Get Your Praise On!

I was rummaging through the Psalms this morning; it’s one of my favorite places in the Bible. My other favorites are Genesis through Revelation. I landed on a verse that piqued my interest: “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; before the ‘gods’ I will sing your praise” (Ps 138:1). The Holy Spirit highlighted the word “gods” – with a little “g.” There is a huge difference between God and god.

The first commandment in the Big Ten is “You shall have no other gods before me” (Ex 20:3). Right off the bat, the Lord sets the highest rule. The word “before” is important. Not only does it mean above or ahead of but it also means “besides.” Not only are we not to hold any god in higher esteem than the Lord God, but we are not to have any god other than Him. He is it. The one and only. “There is no God apart from me . . . there is none but me” (Is 45:21).

But in this world, there are countless little “g” gods and the culture holds them up before us as if they are equal to or greater than the Sovereign God of Heaven and Earth. They are lost and under the influence – and authority – of the devil who is obsessed with taking God’s throne. So how do we counteract the world’s gods? Do we march in protest? Do we stand on the street corner with signs? Do we get into shouting matches with unbelievers? No.  Nor do we enact legislation that demands all people acknowledge God. According to our key verse, we praise the Lord. That’s it.

When the world comes at us with its false deities, we don’t confront and we don’t contest. We sing God’s praises. David wrote, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger” (Ps 8:2). Praise silences the enemy. Wholehearted praise. Genuine praise. Praise from Joyful hearts. Praise from broken hearts.

Another psalmist wrote, “May the praise of God be in [the saint’s] mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands” (Ps 149:6).  If you know your armor you recognize the sword as the Word of God. The Word that is chock-full of praise. The lost world doesn’t need our judgment or rebuke. They need to hear us acclaim the glory of our God. Let’s go Beloved – it’s time to get your praise on!

Stand Guard

I’m fascinated by the Levites, the descendants of Levi, the son of Jacob. They were called out as God’s servants in His house with a variety of responsibilities. The descendants of Aaron would always serve as priests, another group would minister as singers and musicians, some would be responsible for administrative tasks such as overseeing the treasury, others would serve as judges over Israel, and some were tasked with the care and maintenance of the Temple elements.

The Korahites were given one of the most crucial responsibilities of all the Levites – they were the gatekeepers. Gatekeepers guarded the entrance to a city or other important place. Think of those who guard the White House, the United States Capitol, and Supreme Court buildings. They are tasked with protecting the people in the buildings as well as the process of democracy. They only allow authorized personnel in and keep unauthorized people out. Recently we’ve seen what happens when they fail at their jobs – chaos and destruction ensued.

The Korahites were similarly charged with protecting the Temple – guarding its treasuries and storehouses and keeping out of the Temple anyone and anything that was unclean (see 1 Chron 26). They safeguarded the Lord’s dwelling place with their lives. I see at least three applications for us today from this Scripture.

First, we have a responsibility to protect the house of God and the people of God – the church. Every member is responsible for ensuring that no ungodly philosophies or teachings are allowed in to cause chaos and destruction. Our best defense against such lies is to be deeply rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Secondly, the text says that “Guard was alongside of guard,” they stood together as a unified wall around the Temple. Believers must also stand alongside one another to protect and defend the holy place and people of God. We must be united in the Word and doctrines of the faith.

Third, as Christians, you and I are the church and the dwelling place of God through His Holy Spirit. Everything that is done to protect the sanctity of the church and the Temple must be applied to the individual Christian. We must take the same precautions to preserve holiness in ourselves. We must stand guard against every false doctrine and teaching, measuring everything against the pure and perfect Word of truth. We must guard our hearts from unholy desires and shield our minds from impurity in the world. These are choices we have to make every day.

Beloved, it’s time to pick up your Shield of faith and your Sword of the Spirit and defend your holy ground. Too much is at stake to let down your guard.

Acts: The Gift of Believing Friends

Next to salvation, one of the sweetest gifts God gives to us is Christian friends. My circle of sisters in Christ has encouraged and prayed me through so many things I am so grateful for these precious ladies. I pray I have returned the favor well. Paul knew the value of believing friends. Please take a few minutes to read Acts chapter 18.

When Paul left Athens (Ch 17) he traveled to Corinth where he met a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla who shared his profession as tentmakers. They took him in and supported him with work while he continued to preach and teach about Jesus. It was a difficult assignment because the Jews in Corinth rejected his message and were abusive to him. He turned to the Gentiles who were more receptive of his message and him.

