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This is the second in a series of short stories in which I take the biblical account of Christmas and weave in details as I imagine they happened. In this story I imagine what Mary may have written if she kept a diary. The Bible is inspired by God, my writing is not. I hope my additions make this story come to life personally for you.

The Christmas Story Part 2

Wednesday

I dreamed of this all my life. The matchmaker stopped by today. Mother made me leave as soon as she arrived. I want to find out what happened, but it isn’t proper for me to ask. It wasn’t a surprise she came by our home. I noticed her talking with my parents in the market. I wondered if it was just polite conversation or if it was about me. Now I’m certain.

My girlfriends and I have fun wondering what married life is like. We see bachelors and imagine being their wife. Sometimes we squeal and make faces when we see the skinny, simple-minded boy down the street or the old, fat widower. Every conversation ends the same. We dream about marrying the most handsome and strongest man in the village. Then we argue about which one of us will end up marrying him. 

The matchmaker doesn’t talk as much as she shrills. Her voice reaches you before you see her. She knows everyone, and everyone likes her. She’s a reliable source for the latest gossip. By now everyone in town is talking about her visiting us. My friends will expect all the details. I wish I had something to tell them!

Friday

As I expected, my friends told me everyone is gossiping about the matchmaker’s visit to my house. They are excited for me. I disappointed them when I said my parents didn’t tell me anything. They weren’t satisfied with that so they decided they would choose a husband for me. Our fun time turned into teasing. The focus was all on me. They were not kind as they pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of each potential suitor. I tried to laugh but was too anxious to enjoy it. As I looked at each man, I realized my dreams could turn into a nightmare.

Sunday

I’ve still had no word from my parents about a possible betrothal. Today I saw Joseph and his father building a new house in town. Both noticed me and smiled. I wonder! Maybe I’m just a silly girl. What if he were the one?

Tuesday

He is the one! I am going to marry Joseph!

This morning Mother told me Joseph was coming over to talk with Father. He and Father each had representatives who negotiated for them. They agreed! I am betrothed to Joseph.

Joseph is a kind, quiet, hard-working man. Everyone likes him and says good things about him. Today I found out he is a man of faith.

We sat together to talk. It was our first conversation. He told me he wants to have a large family with God at the center. He promised to work hard and with God’s help provide for our needs. We will live with his parents until God provides the way for him to build us a home here in Nazareth.

Thank you, God! I’m so excited. I won’t sleep much tonight.

Thursday

My friends almost knocked me over as they ran to hug me today. I can’t stop smiling! The wedding is months away, but that’s okay. Things could not be better! Thanks be to God.

Monday

I almost can’t believe I’m writing this. An amazing thing happened. An angel visited me. It’s incredible to write that, but it happened.

The Bible says angels visited people in the past, but I never expected it to happen. His name was Gabriel. One moment I was alone and the next he was there. I saw him and couldn’t move. No one was with me. I wanted to run! Then he spoke. He assured me I had nothing to fear. He said I am favored by God.

Then he told me why he was speaking with me. He said I would conceive and give birth to a son. I would call Him Jesus and He will be great and called the son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end.

God filled me with peace as he talked. It was an angel standing before me but I wasn’t afraid. My sense was that what he said was true. But I didn’t understand. How would it happen? When would it happen? I’m a virgin.

He said the Holy Spirit will come upon me and the power of the Most High will overshadow me. My child will be the Son of God.

Then I understood. God chose me to be the mother of the Messiah.

Then Gabriel told me Elizabeth, my cousin, is pregnant in her old age. That surprised me! “For no word from God will ever fail,” he said. That meant God was keeping His word to send the Messiah, through me.

This is an honor. “I am the Lord’s servant. Fulfill your word in me,” I said.

Then he left. What do I do now? God, please help me.

Monday

I can’t put the visit from Gabriel out of my mind. My entire world has changed but I’m the only one who knows it! Everyone keeps asking me what’s wrong. I wish I could say, “Nothing’s wrong except an angel visited me and told me I will be the mother of the Messiah even though I’m still a virgin.”

