Your Father’s eyes ∙∙

Your Father’s eyes ∙∙

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

2 Chronicles 15:2-7

2 Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

3 For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest, and without law.
4 But in their distress, they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.

7 But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.

Throughout history, people, families, groups, kingdoms, and nations have joined forces to achieve mutual benefits. Successful collaborations rely on meticulous planning, wise decision-making, and genuine cooperation. There are five critical strategies for success: a shared goal or vision, prudent investment of resources, clear expectations and execution, complete trust, and adaptability over time to changing circumstances.

Unlike any other partnership, a strategic alliance with the Father is unique because it is solely for our benefit. Humanity was intelligently designed by the Father to find ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction through alignment with Him and complete reliance on His guidance. The Father seeks to form alliances with children of the King. He seeks seekers.

How do we live wisely in our dark and fallen world?

The Scriptures are rich with informative stories, wisdom, prophecy, history, and doctrine. The Word of God is a guidebook, an owner’s manual for life on planet Earth. It provides instructions on how to live wisely in a fallen world. We could spend our whole lives studying the Father’s Word and barely scratch the surface.

1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

“Everything in the Scripture exists for our example, warning, and admonition. We are to note what God’s people did in the past and how God reacted to them in order to move ahead in our own walk of faith” (Stanley).

Romans 15:4 Everything was written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

The Old Testament Scriptures offer guidance, inspiration, motivation, and hope. By learning from historical events, we equip ourselves to tackle present challenges and look forward with hope to the future.

One notable figure is King Asa of Judah, Solomon’s great-grandson, who initially aligned himself with the Father and enjoyed His favor. At the start of his reign, Asa’s heart was devoted to the Father, and he thrived.

2 Chronicles 14:2 states, “Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.”

Unfortunately, Asa later broke his alliance with the Father and instead sought protection through a coalition with Syria. Although Ben-hadad, of Syria, was a valuable ally for a short while, the partnership was unstable and ultimately failed. Asa’s experience serves as a powerful lesson for all children of the King.

The Father is a seeker. The Father is always searching for those who are willing to trust Him. He is ever-ready to assist those who seek Him. Every child of the King can take comfort in knowing that as we pursue God, He will empower us, providing the strength and capabilities needed to fulfill the responsibilities and assignments He sets before us.

2 Chronicles 15:2 assures us, “The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.”

The Father is wholly committed to every child of the King, intricately involved in every aspect of our lives. His care is marked by profound, loyal love, and He desires to strengthen and support each of us.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father watches and waits for us. His support is permanent. He is not there for us only in times of need. His commitment is unwavering and extends beyond mere moments of crisis.

Father, it is so easy to waver in our trust and devotion. Even when I understand the truth, I behave like a fool and acted unwisely. Father, encourage me to immerse myself in Your Word, meditate on it, and remain steadfastly aligned with You.

INSIGHT

2 Chronicles 16:9 reveals, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

The Father delivers all who seek, find, and commit to Him. However, to enjoy fully what the Father promises, we must continually be fully committed to Him. If we falter in our commitment, His magnificent promises slip beyond our grasp.

That was precisely what King Asa failed to do. He was not consistent. He lapsed. He acted the fool and did what was right in his own eyes. He was confronted and pronounced a fool. He suffered the consequences. Instead of peace and safety, the rest of his reign would be marked by discontent and war.

Understandably, Asa turned to what was tangible. Rather than remaining faithful to the Father, the unseen eternal God of heaven, Asa limited his vision to what he could see. He chose to rely upon a human king.

1 Chronicles 28:9 Learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.

Paul compassionately reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 that even though our bodies may be facing challenges and weariness, our spirits are being renewed each day. He acknowledges the weight of our struggles, saying in verse 17 that while our present troubles may feel overwhelming, they are ultimately minor and temporary. It’s heartening to know that these difficulties are shaping us for glory that far exceeds our current pain and will endure for eternity.

In verse 18, he encourages us not to fixate solely on the visible troubles surrounding us, which can often feel consuming. Instead, He gently urges us to turn our gaze towards the unseen, enduring promises of hope and love that last forever. It’s a comforting reminder that while the trials we face may be challenging, they are fleeting, and there is so much more that awaits us beyond our current circumstances.

