Comparisons

Posted on September 21, 2018 by cchrisholland

Do you ever compare yourself to others?

Maybe in appearance, talent, position, or achievement? In the first century, the Jews routinely compared themselves to non-Jews. They pointed out their lineage from Abraham as the definitive mark of superiority, but unfortunately that comparison was fatally flawed. Instead of comparing themselves to God’s righteousness (leading to repentance), they looked at other people and saw no need for forgiveness. By looking at people, they were able to find and establish a lower, more reachable standard. However, in his discussion of Jew versus Gentile (law versus no-law), Paul wrote these words:

“For all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.” – Romans 3:23 NKJV

Truth is, we’ve all sinned according to the standard of God’s glory, but He offers grace and forgiveness to all who ask. So, when it comes to our position in Christ, there’s nothing to boast about, but a lot to be thankful for. So as you go today, how will you model a grateful attitude?

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Fair

Posted on September 20, 2018 by cchrisholland

Is God fair?

Before you answer, consider the next question, “What’s “fair”?” Is it an agreement between differing sides, a declaration from a judge, or an evenly dispersed resource? The difficulty with “fair” is that most people have opinions and they vary widely. What may be “fair” to one, is “injustice” to another. With God, the term “fair” falls way short of an accurate description. We tend to imagine Him as one who takes things into consideration, mulls them over, and then takes appropriate action (according to the preferences of the one doing the imagining). However, in the book Romans, Paul was led to write this:

“For there is no partiality with God.” – Romans 2:11 NKJV

God doesn’t have blind prejudice or bias; He always sees the truth. Regarding us, He had full knowledge of our sin, yet still chose to make a way to know Him. And since He’s totally righteous, He dealt with sin the only way possible without compromising His perfect holiness…payment. “Fair” would have been Him deciding who deserves to pay, but “grace” was Him deciding to make the payment Himself.

We live each day as recipients of grace. As we do, we must also be careful not to let the idea of fairness sabotage our attitude toward others. “Not fair” can quickly turn into “I deserve”, but that’s when we need to remember that God set aside “fair” for “grace”. And some days we need His help to do the same for others…perhaps even today.

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Wisdom 3.19

Posted on September 19, 2018 by cchrisholland

“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew. My son, let them not depart from your eyes-keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble.” – Proverbs 3:19-23 NKJV

The Lord reveals His wisdom by the created order around us. For example, the miracle of life, the beauty of a sunset, the flight of a hummingbird, the majesty of mountain peaks, and the graceful lines of a flower all speak of His divine genius.

His work can be seen every day…for the eye that’s looking. “My son, let them not depart from your eyes…”

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Images

Posted on September 18, 2018 by cchrisholland

There’s a popular store where you create your own stuffed animals. The process involves choosing a “shell”, filling it with fluff, accessorizing, then taking the new made-to-order friend home. It may seem like a modern concept, but many ancient cultures developed their deities in much the same way. They imagined, designed, and worshipped gods that were made from their own ideas; and on several occasions, the Apostle Paul mentioned it. For example:

“Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the image of corruptible man.” – Romans 1:22-23 NKJV

It’s easy to dismiss that verse as applicable only to “pagans”, but is it? The ancients made their gods according to personal preferences, but it can be a potential problem for modern worshippers too. Slowly and unintentionally, the “less-preferred” parts of the Bible can be minimized, while “more-preferred” parts are highlighted. At that point, there’s danger of “creating” an image more suitable to our liking. Consider Paul’s original word-picture; “sophia” (wise) is basically our English “sophisticated” and “moros” (fool) is basically our English “moron”. In other words, the All-Powerful Living God of the scriptures isn’t subject to our interpretations, and true spiritual “sophistication” begins with acknowledgement of that simple fact.

Is your view of God a proper balance of His character traits? Will you give Him the honor, thanks and worship He deserves today?

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Therefore

Posted on September 15, 2018 by cchrisholland

Christopher Columbus spent years gathering information. He concluded that the earth was round, therefore he set his sails to go west. On his journey, he discovered more than he could imagine and it was all because he was willing to act on truth. So, what does it mean for a believer to act on truth? It’s living “therefore”.