I want to talk to someone, my parents, my friends, or Joseph, but I can’t. Everyone will think I dreamed it up. There’s one person I can tell, Elizabeth. I will visit her. My brother will accompany me. We leave tomorrow.

Friday

We arrived at Elizabeth and Zechariah’s last night. It took three days, but I don’t remember the journey. Every waking moment I contemplated how to tell Elizabeth. I ate little, slept little and said even less. My brother stopped asking what was wrong when all I did was smile weakly and shrug. It’s hard to keep a secret from those I love!

My worry was for nothing. I didn’t have to tell Elizabeth.

I walked in and called out her name. The Holy Spirit filled her at that moment. I froze as she said in a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!”

Then the Holy Spirit filled me, and I responded, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm, He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

She was just as surprised as I was when I said that. We hugged and cried tears of joy, and for me, relief. I was with someone who understood what was happening.

We spent the rest of the day telling our stories. She said Zechariah saw an angel when serving in the temple. The angel told him they would have a son. Zechariah doubted his word. The angel told him because of his lack of faith, he wouldn’t be able to speak until the boy was born. She is in her sixth month, so it will be a while before Zechariah can tell them everything that happened. Her son is to prepare the way for my son.

I told her about Gabriel’s visit. I shared that each day I thank God for this privilege. But I struggle as I try to imagine the future. It isn’t clear. I want it to be! I asked her how do I share this with Joseph? She said this is from God. God will give me favor with Joseph. She’s right.

Monday

These past few days have been a delight. I’m sleeping well and I have my appetite back. Elizabeth has been a great encouragement. We’ve shared our hopes, dreams, and fears for the days ahead. We’ve talked about the promises from God’s word about the Messiah. She knows the Bible well. It’s exciting to read about the Messiah and imagine Him being my son. It doesn’t seem real.

I will stay for a few months. Elizabeth can use my help around the house. I can use her help in preparing for when I tell Joseph.

Wednesday

Elizabeth will soon give birth to her son. It’s time for me to return home. The past three months have flown by. I’m in my fourth month and am showing I am with child. It isn’t too obvious when I wear loose clothing. I won’t be able to hide it for long. We leave tomorrow morning. I’m ready. I need to tell Joseph.

Friday

I’m home. So far no one has noticed I am pregnant. Everyone wanted the latest news about Zechariah and Elizabeth. I was more than happy to give it to them. Joseph stopped by to see me. There were too many people around for us to talk privately. We arranged a time to talk. Lord give me wisdom and help Joseph understand.

Monday

My conversation with Joseph didn’t end well.

It started great. When I saw him and he greeted me it seemed my heart would burst. Would he still be smiling after I told him everything?

He asked about my trip. My mind went blank. I paused. What should I say? Everything! How do I start? I hoped and prayed he would understand.

He looked puzzled as I took a deep breath and began. My voice quivered. I said, “Four months ago I was visited by the angel Gabriel.” His puzzlement turned to surprise.

Then I explained every word and every detail. When I said, “The angel told me I would become pregnant with a son, God’s Messiah,” Joseph looked away. Was he embarrassed or angry?

Quickly I continued. “But I’m a virgin,” I told Gabriel. “How was that possible?”

“The Holy Spirit would come upon me,” he said.

I told Joseph I wanted to tell him then, but I feared he wouldn’t believe me. Since the angel explained about Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy, I concluded she would be the best person to talk with first. And she was! That was why I visited her. I described how she greeted me when I walked in the door and my spirit-filled response to her. Next I told him the details about how Elizabeth told me Gabriel visited Zachariah to tell him they would have a son in their old age and that their son would be the forerunner for the Messiah.

Finally, I whispered, “It happened, Joseph, I’m pregnant.”

He stood without looking at me, turned and walked away. What do I do now?

Monday

It’s been a week. Not a word from Joseph. I spend my time alone, crying and praying. Mother keeps asking what’s wrong, but I can’t talk to her, not yet. God, please help me.

Tuesday

Joseph came by today. The moment our eyes met I saw everything was okay.

