Category Archives: Life

Bible, Christ, Death, Life, Scripture

LIFE AND DEATH

PHILIPPIANS 1:21

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

This verse has a special place in my heart. My wife and I had the verse reference inscribed on our daughter Cathleen’s headstone. Cathleen only lived six hours and died back on 9/11/87. We did not lose a child. We know exactly where she is. And one day when her mom and I get to heaven, she will introduce us to Jesus (rather than the other way around). She is not dead. She is fully alive!

Paul was ready to die for Christ. He was trusting in His all sufficient mercy and grace to release him from prison. But if not, he was ready to die. God did indeed have mercy, and Paul was released after two years of his house arrest imprisonment. Of course, we know Paul was arrested a second time and was martyred sometime in A.D. 66. Paul was ready to live or die for Christ.

APPLICATION

Most, if not all, of you reading this blog today will not have to make the decision to live or die for Christ. What exactly does it mean for us then? What did Paul mean when he said, “to live” and “to die” for Christ? First, Paul says “to live is Christ.” His reason for living was to glorify Christ. Albert Barnes gives four purposes for Paul’s living for Jesus. “1) a purpose to know as much of Christ as it was possible to know, 2) a purpose to imitate Christ, 3) a purpose to make his religion known, as far as possible, among mankind, and 4) it was a purpose to enjoy Christ.”

Then Paul says, “to die is gain.” Now, humanly speaking that makes no sense, does it. We tend to see death as final. We even say someone has “checked out” when they die. But Paul saw it differently. The word “gain” is kerdos and it means a profit or advantage. Paul knew all he had invested in this life would produce a profit – eternal life with Christ. Who could ask for more?

While we are here, we should live every day with a purpose (as Barnes mentioned above). We should seek to glorify the only One worthy of glory. And then when the day comes to “cash in our chips” we should lay it all down without pause. We are about to enter our reward. To live or die – it’s all for Christ!

Father God, give me the courage and peace to live or die for Christ each and every day.

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Bible, Death, Life, Scripture, Transgressions

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

COLOSSIANS 2:13

“And when you were dead in your wrongdoings and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our wrongdoings,”

Once you are dead, you are dead. Right? Well, maybe not. There have been thousands of individuals who have physically died but were brought back to life by CPR or through a defibrillator. Many tell of seeing a bright light while others talk about darkness and screams. One thing is for sure, though. If Christ does not return before we draw our last breath, we will experience that physical death here on earth.

Paul, however, tells us we were already dead in our wrongdoings. What does that mean? The Greek word translated as “wrongdoings” is paráptōma “(from parapíptō, see there) – properly, fall away after being close-beside, i.e. a lapse (deviation) from the truth; an error, ‘slip up’; wrong doing that can be (relatively) unconscious, ‘non-deliberate.’” (HELPS Word Studies). These wrongdoings, these slip ups had us heading straight towards damnation, but Christ intervened.

APPLICATION

Think about that for a minute. We were all doomed to both a physical and spiritual death in our sins. We had no hope. We could never do enough good to wipe away our failures. Romans 5:17 tells us these wrongdoings, these transgressions are the result of Adam’s fall. But if we “receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness” we will have new life in Him.

Paul tells us He makes us “alive together with Him.” In yesterday’s verse we saw the same preposition that is used here. The Greek word here is suzóopoieó, which contains that preposition sun, the inseparable “with.” We have been made alive together with Christ and nothing can separate us.

Aren’t you grateful for the new life you have in Christ? Aren’t you grateful He saw your wretched state and gave you a way out. That way out is only found in Jesus. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. We were dead, and now we are alive forever more – all because of Him. Praise the Lord!

Thank You, Lord, for my new life in Christ.

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Bible, Death, Forgiveness, God's Will, Life, Scripture

DEATH TO LIFE

EPHESIANS 2:5

“even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” 

Some of you who read my blog know my health history. I’ve been through two (count them – two) stem cell transplants. To describe these succinctly, they basically bring you to the point of death and bring you back. All your bone marrow is destroyed, and you are isolated for a number of days. You have no strength, no energy and not much will to live. It’s hard. But if it’s successful (and both of mine were), you get a new lease on life. You are “reborn” with new bone marrow.

