Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6-9

“I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – -Luke 21:3-4

I spent several weeks in the African country of Liberia teaching at a small Bible college. The missionaries who oversaw the college told me of a tragedy several years before, when their house burned down and they lost everything they had. The day after the fire, a little African girl came to them with a pair of well-worn canvas sneakers and gave them to one of their daughters. They were the only shoes the African girl had, and she would likely never get another pair, but she came offering them freely, saying she wanted to help. The missionaries were overwhelmed by her sacrificial giving.

It reminded me of Paul’s description of the Macedonian churches’ response to the grace of God. Second Corinthians 8:2-4 says, “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.”

Paul directs our attention to Jesus Christ as the great example of what it means to give: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (verse 9). Paul went on to say that our sacrificial giving should be more than an emotional response on the spur of the moment. It should be thought through and done deliberately. Christian, if you have never done it, sit down and lay out a giving plan that honors the Lord in its sacrificial generosity.

Prayer

Lord, everything I have comes from You. Guide me as I consider how to give to others out of my abundance. Amen.

To Ponder

If your giving practices were made known to Christians in other lands, would your example be a challenge and encouragement to them?

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Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11-14

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 1:2

I had a friend who decided to paint his car, but about halfway through he got busy with something else and didn’t finish the job. Month after month, there it stood, half green and half something else, looking terrible. A job half done.

Now, when you and I think of our involvement in the Great Commission, we need to think of finishing the job. And that involves two things–winning the lost and building up the saved. We want those who turn to Christ to become strong, robust, dedicated, mature disciples. We want to see them built up in the faith, so they can reach out to others with the gospel and begin to build up those new ones in the faith.

That is what Paul was pleading for in 1 Corinthians 14:12, where he told the Christians in Corinth to “try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” It is imperative that you and I know how to help people grow in their Christian lives. Why? Because if a person comes to Christ and does not go on to become a mature disciple, the job is half done.

One of the most helpful things anyone ever did for me as a new Christian was get me started in Scripture memory. It has become a lifetime habit of memorizing God’s Word. Over the years, I’ve started scores of other people in Scripture memory. You see, that’s how it works. You take the things others have used to build you up, and you use them to help others. That’s the only way to fulfill the Great Commission and keep it from being a job half done.

Prayer

Lord, show me how I can more effectively use my spiritual gifts to build up others in the faith. Amen.

To Ponder

Every Christian should be built up in the faith and equipped to minister to others. How far are you in the building process?

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Today’s Scripture: Acts 20:32

“I commend you . . . to the word of his grace.”

We need to get beyond the “how-to’s” of Scripture—how to raise children, manage finances, witness to unbelievers—and all other such utilitarian approaches to Scripture. Such practical instruction is indeed valuable, but we need to go beyond that. Our practical age has come to disparage a firm doctrinal understanding of Scripture as being of no practical value. But there’s nothing more practical for our daily lives than knowing God. Only in Scripture has God revealed to us the truths about his person and his character.

But the Bible is more than merely objective truth; it’s actually life-giving and life-sustaining. “It is no empty word for you, but your very life” (Deuteronomy 32:47). Growth in the grace of God requires growth in our assimilation of the Word of God. In the biological realm, assimilation is the process by which nourishment is changed into living tissue. In the spiritual realm, it’s the process by which the written Word of God is absorbed into our hearts and becomes, figuratively speaking, living spiritual tissue.

How do we know God’s grace is sufficient for our particular “thorns”? How do we rightly understand what it means to live “by the grace of God”? How do we learn about the “throne of grace” where we receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need? Where do we discover that God is the gracious landowner who gives us far, far more than we deserve? The answer to all these questions is the Scriptures. That’s why Scripture is called the Word of his grace. God uses Scripture to mediate his grace to us. R. C. H. Lenski said, “God and the Word of his grace always go together; God lets his grace flow out through that Word.” (Excerpt taken from Transforming Grace)

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Today’s Scripture: Romans 4-5

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:2-4

I have a friend who says that physical conditioning is simply a matter of how much pain you’re willing to endure. And I believe it. But all those people who voluntarily exercise and abstain from hot fudge sundaes are convinced that their ultimate gain is worth their present pain.