He said at first he didn’t accept my story. No virgin has ever become pregnant. Joseph assumed I betrayed him. But he didn’t want to shame me. When he considered his options, he decided not to tell anyone or seek counsel because he was so ashamed.

It hurt me to hear how he felt. He saw my reaction and said, “Don’t be upset. It’s okay, let me finish.”

He continued. Even though he didn’t want to do it, he decided to divorce me. Before he could do so an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.”

Then he asked me to forgive him for not believing me. My heart melted. The visit by the angel confirmed God chose me to be the mother of the Messiah. He is humbled God has also honored him with this privilege. He knows the next few months will be hard but he’s sure God will help us.

Thank you, Father, for blessing me with a husband who loves and trusts you. Thank you I no longer have to go through this alone. Thank You for this child.

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Ward and Pastor Jean Claude Cimeus from Haiti

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I Voted Today

Yes, even though it’s a week and a half before official election day, I voted today. Illinois has early voting. Surely you know our motto in Illinois, “Vote early and vote often!” (That’s a joke for my literal readers.)

I consider it a God-given responsibility to vote. There aren’t any verses in the Bible about voting but there is one that I think applies. Jesus was once asked if it were lawful to pay taxes. Those who asked were trying to trick Him into saying something they could hold against Him. His wise answer about taxes applies to voting. He held up a Roman coin with Caesar’s image on it and said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” Matthew 22:21. Voting in any country is part of the human government’s way of doing things. Human governments are set up by God and entrusted with authority Romans 13:1. Yes, God is in control, even if you think He’s doing a lousy job. Although the government doesn’t demand we vote, it wants us to and that is how decisions are made. I think Jesus would have voted, just like He paid taxes.

[Tweet “I think Jesus would have voted, just like He paid taxes.”]

My Surprise When I Voted

Like most people I’m ready for the election to be over. So I was really surprised when I went to vote. I expected way more choices than I found on the ballot. I’m somewhat of a political junkie, following the news regularly on websites and social media. I’ve remained fairly current on all of the issues of the presidential campaign. So I thought I would have more choices than I did. For example, I thought this choice would be there:

___ Vote here as a protest, to send a message to Congress and the established political parties that you are fed up with them.

Hmm, it wasn’t there. Next I looked for this but didn’t see it:

___ Vote here (while holding your nose) for the candidate you hate the least.

Okay, I thought I would see these listed:

___ Vote for the candidate endorsed by some but not the most popular mega church pastors and famous Christian authors.

___ Vote for the candidate endorsed by some but not the most popular movie stars and famous athletes.

Wow, those weren’t there. I was confused. Surely I would find these choices:

___ Vote for the candidate who is accused of being a sexual predator.

___ Vote for the candidate whose spouse is an accused sexual predator.

Nope, they weren’t there either. Surely these choices would be there:

___ Vote for the candidate who is going to take away everyone’s guns.

___ Vote for the candidate who is going to buy everyone a gun.

No, not there. I was surprised. I’ve been following the Wikileaks scandal so I was certain these would be on the ballot:

___ Vote for the candidate being propped up by and reluctantly defended by all the popular newspapers, and TV networks.

___ Vote for the candidate being propped up by and reluctantly defended by all the popular radio talk show hosts and websites.

I didn’t see those options either. I thought about some things Christians have been saying so I really expected to find this:

___ Vote here to tell everyone you are a good Christian and the most important thing is not who gets elected president but that you are a good Christian and now everyone knows that you are a good Christian.

I was disappointed that choice wasn’t there. I do want people to know I’m a good Christian. Okay, what about this:

___ Vote here for the candidate with physical health issues that some say disqualify the candidate.

___ Vote here for the candidate with mental health issues that some say disqualify the candidate.

There has been so much talk about this, I couldn’t believe it wasn’t there. How about these?

___ Vote here to keep this person out of jail after the election.

___ Vote here to keep this person out of reality TV after the election.

I just don’t understand why those choices weren’t there. I kept looking. Surely I would see this:

___ Vote here because what is most important is that you want to elect the first woman president and don’t be confused into voting for the other woman on the ballot because if you vote for her you won’t be voting for THE first woman president but ANOTHER first woman president.

