Some time ago, I noticed a bumper sticker on the car ahead of me while driving to work. I do not know what agenda the sticker intended to promote, but a biblical application readily came to mind. The sticker read, “I refuse to stay silent so you can stay comfortable.” Consider for a moment the responsibilities of those who know the Word of God.

In Ezekiel 33:1-6, God instructed the prophet to speak to the Israelites about the duties of a watchman. If a man assigned to watch for an approaching enemy warned of an eminent attack, those who ignored the warning were responsible for any negative consequences they endured. However, if the watchman neglected his duty to sound a warning, he was held responsible for any who suffered.

In verses 7-9, God made a spiritual application based on the physical example.

So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you shall surely die!” and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. (NKJV)

If Ezekiel remained silent so the people could continue comfortably in their sins, the prophet would also suffer God’s wrath.

Jesus commanded His disciples to teach others (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15). In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul instructed the young preacher Timothy to preach God’s Word at every opportunity. Additionally, Timothy and Titus were instructed to rebuke and to exhort others (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15), correctly using the Scriptures provided by God (2 Timothy 3:16). Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 that Christians were to “warn those who are unruly,” and Timothy was told to rebuke those who persisted in sin as a warning to others (1 Timothy 5:20). Clearly, God does not expect Christians to remain silent so the world and unfaithful Christians can be comfortable in their sinful lives.

At every opportunity, Christians have an obligation “to contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). When someone teaches false doctrine, the faithful Christian will sound the warning (Acts 20:28-31; 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1). When someone questions an individual’s obedience to the Gospel, he should be ready with an answer from Scripture (1 Peter 3:15). When an opportunity presents itself to condemn the immorality so prevalent in the world, the Christian watchman will pronounce the truth of God’s Word, using speech “necessary for edification” (Ephesians 4:29) and “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). The faithful Christian will not remain silent so those in sin may be comfortable.

Sometimes, Christians remain silent, not to keep the sinner in comfort, but to stay comfortable themselves. The prophet Jeremiah encouraged Israel, “Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the LORD” (Lamentations 3:40). Paul told the Christians at Corinth to examine themselves to determine if they were “in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Christians need to conduct a self-examination when they fail to take advantage of opportunities to warn a fallen world of the coming Judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). If the failure to warn was due to fear of the reaction from those in the world (e.g., ridicule, rejection, physical or verbal abuse, etc.), the child of God needs to adjust his thinking. Jesus told His disciples to fear what God will do to the disobedient, not what mankind can do (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 2:10). When the opportunity presents itself, stand up for God and His Word. Do not remain silent so you or sinners can stay comfortable. Comfort in sin while in this world will result in everlasting discomfort (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8) “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Rebecca Rushmore

Standing on the top of Mount Beatitude, overlooking the beautiful Sea of Galilee, one can only imagine the crowds of people that must have gathered there for the historic Sermon on the Mount delivered by our Lord. Though there is no absolute proof this is where Jesus delivered His sermon found in Matthew 5-7, it is celebrated as the location most likely to have been His first pulpit.

The sermon followed His temptations and lays out many valuable truths regarding our expected behavior as children of God. This sermon also relates promises from  God regarding our eternal reward. Those rewards are gifts, given freely to those who belong to Him.

For the most part, these expectations set out by Jesus are ordinary, everyday attitudes—being humble, showing concern, submissiveness, having a desire for knowledge of the Word, showing mercy, being pure in thought and actions, striving for peace, and enduring persecution. These are things we will encounter almost daily.

God’s gifts come about through obedience to Him. For instance, each day we can find opportunities to be kind, and to show mercy to those with whom we come in contact. Yet, how many people do we see that are truly unkind?

One of the mothers in our congregation tells her children regularly, “Just be kind.” She says people out in the world are not kind, and she wants her children to learn that lesson about the way they treat others.

I think a study of these few verses in Matthew 5 and a purposeful effort to put those things into practice could make a significant difference in our world. Showing mercy to someone who has hurt us would change us. Being humble instead of always wanting credit for something we have done would make us look very different in the eyes of our friends, family, and those with whom we come in contact. Having a pure heart would change the way we dress, act, and talk.

Jesus addresses the idea of gift giving in Matthew 7:7-11. Some of the people to whom He was speaking were judgmental in their dealings with others. They censored people who made requests of them, unlike the Father who gives to all. They did not treat their own children with disrespect when they asked for something, and they did what they could to provide it. If they, being evil, knew how to give gifts, how much more would God who is good give to His children?