I wonder if we have that same attitude toward our life of daily discipleship. Are we willing to endure pain when it comes to growing in our lives as Christians? In Romans 5:2, the apostle Paul wrote, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” But he doesn’t stop there. Notice the next words: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” The hope spoken of in Romans 5 is much more than keeping our fingers crossed and wishing for the best. It’s a confident, joyful expectation.

While all of us want this God-given hope, very few of us get excited about the process by which it is produced. There is a definite progression here: suffering, when taken in the right spirit, will produce patient endurance. Over a period of time this persistent obedience to God produces character. And out of integrity of spirit emerges hope.

We can’t skip over any part of the process. One of the clearest teachings in the New Testament is that God wants His children to grow up to be strong disciples and not remain spiritual babies. He wants us to be mature, godly people with staying power in our walk with Him.

Prayer

Lord, as You shape me into a fit vessel for Your use, help me to realize that the pressure You put on me will make me strong. Amen.

To Ponder

When a clay pot emerges from the fire, it has beauty, strength, and color not possible without the heat.

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Today’s Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17

For this world in its present form is passing away. – 1 Corinthians 7:31

Over the years, I’ve traveled through numerous countries in Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, preaching the good news of Christ and conducting discipleship and leadership seminars. I don’t speak the languages in those countries, and no matter how hard I try to fit in, the fit hasn’t been exact. What I’ve worn and the language I’ve spoken tell everyone I’m a foreigner.

This is much like our life in Christ. We are foreigners in this world, because our citizenship is in heaven. Although we’re instructed by God, “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15), He also has appointed us ambassadors to carry His message throughout the world. How do we put these two commands together?

The answer is found by studying the life of Jesus Christ. He did not find His identity or purpose in this world. Instead, He carried out His Father’s redemptive plan. His pleasure was in doing the will of God. And so it should be for us, Christ’s ambassadors. We must see ourselves as pilgrims on a mission. We are to model the life of Christ as we seek to communicate to the unbelieving world around us.

I urge you to pray that God will show you the best way to share Christ with the unbelievers you know, and count on the leading of the Spirit as you live a life of daily discipleship in this world but not of it.

Prayer

Lord, keep my eyes focused on the mission You’ve given me–to explain Your saving grace to a world that doesn’t speak Your language. Amen.

To Ponder

What would your life look like if you gave top priority to sharing the message of salvation with unbelievers? What would you loosen your grip on, and what would you take hold of?

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Today’s Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-4

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. – 1 John 5:4

Most people have heard about OCD–obsessive compulsive disorder–that can manifest itself in all kinds of phobias. Some people are so afraid of germs and viruses that they can’t even shake hands with people for fear of being contaminated. And that’s a mild case of OCD.

Friend, I’ve seen that happen in the spiritual realm. I’ve seen people get so frightened by the power of the Devil or the dangers all around us in this world that they become immobilized by fear and isolate themselves. Now, it’s certainly true this world is a powerful enemy. We don’t want to be naïve about that. But sometimes it lures us rather than repels us. Just look what happened to Demas. He was one of Paul’s fellow laborers, along with such stalwarts as Mark and Luke. But something happened, and Paul wrote to Timothy, “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me” (2 Timothy 4:10). If the pull of the world is powerful enough to cause a colaborer of Paul to leave the cause of Christ and give the rest of his life to living for the world, we’d better watch out!

There are people out there–false prophets–who would lead you astray. But you can overcome them and the lifestyle they propose, not by sealing yourself off from the world, but by staying close to Christ. Remember the words of the apostle John: “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Prayer

Lord, I praise You for Your victory over sin and death–and the world. Amen.

To Ponder

Although we no longer have to fear what the world can do to us, we do have to remain wise to its lures.

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Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. – 1 Thessalonians 4:7

One Sunday evening, our church was giving a special concert, and my wife and I went early. We located a couple of seats in the balcony and settled in for a fifteen-minute wait until the concert began. Right behind us sat two young men engaged in a conversation that it was our unfortunate experience to overhear.

They were discussing the single young ladies in their Sunday school class. There was no mention of the quality of teaching that went on in the class or the worthwhile projects the class sponsored, just the large pool of girls from which to choose. Their interest in these young ladies was less than honorable. Their motives for membership in that class were unholy.