In Paul’s letter written to the Roman believers, the word translated “therefore” (meaning “these things being so”), is used 49 times to highlight pivotal points regarding sin, hopelessness, faith, sacrifice, and new life. For example, in chapter 3, he wrote:

“Therefore by the deeds of the law, no flesh will be justified in His sight…” (v.20)

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith…” (v.28)

He also mentioned Abraham and David; men who acted on “therefore”. He often mentioned Christ, who came because of “therefore”. And he mentioned believers walking in new life because of “therefore”. It could be said that the life of a disciple is a real-life display of Paul’s “therefore” discussion. It’s setting your sails to head west because there’s a settled conviction of what’s true.

So, what truth will you act on today and what “therefore” will you live out?

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Known

Posted on September 14, 2018 by cchrisholland

What will you be known for?

After the flood, Noah’s descendants faced a series of questions. For example, “Where would they live?” and “How would their society function?” Under Noah’s great-grandson Nimrod, they decided to build a great city with a large tower, even though there was a mandate from God to spread out across the earth (Gen. 9:1). This was their stated goals:

“…Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the earth.” – Genesis 11:4 NKJV

There’s nothing inherently wrong with building a city, or a tower, but the issue was motive and their desire was “to make a name for themselves”. It would be a monument so large that future generations would know they’d taken charge of their own destiny. The story of “old-great-granddad building a boat” wouldn’t come close to the ones told of them. Then suddenly, as they worked and went about the project, people everywhere started speaking oddly. Life-long friends could no longer understand each other…and the project ended.

For us, there’s also a need to be known, but we’re often tempted to focus on the wrong audience. Being known by God is far more important than being known by people. The tower generation got what they wanted. They did succeed in making a name for themselves, but it’s forever linked to rebellion and failure. Who’s your audience today, whose approval are you seeking, and what will you be known for?

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Winning

Posted on September 13, 2018 by cchrisholland

Do you ever feel like the “bad” is winning all around you while the “good” struggles?

Perhaps some days you wonder if it’s even worth the effort to seek out and do what’s right, but the Bible reminds us God is working in the lives of those who serve Him. For example, take a look at what David wrote:

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD and He delights in His way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.” –Psalm 37:23-24 NKJV

David knew a lot about success and failure. He knew what it was to win big, but he also knew what it was to struggle. Before his reign as king, there was a long period of time between the prophet anointing him, and the actual crowning moment. And along with waiting, he had to keep moving around to avoid King Saul’s attempts to kill him. There must have been many days where it seemed like the “bad” was winning, and God was busy elsewhere. However, he knew the Lord to be faithful and trusted Him even in the details.

Will you trust Him today even if it seems like the “bad” is winning? Will you faithfully walk the path He’s laid out for you, even if it feels lonely or pointless? The Lord is faithful and to know Him is the true definition of “winning”!

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Wisdom 3.5

Posted on September 12, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Is your confidence built exclusively on the Lord, or a mixture of Him and other sources? For example, it’s very tempting to rely on experience or other people to “firm up” the weak corners of life when the hand of God isn’t clearly visible. By contrast, the scripture teaches a reliance; a proactive clearing away of worldly debris to verify that our feet are firmly placed on the foundation of Christ and His truth. “Trust in the Lord…”

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9/11 and the Meaning of Sacrifice

Posted on September 11, 2018 by cchrisholland

True sacrifice isn’t a marketing slogan, it’s the willingness to give your “last full measure” for someone else.  On this day seventeen years ago, we witnessed people choosing to sacrifice themselves for others. They were first-responders, law enforcement officers, service members, co-workers, and fellow plane passengers. Many things represent the American spirit, but none are more noble than self-sacrifice. I’m still proud to be an American (even with our imperfections) and give thanks every day that God chose to raise up this great nation.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 NKJV

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Needed

Posted on September 10, 2018 by cchrisholland

Who needs you today?

As Paul was building on his statement to be “living sacrifices”, he mentioned this:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15 NKJV

So who needs you today? You have the opportunity to be part of improving someone’s personal weather forecast from “rainy” to “partly sunny”. Through a simple note, text, or comment, your words can be powerful. A compliment can lift a spirit, encouragement can motivate a tired soul, a loving challenge can alter a future and asking forgiveness can soften a heart. Proverbs 12:25 reminds us that:

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”

It’s not rocket science, but chances are your friend probably doesn’t need a scientist today as much as they need you.

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The Inherent Value of Prayer

Posted on September 8, 2018 by cchrisholland

What’s the value of a prayer?

Is it measured by results, eloquence, or word choice? Or is there inherent value in the child of God’s prayer itself? To get a complete picture, a remarkable passage of scripture in Revelation chapter 5 should be considered. In verses 1-10, John describes a dramatic and powerful scene where Jesus will step forward to take the “scroll with seven seals” from the Father. Once He does, the heavenly gathering will begin to worship and the four living creatures, along with the twenty-four elders, will bring forward golden bowls of incense. What’s striking is the nature of the contents, because the Bible describes the incense within the bowls as “the prayers of the saints”.

Ponder that for a moment. All the confusing struggles, the deep hurts, the teary petitions and the joyful praises are a fragrant offering. Every single moment spent in prayer is held in reserve to be poured out as a heavenly incense before the throne of God at just the right time. The prayer of a saint is NEVER in vain. It’s an invaluable privilege to go into God’s presence and Jesus made a way for us to do just that. He said our Heavenly Father desires to hear from His children (Luke 11:9-13) and welcomes the conversation. Will you take advantage of the privilege today?

“Rejoice always! Pray constantly! Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 HCSB

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Measures

Posted on September 7, 2018 by cchrisholland

Why do experienced builders still bother with measuring equipment?

With all that practice, shouldn’t a seasoned carpenter be able to simply take a good look, mark, cut, place and nail without a measuring tape or level? Not exactly. The experienced builder knows that optical illusions abound when simply “taking a good look” and a proven standard is far better.

So, when it comes to being a disciple of Christ, what’s our real standard? Is it the specific truth of scripture, or something that “appears level”, or “looks about right”? It’s tempting to gravitate toward the verses we prefer and simply create our own spiritual “ethos” based on the principles that challenge us the least. However, Jesus taught a complete approach to the life of a disciple. For example, most people agree that lying, stealing, murdering or committing adultery are wrong, but Jesus taught that even contemplating those things is an issue (Matt. 5:28).

Each day can be filled with its own “optical illusions”…what standard will you use?

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind’. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” –Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV

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The Unbreakable Law

Posted on September 6, 2018 by cchrisholland

Laws are often violated; either on purpose, through negligence, or lack of knowledge. However, there’s one that cannot be broken:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” – Gal. 6:7 NKJV

It’s always been a profound truth, but today there are cultural forces pushing for a separation between cause and effect. It’s an attempt to avoid accountability for one’s own actions. But a follower of Christ is different. A disciple understands the importance of “cause and effect” and chooses to live according to biblical principles. Even with the wonderful reality of forgiveness, consequences can be an unwelcomed guest that lingers for a long time.

For the disciple, the question isn’t whether something is culturally acceptable for “planting and cultivating”, it’s the question of what the harvest will look like. If we sow to the flesh, we’ll reap fleshly results; and if we sow to the Spirit, we’ll reap Spirit-produced results (Gal. 6:8).

So, to what harvest will your efforts be today? To the flesh or to the Spirit?

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9 NKJV

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Wisdom 3.3

Posted on September 5, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” – Proverbs 3:3-4 NKJV

Is God’s Word being etched into your heart? If so, a merciful and truthful approach should become a natural disposition, because where the Word is, there is revelation of the short-comings within it. The Word also helps us see beyond the superficial to identify the true motives and values of others. “Let not mercy and truth forsake you…”

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In the Midst of Evil

Posted on September 4, 2018 by cchrisholland

Sometimes evil in the world seems overwhelming, but take a moment to consider Noah. When instructions came for him to build an ark, the world was full of evil. Genesis 6:11 records it this way:

“The earth also was corrupt before God and the earth was filled with violence.”

The times were so bad, God decided to destroy the world as it existed. There was all manner of violence, perversion, and wickedness, however, right in the middle of the description you find these amazing words:

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” – Genesis 6:8 NKJV

It’s easy to minimize Noah’s story and think about him as a smiling character painted on the walls of a church preschool room, but his surroundings were anything but family-friendly. Noah lived every day with the soul-wrenching heaviness of seeing what the world had become, but the Bible says he “walked with God”. Think about what that means. His daily routine would have included people mocking his faith and rejecting his warnings; however, he “walked with God and found grace.” Hebrews 11:7 describes him this way:

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with Godly fear, prepared an ark…”

Perhaps your week will include similar people, or you feel a heaviness over the sin taking hold of today’s culture. You may not be able to change the world around you, but you can choose to walk with God in it. “By faith Noah…”

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Do You Ever Get Discouraged?

Posted on September 3, 2018 by cchrisholland

Even when things go well, our spirit can sink into discouragement. The Prophet Elijah is a great example. After a spectacular victory on Mt. Carmel against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), he fled the wrath of King Ahab & Queen Jezebel by hiding in a cave. While there, he had a conversation with God that’s very enlightening (1Kings 19):

The LORD: “What are you doing here Elijah?

Elijah: “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

Next there’s a powerful wind, earthquake, and fire; followed by “a still small voice” repeating the question…

The LORD: “What are you doing here Elijah?

Elijah: “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life…”

The LORD: “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

The Reality – Elijah wasn’t alone after all; he just thought he was. He wasn’t the only one struggling; he just thought he was. The victory wasn’t dependent on him; he just thought it was.

Our Challenge – Do you trust God? Do you really trust Him? Maybe your thoughts are leading you to feel completely alone; you’re not. Maybe your thoughts are causing you to believe no one else struggles; they do. And maybe your thoughts have tied the victory to your ability; it isn’t. Take courage today, because the Lord is near, and He can be trusted…always.

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The Lord’s Day 9-2-18

Posted on September 2, 2018 by cchrisholland

“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” – Psalm 9:1-2 NKJV

Genuine praise must come from the heart, and a heart of praise finds much to rejoice in. Emotions may change, but the praiseworthiness of God never does. It’s the Lord’s Day, be glad and rejoice in Him!

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Known and Unknown

Posted on September 1, 2018 by cchrisholland

In a culture that places high value on celebrity, it’s refreshing to think about Enoch…remember him?

Perhaps not, but that’s what makes his story so amazing. With only a couple of quick mentions in scripture, there’s more unknown about him than known. Consider the two passages describing him:

“And Enoch walked with God; and he was not for God took him.”– Gen. 5:24 NKJV

“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death and was not found because God had taken him; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” – Hebrews 11:5 NKJV

Here’s the amazing part…the very next verse in Hebrews:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

Let that sink in for a moment. Enoch pleased God so much that He was called home to heaven. However, it wasn’t based on his accomplishments; it was based on his faith. In other words, it wasn’t what he did FOR God; it was his walking WITH God.

Your life story may never be published or glamorized in popular culture; but does it really matter? History recorded very little about Enoch, but God knew everything…and that’s ALL that really mattered.

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Bitter Spirits

Posted on August 31, 2018 by cchrisholland

Why was Abel killed?

Did a fierce argument cause the first murder? Was it a fight over land, gold, or a love triangle? No, it wasn’t any of those. He was attacked simply for doing the right thing. In Hebrews, he’s remembered this way:

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous…” – Hebrews 11:4 NKJV

He wasn’t perfect but was called righteous because he practiced “right-ness”. He became the victim of rage; not because he had wronged Cain, but because he was accepted by God.

Today, there may be those in your path who are angry with God, but their anger is directed at you instead. God’s not unaware. Like it was with Abel, our first priority is to be faithful and practice “right-ness”. At the end of the day, we’re each responsible for our own actions and will give an account for them. So today, may we prayerfully disregard the bitter spirits of others and offer “a more excellent sacrifice”.

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By the Way

Posted on August 30, 2018 by cchrisholland

Have you ever stopped to realize that if Jesus was physically sitting by you, He could work the apps on your phone better than a teenage whiz-kid? Sure, it’s a silly thought, but seriously, we tend to have a mental picture of Jesus frozen in the first century and not “up to speed” with the complexities of modern life (as if we would have to explain a computer to Him). Or worse, we don’t bother with praying over the “routine” frustrations, because they’re not “spiritual”.

In Isaiah chapter 40, God told the prophet to “Comfort My people!”, then gave him words to convey. The interesting part is that it’s after a great deliverance, and not during tribulation. It was a peaceful time after God had powerfully defeated the Assyrian army (all 185,000 soldiers) as an answer to King Hezekiah’s faithfulness. It’s full of great reminders of God’s incredible attributes. Consider these two verses in the middle;

“…the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” – Isaiah 40:28b-29 NKJV

So, whether you’re working, sitting in a school drop-off line, enduring an endless meeting, slugging along in traffic, or trying to get the kids to practice, here’s a quick “BTW” text message; God’s understanding is unsearchable (which includes the boring details of life) and He’s always aware (which includes the complicated situations you can’t begin to describe). Talk to Him and be comforted. We are His people!

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