for some to believe that their position in Christ is sustained for a lifetime. They live as though salvation could be lost one day and regained the next. There is hesitancy when they speak of the coming of the Lord (1 Thess. 4:15) when they should be cherishing the promise with great anticipation (John 14:1–14). Satan’s work of making us feel spiritually incomplete (2 Cor. 11:3, Gen. 3) will only lead to hopelessness. Many have I known (especially teens and young adults) who lived with a sense of God’s disapproval of their performance. And the guilt of not attaining religious standards (Matt. 23) drove them away from God altogether. This is not the way of faith. It is not the abundant life spoken of in John 10:10. Martin Luther said, The most damnable and pernicious heresy that has ever plagued the mind of man is that somehow he can make himself good enough to deserve to live forever with an all-holy God. Lay your anxieties before the Lord in prayer. He will strengthen you and give you rest!

I encourage you to spend time reading the Bible verses of reference. First, consider this question: Would God promise everlasting life (John 3:16) if it were not really everlasting? Certainly not. Some will speak of eternal life as beginning at the point of mortal death. But according to the Bible, when we come to Christ, something happens in a moment that is divine, life-changing, and eternal. That is, we are partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3–4). Our sins are forgiven, entirely and completely (Col. 1:9–14). Everlasting life is present tense (John 3:36). It is our current possession (John 5:24, 6:47). When we are born again (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit comes to abide within (1 Peter 1:18–23). And having been made free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2), we become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7). Of all the burdens of the mind, doubt is among the weightiest. There is no joy of salvation when there is vagueness or uncertainty. Have you ever been given opportunities to rededicate your life to God with the assumption that you had lost your salvation and needed to regain it? Sometimes our emotions do not match reality. By definition, a gift is a thing given willingly to someone without payment, never to be taken back. When God gives the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38) on one’s special birthday (John 3:1–21), it is forever. The apostle John speaks of our fellowship with the Lord and eternal life in the same context, that your joy may be full (1 John 1:1–4).

Either by misinterpretation or by ignoring the context in which a Bible passage is written (2 Tim. 2:15), some will build major doctrines from a few obscure passages. I have heard people say nonsensical things like, I know what that verse of Scripture says, but this is what God really means (2 Peter 1:20–21) as they try to bend the interpretation to suit their own or perhaps a denominational, point of view. And arguing is important to them (2 Tim. 2:22–26). It seems they want to explain God over loving Him (1 Cor. 13:1–3). For example, they might argue the timeline of creation without rejoicing in creation itself. They might debate the manner of God’s manifestation over worshiping He who is manifest (1 Tim. 3:16) or analyze God’s nature as an alternative for declaring His glory (Col. 1:19). The joy of the Christian journey is found in worship, not debate. He is much more than the source of our knowledge. He is the cause of our wonder!

The words of God are clearly stated and forever settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89). We have no hope of escaping God’s wrath apart from trusting in the resurrection gospel of 1 Corinthians 15. And if we do not believe eternal life with Christ is settled and secure the moment we are saved (Rom. 10:9–13), the only thing left is to foolishly remain hopeful that our good deeds prior to our passing will outweigh the bad ones; and that God, seeing our performance, will accept us into His family. When our Lord gave His all at Calvary, He was not thinking about human performance. He was demonstrating unconditional love (John 15:13). Yes, we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto works that are described as good and profitable (Eph. 2:10; Titus 3:8). But good conduct is not the means of salvation. It is the evidence of faith, demonstrated by the Holy Spirit’s work in us (Gal. 5:22–26). Salvation is a gift (Rom. 6:23), and thankfulness is the only response we can have for forgiveness and holiness so complete and undeserved! Certainly, I understand the principle of sowing and reaping, of earned wages, and the concept of hard work preceding the joy of achievement. But the idea of cause and effect has no place in God’s plan of redemption (Titus 3:5). It is His eternal work and His alone (Eph. 2:1–6). What can we, whose righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6) and whose hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jer. 17: 9), ever do to influence the gospel message or the grace of everlasting salvation? Nothing at all. Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