Paul describes our new birth in Christ similarly. He says we were already “dead in our wrongdoings.” The Greek word for “wrongdoings” is paraptoma, which means an error or transgression that was unintentional or willful, sins of omission or commission. The good news is we are made “alive together with Christ.” Now, I really like this Greek word for “alive together.” It is suzóopoieó. It literally means to reanimate, to make alive together with someone else. It’s like our DNA was joined together with Christ spiritually. It’s His life in us that makes alive.

APPLICATION

The only other place that suzóopoieó appears is Colossians 2:13. “And when you were dead in your wrongdoings and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our wrongdoings,” (The Greek for “wrongdoings” here is the same as in Ephesians 2:5). This verse in Colossians is almost the same as our verse today. You can see that all through these two books. Many of their verses mirror each other.

But what does this mean to us as followers of Christ? It means we have a new lease on life spiritually. Getting saved, coming to Christ, accepting Jesus, however you put that into words, does not change you physically. You are still the same person outwardly. But spiritually, you have been reborn. You have been rebooted. You are a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 is a familiar verse, which has a similar message. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” So, we need to live like that. We are new. We aren’t old. We haven’t been discarded on the garbage heap of life. Christ has come into us and given us new life. Now, live like it.

Praise You, O Father, for giving me new life in Christ.

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Accountability, Bible, Blessing, Drinking, Eating, Life, Provision, Scripture

EATING AND DRINKING

ZECHARIAH 7:6

“‘And when you eat and drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?’”

One of my favorite past times is eating and drinking. Can I get an Amen? Lol. Seriously though, I do enjoy that. I have always pursued it with gusto. Give me a large stuffed crust meat lover’s pizza anytime. But today’s verse isn’t criticizing this necessary part of our life. We all must eat and drink to sustain life. No, God is going to address something else here.

This verse is in direct contrast to yesterday’s verse about fasting. He moves from not eating and drinking to just the opposite. The people would have their feast and pretend to make it all about God. In reality, it was all about them. They would gorge themselves and drink to excess. It wasn’t a feast to celebrate God. It was simply a hedonistic practice to please themselves.

APPLICATION

Can you guess where I am going with this? In Luke 12, Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who built bigger barns for his crops. Verses 19-21 say, “‘“19 And I will say to myself, ‘You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’ 21 Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich in relation to God.’”

Our life is not about pursuing earthly pleasures. It’s not about making ourselves feel better. Our life in Christ is all about a relationship with God. We don’t have to obey to please Him. We obey because WE want to please Him. There is a subtle difference. Do you see it?

Sure! You can eat, drink and be merry. There is nothing wrong with eating and drinking or being merry. But if those are your life’s pursuits, you have a problem. I have found that when I strive to live for Christ, He provides all I need to be happy. He wants me to live a life full of joy and excitement. He truly does. That can come in all sorts of ways, some of which the world would never understand.

O Lord, I know You have my best in mind at all times. I will enjoy Your presence.

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Access, Angels, Belief, Bible, Confession, Death, Forgiveness, Glory, Heaven, Life, Salvation, Scripture

FREE ACCESS

ZECHARIAH 3:7

“‘The LORD of armies says this: “If you walk in My ways and perform My service, then you will both govern My house and be in charge of My courtyards, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here.”’”

What does “free access” mean to you? I picture going to an amusement park and having a ticket that allows you to ride all the rides, eat all the food you want, drink all you want and having reserved parking in the parking lot. But even with that you still would not be allowed behind the scenes of these rides or in the offices of those who made all the decisions.

The LORD of armies is saying through the angel that if Joshua would “walk in My ways and perform My service” then he would have free access. But to where? He would be promised to be with the angels who were around him when he died. Eternal life, promised heaven. Who wouldn’t jump at that offer, right?

APPLICATION

We are promised the same if… Our “if” is receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. There is no other way to gain free access to glory. Jesus tells us that in John 14:6. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

Paul says something similar in Romans 10:9. “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;…”

You can’t get much plainer than that. Free access comes one way – through Jesus. Let me ask that question again. Who wouldn’t jump at that offer, right?

You may be surprised. Many think coming to Jesus will cramp their lifestyle. They will have to give up too much. They don’t understand the freedom they could have in Christ. That’s where you come in. You have to tell them. You have to show them. You have to live in such a way that they come to you asking you about your freedom. Free access is available to all. Help others come to it.

I am free, Father, to live my life pleasing You. I can’t wait to see You face-to-face.

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Abiding, Accountability, Bible, Choices, Death, Following, Life, Modeling, Obedience, Scripture

DEATH AND TAXES

ZECHARIAH 1:5

“‘Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?’” 

I have heard it said many times, “There are two certainties in life – death and taxes.” While that may be true, no one likes to dwell on either. Here in the U.S., it is tax season. Everyone is expected to file their federal income taxes by April 15. I’ve already done mine and was fortunate to get a little refund. However, it will all happen again next year. At least death is a one-time deal, right? I am not worried about that because I know where I am going.

Today’s verse is kind of somber. God is reminding the people that everyone dies. Their fathers had died. Their prophets had died. There is no escaping that. Why does God do that? What was He trying to say? He was warning them that those in the past who had resisted His commands had passed away. Resisting God does you no good. Only He is eternal.

APPLICATION

Is there someone to whom you are hanging on to? You think everything will be fine as long as they are around. Warning – they won’t always be here. We can’t place our trust in anyone here on earth. We are all just passing through this earth. You may have been fortunate enough to have godly parents who taught you right. They may still be alive. Enjoy them. But our parent’s faith won’t do a thing for us as far as getting into heaven. That only comes from our own faith in Christ.

The good news is our parents’ lack of faith isn’t counted against us either. Deuteronomy 24:16 says, “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin.” We also know Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,…”

You must come to God through Jesus. Just because you grew up in a Christian home, that does not make you a Christian, anymore than being born in a garage makes you a car. Right? So, come to Jesus. Let Him give you the plan He has for your life. Only He can be trusted to do that.

O Father, I am so thankful I am resting in Your hands and not my own.

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Bible, God's Will, Gospel, Humility, Life, Pride, Salvation, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

THE KILL

NAHUM 2:12

“The lion tore enough for his cubs, killed enough prey for his lionesses, and filled his lairs with prey and his dens with torn flesh.”

I was talking to a friend of mine recently who had been on a safari in Tanzania. He was describing all the wildlife he saw, but he was particularly descriptive of the lions. He said they saw a lion pride which has just recently made a kill. The carcass of their prey was very visible. He described this as a gruesome scene.

Nahum uses the same kind of descriptors to paint the picture of what Nineveh used to be. They seemed so sure of themselves. The lion “filled his lairs with prey and his dens with torn flesh.” In other words, Nineveh feasted on the other countries it had defeated and gloated of their success.

APPLICATION

That is not to be our attitude. Humility is a key character of a believer who is walking with Christ. Just as Christ is described in Philippians 2.5-8, we are to live our lives. We have no right to be prideful of anything we have accomplished. We certainly shouldn’t be prideful at the expense of others.

Christians can be just as prideful as unbelievers. I have known pastors who were very prideful of their church numbers and even made their goals and achievements the measuring tool for their success. At the meetings with other pastors, numbers always seemed to come up, sometimes making the other pastors feel uncomfortable.

Unlike the lion who stalks his prey and kills it, we are to prayerfully approach others with the good news of the Gospel and offer them life. We are just the opposite of the lion. We seek others only to help. Is that your attitude today? Do you seek to give life or take life? It is really one or the other.

Thank You for giving me life, Lord. Lead me to others who need it also.

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Accountability, Bible, God's Will, Innocent, Life, Protection, Scripture

NO VALUE OF LIFE 

MICAH 7:2 

“The godly person has perished from the land, and there is no upright person among mankind. All of them lie in wait for bloodshed; each of them hunts the other with a net.” 

I do not know if you are a movie fan. I gravitate towards Westerns or Action films. My wife, on the other hand, prefers the dramas. This verse today reminds me of the old Mel Gibson film “Mad Max.” It is set in the future when people’s lives really meant nothing. Killing was a way of life.  

That is exactly the kind of scene Micah is describing. It was a dog-eat-dog world. People held no value of life. Micah even says, “each of them hunts the other with a net.” Wow! Whatever was going on, it was not good. Indiscriminate killing and taking of life were happening, all of which God frowns on. 