The Amplified version of 1 Peter 1:14-16 reads, “Live as children of obedience to God; Do not conform yourselves to the evil desires that governed you in your former ignorance when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel. But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

Now just what is a holy life? It is a life that is surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ, controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and lived to the glory of God. The apostle Peter referred to people who live that way as “children of obedience.”

Prayer

Lord, I want to be a child of obedience and have my lifestyle reflect Your holiness. Amen.

To Ponder

A holy life boils down to obedience to the Word and will of God.

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Today’s Scripture: James 4:4

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. – Romans 12:2

If you were to announce a lecture on “The Separated Life” before an average audience in, say, New York City, some might think it had to do with troubled marriages. Even Christians are vague about the biblical teaching on a separated life. It means a life set apart for God, no longer swayed by the pull of worldly attractions and ambitions. In my discussions with Christians across America about the concept of living a separated life, most people have strong opinions on the subject.

I know a man who advocates the idea of having a drink with nonChristians to show them he can be their friend and perhaps to gain an opportunity to witness to them. As a matter of fact, he’s had the opportunity to lead people to Christ along the way. He cites the Scripture passage that speaks of becoming all things to all men that by all means we may save some (1 Corinthians 10:22).

The late Paul Little had a different approach. Paul practically lived on the college campus. He was always out there with his shirtsleeves rolled up, mixing in lively discussions with nonChristians. And when one of them would invite him down to the bar to have a drink, he simply thanked them but said he really didn’t enjoy that. Would the person like to go to a game the next night–his treat? He kept the lines of communication open, didn’t condemn the person, yet didn’t participate in something he’d separated himself from.

We don’t need to enter into questionable practices with people to show them we’re not crazy-headed fanatics. There are many ways to build friendships with nonChristians without doing things we’re against.

Prayer

Lord, show me how to follow Your lead of loving sinners without compromising my walk. Amen.

To Ponder

God wants us to show His love to the ungodly.

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Today’s Scripture: 2 Timothy 3

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. – 1 Corinthians 7:23

If you heed a warning sign, you can usually save yourself a lot of trouble. For instance, when the little red light flickers on the dashboard of your car, indicating that the engine is low on oil, you can save yourself a lot of trouble if you add some oil.

What are the danger signs that tell you you’re not living a holy life and that you’re slipping off the straight and narrow path onto the broad road that leads to destruction?

One of these danger signs is set forth by the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3, where he speaks of people who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Now let me state right up front that God does not frown on His people enjoying a little pleasure. Of course not. But here are people who love pleasure more than they love God. You’ve probably seen them. They’re more interested in talking about sports or some motion picture they’ve seen recently than they are about spiritual things. They may even show signs of boredom when the Word is taught.

The apostle Paul, in that same chapter, gives another sign of moving away from a life of holiness. He speaks of people who are “lovers of self.” The burning issue of their lives becomes what is best for them rather than what is best for the work of Christ and His Great Commission. Paul described them as people whose god is their belly and whose glory is in their shame.

Do you recognize any of these warning signs in your own life? If so, you can save yourself some trouble if you face up to it, repent, and get back on track.

Prayer

Lord, when my thoughts and attitudes would lead me off the track of holy living, lead me back to Your Word and renew my mind. Amen.

To Ponder

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

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Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15-16

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” – John 6:27

I was watching a television program about one of the battles in the South Pacific during World War II. I had been in that particular battle and fought alongside the men shown in the film. As I watched, it brought to mind an official document I’d read several years before. This document analyzed the battle from the moment we hit the beach until the island was secured. When I got to the last paragraph, I read something that made me ill. In fact, I became so shaky I got out of my chair and sat down on the floor.

The government’s conclusion was that the battle had accomplished nothing of strategic importance. It had been a mistake. I could see in my mind those hundreds of slain Marines, as well as hundreds of young Japanese soldiers, who had died in vain in a battle that didn’t really matter.

Right then, the Lord brought a verse to my mind: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

It may seem to you today that you’re banging your head against a brick wall, that nothing is going right in the Sunday school or women’s ministry or men’s brotherhood. But let me encourage you to stay at it. When you put in your eight hours on the job, having worked as unto the Lord, it is not in vain. When you reach out to your friends and family with the gospel, even if they refuse to listen, it is not in vain. Why? Because the Bible says that whatever you are doing for Christ matters.