That choice wasn’t there either! So after all my looking this is what I found, just four choices and a write-in space.

What do you know? After all the posturing, all the politicking, all the fanfare, it came down to this. I had four choices.

[Tweet “I voted for the person who I believe would be the best president of the United States.”]

That was the only choice I had and before God I cast my vote. Please do so, too!

The post I Voted Today And Was I Surprised! appeared first on To Every Nation Ministries.

One Satan or Many Satans or None?

Some people think there’s one Satan. Some think there are many. Some think there’s no actual individual being called Satan. Which is it?

Two boys were talking after church. The pastor had preached about Satan.

“What do you think about all this Satan stuff?” one boy asked.

“I don’t know.” The other shrugged. “Maybe he’s like Santa. Maybe it’s Dad!”

There’s a lot of confusion about Satan because he’s a complicated subject. Let’s un-complicate it a bit. Here’s what the Bible says.

There is One Individual Spirit Being Known As Satan

There are multiple places where the Bible refers to one Satan. The definite article “the” tells us Satan is a specific person.

• Jesus was tempted by “the devil” Matthew 4:1-11. In that conversation Jesus called him Satan Matthew 4:10. It was a conversation between two individuals.
• Jesus said an eternal fire is prepared for “the devil and his angels” Matthew 25:41.
• The book of Revelation describes a future battle between good and bad angels. The leader of the bad angels is “called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” Revelation 12:9.

Here are other passages that refer to one Satan: 1 Chronicles 21:1; Job 1:6; Job 2:1; 1John 3:12; Jude 9.

There is, however, another way the term Satan is used.

The Term Satan Is Also Used Collectively

Even though there is one Satan as an individual, the term Satan is also used of his followers. We see this in Matthew 12:25-26. The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan. Jesus said,

Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? Matthew 12:25-26.

Jesus said if “Satan” referring to the individual, were to cast out “Satan” referring to his followers, his kingdom will not stand. So the term Satan can refer to either the one Satan or to those aligned with Him. How can we tell who is being discussed? By the context. Many of the warnings, such as 2 Corinthians 2:11, refer to Satan and his followers collectively.

There is still only one Satan.

Why It’s Important To Know There Is One Satan

1. Realize it’s highly unlikely Satan himself will ever attack you or me! There are too many of us. Many people give Satan credit for attacking them every day! That just isn’t possible.
2. Don’t elevate Satan to god-like status. When we think the individual Satan can be anywhere and attack anytime we view him like God! He’s a limited creature. The youngest child of God can resist and defeat him James 4:7.

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18

What do think? I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or question below.

The post There’s Just One Satan [And Why That’s Important To Know] appeared first on To Every Nation Ministries.

Enemies of the Cross

When I say enemies of the cross what comes to mind? Is it a well-known atheist who debates Christian leaders? Do you think of religions opposed to Christianity? Perhaps you think of humanistic philosophers?

I want to talk with you about a different kind of enemy. The type of enemy I’m thinking of isn’t a person or religion. It’s an attitude, perspective or habit that’s opposed to the cross. What makes these enemies of the cross so dangerous is that they’re a part of many Christians’ lives.

[Tweet “We become Christians by believing in what Jesus did on the cross.”]

We accept salvation as a free gift by faith Ephesians 2:8-9. For too many Christians the power of the cross ends there. It shouldn’t. God doesn’t just leave us to fend for ourselves after we become Christians. By the power of the cross He gives us victory over sin. Consider Romans 6:6

We know that our old (and renewed) self was nailed to the cross with him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. (Amp)

This verse makes a profound statement about the role of the cross in the everyday life of Christians. When you became a Christian you were joined to Christ. That means when Jesus was nailed to the cross you were, too. The result is sin’s power and control was made ineffective in your life.

Is that true for you? Or is each day a constant struggle with sin? Do you deal with sin by the power of the cross?

