​Psalm 50:21 ~ “These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.”
 
There is a misconception about God that is often found in the world—and that is, God is just a larger version of ourselves. What I mean by that is this: many people who consider the character and nature of God begin with the concept of a Divine Being who is more moral and of greater might than themselves, but not truly different. Their starting point is their own person, then they merely expand the view to try and understand the LORD. Those who think this way might live in sin, contemplate rebellion, and instigate behaviors that are fully contradictory to His word and then declare that “God understands,” as if God was altogether like them.
 
So, as we consider our text for today, we need to see the context of this passage. Psalm 50:19-20 says, “You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.” Let me encourage you to read the entirety of Psalm 50. From the text just cited, we discover that there is a wickedness and deception that is given free rein in the behavior of men. Then we come to the first statement of our text today: “These things you have done, and I have been silent.” How many times do we think that there is a sin that God will not condemn? We may not say it out loud, but surely the behavior of some indicate that they think they have been given a free hand from God Almighty to live according to their own designs. Yet the patient silence of the LORD is not His implicit agreement with the wicked and vile behavior of mankind. The debauchery of our world that goes unpunished is not God’s silent agreement with those who are engaged in such practices.
 
My friends, do not mistake the silence of our LORD as anything other than His patience with mankind. Consider Romans 2:4, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Let me warn you, even now, if you are living in a pattern of sin and have not yet been disciplined by God, He is giving you time to repent. David was given time to repent. From the time Bathsheba was pregnant until she gave birth, God waited upon the king of Israel—and then the LORD sent the prophet Nathan (see 2 Samuel 11:26-12:7). God gave Nebuchadnezzar a year to repent before the promised calamity fell upon the king of Babylon (see Daniel 4:27-33).
 
The foolishness of sinful man, however, is found in the next part of our text today: “you thought I was one like yourself.” Beloved, we get into a wealth of difficulty when we begin to see God as merely a better version of ourselves. He is not like us at all. He is righteous, we are sinful. He is all-powerful, we are without power. He is the only Independent Agent, totally self-existent, and has need of not one thing. We are always desperately needing the very elements of life to sustain us (try living without air). He is everywhere, always and all at once. We exist in a microcosm of miniscule proportions and only at a singular moment in time. There is no means of comparing us with the LORD. We were created in His image, not the other way around. Isaiah 45:18 says, “For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): ‘I am the LORD, and there is no other.’”
 
We come to the final statement of our text today, and it is one that must cause us to tremble: “But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.” The silence of God will not remain. The LORD will speak and His voice will shake the heavens and the earth in His judgment and wrath. His patience is there to bring us to a place of repentance. His kindness is meant to guide us away from sin. He has endured long the sinfulness of mankind, but soon that day will pass and He will bring His charges before all who refuse to repent. Revelation 2:21 gives illustration to this, “I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.” A quick reading of Revelation 9:20-21 illuminates the rebellion of man even more.
 
The world has the wrong notion of God. Only in the Scriptures is He fully revealed. He is nothing like us. Do not foolishly believe that the silent patience of the LORD is His agreement with your sin. But His silence will soon be over, and those who refuse to repent and turn to Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins will find themselves on the receiving end of God’s wrath. Do not, dear friends, think wrong of God.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Mark 9:23 ~ “And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.’”
 
It is a matter of faith to see the works of God accomplished in and through our lives.
 
And as we consider our text for today, we come to the grand dilemma of wondering if we have, as some have asked, “enough faith.” If, as the LORD has proclaimed, and “all things are possible” for those who believe, what has gone wrong when all things don’t actually happen. For in truth, we have all looked to the LORD for some provision or circumstantial change, for deliverance from various challenges or success in some endeavor. And then… nothing. Our prayers have gone unanswered or the hope we had for some miraculous moment went unfulfilled. Is something wrong with us, we ask. Did we not believe enough. Often we are like the father who cried out for his son, and when Jesus spoke the words of our text today, he cries out in verse 24, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
 
Our unbelief does need some help, for it is unbelief that prevents us from experiencing the power of Christ through our lives. In the parallel passage found in Matthew 17:20, Jesus told His disciples, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Many have metaphorically beat their heads against this text for they have seen no mountains move, and there seems to be an indelible number of things that remain impossible. Do you find yourself there as well? I have, and many other Christians have walked the road of personal doubts and discouragements because they thought they had great faith and yet their desired achievements did not come to pass.
 
But, beloved, believing for magnificent things or for the greatest possible outcomes is not having great faith. Great faith is belief in what Jesus has promised, and anchoring our lives to those promises. It must be faith that is placed rightly. As we consider our text for today, you need to hearken back to the moment when Jesus commanded the disciples to go out and do those things that He had been doing. In Mark 6:7 we read, “And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” Now, follow up that text with this from Mark 9:17-18, “And someone from the crowd answered him, ‘Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.’” What happened? Why were they unable to do so when the very authority was given to them for that very purpose? Simple—they didn’t believe. Perhaps they thought they could do such a thing under their own authority, or perhaps they thought that they could only function in a lesser situation and it needed Jesus directly. But, for whatever reason, they failed to believe the LORD when He had already given them the authority.
 
And that is the point of faith—it does not look anywhere else but to the LORD and His word and moves us to obey His commands. Jesus does not give universal authority to us that we should do anything we want, but He has given us some promises and commands that we must believe. And in that belief, we must act in faithful obedience, trusting that what He said will come to pass will actually happen. In the book of Acts, the faith of the apostles was presented as they healed, and performed signs and wonders—because Jesus gave them the authority to do so. No apostles exist today so those necessary signs are no longer needed. But still the church has been given great commands to go into all the world with the gospel. To bring to light the truth of Christ and trust that He will do exactly what He has said. That when His word is preached, it will cut others to the heart (see Hebrews 4:12). That when we pray according to God’s will, He hears us and we have what we’ve asked (see 1 John 5:14-15). There are many, many others and there is no room for them in our reading today.
 
Let me place this before you as we get ready to close. If you want to overcome unbelief, even as the father cried out “help my unbelief” then you must come to the word and saturate yourself in His truth. If you want to know His will and walk by faith, you must know His word and obey it. Only then, will you, I, or any other Christian find the means to overcome unbelief.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Mark 1:18 ~ “And immediately they left their nets and followed him.”
 
How long does it take to process the command when Jesus issues it? For the disciples, there was an immediate response. And there must be the same from all of those who hear the call of Christ, for it is best for us to obey immediately and not linger long in the dreariness of doubt. And how will you know it is a command of the Savior King? Because, my dear friends, it comes directly from His word. Any other source than His direct command from His word must be subject to scrutiny, evaluation and even some skepticism. Our own hearts can lead us astray, even as we find in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” The apostles didn’t “follow their heart” as is the mantra of many today, but they followed the LORD and submitted to His command to come.
 
As we consider our text for today, a brief understanding of what the word “immediately” actually means. In short it means, “right away, right now, or at once.” Why do I include this, since the definition is precisely what it says? Because there are many who will try to cover over the notion that Christ does not mean for us to wait until a more opportune time to obey His commands. He does not issue a directive in order for us to bandy about with our own notions or agendas, but puts before us His word and then issues His mandate. And then we have a determined response—either obey or not. And what was the command of Christ. In Mark 1:17 Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” The command from Jesus is “follow Me.” That’s it—no more direction than that. Simple, authoritative, and without opinion. Jesus does not seek our estimation of His command, but merely issues it and then opens the way for us to obey.
 
So, the first thing we discover from the response of the apostles is that they “immediately” responded to Jesus. The Gospel of Mark is replete with the term “immediately.” Many opportunities are lost because the moment of obedience is replaced with hesitation. Lest we forget at this point in our reading, we are speaking of obeying God’s word, not responding to our own or other’s intuitions and ideas. Consider the response of another disciple, “Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead’” (Matthew 8:21-22). Do not think that the LORD was not compassionate to the man’s need, but there is a sense in which the excuses we make become the reasons why we do not obey the LORD.
 
The next thing to observe is that the disciples “left their nets” to follow Christ. They were not going to be bogged down with other interests when the singular command of the LORD waits before them. Jesus told us in Luke 9:23-24, “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’” Ask yourself, is there anything that prevents you from obedience to Christ? Are there things in your hands that you love more than the LORD Jesus? The rich young ruler held his resources as of greater worth than obedience. We read in Mark 10:21-22, “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” So, beloved, if obedience to Christ requires the relinquishing of some worldly possession, hold them with loose hands and be willing to part with it in obedience to Christ.
 
Finally, we gaze upon their obedience when we see in the text, they “followed him.” The call to preach would come. The requirement to go into all the world had not yet been given. Their obedience to the point of death had not yet presented itself. It was a simple command that required a simple obedience—merely, come and follow. 1 Samuel 15:22 reminds us, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” As the apostles did what the LORD commanded, responding to His directives in like obedience, so we must do the same. Heed the commands of the LORD in His word and let your obedience reflect the command.
 
And so, we live this day-by-day life with our ears open, our heart ready and our life moving to follow our LORD who commands us through His word.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Esther 6:2 ~ “And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.”
 