The Lord knew his servant was in a tough position and he came to encourage Paul. “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10). What reassurance that must have been for Paul! And what a blessing to know that there were “many people” ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

When Paul wrote about the shield of faith in Ephesians 6:16, he was picturing the Roman’s soldier’s shield which had an important feature for the protection of the whole troop – a loop-and-locking system on the sides that allowed a group of soldiers to form what is known as “The Turtle Formation.”  By locking their shields together in front of them they formed a sturdy wall and some raised their locked shields above their heads to protect the whole company from attacks launched over the wall of shields.  They essentially built themselves a “safe house” that covered them from all sides.  This is the picture Paul painted of the Body of Christ working together in faith against the enemy of our souls.

Someone needs the strength of your faith to encourage their own.  Someone needs you to lock in with them and help them hold up their shield.  It might even be me.   With your shield and mine together, we’re both protected. That is the Body of Christ at its finest.  Beloved, who needs you to help hold up their faith today?

Tell the Good News

Everywhere you go you will meet people who need the Lord. At the supermarket, at work, at school, at a football game, and yes, even at church. Somebody somewhere needs Jesus. The Jesus who saved you and made you His own. But not everyone will grasp the message of Jesus in the same way. The Apostle Paul understood that and adapted to his audience wherever he went. Please read Acts 17. There’s a lot here and we’ll be in this chapter for a couple of weeks.

Paul and his companions were in Thessalonica, an important city in Greece with a large Jewish population. Paul followed his usual custom of speaking to the Jews in the synagogue and spent three days sharing about Jesus. Luke said that his evangelism method was to “explain and prove that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. ‘This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ’” (vs 2-3). Paul went back to the Scriptures – what we know as “The Old Testament,” brought out the Messianic prophecies and proved that Jesus fulfilled them all. He tailored his message to his audience – the Jews would understand Messianic prophecies. They had been looking for the Messiah for hundreds of years. This was the perfect way to get their attention and deliver the gospel message. And some of the Jews received the message and believed.

Skip over to verse 16 and Paul is now in Athens, a large metropolis of education and philosophy – but not much Jewish influence. Paul had to shift gears, but he did not shift the message. He toured the city, getting to know the people and the culture and building a bridge to carry the truth. He approached them from their interest in religion and even referenced one of their own poets. They had built an altar “To an Unknown God” and Paul used that altar as a springboard to share the gospel. Their “Unknown God” was the God of the Universe, the Creator of everything – including them. He was worthy of all worship and obedience and He commanded “all people everywhere to repent” before He sent the judgment (v. 30-31). Paul’s message garnered interest and response.

Years later Paul wrote in Romans 10: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (v. 15). Someone you will meet today needs the good news. Wherever you go, Beloved, put on the beautiful shoes of the gospel of peace and tell the story of Jesus.

In the Heat of the Battle

The Old Testament is filled with battle stories because God’s people were constantly under attack from every direction. There were rare seasons of peace in the land – but it wouldn’t be long before another enemy came at them and the fight was on again. The books of Kings and Chronicles chronicle many of those battles (did you see what I did there?). One of those stands out to me – in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat was king of Judah (the southern kingdom of what was once a united Israel) and their enemies, Moab and Ammon “came to make war” (v. 1) These were very powerful armies and as they drew near, the king went to God for help. He knew his nation was not able to fend off the “vast army that is attacking us” (v. 12). But he also knew that the Lord “ruled over all the kingdoms of the nations” and that “power and might are in Your hand” (v. 6). And he knew that they were God’s own precious possession and He would defend them.

I wonder if you, like me feel like you are constantly in a battle. It seems attacks come at us from every side. From the culture, from the forces of evil, from politics and human ideology, from the devil himself, from the stresses and strains of life, from people – sometimes from family, and from our own temptations and desires. What are we to do?

We do what Jehoshaphat did. We take it to our King and Defender, the Lord and we trust Him to fight our battles, just as He did for Judah. The prophet told the king, “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). The king commanded the people to “have faith in the Lord your God” (v. 20). And there’s something else I saw in this story that will help us in our battles. Jehoshaphat “appointed men to sing to the Lord and praise Him” – and praise they did, “with a very loud voice” (vs. 21, 19). Beloved, when the battle is on, when the enemy is breathing down your neck, when the culture is trying to shut you up, when people are screaming in your face or scheming behind your back, when temptation is dangling a luscious apple in front of you, call on Jehovah Maginnenu – the Lord your Defender, pick up your shield of faith (Eph 6:16), and sing praises to God – with a very loud voice.

How to Put on the Helmet of Salvation

We know we are supposed to put God’s Word into practice, but we’re not always sure how to do that. I recently had the most practical example of the helmet of Salvation I believe helps us understand. I had been reading Luke 15 – Jesus’ parables about the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son.  The word “lost” began to press in on me and Satan, who will twist even the Word of God into a fiery dart, took it up as a weapon. He began to taunt me: “You are a lost cause.  You are always in trouble and God is getting tired of pulling your butt out of the mud. He never wanted you anyway.”

Then the Spirit gave me a word. I felt compelled to read Isaiah 41:9-10: “You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, For I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”   Then He sent me to John 15:13-17 where Jesus called us His friends.  One phrase jumped out at me: “You did not choose me, but I chose you . . . ” (v. 16).  One word in both passages caught my attention:  “Chosen.”  And the Spirit spoke to my heart, reminding me that according to His Word, God chose me.

For a kid who grew up being the last one chosen in P.E., that was huge and it became my helmet of Salvation.  I am chosen.  God chose me, despite my tendency to fall into the mud.  Despite my foolishness and tendency to doubt. Despite my past and all my sins and failure. I am not a lost cause.  I am chosen.  I belong to my Heavenly Father. 

Here’s the practical application: the helmet of Salvation is given to protect our mind – the enemy’s favorite target.  Every lie and accusation he speaks to us can either sink deep into our uncovered psyche or it can bounce off of the protection of Christ’s salvation.  Your helmet may be slightly different, but if you are saved by the blood of Jesus, nothing the devil says has any authority over you.  Nothing.  Beloved, keep the assurance of your salvation as a covering for your mind and let the enemy’s taunts bounce back at his feet.

The Wonderful Word of God

Charles Spurgeon said, “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.” That is the truest non-biblical statement I’ve ever read. I started singing “Jesus loves me” to Joy when she was tiny – “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” That’s deep theology for little minds and hearts. I want her to always know that Jesus loves her and that the Bible is trustworthy and true. That is a strong foundation for her life.

Michael W. Smith wrote, “Ancient Words,” a song that speaks to a more “grown-up” perspective of the Bible. I’ll post a link to the song in the comments, but the refrain goes:

Ancient words ever true

Changing me and changing you

We have come with open hearts

Oh, let the ancient words impart.

A child’s simple song. A stirring anthem. They both speak to the authority, power, truth, and wisdom of the holy and living Word of God. No other tool in my Christian toolbelt has helped me grow in my faith and love for the Lord like the Bible. It contains the very heart of God.

Isaiah said, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever” (40:8). The Word of God will never be irrelevant or antiquated. No matter how much the culture changes, the Bible is the eternal authority for all creation. God also said that His word “will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (55:11). His word is effective and nothing and no one can stop it. Jesus declared, “Your word is truth” (Jn 17:17). You and I can trust the sacred writings of God.

I have studied the Bible for thirty years. I’m nearing the completion of my Master’s Degree in Christian Ministry with an emphasis on Biblical Studies. That doesn’t make me an expert by any stretch.  In fact, it has made me realize how much I don’t know.

Some days the Bible is my teacher, revealing the deep things of God. Some days it is my sword striking at the heart of the enemy of my soul. It is my mentor, pointing to my failures and showing me the better way. It is the “light for my path” (Ps 119:105) and the Joy of my heart (v. 111). Lately, it is my comfort and reminds me that “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” That’s two of the sweetest truths ever spoken. Beloved, God’s Word will hold you.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Life for the believer is often a battleground; many days, we feel like we are in the middle of an all-out war. We face opposition from the world, from satan, and sometimes from the people nearest to us. David was a man who understood battles. He stood tall against Goliath as a youth. He fought for Israel even while the king fought against him. He led his men into many skirmishes before and after he claimed the throne. David knew how to fight, and he knew how to prepare for battle.

Psalm 20 was written before one of those battles and it gives us great insight into preparing ourselves for the fight ahead. Grab your Bible and read all nine verses of this Psalm.

David knew that the first and most important step is prayer: “May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you” (v. 1). The only way that God can answer you is if you ask Him for help. And the help you and I need comes “from the sanctuary” (v. 2), from His holy heaven (v. 6). He also knew that God’s ears are attuned to those who consistently love and worship Him before they are in distress (see v. 3). He remembers and He responds.

Verse 4 is challenging. Is that a guarantee that God will “give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed?” If we have called on Him, sought His help and counsel, and have committed to follow His battle plan; if our heart’s desire is His will, our plan will be His plan and it will succeed.

And when the battle is done and victory is ours, then fellow warrior – it’s shoutin’ time! “We will shout for Joy!” Oh, how that resonates in my heart! And we will declare the victory in the name of our God who heard our prayers and granted our requests (v. 5).

David also reminded himself of what he knew was true – “The Lord saves His anointed,” and when we call on Him He responds with all “the saving power of His right hand” (v. 6). He also declared that God, not earthly powers, that will bring the enemy to their knees.

When we face a battle, we must remember two things: God, not you or I, will win the day, and “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Eph 6:12). So “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mat 5:44). Then get your armor on, (Eph 6:10-18). Beloved, “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam 17:47).

Real Words for Real Life

Yesterday I wrote about controlling our thoughts. I want to take you through how I apply exactly what I’ve been telling you. Whether it’s temptation or discouragement, the battleground for the believer is the mind. The enemy works on our thoughts, interjecting lies and accusations and enticement. You and I need to know how to fight this battle according to the Word of God.

I have been slogging my way through graduate school for the past four years. The last course I took has been a bear, not so much for the material or the assignments, but for my life. I have a lot of heavy responsibilities pulling on me every day and my schoolwork always gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list. I’m still trying to finish the last assignment from last semester. The enemy is planting thoughts such as: “What’s the point of going to school? You’re a woman in the Baptist denomination – they won’t let you do anything with all that education.” “You just need to quit and focus on being a grandmother.” “Wouldn’t you like to make pretty ruffled dresses instead of pounding out assignments?”

My weary mind takes the suggestions and starts to think, “Yeah, I’m tired of all this studying. What am I doing this for? It’ll never get me anywhere.” And then I realize, I’m playing right into the devil’s hands. I have to follow Paul’s directive and “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). I reject these discouraging thoughts. Then I remember Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

The Spirit asked, “What is true here?”

What’s true is that God called me to this. Psalm 139:6 is marked with the date of my first day of college: 5/31/13. What’s true is that I can’t see God’s plan, but I know He has one (Jer. 29:11). What’s true is that God always finishes what He starts (Phil 1:6). What’s true is that He called me, is equipping me, and will use me (2 Tim 3:14). What’s true is that He turned my life upside down to get me to a place where I could get a Master’s degree for free as a staff member at BCF.

Satan can’t stand up under all that truth, and neither can my feelings of discouragement. The Bible is a practical book full of real-life wisdom. Beloved, grab onto the Word and use it.

Faith and Fear

If I give my mind just a little rope it will always run into the pit of anxiety and fear. I was very fearful as a child and it stuck with me all my life. “But you’re a Christian,” you say, “and you write often about not giving in to fear.” And you are correct. It’s been a hard lesson for me, and I don’t always get it right, but God has revealed something to me in His Word and I need to pass it on to you.  Please take a moment to read Genesis 32:1-12.

Genesis 32:7 says Jacob was “in great fear and distress,” and with good reason. He was returning home to the brother whom he had years earlier cheated out of their father’s blessing. The brother who had sworn to kill him. The brother who was coming toward him accompanied by four hundred men. I would be in great fear and distress too. Jacob prayed to the God of His father Isaac and grandfather Abraham saying, “Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me” (v. 11). Then he immediately follows his confession of fear with a profession of faith – “But You have said, “I will surely make you prosper and make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted” (v. 12).

Do you see the pivot point? “I am afraid…” “But You have said…”(vs. 11,12). Jacob was afraid of his brother, but he trusted God and took Him at His word. “I will believe what You have said, Lord.” Notice that Jacob didn’t say, “My brother is coming after me, but I’m not afraid.” He was honest about his fear – just as I have been many times. Then he picked up his shield of faith – just as the Spirit has taught me to do, too.  David said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). That’s a simple, yet powerful prescription for fear.

Whatever is making you anxious today, Beloved, take your fears to God in prayer. He will not condemn you for being afraid, but He will remind you of His promises and give you the peace and courage you need. Faith is the hinge on which our hearts swing between fear and hope.