5 Enemies of the Cross

Many Christians don’t. Instead of living as free from sin many attempt to have victory over sin while ignoring the power of the cross. These attempts are enemies of the cross. They include:

1. Self-denial – Some think that by denying ourselves things that give us pleasure, like food, drink, entertainment, social media, etc., they can control the flesh.
2. Spiritual discipline – Others try to fill their lives with disciplines like prayer, Bible study, meditation and going to church so there’s no room in their heart for the flesh to operate.
3. Discipleship – Some take the approach that biblical training leads to spirituality. Just focus on growing and learning how to share your faith, apologetics, a biblical worldview, etc. and you’ll defeat sin.
4. Spiritual experiences – One approach seeks revival, re-dedication and deeper spiritual experiences to lead them to a higher level of spirituality where sin isn’t a problem any more.
5. Cleansing – Some emphasize confession of sins since it washes away the guilt of sin. They suggest the need to devote oneself to maintaining a humble attitude of confessing our sins.

These are noble and well-meaning attempts to tame our sin nature. Don’t misunderstand me. There are benefits from these activities but they’re powerless to stop sin in our lives. None of these work because they’re all based upon human effort. These are all enemies of the cross.

The power of the cross is in our new identity. We’re now dead to sin and alive to God Romans 6:11

[Tweet “Living by the cross is not about trying, it’s all about dying.”]

Try this today: When you have a sinful thought, mood, impulse or desire stop what you’re doing. Think and pray this, “I don’t have to accept this sinful desire. I’m dead to it. I’m alive to you Father and trust You to fill me with the Spirit. May I act so as to please You with my thoughts and actions.”

When you do that you’ll find the power of the cross ready to give you victory.

What do you think? Please leave a comment or question below.

The post 5 Enemies of the Cross [They’re Not What You Think] appeared first on To Every Nation Ministries.

The Law Teaches Us Even Though It Wasn’t Written To Us

The Old Testament law teaches many things. Everyone who reads it today can’t help but notice a striking contrast. Some commands make sense and some don’t, at least not in today’s world. Everyone, even liars, agree the command “Don’t lie” is a good practice. The same can’t be said for the laws about leprosy found in Leviticus 13. Leprosy included a broad range of issues like mold in a house and body rashes. The instructions made perfect sense in that day, but not in ours today.

In a previous post I pointed out several reasons the Law of Moses is not for today. That doesn’t mean that it’s of no benefit to us. These past few weeks as I read through the Law again I was reminded of five things the Law teaches us.

1. The Law teaches us about hope. Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “The Bible isn’t all to us but it’s all for us.” I don’t know who said that first but that saying captures the essence of Romans 15:4. Everything written in the former days, that includes all the Old Testament, teaches us. We learn from people’s mistakes as well as learning general principles that apply throughout time. As we do, we’re encouraged and grow in hope in God.

2. The Law teaches us about God’s holiness. One cannot help but be impressed with how holy God is when reading the law. One example is the specific and careful instructions God gave Moses about how the people were to prepare to meet Him Exodus 19:10-15. Holy means separate or set apart. This is one of the key places in the Bible where we learn how holy God is.
3. The Law teaches us about God’s wisdom. Some of the laws, such as the laws of leprosy, made common sense. They kept the healthy people healthy. Dietary laws were also for their protection. Then there were laws to set them apart as different from the people around them. The Law is full of God’s wisdom.
4. The Law teaches us no amount of effort makes us good. The Apostle Paul put it best, “Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin” Romans 7:7-8. Do you think you’re good enough to get to heaven? The law proves no one is good enough. James 2:10 says, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” Have you broken one law? I have! We’re all sinners.
5. The Law teaches us how special Jesus is. Jesus kept the law, every one of the 618 commandments. He told his followers, ““Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” Matthew 5:17. He perfectly kept the law.

Are you trying to get to heaven by being good enough? The Law teaches us it’s too late! That first lie we told when we were kids or that first time we disobeyed our parents ended any chance of any of us being good enough to get into heaven. We’re all sinners and consequently separated from God. The good news is Jesus, the sinless Son of God, paid for our sins on the cross. When we believe He died, was buried and rose again for us, He gives us His righteousness. That is good enough! If you haven’t believed in Jesus, do so today! If you have, learn to abide in Him so you walk in His righteousness.