There are many who find themselves distressed that their works have gone unreported, unseen and forgotten by those whom they have served. Oh, my friends, we must not strive after the applause of men, or to be seen by those who might give us some form of admiration. The LORD warned of such behavior in Matthew 6:1, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” Have you thought that somehow your deeds have remained undisclosed and unnoticed? Let me assure you this day that there is not one thing that you have done in the undertaking of your faithfulness to Christ that has been unwatched or forgotten by the LORD God Almighty. Every deed is recorded in the books that God keeps with Himself (see Revelation 20:12), and especially your belonging to Christ—for that is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
 
As we look to our text for today, it is the continuation of the epic situation of Mordecai, the king’s servant who prevented the assassination of the king (see Esther 2:21-23). As with all matters of the court, a record was kept, put away and forgotten. And there it remained, lost in the archives of the palace, until one day when the king was restless and needed something to read. Esther 6:1 tells us, “On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.” Time had passed and the situation was history, but the reward had not yet been given to the one who prevented the tragedy against Ahasuerus. Perhaps Mordecai had long forgotten about the event, but it did not matter—the record was read and the deed was brought to light in the presence of the king.
 
Have you labored long in the service of the King of kings? Then rejoice, beloved, for your deeds have never been forgotten. Do not dismay that they might be overlooked by those around you—for your honor will not come from them but from the One whom you serve. We read in Revelation 14:13, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’” The Apostle Paul said it this way, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
 
Yet how many are there who stop laboring for the LORD because it has gone unnoticed in the world. Truly there must be honor to whom honor is due (see Romans 13:7), but it should never be what is sought by the one who is in the service of the King. Yet those who crave honor, glory and self-promotion will invariably strive after finding some means of gaining recognition. They do as the old colloquial statement says and “toot their own horn.” Yet Proverbs 27:2 states, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” But what if they don’t praise? Then, dear Christian, wait for the LORD, for our Savior has never once forgotten all that you have done in His service.
 
Paul reminded Timothy of this very thing. We read in 1 Timothy 5:24-25, “The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.” Just as the sins of the unrepentant will be evidenced against the sinner, so the good works of those who have loved and served the LORD are conspicuous. Even those that seem to be hidden away from sight, cannot remain so—for God will bring every deed to light and all those who serve Him will receive their commendation (see 1 Corinthians 4:5).
 
Let me encourage you to keep striving in your service to the LORD. It is never in vain. And though the eyes of men may never see the work done by your efforts, know that you are never forgotten by the LORD and He will reward you according to His promise. As the king read the record of the memorable deeds and finally honored Mordecai, so our LORD will read out the record of yours—and He will reward you. So, let us continue working until our Savior returns.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Exodus 4:11 ~ “Then the LORD said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?’”
 
Moses was quite convinced that he was the exact wrong person to go into Egypt and deliver the people of God from their enslavement. However, God had commanded Moses to go back to Egypt and deliver the nation of Israel and lead them out. The great dilemma that stood in front of the aged man was his inability, his limitations—his weakness. When Moses was younger, he tried with his own strength to be Israel’s deliverer. In Exodus 2:11-12 we read, “One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” Now, forty years later, Moses was reluctant to return. But the point is this: God is the One who will be the means by which His commands are fulfilled. We have the responsibility to go forth in obedience, but God does not expect that His purpose is accomplished in our power. Did not our LORD Jesus tell us this very thing in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
 
Our text for today comes as a conversation between Moses and the LORD God. Moses was laying out his objections to the calling to go back to Egypt. Let me encourage you to read Exodus chapters three and four in order to get the full picture of this encounter. Moses’ final objection is found in Exodus 4:10, “But Moses said to the LORD, ‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.’” Today’s verse is God’s response to that final objection. And it is a telling statement concerning the sovereignty and power of the LORD Almighty. God already had turned a staff into a serpent, had made Moses’ hand leprous and then restored, and had promised a sign from the waters of the Nile River to prove that the patriarch was being directed by God (see Exodus 4:1-9). Now the LORD confronts Moses with a question.
 
“Who made man’s mouth?” This rhetorical question is a direct response to Moses’ objection that he could not speak with any eloquence. Surely going back into Pharoah’s court would require an orator that was capable of proclaiming words that were exceptionally persuasive. But God dismissed the objection with this simple truth: it is God who made your mouth—it will be God who fills it with the right words. Our LORD Jesus tells His disciples something similar when He says in Mark 13:11, “And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” Ultimately, God told Moses that his objection was without merit for it rested upon man’s ability and not God’s power.
 
Now, you may be asking this: what does this verse have to do with the sovereignty of God? It is simply this: God is the One who makes man mute or deaf, seeing or blind. There are many who declare that the challenges faced by the human race are outside of the LORD. Much of the illnesses and struggles are attributed to God’s enemy, and yet the LORD told Moses that it was He who makes man all these things. The disciples questioned why a man was born blind and Jesus did not say that it was the devil who afflicted the man but that it was for the work of God to be displayed (see John 9:1-3). Paul recounted to the church that it was because of an illness that he first preached the gospel to them (see Galatians 4:13). There are times when the enemy does have opportunity to afflict people, to bring illness and trouble (for an example, see Matthew 9:32). But even then, God is still sovereign.
 
There is no need to try and separate God from the troubles we face. If you’ve suffered in this world, and have gone through trials and challenges that seem daunting, remember our text today and trust that the God who loves you completely, also has purposed what you face. Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
 
Moses was called upon to trust God’s sovereignty and to go forward in obedience to God’s command. And, dear Christian, we are called to do the same. We must trust that what God has put before us will be accomplished through us by the LORD’s strength and power. The God of Heaven, who has the power to put words upon the lips of Moses to speak to Pharoah, is the same God of Heaven who has the power to take your weakness and work through you too.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Psalm 43:5 ~ “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
 
A great deal of distress can be overcome in one faithful glance at the Savior.
 
There are many, and perhaps you’re one of those many (I have been on occasion), who find your very soul cast down and in the grip of despair. Enemies have encircled around you and wars rage within that pummel you into a condition where you find that the light of hope has dimmed and the continued daylight of joy has been shrouded by the gloomy clouds of despondency. Even the psalmist who penned the words of our text today found that his own heart fell into those darkened depths. And when there, it seems as if there is no real avenue of escape. But, beloved, there is.
 
It begins with a question—you must ask yourself, “why.” Our text opens with that very demand of the soul, “Why are you downcast… why are you in turmoil?” So many sit upon their despair as if they were tethered to the condition. They don’t ask “why” but merely acknowledge the fact that they are in a state of gloom. But it is the question that must be pondered: why are you there? What brought you into the state of mind that has you imprisoned behind iron bars of misery? Has sin bound you in its shackles? Has rebellion sent you over the edge and now you’re swallowed up in it as if it were Jonah’s whale? Have earthly circumstances caused you to find that you are overwhelmed? There are many situations, many circumstances that will lead a person to find themselves in the grip of despair.
 
What is it like? Our text gives us two very clear pictures that underscore the weight and frustration of such a condition. First, you are “cast down.” The image is of one who is so overtaxed with a weight of hopelessness that they no longer can carry the burden. They are bowed down, pressed upon with the heaviness of heart that is like an anvil upon their backs. It also bears the image of one who is so sorrowful that they can no longer even stand. With their backs bent for the sheer bulk of anguish. Second, you are “in turmoil.” This conveys the idea that there is a “silent scream” happening in your heart. It is the groaning of despair, the mournful crying out of a soul that can no longer even utter words that make sense, but merely moan in agony of heart.
 
Oh, dear friends, do as the Psalmist indicates and hope in God! That is the cure to the great maelstrom of despair that casts you down. If in hopelessness you have lingered long and you know that there is no relief from the weight which presses on your soul, do not look elsewhere, look to the LORD your Savior. Jonah, deep in the belly of the fish, cried out to the LORD in Jonah 2:2, “I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.” Be as the prodigal son and remember your Father’s house (see Luke 15:17). The LORD is the God of hope. He is the vanquisher of all our sins and will show us mercy and grace in our time of need. Psalm 3:3 says, “But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.” Does God lift your head? Is it too heavy a weight for you and you cannot even lift your eyes to heaven? Then with your head bowed, cry out to the LORD. He will hear your despairing cry and will again bring you into His light.
 
And what is the result of turning again by faith to God? A song of praise. Our text says that we shall again praise Him—for He is our Savior and our God. He is the one who will deliver us from the bondage of sin and free us from the shackles of despair. If you’ve sinned, confess and receive the promised cleansing from our LORD (see 1 John 1:9). If your circumstances are overwhelming you, then trust that the LORD is sovereign even over those, believing His promise that they will come out for your good (see Romans 8:28). Do as the Apostle Paul taught and go in prayer before the Father with all these things. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
 
Are you downcast? Is your heart in turmoil within? Our LORD who loves you will also carry you. Peter tells us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us. To look away from the LORD is to despair… a look at the Glorious Savior will dispel the darkness. Let us look to Jesus.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Amos 4:12 ~ “Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!”
 
Are you prepared to meet your God?
 
This day I have long been dwelling on the character of God. Much is made of His love and tenderness, for so He is beyond measure. Many softly speak of His mercy and grace, for they are of His most noble and profound attributes. There are proclaimers who long tell of His acceptance of sinners—and truly in Christ, sinners are received. In fact, God Almighty is perfect in all His ways. There is not one attribute of God that is incomplete, unrefined, or dimmed against a brighter light. All His ways are absolute, both His love and justice, both His mercy and wrath are fully and totally faultless.
 