“The contrast between seeking and forsaking is strong. They are two modes of life. One yearns for God and is devoted to him with a whole heart and delighted soul . . .. This expresses the integrity of a person’s life. A dedicated life finds peace and joy in serving God. The other, however, yearns for something or someone else. It forsakes God to serve other gods. Solomon is given this fundamental choice – the choice we all have – of seeking or forsaking God” (John Mark Hicks).

Are you a seeker or a forsaker? Choose wisely!

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© Dr. H 2024

Gently correct – enduring evil ∙

Gently correct – enduring evil ∙

The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. – James 1:20

2 Timothy 2:23-26

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient when wronged.
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

The story is told of Luca, a 30-something young man who had lived in a new neighborhood for several months. He tried to get to know his neighbors. But everyone seemed too busy to do more than stop and talk for a minute or two. Jim, one of his neighbors, came over. He asked to borrow his truck. Luca was a bit miffed, thinking to himself, Jim didn’t have time to talk to me, and now he wants to borrow my truck. That’s pretty audacious.

But rather than being rude and obnoxious, Luca simply said that his truck’s tires were nearly bald, and he was afraid to let anybody drive it.

The next day, Jim visited with Luca and mentioned that he was getting new tires for his SUV. He told Luca he could have his old tires. He only needed to go by the tire store, and they would mount them for him. Luca was a little bit ashamed, but he was genuinely grateful. He thought to himself, “What a magnanimous act of kindness.”

Luca went to the tire shop and identified himself. They took his truck and told him to relax in the waiting room. When they came to get him, he was shocked to discover that they had mounted brand-new Michelin tires on his truck. Luca was puzzled and a bit concerned about the mistake that they had made. He asked where the old tires from Jim’s car were.

The shop manager said, “Jim used the story about the ‘old tires’ to get you to come into the shop. Jim bought you a brand-new set of tires as a gift.” Luca went from being a little bit ashamed to very, very ashamed. He had to rethink his attitude toward his neighbors. Someone he hardly knew was so kind to him. Luca realized that he should be kind to others in the same way. He needed to learn to restrain his unspoken critical thoughts and words.

As children of the King become more and more familiar with the Truth found in the Word of God, a strange thing happens. They begin to see themselves as correctors of others. They seek to instruct those lacking in knowledge or immature in the faith. It often becomes their mission in life to “fix” others.

Paul recognizes similar traits among learned Jewish people. They saw themselves as correctors of the foolish and teachers of the immature (Romans 2:20).

The reality is that most people don’t want to be “fixed.”

But the question is, how does the Father want the children of the King to help others and coax them to faith and maturity?

REFLECT & PRAY

“The most admirable quality among people is when we pause and think of something to say, without ripping others to shreds (even if they deserved it)” (Efrat Cybulkiewicz).

Father, teach me to be tolerant and calm rather than reactive to others’ ideas and thoughts. Encourage me to realize that Your ways are different from mine.

INSIGHT

Paul shows the way. Some conversations are useless and only lead to fights. Be selective and choose your battles carefully. What really matters and what does not? And if you engage, will the outcome be beneficial or ineffectual?

2 Timothy 2:14 [Do] not to wrangle about words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
2 Timothy 2:23 Again, I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

2 Timothy 2:24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient when wronged.
2 Timothy 2:24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil (ESV).

The first part of the verse is pretty straightforward. Children of the King are encouraged to be kind. They are not to start quarrels or fights. A provocative, striking, and totally unpredictable appeal is at the end of the verse.

The Greek term anexikakos is translated in very diverse ways: patient when wronged, patient, not resentful, and patient with difficult people. These translations focus on the corrector, not those corrected. It’s all about their reaction when they speak to others. They must be tolerant and patient without becoming angry or upset as they contend with others. The translations attempt to mitigate the correctors’ emotional response.

But that is not what the Greek term anexikakos means. Anexikakos comes from the Greek words anecho – to bear, tolerate + kakos – evil, bad. It actually means to endure or tolerate evil. Children of the King are to be put up with evil, that is, to bear evil without resentment.

Instead of retaliating or intensifying our attempts to “correct” those who are misguided or lack information, we are encouraged to hold back, respond with kindness, and patiently present the truth.