Do you have a question or comment? I’d love to hear from you below!

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Biblical Advice About Tithing

Today I got an email asking about tithing. It’s such an important question that I’m going to devote this post to it. Here’s the question:

I would like to understand the commandment in Malachi 3:10 about tithes and offerings. Is God only going to bless me when I tithe and curse me when I don’t? I want to tithe but my finances are so bad I’m not able to now. Based on this verse I feel guilty and am concerned God is going to curse me.

First, all of the Bible is for us to learn from but not all of it is directed to us. Malachi 3 isn’t written to anyone today. Tithing is part of the Old Testament (OT) Law. If we think the tithing commandment applies to us, then to be consistent all 613 commandments in the OT apply to us. No one believes that today. We can still learn from and benefit from this Scripture.

Since this command about tithing isn’t written to us, the blessings and curses related to tithing don’t apply to us either. God is not going to curse you if you don’t tithe.

The Principles Of Tithing And Giving

The principle of tithing isn’t carried over to the New Testament (NT) but the principle of giving is. Here’s how the principle of giving in the NT replaces tithing in the OT.

1. We’re responsible to God to use our finances wisely Matthew 25:14-30. Jesus says giving is part of that responsibility Matthew 6:2. Our giving is to be secret because God is the only one who needs to know about it Matthew 6:3-4. There should be no peer pressure to give, just the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
2. Giving is to be voluntary and cheerful. This is perhaps the most important principle. In the OT tithing was commanded. It was an obligation. That’s not true today. We’re to give out of gratitude 2Corinthians 9:7. If you aren’t giving cheerfully then stop until you can. God doesn’t need your money. He wants your faith and gratitude.
3. We’re to practice proportional giving. Give as your ability allows. In the OT it was strictly 10%. In the NT it can be less or more depending upon your ability and your circumstances Luke 21:1-4; 2Corinthians 8:11–15.
4. Give to support local churches 1 Timothy 5:17-18 and ministries outside of our churches Philippians 4:16–18. Make a priority of giving to those in need Galatians 6:8-10, the poor, widows and orphans Matthew 6:2, James 1:27.
5. God promises a blessing for giving Luke 6:38; 2Corinthians 9:6–9, Matthew 6:3-4. This is NOT a promise of financial blessing as many people would have you think. It could be but it may not be. God will bless you in the way He chooses. I like the sound of that!.

My Personal Practice Of Giving

I was in my late 20’s when I first learned the joy of giving. I had not been walking closely with God. I made some bad business decisions and ended up seriously in debt. God used the debt to get my attention and draw me back to Him. As I walked closer to God I struggled with how much to give. Every penny other than my basic needs went to pay off the debt. It looked like it would take 10 to 20 years to pay it off. In faith I made the decision to begin to give even though it would slow down paying off my debt. The most amazing thing happened. God gave me a joy in giving I’d never before experienced. And, my debt did NOT go away! That’s right, there was no quick amazing miracle. God did provide however and after a few short years of faithful living He paid off my debt.

Since then my wife and I have used the principle of giving 10% as a starting point. Yes, there have been times when things have been difficult financially and we didn’t give that much. In the times of plenty it’s been our joy to give more than 10%.

What is your experience of giving?

Is there something about which you’d like biblical advice? If so, post your question below or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

The post Is Tithing [With Its Blessings And Curses] A Commandment For Today? appeared first on To Every Nation Ministries.

The “Question” About Keeping The Commandments

“Since we’re Christians now, can you give us a list of the commandments we’re supposed to keep?”

It was about 30 years ago. I was sitting across from a young couple who, a few days before, had believed in Jesus as their Savior. It was the first time I’d been asked that question. It wouldn’t be the last. I’m going to tell you the answer but before I do let me give you the biblical background for my response.

Most of us have heard the statement, “That’s a great question!” In this case I can’t say that. It isn’t that it was a bad question, the problem is it’s the wrong question.