Dear ones, remember the words of the psalmist in Psalm 115:3, “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” This does not mean that God is arbitrary or random in His dealings with man. He does whatever pleases Him, and God is always pleased with that which will magnify His own goodness. Whether in the execution of His wrath, or in the deliverance of His mercy, God will show Himself to be good, righteous and holy. Even our LORD Jesus said that there is only One who is good (see Matthew 19:17).
 
So… let me ask again… are you prepared to meet your God? For, dear reader, He is your God. You may be reading this today and are not a born-again Christian. It matters not, there is only One God—and He is it. He is your God whether you wish Him to be or not. You may have hearkened unto all manner of other gods of this world, they are all of them a deception. You may have come to believe that you are the god of your own life, declaring for yourself what is good and right. If that is the case, you are self-deceived. There is only One who is God—One who is Creator, Sustainer, Savior and Judge of all creation. God Almighty is His name. Consider the words of Amos 4:13, “For behold, he who forms the mountains and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought, who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the LORD, the God of hosts, is his name!”
 
Feigned religious behavior will not suffice in the confrontation you will have with the Almighty LORD. Israel participated in their prescribed duties with little to no desire for God. Read all of Amos chapter four and you will hear God’s chastisement against them, declaring five times that though God disciplined them, they would not return. And I fear that it might be said that there are some today who are called by the name of Christ and yet come to the gatherings of the saints with no real desire to worship the LORD.
 
How does God show Himself? The Scriptures tell us in 2 Samuel 22:26-28, “With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless; with the purified you deal purely, and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous. You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.” The proud man will never associate with God, for it will require humility and the fear of the LORD to draw near to the King of kings. The boastful man will merely sniff contemptuously at the notion that God is to be His judge. Arrogance cannot fathom any sense of personal guilt before a Holy God. Yet that one will also meet with God, and it will not go well for him. God will seem tortuous to the crooked man, to the arrogant and boastful man. But to the merciful, God shows Himself merciful. For our LORD Jesus said Himself, “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2). And what a wonderful promise given, that God will save the humble.
 
Let us close this reading with the question we began—are you prepared to meet your God? Israel had fallen into idolatry and the feigned worship of God. They had forsaken the LORD and not returned to Him. The LORD God, who brought them out of Egypt, who carried them into the Promised Land, who defeated their enemies and forgave their rebellions, this is the God they forsook. Let us, then, consider all that Christ has done for us. He has died for our sins and suffered His Father’s wrath on our behalf. Clothed us in His righteousness. Delivered us from sin. Confirms our adoption. All this and more has Jesus done for His church. Let us not forsake the LORD our God, but be prepared to meet Him with joyful anticipation, and not dreadful apprehension at His return.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​1 Peter 2:25 ~ “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
 
How far afield have you wandered? We see our society departing on every occasion from that which is of God. But we cannot always look at others and forsake the consideration of our own lives in this question. All have been like sheep. All have gone astray. Isaiah 53:6 declares, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” If you are a Christian, you were not always so. There was a day when the Shepherd found you lost and wandering in the wilderness of the world. Perhaps you were glad to be there until you realized the desolation that the world provides. All the pastures of this world are mirages. They provide temporary happiness without true joy. They indulge in temporary pleasures without true peace. They claim to have security but it’s a mere phantom, passing and insubstantial. Many mistake worldly craving for love and dress up wishful thinking to look like faith. We all were there once—straying like lost sheep, wandering in the bleak fields of the world.
 
Are you still there, straying like sheep, living in the self-indulgent efforts of the world? If so, cry out as the psalmist did in Psalm 119:176, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.” The Scripture is filled with the evidences of those who realized their condition and cried out to the Shepherd. Nebuchadnezzar looked up to heaven (see Daniel 4:34), the prodigal son remembered his father’s house (see Luke 15:17), the city of Nineveh repented (see Jonah 3:5-9). Many others can be recounted, but I trust you understand that there is a real need to call out to the Shepherd that He might find you in your distress of sin and worldliness and rescue you. There is no need, any longer, to be straying like sheep.
 
And, as we consider our text today, let us take a look at the two descriptions of the LORD Jesus Christ. He is both, “Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” In these two titles of our LORD, we will see eternal comfort and everlasting security.
 
First, the LORD is the Shepherd of our soul. Jesus, Himself, said as much in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” No one else has ever done for you what Jesus has done. No one except Jesus has laid their lives down that they should take upon themselves your sin and punishment in order to rescue you. More than just a martyr’s sacrifice, Jesus is the Shepherd who laid His life down for His sheep. But a shepherd does more—He is the provider for the sheep. He cares for the flock, leads them to the fertile pastures, guide them away from hazards, defends them against the villainous foes. Take a moment and read of the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23. Why, oh wandering flock, would you stray away from the One who will so care for you?
 
Second, the LORD is the Overseer of our soul. To be the Overseer is to be the one who is of supreme authority. Jesus is the One who has the right to rule and we, if we are His, must submit to His rule over us. But to be the Overseer puts Jesus in the position of establishing the parameters for our instruction and obedience. He has given us His word as those very parameters. It is His delight to have His children walk with Him in truth, but it is His task as well to oversee that we do. The LORD will not depart from you, He will watch your every step and know your every move and will chastise or encourage as needed.
 
And, finally, I want to encourage you with a hopeful thought. There is a blessed “past tense” to this text. It says not that we need to return, though all straying sheep need to do so. It does not say that we are returning, as if Jesus is still separated from us and distant. It says that we “have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer” of our souls. And what a joyful union it is—to be forever bound to Jesus. Having returned, we are under the watchful care of Jesus as Shepherd and under the sovereign authority of Jesus as Overseer. And all of this is for those sheep who, having gone astray, have returned to Him.
 
So I ask, even as I did at first, have you wandered far afield in this world and know not how to return? Call out to the LORD. The Shepherd will hear you—as He always hears His sheep. He is as the prodigal’s father, waiting for the least turn of your heart toward Him and He will run to meet you. He will bring you back into His flock and rule over you as the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Matthew 24:37 ~ “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
 
Let me address a very concerning situation to you this day. There are many who filter through the church with little to no awareness of the impending arrival of the LORD Jesus. And this is an indication of a tremendous predicament—it is exactly as the LORD told us it would be. The LORD describes the conditions of the days of Noah in the next two verses. Consider Matthew 24:38-39, “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” There is a real oblivious condition in our world today, and it is reflective of the days of Noah. My great concern is that such is the case for many Christians.
 
For a moment, let yourself think back to the days of Noah. Place yourself in his time. A middle-aged man (Noah was 500 years old) is proclaiming a judgment to come. And in response to that particular judgment of God, Noah is building a very large boat, an ark. Genesis 6:5 describes the condition of man, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” So, here’s my question for you this day: would you have helped Noah build the ark? It’s hard for us to consider the question as we have now the full view of what God did upon the earth. But the question is still upon the table—will you help build the ark? Not the ark of Noah, but the church of the LORD Jesus? For there is still a looming judgment that is coming, and we have been warned by God Himself of the impending fury of His wrath.
 
2 Peter 2:5 describes Noah as a “herald of righteousness.” He was a preacher—testifying to the righteousness of God and warning of the wrath that would flood the earth. It is evident that no one believed Noah as he preached to the people, all the while hammering into shape the floating fortress that would house he and his family, as well as every kind of animal on the earth. It is clear they did not listen, for had they listened they would have been on the ark. But even as Noah continued in his efforts, the world continued on like it had always done. Life continued, marriages happened, children were born, restaurants filled with patrons, parties and all manner of whatever wickedness they could imagine continued right up until that first drop of rain.
 
Genesis 7:16 says, “And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the LORD shut him in.” There came that final moment, the last message, the final board upon the ark of deliverance, and then it was finished. God shut them in the ark, and the world was shut out. My dear friends, so it will be on the day of Christ. When the LORD Jesus returns it will be a day of dread for the entire world except for those who are in Christ. It won’t matter if they were very religious, it will make no difference if they were nice people or wicked villains. Only those who were in the ark were saved from the floodwaters of God’s judgment, and only those who belong to Christ will be saved from the fiery wrath of God.
 
Many are likely to be as 2 Peter 3:4 describes, “They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.’” In essence, they will be “marrying and giving in marriage… eating and drinking” and completely unaware. It will happen suddenly… and there will be no mistaking it. Jesus describes His return in Matthew 24:27, “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” It will be unmistakable, unavoidable and it is absolutely certain to happen.
 
So, again I ask, will you help build the ark? Will you bring others to know the LORD Jesus so that at His coming they can rejoice and be safe from God’s wrath? The heralds of righteousness are proclaiming the coming of the Son of Man. Men of God are standing true in the hallowed halls of the churches of our land and around the world. And just because you haven’t seen it happen does not mean that it won’t. I could imagine that millions would have preferred to build with Noah before it was too late.
 
In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, those who were ready for the coming of the Bridegroom went in—and then after, the door was shut (see Matthew 25:1-12). Let us be as those who are wise, and be watching and ready for when our LORD shall return.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​2 Timothy 3:12-13 ~ “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
 
The Apostle Paul continues his final discourse with this warning from 2 Timothy 3:1: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” He unfolds for Timothy, and for the church, what those terrible, difficult times will look like. 2 Timothy 3:2-5 give a stark description of a people who have completely defected away from God and away from even the civil ethics of humanity. Ultimately, these will be people who are completely driven by the desire for self-fulfillment. And that will be the mark of the concluding days of mankind.  But what about Christians? What about those who love and serve the LORD Jesus during the time that Paul describes. This brings us to our text for today.
 