Eternity with the Lord is an instant gift, not a lifetime achievement award. When Christ hung on the cross, He told one of the criminals next to Him, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. The Savior made a promise to a dying, repentant thief who did not have a lifetime of good deeds to point back to, nor did he have a chance to prove that he had moved from a life of crime. He simply believed in Jesus, and it was enough (Luke 23:39–43). Evangelist Billy Graham said, I am not going to Heaven because I have preached to great crowds or read the Bible many times. I’m going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: ‘Lord, remember me.’ In Titus 3:4–7, we read, The kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost… that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Read the verse again. What life is this? Eternal life. What I have come to understand about God’s grace has made a powerful difference in me (Rom. 5:1–5). I am most assuredly a child of God (Rom. 8:14–17). I am an heir to all the privileges of adoption, which include provision (Luke 12:24), protection (Psalm 34:7), promises (Rom. 4:20–22), and position. I am no more a servant, but a son (Gal. 4:6–7). And positionally, this can never change. Any fair interpretation of 1 Peter 1:4–5, an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time would never lead us to a split between what God does and any finishing touches we might make before we die. When you accept the once-for-all Sacrifice of Calvary, you will find rest for a weary mind.

How wonderful it is to know beyond any doubt that you have entered life everlasting. The apostle John wrote an entire chapter to assure God’s people that they are indeed God’s people. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13). And what had he written? That, whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God… that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (1 John 5:1–12). When John spoke of people who had seemingly departed from the faith, he said, they went out from us because they were not of us (1 John 2:19). He adds, If they had been of us, they would have remained with us. He was speaking of false teachers who claimed to be believers but were not. John wrote about them in contrast to those who had been anointed (1 John 2:20). These were people who did not know the truth (1 John 2:21), they denied Jesus is the Christ (1 John 2:22), and they deceived others (1 John 2:26). When we come to Christ, we become children of God. Our sins are forgiven (Eph. 1:7–8), the Holy Ghost lives in us (1 Cor. 3:16, Acts 2:4), and nothing is ever the same again (Rom. 8:1). Jesus said, And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish (John 10:28). Christian friend, rest in what your Lord is saying to you in John 5:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life. Thank God, eternal life is a present possession!

The Blood of Jesus Christ lifts us out of the reach of condemnation. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned (John 3:17–18). Christ has put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (Rom. 9:26, 2 Cor. 5:21). And redemption, being completed, does not require repetition (Rom. 6:7–14). The One who saved us says we have already passed from death to life (John 5:24). Let us put aside our preconceived ideas and take the Savior at His Word (Rom. 4:3, Jonah 3:5, Acts 27:25). The apostle Paul says we walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4). And, believing in the fullness of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we are sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise (Eph. 1:13–14). We are God’s possession (1 Cor. 6:19–20). What a wonderful day it was when we trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! Nothing is more wonderful, and nothing is more certain than the reality of everlasting life in a believer who is transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. This is our joy for eternity!

Magnify the Lord with Me

Singing a song of adoration, the Psalmist David vowed to bless the Lord continually with praise and thanksgiving. He said, I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Then he invites us to do the same: O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34). What does it mean to magnify the Lord? To be clear, we cannot possibly make God larger than He is. He is infinite and complete. But just as we can magnify words on a page, so we can see Him. In the presence of God, we see Him for who He is and who we are not. Our perspective is changed. We see things of eternal value more clearly. It is by prayer and obedience to the Word that we exalt God as holy in a society that considers Him casually. Our Lord becomes to us larger than anything — or anyone. When we magnify God, we love what we see, and we want others to see Him that way. When we are near God in relationship, we will magnify His glory to the world with worship and righteous living. To exalt God is to give Him first place in every thought, every word spoken, and every deed done. It is the temptation of our hearts to want to be in control and not wait for God’s timing. But true and lasting success is that which is accomplished in God’s time and for His glory. Our Lord must increase. We must decrease. The apostle John said, He that cometh from above is above all (John 3:30–31).

What we do matters, but our motivation matters more (Matt. 6:1–4). Our actions must be void of any prideful agenda or self-elevation. When a man asked the great evangelist and missionary George Müeller the secret of his service, he responded: There was a day when I died, utterly died; died to George Müeller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends; and since then, I have studied to show myself approved only to God. William Carey, who is called the Father of Modern Missions, served the Lord in India for many years. He gradually became concerned about the attitude of his son, Felix. The young man had promised to become a missionary, but he reneged on his vows when he was appointed ambassador to Burma by the Queen of England. Carey wrote to his friend, asking prayer for his son with these words: Pray for Felix. He has degenerated into an ambassador of the British government when he should be serving the King of Kings.