God’s gifts come at a price; they cost Jesus His life. They will also cost effort on our part to live a life pleasing to Him. But think how great the rewards are: a home in heaven, complete peace, no pain or sorrow for eternity, the love and comfort of our Savior.

Jesus said, “come unto me, all ye that labor and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus gave an invitation more than 2,000 years ago. All we have to do is RSVP.

Sandra Oliver

Missouri is called the “Show Me State.” I guess Missourians  have a reputation for believing only what they can see. However, there are many people today who when asked to believe something ”unbelievable” want evidence. That is especially so with Biblical events. They find it difficult to believe that Noah built an ark and there was a world wide flood, or hard to believe that Moses parted the Red Sea. They make fun of those who believe that three young men were thrown into a fiery furnace, and when they came out their clothes did not smell like smoke. They find it hard to believe that Daniel was not hurt by the lions when he was thrown into their den, or that a small shepherd boy felled a giant with a few small stones and a sling. It requires faith to believe these things actually happened.

So, what is faith? The writer to the Hebrews said, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony (Hebrews 11:1-2). He went on, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” God spoke, “Let there be light” and there was light (Genesis 1:3). God said, “Let the waters under heaven be gathered together into one place,” and “let the dry land appear and it was so” (Genesis 1:9). The things which are seen were not made with visible things. In other words, God who is invisible created something visible from nothing!

Still, people do not believe the truth of God’s word. Scoffers deny that Jesus performed many signs, wonders, and miracles, and most of all that Jesus was resurrected on the third day, a Sunday morning. One of the apostles didn’t believe! The apostle Thomas refused to believe Jesus was resurrected. He was not with the apostles when Jesus came the first time. Later, the disciples said to Thomas, “We have seen the Lord.” Thomas  replied, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:24-29).

After eight days Jesus’ disciples were again inside the room, and this time Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”  Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”  Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

    Yes. Jesus was resurrected! Paul added this information, “He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, also seen by the twelve apostles, and lastly Paul (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). There is no court of law that would deny an event occurred if there were over five hundred witnesses!! But we see though the eyes of faith, and know that these things happened just as they were written. We believe Jesus raised Lazarus after he was entombed four days. We believe Jesus commanded a raging torrent on the sea, “Peace, be still!” and it obeyed his voice. We believe the blind received their sight, hearing was restored to the deaf, the lepers’ skin turned pure and baby soft all because the Son of God came to earth, took the form of a man, and gave his life so we who obey Him could have salvation. Faith is a powerful thing! We cannot please God without it (Hebrews 11:6).

How do we increase our faith? Paul wrote, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). We immerse ourselves regularly in God’s word. Paul said, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 For 16:13).

Finally, we have two power-packed tools to help us build our faith: first, beginning our day talking to God in prayer. Second, letting Him talk to us through His word. It works every time!

Today’s Verse: So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:6-7).

Audios available at http://christianwomanaudiodevotionals.abiblecommentary.com

By Teresa Hampton

Isaiah 25:4 “The poor and the helpless have fled to you and have been safe in times of trouble. You give them shelter from storms and shade from the burning heat. Cruel enemies attack like a winter storm,”

The meteorologist interrupted our show to announce a coming storm. Sitting sheltered in our den meant we were clueless of the danger heading our way. But as the weather pattern appeared on the screen, there was no doubt this storm would carry a punch. Soon came the all-too-familiar announcement: If you are in this viewing area you need to get to your safe place.

Gratefully, our family had pre-determined the location of our “safe place.” It was an interior room providing us maximum protection from the oncoming storm. There we sheltered safely until the danger passed and all returned to normal.

Truth be told, storms don’t always happen outdoors, nor can they be tracked by meteorologists. I realized this years later as I sat peacefully relishing the sunset and my phone rang with tragic news. I had been clueless of the impending storm of life that rocked my world. My heart longed for a shelter from the hurt. Gratefully, I turned to my pre-determined safe place: Jesus.

Throughout scripture, people sought Jesus for shelter from the storms of life. One of these is recorded through the story of a loving father in Mark 9. This man, like fathers today, must have burst with pride at the birth of his son – his heir. But an unforeseen storm was lurking on his horizon, and soon this precious son began suffering severe seizures. Oh, how this father’s heart must have broken each time he witnessed his child convulse. Without warning, this man’s world had been rocked. He needed a safe place and he found it in Jesus.

Jesus does not promise to prevent our storms, but He does promise to walk through the storms with us. Make no mistake, just as we settle comfortably into a life of smooth sailing, dark clouds will roll in, calm waters will swell, and our life will seem to fall apart. Remember our pre-determined safe place is with Jesus, and He will lovingly shelter us until the storm passes by.