Before we look at the text, let me ask you, are you prepared to stand in the times of difficulty that Paul describes? Jesus told us that there will be an increase of wickedness in Matthew 24:12-13, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” When this lawlessness increases, those who only have a passing interest in Christ Jesus, who remain on the fence between the world and the LORD will quickly fall off that fence and their love will vanish like the dew in the heat of the day. We must be watching the times that we are in, for the LORD has warned us in His word on many occasions that these times will come. Will you continue to live a godly life even when the world is set against you?
 
Coming now to our text, we hear that those who desire to live godly in Christ will be persecuted. So, it begs the question: what is it to live a “godly life in Christ Jesus?” Well, the basic meaning of the word “godly” is to be pious, or sincerely devoted. And that devotion is qualified by the One who deserves that piety—the LORD Jesus Christ. So, to have a godly life in Christ Jesus is to be sincerely devoted Him—giving up all other objects of worship and looking to Jesus alone as Savior and LORD. But the trouble for the believer does not come when they are walking in perfect devotion, but merely when they even desire to be so. For persecution is targeted at the ones who only “desire” to live godly in Christ Jesus, not merely to those who are fulfilling such a life. For to desire such a life is to have the intended willingness to live for Christ. Do you? Is there in you the intended willingness to live your life devoted to the King of kings? Then you must be open to the fact that there will come times of persecution upon you as well.
 
But what is it to be persecuted? Many have considered persecution to be the travails of normal circumstances that go against them. They decry that they are persecuted when things don’t go their way. Then, on the other side of the spectrum are those who only see persecution as the murderous intent of the wicked toward the righteous. Truly the final end of persecution is often a lethal attack, and the history of the church is filled with pages and pages of those who have given their lives in faithfulness to the LORD. But the basic truth is, to be persecuted is to be pursued with the intent of causing distress or hurt. The term “persecute” conveys the image of a dog nipping at the heels, constantly harassing and trying to cause harm. Jesus, in His opening sermon of the gospel of Matthew said this, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).
 
These last days are filled with all manner of wickedness and distress from an increase of lawlessness. A moment of paying attention will show you how those who are wicked are increasing, going from bad to worse. Deceptions abound and those who are despised by a culture of sinfulness will be the ones who desire to live godly in Christ. As Paul intended in his letter, so we must heed this as a warning—but we must not fear it or be discouraged. We must continue in what we learned as we desire to follow Christ (see 2 Timothy 3:14). Do not let the world surprise you, but be aware that these things predicted in the Scriptures are that which must come to pass. And, as we are living in such days, let us press on in faithfulness to our LORD until the day He returns.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​1 Kings 18:21 ~ “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.’”
 
One of the most widely read stories of the Scriptures is the time of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. If you’ve not read the story, I would encourage you to do so now. It is found in 1 Kings 18:17-40. With great trouble in Israel because of their idolatry, Elijah stood upon the mountain and confronted over 800 false prophets of both Baal and Asherah. That confrontation would prove that the LORD is God and not the false deities that were in the land. Elijah acted upon the instructions of the LORD as he declared in 1 Kings 18:36, “And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, ‘O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.’” But what we will consider today is the dilemma of the people who were “limping between two different opinions.”
 
There, on the mountain, Elijah came near to all the people. A great confrontation was about to take place, but it was more than a confrontation between the LORD God Almighty and the false gods of the people. It was a confrontation that had settled in the hearts of God’s people between the true and the false—between the gods of this world and the LORD of Hosts. Nor did Elijah do this merely for the king of Israel, but for all the people of the land. Elijah commands King Ahab in 1 Kings 18:19, “Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” How often is it that people think, “if only the important people of this world would believe on Christ... etc.” But God is not promoted by the high and mighty of the world, but presents Himself to the lowly and the contrite. Paul would tell us in 1 Corinthians 1:28, “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.” My friends, I would encourage you to not follow the popular trends of this world—so often God is not in them, but are merely the fabrication of idols.
 
Elijah’s confrontation of the people begins with the question: “How long will you go limping between two different opinions?” And that becomes the crux of the matter for many—they have a different opinion than that which is revealed in God’s word and so they adhere to it rather than to Christ. Dear Christian, how many opinions are there when it comes to understanding the LORD God? There are, ultimately, just two. Despite the fact that there is a multiplicity of various false religions in this world, and a myriad of false approaches to following the true God, there are still only two opinions—either God is who He has revealed Himself to be or He isn’t. And if God is who He has revealed, then there is only one approach to take—follow Him.
 
It's not too difficult to understand who the gods of this world are today. Simply look at that which people will follow. People hold to various opinions and thus they follow a diversity of paths. But Jesus tells us there is only one way, one truth, one life—and that is Him (see John 14:6). Ecclesiastes 7:29 states, “See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” Ever since man’s fall in the Garden of Eden, we have struck out to forge and scheme along a path of our own design, rebelling against the ways of God. Yet, it is the narrow way of Christ that leads to everlasting life, and a broad path that leads to destruction (see Matthew 7:13-14).
 
And so, the choice is laid before all mankind—either the LORD is God or the idols of men are. Either the LORD is to be worshiped and obeyed, or the ingenuity of men is to be held in honor and obeisance. And, dear one, if your idol is more precious to you than the LORD Jesus Christ, then do not deceive yourself into thinking that you are following both. You cannot have the LORD and an idol. You cannot say that the Heavenly Father rules over your life even as you strive to keep all the idolatrous practices of the world. You will merely limp between two opinions and you must land somewhere.
 
So, dear ones, do as Joshua did. Bow yourself to the King and Savior, the LORD Jesus. Consider his words in Joshua 24:15, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Nehemiah 6:9 ~ “For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”
 
With great effort the leaders of the surrounding nations did all they could to hinder the work led by Nehemiah. Commissioned by the LORD to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and to anchor the gates in its place, the cupbearer to the king (see Nehemiah 1:11) undertook this great effort with the determination to accomplish the task to the glory of God. He would not be hindered by threats or attacks and even undertook to arm the workers that they should be ready for a fight (see Nehemiah 4:17).
 
But, my friends, those who walk with Christ must be aware that there is always an enemy around who wants to hinder the work that God has called us to do. With many assaults and devices, the enemy tries to gain advantage over the faithful of the LORD in order to prevent us from building what God has ordained. But God cannot be stopped. He will do exactly what He has minded to do, and it will happen according to His will. However, let us take note from what Mordecai told Esther, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (see Esther 4:14). As Nehemiah, and as Esther, and as all of God’s faithful, you are also placed in the time and location that you should serve and strive in obedience to the will of God. We have a purpose and a call from God to do what He requires. Through you, then, God will enact His purposes. And if you shrink back from obedience in the moment you live, God will still work and the dread consequence is that you won’t be a part of it.
 
If you have a moment, before you read further, pick up your Bible and read Nehemiah chapter six. In doing so, you will understand the means by which the world will try to frighten you out of your obedience to Christ. And if they succeed, our text describes what their end-game is: that your hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done. To consider an example of this, one time as I was with a group of faithful believers working to bring the gospel to the city, several told me that it was against the city ordinance to go door to door with the truth of Christ. They tried to intimidate and frighten us out of the task God had given. What they had said was not true, but that didn’t matter to them. Their goal was to end our work. However, we pressed on—as should all those who walk with Christ.
 
Let’s take a look at how Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem tried to intimidate Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 6:2-4 they tried to get Nehemiah to leave the work in order to come to them and have some “conference” meeting, all the while intending to harm Nehemiah. When that plot didn’t work, they resorted to deception. In Nehemiah 6:6-7 they tried to stir up strife by making the false claim that Nehemiah intended to make himself king in Jerusalem. Finally, they tried to use a friend of Nehemiah to deceive the leader and make him enter into the temple in order to hide (see Nehemiah 6:10-13). Lies, trickery, false reports, intimidations, and all other manner of deceptive schemes are used to keep the servants of God from walking in faithfulness and service to Him. But, just as Nehemiah would not give in to their intrigues, so we must not give in to the pressures in our world to shrink back from our obedience to Christ.
 
Let us then learn from Nehemiah’s response to this effort of the enemy. What did he do? Nehemiah prayed. Sanballat and the others wanted to weaken the hands of Nehemiah, so the cupbearer prayed that God would strengthen his hands. And in our work that God has commanded, we must pray that the LORD would strengthen us to accomplish the task. Consider what the apostles prayed when they faced the mounting persecution from the Sanhedrin. Acts 4:29, “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.” They did not pray that God would thwart the enemy or even stop the persecution. They prayed that in the midst of it they would be given the boldness to speak. Their prayer was one of courage, to pursue God’s purpose.
 
Beloved, the world will try to sway you, frighten you, intimidate you and falsely say all manner of evil against you in order to keep you from serving the LORD. Do not give in to the world’s effort to stop your obedience to Christ. In the end, you will be the one standing with the Savior in His victory while they will all have to acknowledge that God was with us all along.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ~ “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
 
When the conclusion comes, it is the final word. Like a mathematics problem, there must eventually come an answer that satisfies the full equation. And so it is with the end of the Book of Ecclesiastes. But to know the end of a matter you must know the beginning, even as if you wanted to know how far you traveled, you need to remember from where you started. We look to Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” And this is where Solomon started—that all things under the sun is merely a vanity and a chasing after the wind (see Ecclesiastes 1:14).
 
Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, Israel’s king pursued all manner of interests: from wisdom to folly, from pleasures to piety. What he found is what all mankind will discover along the course of their life, that the intrigues that exist on this earth, even though some might provide temporary delights and others momentary satisfactions, they all ultimately end the same—with a final breath. He discovers that some things are better than others for those “better” things provide an eternal view. Consider Ecclesiastes 2:13, “Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness.” But there must come that time when the whole life is added up and the final assessment is made.
 
So, dear Christian, have you taken any moment to consider the end of the matter? Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.” Most people are rushing so quickly through life and living at such a frenetic pace that they don’t stop long enough to consider the final moment. Fortunately, God saw fit to include this consideration in His word—for Solomon has done it for you. He has heard it all, tested by wisdom the pursuits of life, and have come to a solitary conclusion: there IS a final answer. As we find in our text today: fear God and keep His commands.
 
We don’t have room in our consideration today to consider all the ramifications of what it means to “fear God and keep his commands” but let us take a quick moment to think on two different things. 1. To fear God is to hate evil. Proverbs 8:13 states, “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” 2. To keep His commands is to believe on the LORD Jesus for salvation, and to walk in faithfulness to His word. Think on John 14:23, “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’” The effect from the fear of God is obedience to His commands. Where there is no fear of God, there is no real sense of the necessity of obedience. Now, understand that this “fear” is not the dread of judgment that comes upon the unredeemed. That is a fear of God, and it is shared by the devils. The fear of God held by the believer in Christ is a love for and awe in the King of kings. So, the believer does not obey as the Pharisees, in the cold and heartless demand of obligation, but in the warmth of affection and desire for the honor and glory of the One who saved us.
 
And, as we conclude our view of the text for today, we are given the great reason why we walk in the fear of God and obedience to His word. Because “God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Every deed? Yes, every deed. There is not one thing, whether in thought, word or deed that does not come under the scrutiny of the Almighty Judge of mankind. But for the believer, there is the great promise that our judgment was satisfied in Christ. So those who believe on the LORD Jesus for the salvation of their soul will discover that the judgment faced is one that will be a reward. For more than acquitted from sin, the Christian is adopted into the family.
 
Let that stir your heart for a moment as you think of the judgment waiting for the world and yet you have been redeemed from such dread. Does that not stir your heart to fear the LORD, the One who saved you, and to turn your life into a walking testimony of His grace as you live in obedience to His word? There is nothing secret before God. He sees all your work of faith. Consider what Paul said in 1 Timothy 5:25, “So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.” So, even if you believe no one has noticed, God has taken great care to remember all your obedience.
 
When your life is added up and all has been heard, is the conclusion that Solomon came to, that God has revealed, be your conclusion as well? Even now, let the fear of God lead you to faithful obedience as you trust in Him.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Matthew 28:18-20 ~ “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
 
Come, dear Christian, and stand firm upon this rock. Here is the final commission of our LORD for His people while He is away—to make disciples of all nations. And we do not go forward alone, for Jesus Himself goes with us. Yet many have taken this great commission and modified it to become the great suggestion of our LORD, as if He merely advertised an opportunity for any who might want to participate. But, my friends, this is not suggested by our LORD—this is commanded. We are charged by our LORD to “make disciples.”
 
But why stand firm here? Because, beloved, there is no greater security for any believer than to stand upon a life of faithful obedience to the LORD. It is the most secure, safe and satisfying place. Troubles swirl around us like a tempest, and the fluctuating dynamics of society are like ocean currents that change direction daily. What a tremendous promise given by the One who never changes (see Hebrews 13:8): that He will be with us always, even to the end of the age. For those who walk in this commission, you may already have found this promise to be true. 

Jesus tells the church in Philadelphia, “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8). To enter the door requires a willing obedience to follow the LORD in the work He’s given. Walk through that door—no matter how little strength you may have—and you will find that He will strengthen you for His service.
 
And with this commission in hand, signed by the King of kings, we step out in His authority. Two things to understand here: first, you do not have authority of your own right. Even as a messenger does not have his own authority, but goes forth with the authority of the one who sent him, so we go into all the world only under the authority of Christ. Second, we can trust that when we step forward in faithfulness, we can rest in His authority. Many would have the church silenced in the crowds of humanity. And if we must be vocal, they would have us vocal only in our own halls—and even then, only if we do not offend the sinner. But we step forth in the authority of Christ, and we can declare, even as the apostles declared, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). And with that firm resolve established, the church of the LORD Jesus enters into the world with His word on our lips. We go forward as ambassadors of a country we’ve not yet seen. For we are ambassadors of our LORD Jesus. Consider 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
 
And so, we enter the world at large and bring the lost to the saving knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ. For in this commission, we are given tasks to perform—three tasks that are specific to all believers. The first is to “make disciples.” That is, to bring other to become followers of Jesus. It is never that they should become our disciples, but His. Second, we are to “baptize them” in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This does not save a person, but it is the public identification of a true believer. It is often the first expression of true devotion to the LORD and must be carried out. Then, third, we are to “teach them to observe” (through obedience) all that Jesus has commanded. If you would like three different words for this: we are to bring the lost to salvation, identification and sanctification in the LORD Jesus Christ.
 
Let us, my brothers and sisters in Christ, stand firm on this commission. Our home, work, leisure, friendships, family, and every other link we have to those in this world ought to be looked upon as a place where the commission of Christ is carried out—even to the end of the age.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Zephaniah 3:15 ~ “The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.”
 
Let us rejoice exceedingly, for the LORD our God has done for us what we could never do for ourselves. God, Himself, has forever established a people for His very own, a people who need never again be afraid of separation from God or the wickedness of men. 1 Peter 2:9 rejoices with these words, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Dear reader, let us spend our moment today looking at four things that are presented here, these are like gold refined in a furnace or diamonds cut to perfection.
 
The first is the disposition of our deserved judgment.
 
Without question we deserve the swift and certain judgment of the LORD God. If you believe that you have one fragment of personal righteousness to commend you to God, let the Scriptures teach you otherwise. For we see in God’s word that He has declared all men sinners (see Romans 3:23) and has bound all mankind over to judgment. But the opening of our text today declares that the LORD has taken away our judgments. How can that be? Because He has laid upon another the judgment that we deserve. Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” For all who call upon Jesus Christ and look to Him as Savior and LORD will be set free from condemnation and adopted as a child of God. Through His merciful grace, He places our sin as far as the east is from the west (see Psalm 103:12).
 
The second is the dispersal of our enemies.
 
Belonging to Christ in a world that hates Him is to be a sheep among wolves. You, my dear Christian friend, are surrounded by enemies. Philippians 3:18 says, “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” All it takes is a quick glance around our world—and perhaps even our own communities—and we will see those who do not love our LORD, who despise His people and His ways. James 4:4 warns, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” But God will not always tolerate His children being harassed and persecuted. Soon, dear ones, God will bring His retribution upon those who have so shamefully treated the blessed bride of the LORD Jesus. Consider Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
 
The third is the direct presence of the LORD.
 
Though we walk through the shadowed vale of this world, soon we will walk in radiant splendor. Now we only see as through a darkened glass, then we shall see Him face to face. He will dwell with His own. He has made a house with many rooms and has prepared a place where His church can dwell with Him forever. Jesus tells us in John 14:2, “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” Our sins had separated us from our God, but now He has redeemed us and delights to welcome us into His home. What was lost in the Garden of Eden will be restored in the eternal kingdom of our LORD Jesus. Revelation 21:3 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”
 
The fourth is the dissolution of evil.
 
We lock our doors and shutter our windows in order to prevent potential danger. We build high walls and enlist strong armies to defend the borders of our land against the potential encroachment of that which would cause us harm. The fear of evil is all around us, and by God’s divine and restraining grace, we have never seen how wicked wickedness can become. But soon, beloved, there will be no fear of evil. God will eradicate it from the presence of His people and deliver them from all anxiety. God promises in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And again, in Revelation 21:27, “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.” Rejoice, dear Christian, for soon all that would cause you fear will be gone.
 
So let us wait with eagerness and faith, looking for these four promises of God to come to light: our judgment satisfied, our enemies vanquished, our King enthroned and evil dissolved. What a day, my friends, that will be.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Song of Solomon 2:10-11 ~ “My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.’”
 
Surely, we are coming close to the end of the long winter of separation from our LORD. Soon our beloved Savior will speak those wonderful words—arise and come! Soon the rains will pass and the night depart and the day will break forth with the glorious sunrise of our everlasting joy. And let me ask you, dear Christian, do you long with great anticipation for the day when our LORD will call us home? I have known those who look to Jesus but not long for Him. There are some who wear His name with no desire for His presence. Let that not be said of you this day, for there is a great day coming that will shatter the night of sin and unveil the dawn of righteousness.
 