A thankful heart magnifies the Lord in the same way a telescope magnifies the stars. There is a vision of the Almighty that only gratefulness can provide. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good (Psalm 118:1). In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess. 5:18). When gratitude becomes our first response, life changes. While the birth of Jesus was foretold in the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel, Mary magnified the Lord. She said, My soul doth magnify the Lord. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name (Luke 1:46, 49). How did Mary make the Lord large? She brought Him more closely to value Him more highly. When she realized that God had chosen her to give birth to the Messiah, she glorified the Lord by revealing what God was doing in her life. His blessing upon her was the source of her testimony! To praise God is to speak of his excellent goodness, grace, mercy, and love. We glorify God by telling others who He is and what He has done in our lives! We worship Him by the way we live. David wrote, I will praise the name of God with a song; and will magnify him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30).

Gratitude strikes a blow against our own greatness, and we recognize God as the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). One evening a Christian lady went to visit a little girl in the hospital who was confined to her bed with a spinal problem. The woman sat by the girl’s bed, and they both stared out the window. Finally, the little girl said, Do you want to play a game with me? It’s a game I call Stars. Every night when the stars come out, I think of all the people I love, and all the blessings I have, like my mom and dad, my dog, my food, and I name each star with one of my blessings. The visitor said, That sounds like fun! The little girl said, It is! The only problem is… there are not enough stars. The works of God and the vast wonder of His character cannot be fully understood. But we can tell the story of His greatness. As a young child, I would visit my friend’s house on occasion. His mother would set the dinner table, and prayer was offered before we began eating. Bowing his head, my childhood pal would say, God is great, God is good… let us thank Him for our food. Amen. It was a simple little prayer that has become something of value to me. God is great… He is good… and therefore, I will be thankful. Remember what the Psalmist said? O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34:3).

Examples of God’s glory — that is, to manifest the divine — can be seen all throughout Scripture. The Bible speaks of the glory of God as a super-theme that appears about 275 times, 50 times alone in the book of Psalms. He is the Light of the world. We are to reflect that light, to show forth, to demonstrate, and to express the image of Jesus Christ so He can be seen by all. Why is this so important? Simply put, it is what we were created to do (Isa. 43:7). If we are not magnifying God, then we are not living out our divine purpose. The apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Gal. 5). Jesus said, Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit (John 15:8). We are called to bring our Lord honor in everything we do. David blessed the congregation, Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all (1 Chron. 29:11). I love the old hymn written by Charles Gabriel, ‘I Stand Amazed in the Presence’ (also known as ‘My Savior’s Love’). The first verse goes like this, I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous. How wonderful. And my song shall ever be: How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior’s love for me.

Heavenly Father, because your lovingkindness is better than life, our lips will praise you (Psalm 63:3). Today and every day, we want to magnify you with thankfulness for who you are and for what you have done in us. Surely, we cannot add to your glory, your name, or your nature. But we can magnify you. And we will. It is our privilege to glorify You by telling of your salvation. Through the good, the bad, the joy, the sorrow, the celebration, and the mourning, we lift you high in our hearts. Let all that we are point to your majesty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

A Sacred Place

to Meet God

We observe old landmarks because some things never grow obsolete. Nothing can amend or improve them. There may be new religious expressions, new modes of presentation, but the altar of true Christianity will stand as long as time endures. When rebuilding the tabernacle, the Israelites in the days of Ezra began with an altar. Weeping had endured for a long night of seventy years. This was the joy of the morning, a joy of repentance and obedience. Many of the old men of the nation had seen the first house of God, and they could not forget its glory. Now it was time for the people to again build holy place where they could again worship God. The celebration was a memorial of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It was heartfelt thanksgiving for a new land. Without homes of their own, their cities in ruins, and with a thousand demands pressing upon them, they nevertheless provided first for the worship of the temple. What a wonderful lesson: God first and afterward self. His work first, and then our own. They gave willingly. They paid not only the tithe, which was required by law, but they gave offerings freely from their heart. They gave according to their ability. They worked unitedly, laboring as one. Their counsels were not divided. There were no jealousies, no personal ambitions to hinder the progress. The work was systematic. They had zeal and energy. The old men wept tears of joy as they saw the foundation of the new house laid. The construction of the temple was their priority, and it was an abiding testimony of their faith in God.

As Jacob set up an altar in the place where God talked with him (Gen. 35:7), so have men erected memorial stones to commemorate their faith. There is a special blessing for those who meet in the house of the Lord. The Bible says, And they sung together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth forever (Ezra 3:11). In the New Testament, the Greeks and Romans would have willingly tolerated Christians had Christianity not demanded the renouncing of idolatry and the exclusive worship of the true and living God. Rather, every obstacle was placed in the way of the spread of Christianity. But despite all persecution, the Church prospered. There is no book that sheds more light on the obligation of building churches and the spirit that should inspire them than that of the book of Ezra. In building the house of God, we express a connection to Him. We affirm our faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we build to meet the condition of sinners. Qualified men are always found for hard tasks. Satan’s barriers may chill the courage of many, but they will provoke the energy and determination of a Godly leader. It is true that we can worship God anywhere, but a place dedicated to Him encourages such worship. Here, we are released for a time from distractions and sounds of the outside life. Gathered in God’s house, we come together for Bible preaching, the singing of hymns, and lifting our praise to the Almighty. Speaking of an old village church, Washington Irving says, For my part, there are feelings that visit me in a country church, amid the beautiful serenity of nature, which I experience nowhere else; and, if not a more religious, I think I am a better man on Sunday than on any other day of the seven. Among the most sacred of my life are the childhood memories that carry me back to the old familiar church, which then seemed so grand and impressive, where the people reverently worshipped God. Learn not to neglect the sanctuary. Keep the dedication of the house of God, for it is a place of rejoicing!

Adrift with a Wounded Spirit

All of us will be tempted to blame God and others for our own conduct or neglect. Satan is the master of deceit, and it has been so since the beginning of time (Gen. 3). As we serve the Lord, perhaps even in a ministry of the church, the enemy is at work. At the start, our enthusiasm and motivation for serving are pleasing to God. But Scripture warns us: Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness (2 Peter 3:17). It is by this manner of slipping that our service becomes to us an obligation, a mere duty apart from the love of God. Chances are, someone will say or do something to hurt our pride. Weary and self-absorbed, we are convinced that no one appreciates our work any longer (Gal. 6:9–10). We become bitter of spirit, so we pull back from our responsibilities and church attendance. Finding ourselves alone and without the joy of the Lord, it becomes easy to lash out at those around us or clench a fist at God for not intervening on our behalf. Then one of two things will happen. We will either shake ourselves and repent, or we will miss God’s blessings altogether in our lives. A storm may have broken out in your life and driven you away from Christ. It may have been a storm of doubt and confusion. It may have been one of trouble, worry, or sudden loss. It is a gale with winds so severe that it has driven you away from Christ instead of near to Him. It happens that a tempest that leads one man to Jesus Christ drives another away (Acts 27:9–12). Why? Because, at the time, he could not see the reason, the meaning, nor the righteousness of it. And so, everything in God that he once embraced slips away from him… everything, including Christ.

Life has some hard blows. Satan causes you to wonder if the things you have lived for in Christ are real. You are afraid to let anybody in. Then comes a depression that causes you to make unwise decisions. You are saved, but you find yourself sliding and losing the joy you once had in God. I know from experience that we have a faithful friend in Jesus. You can find peace with Him by your side! The Bible tells us to continue in those things we have learned, to observe the teachings in which we have His assurances (2 Tim. 3:14). If we have not joined ourselves to the Redeemer by an act of living faith, we slowly drift away when a counter tide runs. When difficulties come, fear begins to express itself. The winds of temptation blow, the current of worldly tradition runs strong, and the force of old habits will increase. If we have no sustaining faith, we will inevitably part company with the Lord. To drift away from Christ is to resist the grace that once brought us close to Him.