APPLICATION 

I cannot help but think about the current worldview on abortion. This issue has divided my country since the infamous Roe vs Wade decision in the 1970’s. Legalized abortion has claimed the innocent lives of millions of babies in America, not to mention how many have died worldwide. 

I thank God our Supreme Court has overturned that awful decision and are now allowing each state to decide how to allow abortions. But do not forget this fact – abortion is still legal and being practiced in America and around the world. We may not be casting a net on someone, but we are taking a life God had tremendous plans for. 

I cannot help but refer us to Psalm 139. These words should settle any doubt. 

“13 For You created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully formed in the depths of the earth; 16 Your eyes have seen my formless substance; and in Your book were written all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” 

Lord, forgive us for not putting the value on life that You do. Help us to see each life as precious and redeemable. 

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Calling, Comfort, Forgiveness, Goodness, Holy Spirit, Life, Salvation, Scripture

LET IT RAIN

JOEL 2:23

“So shout for joy, you sons of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God; for He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has brought down for you the rain, early and latter rain as before.

Don’t you just love a good rain storm? I remember this great claymation creation that used to play on tv when my kids were little. It was a scene on a farm with people sitting on a front porch of a farmhouse. There were animals in the yard laying around. It was hot and dry, and everyone and everything looked like they needed something to drink. Then, all of a sudden, the raindrops began. Slowly at first, then a downpour. Every living creature began to run around and dance in the rain.

That’s the picture I have in mind as I read this verse today in Joel. The drought is ended. The early and latter rains have returned. And with it, the promise of life. New life can spring forth from these rains which have been withheld. You know the people of Judah acted just like those Claymation figures I recall. Wonderful rain!

APPLICATION

God restores to us the promise of life at salvation. We are dead in our sins and destined for hell. But with the decision to follow Christ and ask Him to come in and save us, we receive a whole new life. His Holy Spirit comes into us and indwells us. Our life now is in Christ.

Are you in need of a new life? Are you struggling to find meaning in life today? Come to Him. Give Him your life, and He will remake it into something that is beautiful. He will give you purpose. Maybe you are already a Christian, but you are struggling right now. Return to Him. Let Him remind you who are in Christ. You are a whole new creature.

I am glad for those refreshing rains that fall. They remind me of the refreshing Spirit that leads me each day. When I am at my lowest, the Spirit reminds me whose I am. Ask the Holy Spirit today to blow those refreshing rains into your soul.

Blow, Spirit blow!  Refresh my spirit today. I want to be renewed of my purpose in Christ.

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Accountability, Advice, Bible, Contentment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Will, Inspirational, Life, Obedience, Pride, Scripture, Surrender

PROUD HEART

HOSEA 13:6 

“As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and as they became satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore, they forgot Me.” 

There is nothing wrong with being satisfied. Being content with things of life can be a good thing. Paul tells us in the New Testament to be content. He said godliness with contentment is great gain. But when we become satisfied with ourselves to the exclusion of God, that is not good. Our soul should always strive for more of Him. 

Israel had become self-satisfied. They had, in fact, become proud of heart. The word “proud” in the Hebrew can have the idea of exalted or puffed up. They didn’t need God anymore. After all, they had everything they needed, or so they thought. Hosea even says they forgot God. How sad! 

APPLICATION 

How do you avoid getting proud and satisfied? You have to acknowledge your need for a holy God. Have you done that? Do you realize how much you need Him in your life? I pray you have. We can accomplish a lot of things in this world. We may even think we have done it on our own. But every blessing you receive as a believer is the direct result of God in your life. 

Not me, Carl. I have worked hard for everything I’ve gotten. God never gave me anything. Oh really? How about the very breath you take? How about your heartbeat? Without those you certainly couldn’t go far. If you will stop and look at all the blessings in your life, you will see the source. He is the one who sends those blessings into your life.  

Without Jesus in my life, I know I am nothing. I owe all I am to Him. I am not worthy of one single thing. But I am a child of the King. Therefore, He sees me as worthy. He counts me as an heir of His kingdom. Of that I am proud – proud to be His.  

O Lord, keep my heart proud only of You. Let my satisfaction come in You alone. 

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