What a shocking contrast to Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:9 to abhor what is evil.

Somehow, it just doesn’t seem right. But it is right. When we attempt to bring people from darkness to light, we do not attack the darkness. Instead, we illuminate the darkness with light. The objective is not to correct the theology or doctrine of others. It is to lead them to a greater understanding of the Father’s Truth and allow the Truth to persuade them.

Why would Paul teach such an apparently paradoxical method? Paul understood that true transformation occurs not through forceful correction but through the gentle revelation of truth. If anyone could persuade others with powerful argumentation, it was Paul. He explains,

1 Corinthians 2:2-5

2 For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.
3 I came to you in weakness – timid and trembling.
4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.
5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

James adds: Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. – James 1:20

Therefore, Paul instructs the children of the King to speak and act in a manner that may seem foreign to our natural instincts.

2 Timothy 2:25-26

25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

“It’s easier to treat people properly than to repair broken relationships” (Frank Sonnenberg).

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© Dr. H 2024

A divine perspective ∙∙

A divine perspective ∙∙

I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. – Philippians 1:12

Philippians 1:12-14

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much bolder to speak the word without fear.

Ancient Rome was a brutal military society infamous for its ruthless battlefield tactics and harsh treatment of prisoners. Roman jails were notoriously hellish, with conditions that were often cruelly inhumane. These containment facilities—ranging from dark caves to cramped cells and subterranean pits—were almost entirely devoid of light. Prisoners found themselves shackled to walls, posts, or even their guards, with chains serving as instruments of confinement and control.

Yet, for many Christian prisoners, these chains became symbols of profound freedom and opportunity. They transcended societal and class barriers, transforming adversity into a means of spreading the gospel. Such was the experience of Paul, whose imprisonment was divinely orchestrated to advance the message of Jesus Christ. His chains allowed the truth to reach new and uncharted territories.

As Barclay noted, “Paul was a prisoner—but, far from his imprisonment ending his missionary activity, it actually expanded it for himself and for others. In fact, the chains of his imprisonment destroyed the barriers.” Instead of succumbing to despair, Paul dedicated his chains to the Father, setting into motion a history of hope and redemption.

Every child of the King can find inspiration in Paul’s story, realizing that the Father can repurpose our personal struggles and limitations in remarkable and unbelievable ways. These challenges can be transformed into powerful opportunities to further the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, turning personal prisons into platforms for His divine purpose.

By custom and law, Paul was chained to a Roman soldier every hour of the day, with the guard shifts changing every six hours. While it seemed that Paul was the one imprisoned, in reality, each soldier was Paul’s prisoner, held captive to hear and consider Paul’s profound teachings. There was no way for them to escape the Truth. Paul shared the Truth about the Lord Jesus Christ daily with four soldiers.

I can only imagine how they felt —another day listening to the insightful words of that wise old Jewish rabbi who radiated an unusual peace, assurance, and inner light. Words that once seemed like fanciful myths and fairytales suddenly resonated with undeniable truth, illuminating their understanding.

In the darkness, these hardened Roman soldiers, accustomed to a life of harsh brutality, saw the light. Many who were sheep belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ answered His call and placed their faith in Him. The transformative message even reached the elite Praetorian Guard and extended to officials in Caesar’s court, touching members of Caesar’s own household, including soldiers, slaves, and freedmen.

As noted in Philippians 4:22, “All the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.” This shows how Paul’s chains provided unique access and opportunities that would have been impossible otherwise, advancing the kingdom in unexpected ways.

Paul’s imprisonment did not close doors; it opened new avenues for ministry and outreach. As Barclay suggests, “Paul’s imprisonment, far from shutting the door, opened the door to new spheres of work and activity.” His chains were instrumental in spreading the gospel, as reflected in Philippians 1:12.

His chains served to advance the gospel (Philippians 1:12). The Greek word that Paul uses, translated as advance, is prokope. Prokope means to go forward and make progress. It comes from the Greek verb prokopto from pro – before or forward, and kopto – to cut, strike, and impel. “It is the verb used for cutting away the trees and the undergrowth and removing the barriers which would hinder the progress of an army” (Barclay).