What is this drift? It is the decline of faith, doctrine, and practice, the loss of that which we once valued most. It is a drift that is always toward evil. It is the gradual loss of godly affections, aims, motives, and principles. There are times in our life at which our energy is greater, others at which it is less. With the ebb of our enthusiasm, the capacity of our faith is apt to diminish also. The cares of life have a way of gradually loosening us from our moorings, and little by little, we are affected by the adverse forces. It is only by the power of God that we regain our attachment to Him. It is in giving earnest heed to those familiar aspects of His person and His work that first won our trust in Him. He has the power to draw our hearts once more. As we kneel at the cross, divine conviction stirs again within us. Here, we have an anchor that holds, and neither things present nor things to come will separate us from recognizing the love of God (Rom. 8:35–39). There is blessedness in close fellowship with our Lord. Through the diligent study of Scripture and attentiveness to preaching, we understand and apply His Word in our daily living. The gospel is the message of heaven to mankind. Therefore, it deserves to be highly esteemed. There are no words so profound as those in the Bible. They warn us of hell, and they welcome us to heaven. How easily are the most valuable things of life lost by reason of neglect! We cannot allow His Word to slip away, nor treat the pearl of great price irresponsibly. If there were no anchor sure and steadfast for us anywhere, life would be hopeless indeed (1 Cor. 15:19). Only Christ abides… Jesus, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). He is our unchanging friend and Savior!

Let us hold fast the profession of our hope without wavering, for He is faithful that promised (Heb. 10:23). Never let a sermon pass from you without some profit. Meditate on what you have heard. Conference with others. The disciples that traveled to Emmaus conferred with each other (Luke 24:13–15). Pray. Read the Bible. Practice what you have read and heard. Life’s ocean is full of currents, and the drift ruins men and women. Once we are caught by the tide, we are taken far beyond our first intention. We must not allow ourselves to press into Scripture on Sunday and then keep slipping back during the week. We are held firm through prayer, obedience to the Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit. If each endeavor of life is faithfully performed according to our knowledge of the Spirit’s work in us, then we are going steadily on with Him, losing no ground in our advance. The sufficiency of Christ is this: And ye are complete in him… buried with him… risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him (Jesus) from the dead (Col. 2:8–23). If we rely on His strength, we will surely reach the summit of our hopes and stand in Christ’s presence complete in Him.

A Steadfast Mind

In the book of Ruth, we read of a courageous woman who walked God’s way with a steadfast mind. And in doing so, she influenced others for many generations (Ruth 4:13–22). Notice that when Ruth made her choice to pursue the will of God, she was not in a highly charged atmosphere compelled by scores of other religious people. Her devotion was personal. And it was sacrificial. She was mindful of what it would take to follow Naomi. She knew that she would have to leave her kinsmen, care for an elderly woman, go to a land where her people were considered enemies, and live in poverty. Yet when she trusted fully in the wisdom of God, she was richly blessed in many ways, not the least of which was to be recorded in the lineage of Jesus (Matt. 1:1–17). The Christian journey is a walk of faith, and a Bible believer’s motives, affections, and purposes are formed by God Himself. A steadfast attitude says, No matter my emotional state or how grim the circumstance, I place myself in the Lord’s sovereign care (Isa. 49:4). Why? Because a child of God understands that perfect peace is the result of confidently leaning on His promises (John 14:15–31). More than anything, Satan wants us to question the truth of the Bible. And without a resolute mind, insecurity sets in, assumptions are made, reality is questioned, and we give more power to the evil one who is out to enslave us (Eph. 4:27). Satan uses our minds as his battlefield to wage war against us (Rom. 8:7). He is the master of deceit (John 8:44) — and he is such a liar! The enemy wants to confuse our way of thinking, thus silencing our influence in the world. It has been so since the beginning of time (Gen. 3). But by the Word of God and the authority of Jesus Christ, the devil is a defeated foe (Rev. 20:10).

Double-mindedness creates suspicion, confusion, and inconsistency. A double-minded person is restless and perplexed, often conflicted within himself. The apostle James said he is driven with the wind and tossed… unstable in all his ways (James 1:6–8). Life is hard. And when trouble comes, Satan will cause you to question the things you have lived for in Christ. If we’re not steadfast, the blowing winds of temptation will begin to weaken our resolve to cling to the godly principles we once valued most. What is this drift? It is a gradual loss of righteous affections, motives, and convictions. The cares of life have a way of gradually loosening us from our moorings, and little by little, we are affected by the adverse forces. Without daily communication and fellowship with the Lord, Scriptural principles become to us burdensome and void of power (2 Cor. 13:14). In 2 Timothy 4:1–5, the apostle Paul sounds the alarm, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. In Ephesians 6:10–20, we are told how to live steadfastly in the power of the Lord. In Hebrews, we read, Let us hold fast the profession of our hope without wavering; for he is faithful that promised (10:23). Righteous living comes from steadfast determination. Someone once wrote: There are grave difficulties on every hand, and more are looming ahead. Therefore, we must go forward. We should be people who are steadfast in faith, looking with great expectation for the return of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:11–14, Titus 2).

I recall a time when an evangelist with severe physical disabilities came to our church and preached a message entitled, You gotta have the want-to. He described many of the challenges of his childhood — and beyond. But what I heard most through his very labored speech was his determination to live for the glory of God, regardless of his physical limitations. He inspired me then, and the message encourages me even now. Evangelist Billy Graham says a highlight of one of his trips to China was having the opportunity to meet with Pastor Wing Mingdao, one of China’s best-known church leaders. Mr. Graham says, He was well known even outside China for his steadfastness in the face of persecution. At one state during the Cultural Revolution, he was given a life sentence; and he was still considered a nonperson by authorities. None of the police officers or government officials traveling with us would accompany us to his home, but they were waiting for us after the visit. Pastor Wang and his wife lived in a humble third-floor apartment on an out-of-the-way street. Old and thin, he was sitting on a metal chair, asleep, when we arrived, his head on his folded arms resting on the simple kitchen table. When he awoke, I asked if he had a word of the Lord for us. He was silent for some time. Be thou faithful unto death, he finally said, and I will give thee a crown of life (Rev. 2:10). Certainly, this godly leader exemplified that verse. We stayed at least half an hour, and our conversation was almost completely about the Bible and spiritual things.

We have all heard stories about the power of our attitude and how it can influence our accomplishments in life. A very successful football coach said this, Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. This is great advice for thriving in this world. But how much more should we value the Scriptural advice given by the Psalmist David, And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies (1 Kings 2:3). Notice the immortal words of God spoken by the apostle Paul, Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). Attitude and effort will often give us position in the world. But commitment to God will be our witness in the world. We show others how important Jesus is to us through our dedication and obedience to the Word. Immovable faith testifies to the greatness and glory of God. Character matters. Stay loyal to your commitment to serve Christ even when it seems counter to mainstream society. Do not be unsettled by what you see and hear in the world. The Bible speaks of those who will be deceived and then perish because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved (2 Thess. 2:1–12).

To be clear, no amount of effort will save us. Salvation is by the grace of God through the gift of faith (Eph. 2:8–9). But if we are to be like Jesus, we must be about our Father’s business (Luke 2:41–49). In Luke 2:49, when Mary and Joseph were searching for Jesus, we find our Lord’s earliest words recorded, … I must be about my Father’s business. Jesus is not asking why Mary and Joseph were looking for Him. Rather, He is suggesting that the temple is the only place they should have expected Him to be. Likewise, we have temple work to do. And we must do it with an ever-increasing sense of purpose. We partner in God’s business by engaging in the work for which He came to earth; that is, to be greatly concerned for the souls of men and women (John 3:16). We are commanded to go, to teach, to baptize, and to disciple people of all nations (Matt. 28:19–20). This is God’s purpose for us, and it requires a steadfast mind. Perhaps you are living with uncertainty and doubt. Paul warns that we be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word (2 Thess. 2:2). We live in a time when so much can undermine our faith and pull us off track. But to be spiritually grounded is to be wholly devoted to the cause of Christ, even in an atmosphere hostile to Christianity (2 Tim. 1:6). Endure the struggles of life through faith that cannot be shaken (2 Tim. 2:1–4). Perfection is not your goal. Consistency is. With a troubled heart, the Psalmist prayed, When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61). Choose what you will build your life on. Are your points of view based on what the media, educators, and society tell you? None will stand. Build your life on the Word of God. It is tested, tried, and true. And it never changes (Psalm 119:89). Choose what you are immoveable on. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) and there is salvation in no other name (Acts 4:12). Oh, friend, remain steadfast in the truth of the Bible!

Many things in life are vying for our time and energy. But we are called to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Rom. 12:11). Our value is in our relationship to Christ and our service to