What a wonder it is that the Scripture often compares the fellowship between the church and her Savior in the terms of deep affection. Ephesians 5:22-33 compares the church and her LORD to a husband and wife. We read in Ephesians 5:32, “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” And marriages built upon the deep affection of godly love will understand the ever-increasing desire to never be separated from one another. The longer the romance continues between husband and wife, the greater the bond between them and the more profound the mystery of love grows within their hearts until they are inseparable. And then consider the bond of love that grows between Christ and His church.
 
The very first statement of our text today is the church calling upon the LORD as her “beloved.” And as the church continues walking in faith, the love for Christ grows warmer and warmer until the whole life is consumed by the longing to be with Him. Paul understood this when he said to the Philippian church, “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23). Our LORD Jesus longs for us to be with Him, even as He prays in John 17:24, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”
 
And look upon the affection of the LORD for His church as He calls her, “my love, my beautiful one.” The LORD does not look upon the ugliness of our former sins. He does not see us with the eyes of wrath and condemnation. Our Savior has washed us with His own blood and cleansed us from all our impurities. God Almighty, through the prophet Isaiah speaks of His cleansing upon us. “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18). If the LORD has pardoned us, who is left to condemn? If the Son of God has called us His beautiful ones, who could dare call the church unsightly? So let us garb ourselves in the robes of righteousness to ever magnify the love of our LORD and show our love for Him (see Revelation 19:8).
 
And then the bride—the beautiful one—hears those words that will forever close the gap of distance between Christ and His church. Someday, dear ones, we will hear our LORD say— “come away.” We heard His call to come and be at rest with Him, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We heard His call to come and follow Him, “And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19). And someday, dear Christian, Christ will call upon His church and we will hear His voice call us to come and be with Him forever. “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
 
Now we are distant from Him, soon we will be with Him forever. Now we are in the winter of our separation. Let us hold on to the promise that Jesus will soon call His bride to come away, and then we will be with our LORD forever.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Ephesians 4:15 ~ “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
 
There are many who will read a verse such as this and then surmise that they are commanded to say whatever they have upon their minds, believing that it is a truth to be told. I have known, and I am fairly certain that you have too, those who bring harm by speaking their opinion—though they believe that they are speaking a truth that must be communicated. It is a dangerous practice to harness a text to some personal persuasion without comprehending the full measure of what it says. So, as we venture into our text for today, let us not stray from the context in which it is provided. So let me encourage you to take a moment and read Ephesians 4:11-16 before we venture further together.
 
There are two key statements in the verses that precede our text for today. In verse 13 it states, “of the knowledge of the Son of God,” and in verse 14 we read, “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” In the context of our passage today, we discover that the truth to be spoken is the truth concerning knowledge of the Son of God—that is, the LORD Jesus Christ. And, thus, to be avoided are those other winds of doctrines that are based not upon Christ but upon the cunning and craftiness of man which distort the truth of Christ.
 
It is imperative in the church that there is unity—but that unity is to be in the knowledge of the Son of God (see Ephesians 4:13), and to find that unity, the church is given the responsibility of speaking the truth of Christ in love. And this is the first thing we need to see today—that the truth we are to speak, is the truth concerning Christ. There are many opinions of Christ. Jesus asked the question to the apostles concerning that very thing. Matthew 16:13 reads, “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’” There were many observations concerning Christ, but none of them were based on Divine revelation but human speculation (see Matthew 16:14). Several will talk of subjective experiences, but do those experiences hold the same authority as revealed truth? They must not, for it is only in the Scriptures that the truth of Christ is revealed. Even Peter, with all of his supernatural encounters in his walking with Christ, made this observation in 2 Peter 1:19, “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
 
So, as we speak the truth, we come to the next thing we need to see—what is the qualifier of speaking the truth? Simple: we speak the truth in love. Understand, this love is not human sentimentality or worldly agreement. Many believe that there is no love where people disagree. But it is not disagreement that we must avoid, but hostility against another. There is no room in the Christian heart to hold the truth with anger or hatred toward anyone. We speak the truth with the same love that Jesus spoke the truth. We offer to those who are around us the very truth that Jesus offered to us. It does not mean that the truth won’t hurt, or even offend the one who rejects it. But we must not pursue speaking the truth with the intention of causing harm but bringing life.
 
It is a tremendous grace to have in your life those who are willing to help you avoid the ledge of sin by speaking the truth in love. Let us be thankful for those times when we have been lovingly chastised by the truth of God’s word. Many times, the simplicity of a reminded Scripture has prevented me from slipping into some danger. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” And beyond warning of the dangers of sin, such truth spoken in love can be that lift of encouragement that someone else needs in order to press further in faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
 
And finally, let us briefly see the results. There is a maturity that comes when we speak the truth in love. As our text states, “we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” We are to grow up—that is, we are to see an increase in our conformity to Christ. There is a family resemblance that God is creating in each of His children, and that resemblance is to bear the image of His Son. We are to be like Him, in character and conduct, in all our views and values, we are to become more and more like Jesus.
 
Let me encourage you, dear Christian, to speak the truth—but do so in the qualifying condition of love. Have in your heart a true desire to see the one to whom you speak grow Christ.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Philippians 2:14-15 ~ “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
 
How quickly the inner core of an individual is revealed the moment a murmuring, grumbling disposition is released into a conversation. Jesus warns us in Matthew 15:18, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” The world is filled with back-talkers, those who bite and devour another in the company of people who are eager to hear the slander. Let it not be so in the church. And, in truth, anyone with a grumbling spirit has very little concern for anyone outside of themselves. As we consider our text today, it is a good moment to examine where some of those grumblings are hidden within your own heart. Repent of them, leave them out of your consideration when it comes to how you interact with those people who are in your life.
 
Dear Christian, you and I have a distinctive privilege to do things for the sake of Christ. There is not one aspect of your life that is separated from being faithful to Him. It doesn’t matter what “doing” is to be done, let it all be acted upon with the same love and devotion you have for Jesus. And this is the very first element of our text today: “do all things.” This is a tremendously large, and rather ambiguous expression, for it does not give us any specifics that must be done, but that we are to consider anything that we do with the same love and grace. Both things we don’t like or things we are pleased with, those things that are mundane or those that are magnificent, are found in this qualification of “all things.” Consider what Paul said to the Colossians, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
 
The great qualifier in our text today is to do all those things “without grumbling or disputing.” And this is where the test comes so often in the hearts of God’s people. We grumble when we believe something has happened outside of our best interest or is being done without our approval. The Israelites grumbled against the LORD. In Numbers 17:10 we read, “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.’” The church grumbled against the apostles. Consider Acts 6:1, “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint [grumbling] by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.” It often doesn’t take long before our hearts are grumbling and our mouths disputing over some real or imagined slight against us. Dear ones, this grumbling disposition is a sin, and if you possess it, then I implore you to repent.
 
But we are not without a motive to cease our grumblings and respond to each other with the love and grace that we have received in Christ. We live in the midst of a “crooked and twisted generation” that is growing more so with each passing year. And in such a generation, the church—that is, those who belong to Jesus Christ—are to shine like stars in the night. So, let me ask a “for instance” question to bring this to clarity. What will the world see from you when you’ve been wronged? Will they see retaliation or forgiveness? What light are you shining in the eyes of others who need to know that the mercy of our LORD Jesus is alive in you? Consider Colossians 3:12-13, “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
 
It is a spiritually deadly poison to let a grumbling, disputing disposition grow within your heart. If you’re uncertain about that, consider 1 Corinthians 10:9-10, “We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.” But if you respond to those around you with the patient grace and love of Christ, you show yourself to be, even as our text declares, “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish.”
 
So, let me encourage you to continue doing all things without grumbling or disputing. It is a testimony of your faith and a light of Christ in the eyes of a sin-darkened world.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​1 Kings 11:4 ~ “For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.”
 
How long does it take for the influences of those within the circle of our lives to move us in a new or different direction? For Solomon, when he was old, there was a definite change of direction. Perhaps a better question might be asked—who do you invite into the circle of your life to have an influence over you?
 
The Scriptures are filled with instruction about those we hold close. Proverbs 13:20 states, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Paul reminds the church of this principle in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” And in our text today, we discover that even the one who was given great wisdom was turned aside because of the close companionship with those who were of the world.
 
But for Solomon, where did it start? Consider 1 Kings 11:1-2, “Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, ‘You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.’ Solomon clung to these in love.” Despite the command of the LORD to not enter a marriage with a foreigner, Solomon “clung to these in love” and rebelled against the God of Heaven. And, because he did love them, he was swayed by their foreign worship, and led astray into their idolatry. After a lengthy time of being influenced by those who worshiped false gods, the aged king gave in.
 
Dear reader, consider those that you have around you that will influence your life. Let me ask a simple question: are they leading you toward or away from following the LORD? They may be those whom you love. They may be someone who is so close to you in heart that it is nearly impossible for you to imagine that they have anything but your good in mind. Surely they don’t mean you harm, even though they want you to participate in those things that are forbidden by the Word of God. But you must understand that the enemy of God does not deceive with obvious lies or hostile opposition, he is the one who masquerades as an angel of light and his servants are disguised as agents of righteousness (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
 
The key to our text for today is this: “and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God.” This is where everything went wrong for Solomon. With 700 wives and 300 concubines (see 1 Kings 11:3), the king was surrounded by those who did not follow the LORD but worshiped the false and wicked gods of the world. And without a heart set to be wholly true to the LORD, the only place that he would go was downward. In a bit of irony, Solomon had instructed the people to do the very thing at which he failed. Solomon commands the people in 1 Kings 8:61, saying, “Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.”
 