The Problem

We become the children of God by faith. It isn’t by baptism or going to church or any other good works we do. It’s a gift of God in response to our faith in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection to pay for our sins. No one earns salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9

When we first become a Christian it’s wonderful to have the peace of God flood our hearts! We feel God’s love and presence and are filled with gratitude. Then very quickly our old human nature that’s still with us kicks in. We’re so used to thinking we earn what we deserve that we forget we didn’t earn our salvation. We think, “I need to earn God’s favor.” It seems logical that the way to do that is to keep His commandments. So we ask what they are.

That idea isn’t completely off base. In the Old Testament the Jews had an agreement with God that stipulated what each party would do. The Jews were obligated to keep the 613 commandments of the Law. If they did, God agreed to bless them physically, financially and spiritually. If they didn’t . . . well, I think you already know. Things didn’t go well for them.

When Jesus came He changed things. In particular, He ended the obligation of Christians to keep the law Romans 10:4. But He didn’t negate the reason for the law. The idea of the law was to legislate what people did so they would please God. It didn’t work. No one could keep it.

The Right Question

The right question the couple should have asked was, “What do I need to do to please God?” In fairness to them, I think that’s what they wanted to know.

The Answer

Okay, here’s the answer according to Jesus.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-39 ESV

Yes, loving God and loving your neighbor are commandments. But they’re general, not specific. You have to figure out how they apply to your life. You may be thinking, “That’s hard! Can you just give me a list?”  Nope! Remember, God tried that with the Jews and it didn’t work.

Today, as you go through the day, look into your heart and evaluate every action and thought as to whether you are loving God or others. If not, don’t do it. If so, go for it. It will please God! After all, isn’t that what you want?

What do you think? I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or question below.

The post What Commandments Do I Have To Keep As A Christian? appeared first on To Every Nation Ministries.

Moses Is A Model For Everyone To Follow

Moses is someone I’d like to have a long conversation with over a pot or two of coffee. He lived such a fascinating life. He overcame great odds on several occasions. He walked with God like no one else has ever done.

We’re fortunate that the Bible tells us as much as it does about him. He’s the main character in the books of Exodus through Deuteronomy. We see his life from beginning to end, including his good and bad sides. Here are 10 admirable things about him.

10 Reasons Why I Admire Moses

1. He knew God Deuteronomy 4:39-40. He grew up in one of the most idolatrous places of all time. Yet he knew there is only one God and knew the blessings of walking with Him.
2. He was a man of faith Hebrews 11:24. Moses’ faith showed itself in his actions. He gave up wealth and power to walk with God.
3. He grew in his faith Numbers 11:21-23, Deuteronomy 18:15. His faith wasn’t perfect and wavered at times. Even when he did, he clung to God. The result was God always came through for him.
4. He knew his success was because of God. He couldn’t succeed without God’s presence Exodus 33:12-16.
5. He listened to advice Exodus 18:13-26. He was competent but adapted when given the wise counsel of his father-in-law.
6. He cared deeply for people, even those who betrayed him Exodus 32:11-14, Numbers 12:13, 16:2-22. He was detail-oriented enough to write meticulous instructions for the tabernacle. Yet he often interceded with God for people!
7. He talked with God face to face Exodus 33:11. Moses regularly talked with God like you and I do with our friends and family. There’s no one else in the Bible about which this is said.
8. He wanted to know God better Exodus 33:18! Even though he enjoyed a closer relationship with God than anyone around him, he wanted to know God better. He asked God to show him His glory and God did!
9. He was great but wasn’t perfect. He killed a man Exodus 2:11-12 and had a temper Numbers 20:1-12. He shows us that God can use any of us who are willing to be used.
10. He was the meekest man in all the earth Numbers 12:3; 1 Peter 5:6. He could have easily become puffed up because of all God did through him. But he didn’t. He was always a humble man and God rewarded him for it.

There’s one more thing I want to point out. From one incident in the life of Jesus, it looks like Moses is still on the job Matthew 17:1-3!

I’d like to be like Moses. What do you think? Please leave a comment or question below.

The post Moses Inspires Me! 10 Reasons Why I Admire Moses! appeared first on To Every Nation Ministries.