REFLECT & PRAY

Life often presents us with challenges that appear chaotic and overwhelming. Yet, within these “messes,” the Father is actively at work, weaving purpose and growth. This is a central message of the Bible, reminding us that our trials are not without meaning (Matt Chandler).

Father, grant me Your perspective on the experiences You bring into my life. Help me to see obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities to advance Your kingdom.

INSIGHT

Paul wanted all children of the King to know a fundamental truth. There are no coincidences or accidents in the Father’s Kingdom. Paul desired and prayed to go to Rome for many years, and now he was there. Considering what he had been through before, I imagine that for Paul, his imprisonment was an all-expenses-paid vacation that included room and board. He was a prisoner under house arrest. But he was also safe and not likely to be stoned, shipwrecked, or lashed anytime soon. There were no more angry confrontations with rebellious and defiant political and religious leaders. Everyone in Rome who came in contact with the apostle Paul heard the truth regarding the Lord Jesus Christ. His imprisonment served as an object lesson demonstrating that life’s challenges can serve a greater purpose in the Father’s magnificent, eternal plan.

Paul’s imprisonment in Rome was not because he was a criminal or a lawbreaker. He was there for the Lord Jesus Christ. It was part of God’s divine plan for him to spread the gospel. He was in chains because that was precisely where the Lord Jesus Christ wanted him to be (Philippians 1:13). All in Rome who came in contact with Paul heard a love letter from the Father addressed and fashioned just for them.

How did Paul occupy his time? Paul immersed himself in activities he cherished: prayer, evangelism, and writing. With all his needs met, he embraced his circumstances, transforming adversity into a blessing that nourished the souls of many. He was having the time of his life. Given lemons, rather than complain, Paul made lemonade that quenched the thirst of needy souls.

No doubt he recalled over and over again the words of Joseph, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Paul had a divine perspective. His most significant concern was that the Father’s kingdom and the message of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ would advance. He was now front and center on the world’s biggest stage, in the capital city of the Empire of Rome. This was an opportunity for him to fulfill his calling as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was the apex of a life well-lived in service to the Father.

Despite his circumstances, Paul remained thankful and content, perpetually rejoicing. His letter to the Philippians radiates joy and reflects his mindset: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Philippians was perhaps his most joy-filled letter.

Paul embodied unwavering hope, showcasing that genuine contentment emerges when we harmonize our aspirations with the divine will of the Father. By wholeheartedly embracing His intentions as our own, we open ourselves to deep, transformative joy—the kind that radiates from knowing we are fulfilling a greater purpose. This alignment not only enriches our present lives but also offers us the profound assurance, referred to as the “blessed hope,” of eternal life in His presence, as beautifully expressed in Titus 2:13.

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© Dr. H 2024

Escape from slavery ∙

Escape from slavery ∙

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . .. If the Son sets you free, you are truly free. – John 8:32,36

Romans 6:14-17

 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

 15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

 17 Thank God! Once, you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

The vile institution of slavery stands as a grim testament to the depths of human malice and selfishness. Achieving liberation from such bondage represents a monumental and uplifting victory for anyone who endured its cruel grasp.

In the era preceding the American Civil War, thousands of enslaved individuals embarked on perilous quests for freedom. Many fled under the cover of night, relentlessly pursued by “slave catchers” with their ferocious bloodhounds. Although many were recaptured, some devised remarkably clever strategies to escape. One notable example is Henry “Box” Brown, who ingeniously mailed himself to freedom inside a wooden crate.

In 1848, Ellen and William Craft executed one of the most daring and imaginative acts of self-liberation. Their escape plan involved hiding in plain sight. Ellen, a fair-skinned woman of mixed race, disguised herself as a young, ailing white man of wealth. William took on the role of her attentive servant. Together, they embarked on a four-day train journey from Macon, Georgia, to Philadelphia.

Ellen embodied the persona of a privileged yet unwell Southerner. To enhance their ruse, William meticulously trimmed Ellen’s hair to neck length. She donned a stovepipe hat, tinted glasses, and facial bandages. To further solidify the disguise, Ellen placed her right arm in a sling, cleverly avoiding any expectation for “him” to sign documents at hotels or elsewhere.

The Crafts’ journey to freedom is a testament to the extraordinary ingenuity and courage of those who dared to defy their chains. It remains an inspiring chapter in the quest for human dignity and justice.

In a moment of fervent prayer, Ellen and William Craft took a daring leap towards liberty. Their journey to freedom was marked by stays in some of the finest hotels, yet each step was fraught with close calls and tense moments that could have led to their capture. Reflecting on their experience in their 1860 book, “Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom,” they credited their courage, quick thinking, a bit of luck, and the guidance of “our Heavenly Father” for their safe passage.

Upon reaching Philadelphia, Ellen and William were warmly embraced by the abolitionist network, receiving the support and shelter they needed. In 1850, they made their way to England. After two decades, they returned to the United States to establish a school in Georgia for newly freed African Americans, contributing to the education and empowerment of their community.

The atrocity of enslaving others is a profound human failing, mirrored by the equally debilitating spiritual slavery to sin. Many remain unaware of this bondage, a universal condition stemming from humanity’s fallen nature. Yet, there is hope and liberation through Jesus Christ, who came to free us from the shackles of sin, enabling us to serve the living God.

The scriptures affirm, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32) and, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36). These words remind us of the profound freedom found in truth and faith.

REFLECT & PRAY

When we are liberated in Christ, sin no longer holds sway over our lives.

Father, we are grateful for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, who declared the Truth so clearly, enabling Your children to break free from the shackles of sin and serve You wholeheartedly.

INSIGHT

Many who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are under the illusion that they are genuinely free. To them, embracing Christ seems like surrendering to bondage and losing autonomy. But is this perceived freedom genuine? The Scriptures unequivocally reveal the reality that nothing could be further from the truth. Sin is depicted as a master that enslaves those who submit to it. Embracing Christ does not impose captivity; instead, it offers real freedom from the oppressive rule of sin.

Romans 6:16 teaches us a profound truth: the one you choose to obey becomes your master. When individuals give in to sin, they become slaves, with sin taking the role of their master. However, when people place their faith in Jesus Christ, they are liberated from the bondage of sin and become servants of Christ, as noted by Wiersbe. This transformative shift signifies an exchange of masters, where “servitude to sin is replaced with servitude to God,” as explained by Mounce.

The inherent fallen state of humanity means being born spiritually dead in sin, a seemingly paradoxical notion. Yet, this was the reality for all believers before encountering the redemptive power of faith. Through Christ, the shackles of sin are broken, and believers are brought from spiritual death to life, now serving a new and righteous master.

Ephesians 2:1 Once you were dead in the trespasses and sins

Being dead in our trespasses and sins is akin to living as slaves to sin—a genuinely dismal existence. Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ came to liberate us from this bondage, offering us the chance to escape sin’s enslavement once and for all (2 Peter 2:20).

Galatians 5:1 reminds us that Christ has truly set us free.

In this newfound freedom, the Father extends a radically different way of living to every child of the King. Instead of being bound to sin, we are invited to choose a life of righteousness. As Paul explains, there are only two masters: one is sin, and the other is obedience [to God]. There is no possibility of living without an allegiance to one or the other” (Mounce). Nicoll echoes this sentiment by stating that true independence for humanity is unattainable; our very nature compels us to serve a master. Thus, we are encouraged to serve righteousness, embracing the freedom and purpose offered through a life dedicated to God.

Many who do not share the Christian faith mistakenly believe they are truly free in their current state. They fear that accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior would cost them their freedom. However, this perception is flawed. In reality, they are not free but are bound by sin. By embracing faith and becoming children of the King, they do not lose freedom; instead, they undergo a profound transformation. They exchange the oppressive master of sin for the liberating service of the Father, finding true freedom and purpose in a life devoted to God.

Romans 6:14-17

 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

 17 Thank God! Once, you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

The Romans grasped the transformative idea of being liberated from the chains of sin. By embracing this profound truth, they transitioned into becoming slaves to righteousness. This freedom from sin does not suggest that they were void of a sinful nature or that they ceased committing sinful acts. Instead, it signifies liberation from sin’s overpowering control over their lives, allowing them to live with a newfound purpose and alignment with righteousness, as MacDonald indicates.

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© Dr. H 2024