It is a safe bet to think that at the time of Solomon’s proclamation to the people, that his heart was true to the LORD. But time, and the influence of his many wives, eroded away his stand and eventually he crumbled under the weight of all those who surrounded him. And, perhaps you are in a position now where you believe that your heart is fully and wholly devoted to the LORD Jesus Christ. Peter thought he was when he declared, “Even though they all fall away, I will not” (Mark 14:29). And yet, in the time of testing, Peter denied Jesus three times (see Matthew 26:75).
 
It is a daily thing, a moment-by-moment determination of the heart to be wholly devoted to the LORD. And we must not let the world hold sway over us to move our hearts away from Jesus Christ. Take a moment as you read this and note the influences you have in your life. Do they exalt the LORD Jesus? Do they encourage you to walk in faithfulness to His Word? Have you noticed if they are attempting to drag you away from your pure and sincere devotion to Christ (see 2 Corinthians 11:3). Let me encourage you, my friends, to have in your life those who love and serve the LORD, that they will continue to motivate you to walk in loving obedience, with a whole-hearted devotion to Jesus.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

1 Chronicles 13:9-10 ~ “And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.”
 
Let me encourage you to read 1 Chronicles, chapter 13, as we consider the text for today.
 
David wanted to bring back the ark of the covenant to the city of Jerusalem. Uncertain as to how this could be accomplished, the king went to those he considered leaders of men, those who might have some wisdom or at least a valued opinion as to the manner in which they could deliver the ark to Jerusalem. In 1 Chronicles 13:1 we read, “David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader.” They came up with a convenient plan, put it on a new cart. And this was a plan that satisfied the whole crowd of those gathered as we see in 1 Chronicles 13:4, “All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.” But that is not the question to be asked—does it please the people. The better question to answer is this: is it right in the eyes of God? Is your desire to serve the LORD based on convenience or obedience?
 
So they came toward Jerusalem, following their own plan and with great fanfare and celebration they seemingly worshiped the LORD with all their heart. 1 Chronicles 13:8 says, “And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.” But, beloved, just because there is excitement and everyone seems to celebrate the LORD does not mean that the LORD is pleased. There are many gatherings who come together in the name of Christ that have nothing to do with truly worshiping the LORD. Consider the words of Samuel to Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” If we are to worship the LORD acceptably, we must worship Him in obedience and not presumption.
 
And this brings us to our text for today. The oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady the ark of the covenant. Surely it was not supposed to fall upon the ground. Certainly, the man meant no disrespect to the LORD merely by trying to steady the falling artifact. Yet, when Uzzah reached out and touched the Ark, he did what was forbidden by the LORD. Consider the rule set by the LORD in Numbers 4:15, "And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry."
 
Even the manner in which the ark was returning to Jerusalem was done in disobedience to God’s Word. In Exodus 25:12-14 we read, "You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it. You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them." This was the only method by which the ark was to be carried. No human hand was to touch the ark, for it was the very place where God had promised to meet with His people (see Exodus 25:22). Even if Uzzah's motives were generally innocent, it was a presumption to do what he did. There was a lack of the fear of God with Uzzah in such a presumption, believing that it was only a casual thing to touch the very object that represented the LORD before the people.
 
Uzzah did the very thing that God warned against, and the moment was used by the LORD to set the precedent against such presumption or casual indifference to the commands of God. David learned from this dreadful mistake and understood it when in 1 Chronicles 15:13 he says to the priests, "Because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule." What a statement—we did not seek Him according to the rule. They went back to the Word of God, the very commands as to how to bring the ark forward and carry it in honor of the LORD.
 
We cannot settle into our hearts any such presumption when we come before the LORD. Let our worship of Him be reflected in our obedience to Him. Let His Word be the rule by which we establish the means by which we honor the LORD. Then we will know that God is truly glorified.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael
 
(For this devotional, I want to thank the elders of Faith Community Church, men of God who helped talk through this text during one of our meetings. The title for this devotional graciously provided by Milt Cantellay.)

​Ruth 1:16 ~ “But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.’”
 
Disaster had struck the family of Naomi. Due to a famine in Israel, she, her husband and two sons departed from their home and settled in the land of Moab. Her husband died, and both her sons married Moabite women. It may have seemed that there was a settled life before her, but then her two sons also died and she was left without heir or support. In her desperate grief, she needed to return to the land of her birth. Naomi sent both her daughters-in-law back to their families and was set to sojourn alone back to Israel. Except, her daughter-in-law, Ruth, was not willing to be parted from her.
 
And this brings us to our text today. Ruth was passionately unwilling to leave Naomi, and her statement draws us into an illustration that reflects upon our departure from this world for the LORD Jesus. Let me ask this: are you passionately unwilling to depart from the LORD? Does not the hardship of following Christ encourage you to return to the comfort of the world and leave Him behind? For this is the situation with Ruth—she was unwilling to return to her former life and her statement must be the echoed desire of all who belong to Christ.
 
First, Ruth pleaded with Naomi to not send her away as she said, “Do not urge me to leave you or return from following you.” What desperation from the heart of Ruth to plead with her mother-in-law, but she loved Naomi and so to depart from her would be a separation that was unbearable. And let that be said of our love for Christ, that to separate from Him is beyond a dread or fear, it would be as if we separated from our own hearts. To lose Christ is to lose life itself. When the crowd of disciples that followed Jesus turned away from him, the LORD asked the twelve if they were going to depart as well (See John, chapter 6). Consider the words of Peter. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Despite the comfort that would await Ruth back with her own people, she determined to stay with Naomi. And, dear ones, if we are to cling to Christ, we must depart from the comforts of the world.
 
Second, Ruth was determined to follow Naomi, no matter where it may lead. As we read in our text for today, “For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge.” You must understand that the return to Bethlehem was not going to lead into a life of ease and riches. Naomi called herself “Mara” which means “bitter” (see Ruth 1:20). Consider what Ruth was required to do in order to merely keep her and Naomi fed—she had to go after the harvesters and glean from the fields. This was reserved for the impoverished in the land. It was a form of charity to provide for those who could not afford even to purchase grain. And this might be the life we experience, for where Jesus leads is not always upon the streets of ease and comfort. Our LORD even said in Matthew 8:20, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” In essence, Jesus said that to follow Him would be to forsake all—even if it means forsaking comfort.
 
Third, Ruth was willing to identify completely with the one she followed. The final statement is telling as Ruth stated, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” She was fully set in the faith of the people of God. And, dear Christian, let this be the testimony of our lives as we put our faith in the LORD Jesus. Let it be known that for us the people of God are our people, and the worship of God is our desire. We have no other God, no other Savior, and no other people than those who are of Christ. For some, their faith in the LORD Jesus is merely a sentimental attachment that has no distinctive absolutes to it. Yet for Ruth, there was a clear separation from the world. She left Moab behind, her people and their ways. She embraced the people of God and His authority. Let it be said of us who are born again that there is a clear separation from the world and a true identity that we have in Christ.
 
The complete separation of Ruth from the world must be the mark of our faith in Christ as well. May we be so found in Christ that where He goes, we go. And we know that He has gone into glory. Through hardships and joys, let us follow the LORD Jesus until we arrive there as well.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Jeremiah 3:8 ~ “She saw that for all the adulteries of that faithless one, Israel, I had sent her away with a decree of divorce. Yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but she too went and played the whore.”
 
The nation of Israel separated into two kingdoms, the northern kingdom which still referred to itself as Israel and the southern kingdom now called by the name of the tribe of Judah. And yet, Israel and Judah were all still the delivered people of God—the lineage of those who were rescued from Egypt and the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
 
It did not take long for the northern kingdom to fall into great sin and idolatry. They had forsaken the LORD, the temple, the sacrifices and worship of God. Soon after the separation, Israel established idolatry in full force as they built altars to the various false gods of the nations around them. But idolatry is as adultery to the LORD for it is to take the faithful devotion and love that God deserves and give it to another—to false gods. However, God is rich in mercy and patient in His faithfulness to Israel. He called upon them to return, sending prophets to the people and warning them of impending judgment. Jeremiah 7:25 says, “From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day.” And what reason did God have for sending prophets in the land, but to continually call Israel to repent and return to the LORD their God (see 2 Chronicles 24:19).
 
Israel, however, went into captivity. God sent her away, and all the while her sister nation, Judah, witnessed the whole thing. But, where Israel to the north was called “faithless,” Judah to the south was called “treacherous” (see Jeremiah 3:11). Why? Simply this: Judah had all the advantage over Israel, for in Jerusalem was the temple of God, His worship and the sacrifices. The priests, especially the high priest, were in Judah. Righteous kings would occasionally rule in the south, where the north had not one righteous king. And one more thing to add—Judah witnessed God’s judgment against Israel. They saw with their own eyes God’s response to the idolatry and rebellion of the northern kingdom, and it did not sway them against their own move toward sin. It is not unlike what happened to the son of Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. We know that Nebuchadnezzar had been disciplined by the hand of God (see Daniel, chapter 4). Belshazzar knew what God did to his father, Nebuchadnezzar, but it did not faze him one bit. Daniel 5:22 states, “And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this.” He was a witness to the punishment of his father the king, but he willingly rebelled.
 