Father God, during the crises of life, help us seek our safe place of shelter in You.

Blessings,

Matthew 6:20 “Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

I recall a comical movie I watched years ago with my children. The title of the movie escapes me, but the overall plot vividly remains: A billionaire’s young son was kidnapped by haphazard robbers and held for ransom in hopes of discovering the man’s great hidden treasure. Throughout the movie, numerous references were made to the man’s priceless paintings, statues, and vases hidden away for safe keeping.

The silly thieves eventually discovered the treasure hidden in a mountain vault and were devastated when those “priceless” paintings, statues, and vases turned out to be nothing more than the handiwork of the billionaire’s young son. The robbers found no value in the loot, but the loving father cherished each creation of Play-doh, finger paint, and clay; treasures he felt required safe keeping.

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  The things our Heavenly Father treasures are not the world’s treasures. God assigns worth differently, giving no thought to the value of gold, nor precious stones, nor grand palaces, for He created them all with merely words. Gratefully, what God views as valuable is attainable by all, regardless of wealth or fame, for God places great worth on our hearts and the loving deeds coming from our hearts.

If our definition of “treasure” match God’s definition, what godly treasures might we offer up for safe keeping to the Father?

Young mothers, when you weave the patience and love of Jesus into the less than glamorous tasks of your child-rearing days, valuable treasures are being stored in heaven. Employees, when you respond with grace and mercy in the middle of office difficulties, priceless treasures are laid up by the Father. Sisters, when we live out the Golden Rule and place others before ourselves, we offer God a treasure. Our Father will safely guard all these in His heavenly vault monogrammed with our initials!

Our hearts are greater treasures to God than the entire sum of all His creation. So, today offer God a heart radiating His Spirit. May His vault be filled to overflowing with our good deeds, kind words, and songs of praise.

Father God, may we define treasure as You define treasure. Thank you for guarding our gifts of love in your heavenly vault.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

My parents had seven children. Life was full of love, laughter and challenges. Even though each of us had our own unique character, we were also very much alike. We were hard working, one might even say driven. Add to that a willingness to serve and have compassion for the unfortunate or ill.
My younger sister recently asked my mom, “What is it that makes your children so organized, driven and purpose-filled. What makes us want to help neighbors, or take in strangers that have no home?” She hastened to add, “We are not perfect people. We have flaws, frustrating idiosyncrasies, and much more.”
Mom thought about it a moment and said, “I don’t know, except your Dad and I tried to embody those characteristics in front of you regularly. Yes, we made mistakes, But our focus individually was always on the Lord, and collectively trying to lead our children to know, love, and obey God. We tried to be an example of entertaining strangers, caring for the sick, or helping a stranded or hurting neighbor. We took every opportunity to keep our children busy with good things, staying on task, and growing in knowledge, especially knowledge of God’s word. Your Dad had an amazing work ethic. He involved the boys in busy projects, and I did so with the girls.”
When Mom mentioned entertaining strangers, it reminded me of the time when she and Dad invited a Korean widow to our Thanksgiving dinner. She knew little English and we kids chuckled with her when she took our colloquialisms literally. It was not long before she obeyed the Lord in baptism.
Our large family (living in one small house with one bathroom) took in two homeless cousins and introduced them to the Lord. Both were baptized into Christ.
There was also the time when my youngest brother was moved with compassion about his friend at school whose house had burned down. He lived with his grandmother and her house burned down. He was going to another school district and a rough part of the city. My brother asked my parents if he could live with them until he graduated the next year. Dad and Mom graciously opened their home to him. My parents exemplified what Jesus revealed about the day of the Lord, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me (Matthew 25:31-46).
When Mom talked about Dad’s strong work ethic, she added, “At one time, he had three jobs, you know.” He did so with very few complaints, except occasionally about the Nashville traffic. He led his children by example to understand what Paul wrote, And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, (Colossians 3:23).
The family is just a microcosm of the church. The apostles fashioned their lives to be like Jesus. They imitated Christ! They had a deep love for God’s word. They taught others to love it, respect it, and live by it. In turn, the apostles and inspired writers encouraged Christians, then and now, to imitate them. Paul wrote, Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). The writer to the Hebrews said, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12b). Peter said, Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus is our model for Christian living!
The question is, What kind of example are we?” It is vitally important that mature Christians today live to imitate Jesus, to love the Bible in its simplicity and purity and share it with the young. Then we can look forward to them growing into faithful adults who, like us, seek a heavenly inheritance. God be praised!

Today’s Verse:   Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).

By Teresa Hampton

Audios available at http://christianwomanaudiodevotionals.abiblecommentary.com

Last week we talked about parables of Jesus in our Vacation Bible School. The first day we studied the parable of the talents, and our focus was on using the abilities God has given us. Children need that lesson, but so do we adults. I hate to think about the opportunities I have missed or the abilities I haven’t used over the years. It makes me sad to think about how things might have been different had I used my abilities to their fullest and had looked for opportunities to teach and to better serve.

In the parable, there were three servants who were given the opportunity to do great things for their master. The man given five talents increased his to ten; the man given two talents increased his to four; but the man given one talent buried his. When the master returned for an accounting, he found one of his servants lacking. That servant who buried his talent was condemned for his inaction. He protected the property of the master, but he lacked the initiative to be productive.

Initiative, according to the dictionary means “the ability to assess and initiate things independently” or “ the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.” It can also mean “an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.” The one-talent man did not use his opportunity to resolve a problem or to improve his situation, while the other servants sought ways to increase the talents given them. In return, their master was pleased with their efforts and rewarded them.

Some might argue that this man protected the money the master gave him. He was able to return what was given to him without taking the risk of losing it. Those things are true, but he had the same opportunity as the others to increase his talents and be eligible for the rewards available. Because he did not take advantage of those opportunities, he was condemned.

The meaning to this parable is simple. Use the time, money, abilities, and opportunities God has given us to serve Him. Our rewards may not be easily recognizable on earth, but God promises they will be available in heaven.

Consider this story. There once was a young man who approached the father of the girl he wanted to marry. He asked the father for the girl’s hand in marriage. The father agreed, but only if he could catch one of the bulls on his farm. The farmer set up three bulls in the chute and stationed the young man at the exit point. The father sent the first bull down the chute. He was scrawny and slow, but the young man didn’t see him as much of a challenge and decided to wait for the next one. The second bull came through the chute, and the young man started to grab the bull by the tail, but he was much bigger and was snorting and vicious looking. He decided he would wait for the third one. Knowing this was his last opportunity, he positioned himself to grab the bull’s tail, pull him to the ground, and win his true love. The farmer sent the third bull down the chute, and the young man reached for the tail only to discover it was a bob-tail bull. The challenge was lost, and the young man lost the girl.

We sometimes miss opportunities because we don’t think they are important enough. We sometimes fail to use our abilities because we don’t recognize them as abilities, or we make excuses because we are unwilling to take the time. We are often too busy to even recognize ways we could benefit the Lord and His work.

James, the earthly brother of Jesus, gives us warnings about worldliness. He includes a number of issues, one of which is boasting about tomorrow—what we are going to do, making plans without God in the picture. In James 4:17 he says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” This applies to everything we do (or fail to do). The next time you are tempted to ignore an opportunity or you are tempted to refuse to use an ability God has given you, think about the bob-tail bull. Think about James’ warning. Understand that when you fail to do good, it is sin.

Sandra Oliver

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We huddled together in the darkness of the great outdoors, clueless of the direction to take and certain of misstep and injury. As the irresponsible leader of this group of middle school students, I clutched in my hands a dead flashlight. The parable of the ten foolish virgins replayed in my head, with me starring in the role of “the foolish.” Certainly, my leadership capabilities would be questioned after this.

Just as hope was fading, from up ahead appeared the faintest of light. Its beam intensified until it reached our group and illuminated our little world. The previously invisible surroundings were no longer scary, our frightful chatter turned to laughter, and our confidence to forge ahead returned.

Precious light had dispelled our fears, delivered us peace, and lit the path to safety!

Reflecting on that dark night allows me a greater sense of what Jesus meant when He spoke of being light in the world. During his ministry, Jesus’ every move had been witnessed and recounted, each word discussed and argued over, and all claims of deity scrutinized. Through it all, the light of love, compassion, and mercy shone from Him. When His life ended in great tragedy and controversy, people were forced to make a choice: either claim Him as Lord and Master or disavow His deity and continue waiting for a Messiah.

Before taking His final earthly steps, Jesus’ instructions to His followers were clear: Go share His Light.

Christ calls us to illuminate the path leading to Him. He desires us to reach out to the unlovable and shine brightly His love, compassion, and mercy. Jesus needs us to be visible in the world by sharing His peace and revealing the blessed hope of an eternity with Him.

Consider the outcome if we, as Christ followers, fail to shine. Will others come to know Jesus and His truth from unbelievers? What an absurd thought! Only a lit match lights a candle, so spend precious time with Jesus and discover a heart lit on fire for Him. Sisters, be the flame!

Father God, as we seek You, draw us so close that our hearts will shine brightly for You.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane