Category Archives: Modeling

Affliction, Bible, Boldness, Brokenness, Courage, Faith, Fear, God's Will, Modeling, Oppression, Scripture, Suffering

AN EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING

EPHESIANS 3:13

“Therefore I ask you not to become discouraged about my tribulations in your behalf, since they are your glory.”

Suffering is not something I welcome. I mean, come on, who would? No one wants to suffer. But we have to be willing to accept it and embrace it when the Lord allows it. Those who know my story witnessed my suffering during my health crisis back in 2010 and then again in 2020. Stem cell transplants and chemo are no laughing matter. So many people prayed for me during that time. I know my suffering helped build a lot of people’s prayer life. For that I am grateful.

As Paul sits in a Roman prison, he tells the Ephesians to not feel sorry for him and to not get discouraged. A lot of versions translate “discouraged” as “faint. Albert Barnes says this, “The word rendered ‘faint’ – ἐκκακέω egkakeō – means literally, to turn out ‘a coward,’ or to lose one’s courage; then to be fainthearted,” Paul is trying to encourage the Ephesians to remain bold and not let his present circumstance be a barrier to their growth in Christ and the spreading of the Gospel.

APPLICATION

That Greek word egkakeo, is only used six times in the New Testament (Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16; Galatians 6:9, here in Ephesians 3:13; and 2 Thessalonians 3:13). I really like how the word is used in Luke 18:1. “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged,” Jesus knew that pray helps remove discouragement. It lifts us up. It brings us face to face with our Father in heaven whom we know is listening intently to our requests.

In 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 16, we see egkakeo translated as “lose heart.” “1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day’” Have you ever lost heart about something? I have. In fact, I am going through something right now that is very hard not to lose heart about. But I must continue to trust in the Lord’s providence and power.

Listen, God may decide to use you to be a source of encouragement for others. Your suffering (like Paul’s) may the one thing that shows them they too can trust in Jesus. So, embrace the suffering the Lord allows in your life. Allow the light of Jesus to shine through you as you draw people to Jesus like moths to a light.

Lord, I do not like to suffer, but I will submit myself to Your almighty hand, knowing You have a perfect plan.

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Appearance, Bible, Blameless, Glory, Justified, Modeling, Obedience, Restoration, Scripture, Witnessing

HIS WORKMANSHIP

EPHESIANS 2:10

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

There is no deep definition of the Greek word for “workmanship.” It simply means a thing made, a product. But just look at the product. I have mentioned before how much of a craftsman my dad was. He could look at a picture of something and then build it. I can still see his workmanship in our homeplace. He built that house in the late 50’s. It’s hard to believe that house is almost 70 years old. But my dad’s workmanship still shows.

Paul points out that God made us, fashioned us “in Christ Jesus for good works.” Albert Barnes says this about us being God’s workmanship. “There cannot be conceived to be a stronger expression to denote the agency of God in the conversion of people, or the fact that salvation is wholly of grace.” Because of God’s workmanship in us, we are able to carry out this work of grace into other people’s lives.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “workmanship” is only used one other time in the New Testament. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Just as the world should be able to see God in creation, they should be able to see Him in us, as believers in Christ.

Is His workmanship visible in your life? Do others see Jesus in you? That’s a hard question. You can’t just put Jesus on like a suit or a dress for Sunday and go to church smiling and singing hallelujah. God’s workmanship should be visible to others 24/7. When you stop to get gas and the guy behind you keeps honking his horn, let His workmanship be seen. When your order at the restaurant is wrong, let His workmanship be seen.

God’s works are perfect, right? That means His workmanship in you is perfect. We have no right to mess that up with our excuses. I am NOT pointing fingers. I am as guilty as the next guy of falling short of showing God’s workmanship. I want to be a showcase of His glory. Don’t you?

I am amazed that You would consider me worthy to be touched by Your hands.

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Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Gifts, Giving, Love, Modeling, Pleasure, Scripture

SUPER ABUNDANTLY

EPHESIANS 1:8

“which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight”

Have you ever seen an elaborate, over-the-top gift or giving? I remember one time at a children’s home where I served, we had a Christmas party sponsored by a local insurance company. This company had adopted one of the cottages on campus where eight teenage boys lived. When we arrived at the party, each boy had their own round dining room table (you know, the big fold up kind) stacked about four or five feet high with gifts. It literally took four vanloads to get all the gifts back to the cottage. Those boys had been lavishly blessed.

To catch the full context of today’s verse, glance back at the end of verse 7. Paul said, “according to the riches of His grace.” So, Paul is referring to God lavishing His grace on us. That even further intensifies yesterday’s blog. But what does the Greek word for “lavish” mean? According to Strong’s, it means, “to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous.” It comes from the Greek word, perissos, which already means “beyond what is anticipated, exceeding expectation.” That means God gives us grace that super exceeds our expectations, more than we can imagine. Hallelujah!

APPLICATION

I found something interesting about this word for “lavished” used in today’s verse. It is the same word used over in Luke 9:17 for “left over.”  “And they all ate and were satisfied; and the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, twelve baskets full.” Think about that. Jesus not only fed 5,000 men (not counting the women and children), but he lavishly provided leftovers for the crowd. I had missed that in my previous readings of that story.

This word is also used by Paul over in 2 Corinthians 1:5, “For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” In this verse, it is translated as “abundance” and “abundant.” We like the last part of that verse but not necessarily the first part. Who wants to be lavishly given sufferings? Not me and probably not you. But there it is, right there in God’s Word.

Don’t worry, though. If God lavishly gives us anything, we know it is for our good and because He loves us. You don’t lavishly give anything to anyone you don’t care about. How can you lavishly love someone today? How can you bless them? I love it when the Lord tells my wife and I to lavishly bless a server at a restaurant. It blesses me that we can bless them that way. Do it today. Lavishly bless someone.

O Lord, You are too, too good to me. Thank You for Your lavish gifts You give to me.

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Attitude, Bible, Blessing, Boasting, Comparison, Examine, Holiness, Influence, Modeling, Scripture, Testing

EXAMINE YOURSELF

 

GALATIANS 6:4

 

“But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but to himself alone, and not to another.”

 

Do you remember those days in school when your teacher would announce a pop test? I hated that. I was a pretty good student, but I didn’t like those surprise tests. But then she would say when everyone was finished, “Okay, I want each of you to grade your own paper as I call out the answers.” Now you would see how you did on that unexpected test. Only you and the teacher would know the result, unless you shared it with someone else.

 

Paul tells the Galatians to take out that clean sheet of paper and prepare to examine themselves. It did not matter what others thought about them. It only mattered what God thought. They were to measure themselves not against someone else but only Jesus and His expectations of them. Then and only then would they have reason for rejoicing, and even then, only in Him.

 

APPLICATION

 

Proverbs 14:14 says, “A good man shall be satisfied from himself.” A good man (or woman) shall examine himself according to God’s law. When he finds himself in agreement with God, he can rejoice. Albert Barnes says this in regard to this verse. “Here is the true secret of happiness. It consists: (1) In not forming an improper estimate of ourselves; in knowing just what we are, (2) in leading such a life that it may be examined to the core, and (3) in not being dependent on the fickle applause of the world for our comfort.”

 

What is your measure of yourself? How do you measure yourself? Each week in a weekly meeting I am in, we have to measure ourselves in about seven or eight areas. One of those is our walk with God. Another is our family life. These categories give us a snapshot of that particular week. My score changes weekly. I am never the same. Things change every week and how I respond to those things change as well.

 

But there is one area in which I shall never change, in which I can measure myself well. That area is in my personal relationship with Christ. I know it is secure. I know I am sealed for all eternity under the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing will ever change that. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

 

Father, examine me and show me my faults so that I can better represent You to others.

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Bearing, Bible, Burdens, Caregiver, Compassion, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Love, Modeling, Scripture

BEAR OTHER’S BURDENS

GALATIANS 6:2

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”

I don’t know about you, but I have enough burdens of my own without bearing someone else’s burdens. Am I right? Well unfortunately, we don’t get off that easy. The Bible tells us to step up and help others when we see a need. Now, wait a minute, Carl. I don’t have the time or the energy to do that. I understand, but let’s look at what Paul says about this.

“Bear one another’s burdens.” That’s what the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to say to the Galatians (and to us). But what does that mean? The Greek word translated as “bear” is bastazo which means literally to lift up or to carry. This verb is a command in the Present Tense, which means it is not a one time thing. You should do this constantly. Why? Because by doing this, you will be doing exactly what Jesus would have done. That’s what the rest of the verse means, “fulfill the law of Christ.”

APPLICATION

Do you have a particular weakness which you need help with? I remember when I went through my last stem cell transplant how I needed my wife’s help. I was so physically weak at times that I required a walker or cane to walk without falling. She watched me so closely every time I stood to walk. She was right there by my side to lend a hand if needed. I could not have gotten through that time without her.

In the same way, we see our brothers and sisters in Christ who need help. It is our responsibility to come to their aid. Maybe it’s a husband who is struggling in their marriage. Step up! Perhaps it’s the single mom who needs help picking up a child from daycare. Step up! It could be a believer who is fighting the temptation of porn. Step up! We are called to help carry these loads for our fellow believers.

Just as Jesus carried you in His arms when you were weary, we can do the same for others. Obviously, there were those in Galatia who needed help. Paul wanted them to help each other, to lift and carry each other when necessary. The blessing we receive far outweighs any effort we put in. Be there for someone.

O Lord, You have done so much for me. Help me be there for others.

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Bible, God's Will, Modeling, Perfection, Scripture, Strength, Suffering, Testimony, Testing

WHAT ARE YOU SUFFERING FOR?

GALATIANS 3:4

“Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?”

Raise your hand if you are suffering right now? That wasn’t very many. Let’s try that again. Just kidding. I can’t really see your hands raised. But if I asked each of you individually that same question, you may respond in the affirmative. Perhaps you are suffering for your faith right now. You may face ridicule and scorn from family or friends. Your employer may harass you because of your Christian stance on issues. If that is your case, then Paul asks you a question today.

As Paul addressed the Galatian believers, he asked them this question we find in today’s verse. Many of them had suffered for turning to Christ. Some of them may have lost everything to follow Jesus. If they had not personally suffered, they probably knew someone who had. Suffering in the first century for Jesus was not an uncommon thing. Is it worth it today?

APPLICATION

In Philippians 1:29, Paul says this about the issue of suffering. “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” How about Romans 5:3-4. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”

There’s a purpose in our sufferings. Recently, I was with someone who is going through a tough physical challenge. I told them that God allows us to go through things in our lives for a couple of reasons. One is to draw us to Himself. He will often use our life experiences to show Himself to us and call us into His family. Secondly, as believers, I believe He uses suffering to refine us and make us more like Jesus.

Paul is reminding the Galatians believers that their suffering was not in vain. God had brought them so far for a purpose. He had proven that He was all they needed. Why go back to the fleshly way of living? Why go back to trying to earn your way to heaven? God was and will always be all we need. He has given us direct access to the throne through His Son, Jesus. Simply rest in Him.

O Lord, You are all I need. I thank You that You consider me worthy of suffering for Your name.

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Abiding, Attitude, Bible, Blessing, Delight, Exalting, God's Will, Modeling, Peace, Scripture

SUCH A DELIGHT

MALACHI 3:12

“‘All the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,’ says the LORD of armies.”

I can hear it now. I have heard people say about someone else, “Oh, she’s (or he’s) such a delight.” What do they mean by that? Well, they mean they are nice to be around. They are pleasant to talk to. They make you smile when you are around them. Shouldn’t that be the motive for all of us – to be a delight. We should let “delight” pour out of every pore.

The Lord is restating His promise to the people. You see the land and the people were synonymous. Albert Barnes says this, “The land stands for the people upon it, in whom its characteristics lay.” Why do you think the conquering nations allowed the people to flourish there? Because they had heard of the promises of their God – that through them all the nations of the earth would be blessed. So, if the people were blessed, the land would be also, and that blessing would carry on down to them.

APPLICATION

 In Isaiah 62:2-4 we see similar words from another prophet. “2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will designate. 3 You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal headband in the hand of your God. 4 It will no longer be said to you, ‘Forsaken,’ nor to your land will it any longer be said, ‘Desolate’; but you will be called, ‘My delight is in her, and your land, ‘Married; for the LORD delights in you, and to Him your land will be married.”

It is obvious from Malachi and Isaiah that the Lord wanted Israel to be blessed. Let’s jump to 2023. Is the land of Israel blessed today? I think so. They are a rich, fertile country. They are the envy of all the surrounding nations. They are a free people. I believe Israel is still the Lord’s delight, but they are lacking one thing – a love for Jesus. Sure, there are some believers there, but Christianity is a small minority.

Would you join with me this Christmas season in not only praying for the peace of Israel, but also that each person there would find true peace in Jesus? He is the only solution for the turmoil going on right now. Jesus is the One who bring all sides together in love. Is that too big of a thing to ask? I don’t think so. Pray big!

Father, bring Your Son, the true Peace, to Your delight. Let Israel experience revival.

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YOU AIN’T NO GOOD

MALACHI 2:9

“‘So I also have made you despised and of low reputation in the view of all the people, since you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.’”

I can remember growing up in South Georgia and overhearing the “old timers” talking about some men in our small hometown. They would often say, “He is just ain’t no good.” For those of you not accustomed to Southernize, that means they were not good. These individuals had proven to be untrustworthy and prone to bad behavior in the community.

The Lord saw the same in the priests who had violated His covenant with the tribe of Levi. They had consistently ignored or twisted the Law to suit themselves. Therefore, the Lord had allowed the priests to sink to a level of disrespect and of low reputation among the people. Their privileged status was tattered.

APPLICATION

How is your reputation? How do others see you? As believers in Jesus Christ, we have a model to follow. We need to be the best representatives we can possibly be to the world. Think of one area in which you are struggling right now. Ask the Lord to help you with it so that you can improve your witness to others.

I have a friend who came to Christ but still struggled with smoking cigarettes. He always felt convicted and knew this habit was costing him in his testimony. When he finally gave it to the Lord, he was able to quit. He no longer smells like a chimney (lol) and has a stronger testimony of what the Lord can do for you.

Just take a look at what Paul said in Philippians 2:14-15. “14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world…” How can I add to that?

Father, guard my thoughts and actions so that I may be considered “above reproach” by You.

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ACCURATE

ZECHARIAH 1:7

“On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, that is, the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, as follows:” 

For many years I oversaw the Quality Assurance programs for the children’s homes ministries where I served. You have to be kind of accurate when you do that. Many times funding sources depended on the accuracy of my data. I enjoyed that work and learned little secrets to keeping accurate data. Those who worked with me knew I expected them to work with excellence. That’s what the Lord expects from us.

So, when I read today’s verse in Zechariah, I thought to myself that God wanted Zechariah to make sure he was accurate in putting down this information. When you read the verse, you may wonder how this applies to you. Well, I go back to our basic premise about Scripture – every word is inspired by God. Therefore, it was important to Him that the twenty-fourth day of Shebat in Darius’ second year be noted. Don’t miss that.

APPLICATION

Application time! How accurate are you? What do you let slide in your walk with Christ? I am not saying you need to be legalistic and do things out of rote habit. No! What I am saying is you need to do everything you do with excellence. Immediately, I think of Colossians 3:23-24. “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

Did you catch that? It is the Lord Christ whom you serve! You do not represent just your family, your employer or your church. You represent Jesus. I promise if you are working to please Him, everything else will be covered. If there are things you are doing to “cut corners,” examine them. Don’t do anything that would reflect bad on our Lord.

My dad always taught me to do things right the first time. I watched him meticulously hang wallpaper and wall murals. He would painstakingly smooth out every wrinkle and make sure the pattern was matched perfectly. I want to do the same with my life. I want my life to match up perfectly with Jesus. I want to show others how to live their lives surrendered to Him. And you?

Thank You, Lord, for showing me how to walk perfectly on this earth. Help me model Your lifestyle to others.

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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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