And this brings us to our text for today. Beloved, let us pay attention when we see God’s hand of discipline heavy upon those who are around us. They may have sinned of spiritual weakness and we are watching God discipline them to move them to repentance so that He can have mercy upon them. Let us then take warning from what we see and also set our hearts to repentance. For if we see what happened to another, and then willingly venture into the same rebellion, we would not merely be faithless—but treacherous. You may have not yet been disciplined by the hand of God, for He is slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness, even as Psalm 145:8 says, “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” When we see another under the chastisement of God, let us fear the LORD and repent.
 
For that lack of fear, the nation of Judah fell into God’s judgment. The key passage of our text today is this: “Yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear.” If you know of another who is under God’s heavy hand, do not mock or ridicule them for their misfortune, but tremble with fear and learn from what you see so that, if necessary, you quickly repent and leave your sins behind.
 
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:11, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” Have you learned from the example that others have provided? Does it cause you to watch and be sober in your walk with Christ? Let me implore you, dear Christian, to look through the Scriptures and learn from the examples given to us that we may find both encouragement and, if necessary, correction. And you might, then, discover this promise also being fulfilled, “Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God” (Joel 2:14).
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Luke 6:22-23 ~ “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”
 
As we considered yesterday the pursuit of popularity, today we will look at the willingness of a Christian to pursue Christ no matter the cost.
 
It is a difficult thing to be spurned and despised. Our basic nature is to find a place of acceptance, belonging with the desire to be wanted. We look for those groups and associations that will not only cater to our needs, but receive us with a genuine welcome. But our LORD, in our text for today, pronounces the blessing in just the opposite direction—when we are hated, excluded and reviled. Very few would put that on their introductory packet to their fellowship: “come to our church where we are hated by the world.” For those who are driven by popularity, it would never do.
 
But consider the reasons why such animosity is leveled against you. The text indicates it clearly: “on account of the Son of Man.” And that is where every believer must live—on account of the Son of Man. So, with the question lingering in the air, let us ask it: how is your life lived on account of Jesus? To ask it a different way: is Jesus the “why” when someone asks you the reason for the way you live? Can you say, as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” If the answer is “yes” (and I truly hope it is), then you will have already experienced the conditions in our text today. Why are you humble? Why are you honest? Why are you patient? Why are you loving? And each time the answer is the same: “for to me, to live is Christ.” It is a precious thing to take inventory of the reasons that you live as you do, and set them against the simple measuring line: “to live is Christ.”
 
And this is where the blessing is found. The term simply means: to be happy or well off. Sometimes it indicates a state of being envied. Imagine that, you will be envied and considered well off when you receive the vitriol of the world against your faith in Christ. Let us remember, however, who is applying this blessing—it is the LORD Jesus, not the world. The people of this world cannot see that their wicked treatment of you as you live on account of Christ is providing you a blessing. So, why does Jesus pronounce the blessing upon the suffering of His servants? Simple: the LORD does not see blessings from the standpoint of our temporary satisfaction or our settled and peaceful state in this world. Consider what He says at the end of our text: “your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ (see Acts 5:41). The Apostle Paul said this in Galatians 6:17, “From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”
 
And there is a response Christ describes for us: a willing reaction of joy. Imagine that, you can rejoice and even leap for joy when you are facing the great hostility of those who hate Jesus. 1 Peter 4:13 tells us this, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” Again, Peter instructs us in 1 Peter 2:20, “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.” There is no blessing applied when your suffering is brought on by your own bad behavior. But, when you do good, when you strive in this world to be as Christ, living on account of Him, and you face the onslaught of the persecutions of this world, it is a gracious thing in the sight of God. You are living and proving out your love for and faith in His Son, our LORD Jesus.
 
So, hang on, Christian. Soon the trials of this life will be over and your greatest rejoicing will come when you stand in victory with the LORD Jesus in that eternal place where we will be with Him forever.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Luke 6:26 ~ “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”
 
How is it that so many Christians venture out upon the stage of the world in the hope that they will be well received by the mass of humanity that despises and rejects the LORD? There is a marked difference between having a good reputation and being so welcomed by the world that they consider you to be one just like them. It is a good thing to have a good reputation, for even Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” A Christian ought to bear a testimony of one who is repentant of sin and pursuing righteousness. It should be that a believer in Christ is counted the one who’s name demonstrates the stamp of belonging to Christ. So, then, why is there a condemnation spoken against those who have all people speak well of them? Simple: when “all” people speak well of a person, it illuminates the fact that the person is fully engaged in the things of this world rather than the things of Christ. Jesus stated in John 15:19, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
 
Dear reader, it is easy to fall into the trap of “popularity worship.” That is to say, when your pursuits and inclinations, your decisions and directions are all made with the hope of garnering greater popularity with a broader collection of people. Politicians fall into the trap rather quickly when they look upon their constituents as the governing measure of how they should respond to any and every situation—that is, they look to see if the majority is for or against any given idea. But there is no “majority rule” in the kingdom of Christ. It is the rule of the King of kings that directs and determines the steps His children are to follow. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice.” If, as the Scriptures say, the whole world is under the control of the wicked one (see 1 John 5:19), then it is easy to estimate where the majority will eventually go. But it must not be for the Christian. If you are a born-again believer in the LORD Jesus, you have one Master, one Rule, and though all the world assails you and rails against you for your faithfulness to Jesus, you must not comply with them.
 
And, in the first word of our text today, “woe,” we hear the unutterable expression of undeniable loss. It is a statement of great grief, a statement used of Jesus when He proclaimed the seven “woes” on the scribes and the Pharisees (see Matthew, chapter 23). This is the calamity of the one who desires to please the world rather than the LORD. The loss is far greater than many might imagine. It is described in James 4:4, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” The loss of friendship with God is an eternal loss that, without repentance and true faith in Christ, a person will suffer that loss for all eternity.
 
It also puts the one who loves popularity into the category of the false prophets. As our text today says, “for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” The world loves the false prophets for they will always find themselves in agreement with each other. God, through the prophet Jeremiah rebukes them, “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes” (Jeremiah 5:31).
 
Oh, dear friends, heed the warning in this text today and do not pursue those things that are of worldly fads or popular opinion. Jesus has already given us His word to govern our understanding of things. He has given us His commands to provide us the necessary direction we need to live in this world. Let us leave off the pursuit of popularity and hold fast our faith in Christ, following Him even if it means we do so alone.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Jonah 3:10 ~ “When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.”
 
The prophet, Jonah, brought to the city of Nineveh a great warning against their sin and wickedness before the LORD. The message was simple: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). There was no mistaking the warning, for Jonah delivered it across the vast city for three days (see Jonah 3:3). Yet what a grace that God gives when He sends His word to warn us of the impending judgment against our sin. And it was His will to give Nineveh such grace. But the warning also came with a deadline, and that must give us pause to understand that the LORD will not always strive with man. He will bring judgment, and it will come soon. Let us then strive to proclaim the warning of God to a world that is in rebellion against Him that they also would hear.
 
And what was Nineveh’s response? Jonah 3:5-6, “And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.” The first statement is the key—the people believed God. Without a real sense that God will do exactly as He promises, people will continue to rebel and forsake His ways. They will hear the words but they will not do anything about it. Many today are in such a state, always hearing but never acknowledging the truth (see 2 Timothy 3:7). Though they claim to believe in God, they don’t believe God and continue to venture down paths of wickedness without any fear of God. Just as it says in Romans 3:18, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
 
But the city of Nineveh did believe God, and in that conviction, responded in the only way they could—they repented. Consider what the king of Nineveh ordered in Jonah 3:8, “Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.” And this brings us to the first statement of our text today—that God saw their response to His warning. But, take heed to this truth: God watched their actions more than listened to their words. True repentance, beloved, always comes with a response. Lip-service sorrow will fall upon deaf ears, but a true turning away from sin and the rejection of that which is evil, God will see. Let me ask: do you suffer from a sin that seems to be on repeat? Is there a continual striving against a persistent wickedness? Then, dear Christian, continue to repent—daily if you have to, hour by hour if needed. Jesus commanded that we repent (see Matthew 4:17). Confess your sin before the LORD and with determined resolution, flee that sin until it dies.
 
And what is the LORD’s response? For Nineveh, the LORD God Almighty relented from sending destruction. He withheld His judgment against that city because they believed and repented and proved their repentance in their actions (see Acts 26:20). One of the reasons Jonah initially ran from the call to preach to Nineveh was for this very reason. He said as much in Jonah 4:2, “For I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” Jonah wanted God to punish the great city, God had other ideas—He wanted to pardon them. But God does not dole out His forgiveness upon the unrepentant. God warns, time and again He warns against rebellion. We see it in His word, from Genesis to Revelation, there is a constant warning from God to reject evil and pursue righteousness—a righteousness that is found through faith in Christ.
 
As in the case of Nineveh, it is often true that the first cause of our repentance from sin is a healthy dose of the fear of God’s retribution. We fear punishment, so we fly from wickedness. But that is merely the initial stage. Let your love for Christ grow with such depth that you will flee from sin and rebellion merely to please the LORD. His will becomes your delight and His ways your path to follow.
 
And so, today, we see a city of rebellion become a city of repentance. Let it be said of our hearts as well that we have forsaken our sinful ways and are a people of repentance and faith in Christ.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael