Category: Bible (Page 274 of 419)

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the grace of God involves the power it brings into the life of the believer. More than simply fire insurance (although the fires burn hot), God’s grace brings strength and perseverance in this life.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

This world teaches me to never say no to anything at all. In fact, many believe people are incapable of saying no, and that it’s really, really bad for people to say no to their passions, even the ungodly ones (or especially the ungodly ones). Educated people believe this, and push their agenda through schools and media and entertainment.

The scriptures reveal a more hopeful way. I needn’t stay enslaved to my passions. I can say no. It’s not easy and I possess little power on my own to do so, but the grace of God teaches me to say no.

The ability to say “No” is a vital part of mental health. It creates good boundaries in my life. It allows for a better life. This gift leads to health and abundance.

Where is this other-worldly ability found? In the gift of salvation given from the graceful hand of our Lord.

Titus 2 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Andy T 

I hate to deny myself things I crave, yet denial forms a foundation to Christian discipleship. Jesus clearly told those who will follow him, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).

One of Paul’s fellow missionaries soured on denial. Demas traveled and served with Paul on many of his trips (see Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24). But eventually Demas deserted the missionary band. Paul says he left because he loved this world. The suffering and hard living and denial rose to the point of exhaustion. Demas tapped out.

I know several people who tapped out in my years of missionary work. To say they loved the world describes them well. Most leave for fewer financial or moral strictures on their life, or they find it easier to acquiesce to the whims of society. They tire of taking up their cross.

I have no doubt Demas ministered faithfully shoulder to shoulder with Paul, but something pulled him away. No one stands above temptation. Even Judas, who spent three years walking alongside Jesus, deserted the King of kings in the end. I don’t look down on Demas, or my Demas-like former colleagues. Except for the grace of God there go I.

Eventually I hope to say like Paul, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Which reads a lot better when carved into a tombstone than he deserted me.

2 Timothy 4 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by James Ting

Lots of well-meaning folks gush about how you should follow your heart, pursue your dreams, grab what you can from life, look to yourself first, and indulge in the finer things because you deserve them.

Solomon, who indulged better than a Russian oligarch, gave similar advice but with a sobering twist: Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgement.

I thought I lived in a judgement-free zone?! Solomon reminds me of an inconvenient truth—I will stand before the Lord and answer for my actions, good or ill. We all face a reckoning, whether we believe in it or not.

So, the next time you pat someone on the knee and speech-ify about grabbing life by the throat, finish the sentence. Remind them that God asks for an account. People deserve the whole truth—bumper sticker slogans help no one.

Follow your heart? Absolutely. Just remember the Lord follows it as well.

Ecclesiastes 11 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Waranont (Joe)