Prayer

Lord, I rejoice that because of my relationship with You, even the most insignificant task has meaning and purpose. Amen.

To Ponder

Our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

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Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1-6

I write to you…because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. – 1 John 2:14

You are probably familiar with the teaching in 1 Corinthians 3 that every Christian is a living temple of God. But did you know you’re also a temple builder?

The apostle Paul saw himself as a wise master builder who had laid the foundation of Jesus Christ in the lives of the believers in Corinth. He knew that others would continue the spiritual building process in the lives of these new converts, and he had a word of warning and exhortation for them in 1 Corinthians 3:10: “Each one should be careful how he builds.” Why the warning?

When the Old Testament people of God set about to build the temple, did they hurriedly throw something together overnight? Did they put up a building that resembled a little tool shed? A Quonset hut? A pup tent? No, they constructed a building according to God’s blueprint and design. The Bible describes it as exceedingly magnificent because it was a place that would be worthy of the name of God. Paul applies this same divine standard of excellence to what we build in the lives of others.

When I was a very young Christian, a man named Don Rosenberger taught me how to study the Bible, encouraged me in the discipline of Scripture memory, and showed me how to share the gospel of Christ with others. He prayed with me and helped me learn how to obey the Lord in everyday life. This didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen in Don’s free time. He poured the best that he had into helping me become a disciple of Christ who would, in turn, build into the lives of others. That’s what the Lord wants you and me to be doing, too.

Prayer

Lord, I want to faithfully pour my life into helping others become Your disciples. Amen.

To Ponder

Who could benefit from your knowledge of what it means to follow Christ?

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Today’s Scripture: Romans 12-16

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. – 2 Timothy 2:2

In Romans 15:14, Paul described a laborer this way: “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” He begins with goodness, or Christian character. Back in Romans 13:13-14, Paul spoke of some things that destroy character–drunkenness, immorality, dissension, jealousy. As the antidote to these spiritual poisons, he says simply, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Then Paul speaks of being filled with knowledge. As laborers, we must saturate our hearts and minds with the Word of God. We must study it, memorize it, and live it. And finally, a laborer must be able to teach another person–to lead that person to Christ and then come alongside and encourage that new believer in the joys and struggles of daily life.

Are you a laborer? Are you developing in Christian character? Are you growing in knowledge of the Word of God? Are you learning to teach others and help them grow in their faith? The crying need today is for people–laborers–who are able and willing to take advantage of the spiritual opportunities all around us.

Prayer

Lord, as I abide in Your Word and Your Word abides in me, make me a fruitful laborer in the spiritual harvest for Your kingdom. Amen.

To Ponder

To be clothed with Christ, to follow Christ, to worship Christ are the keys to becoming a fruitful laborer for Christ.

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Today’s Scripture: Acts 13-15

They called the apostles in and had them flogged… The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. – Acts 5:40-42

One of the most unusual and possibly confusing statements in the Bible is, “Out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Timothy 3:11, KJV). It was written by Paul about the events recorded in Acts 13-15. As Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Antioch, they had tremendous results. Acts 13:44 tells us, “Almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” But the enemies of Christ stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and finally threw them out of town.

Acts 14:1-6 describes their next stop at Iconium, where they spoke boldly for Christ but were forced to leave when a murder plot was discovered. Paul and Barnabas escaped to Lystra but were followed by men from Antioch and Iconium, who stirred up the crowd against them. Acts 14:19 says, “They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.”

Some years later, when Paul wrote to Timothy about these persecutions, he said this in 2 Timothy 3:11: “But out of them all the Lord delivered me” (KJV). What? He escaped at Antioch and Iconium, but not at Lystra. There his enemies stoned him and left him for dead. But Paul doesn’t say he was delivered two out of three times. He says, “Out of them all…”

Christian, if you’re feeling a bit bruised and battered right now, remember that God sometimes delivers us through the stones, not from the stones. Our choice is to trust Him in every circumstance so that we can echo the triumphant testimony of the apostle Paul, “Out of them all the Lord delivered me.”

Prayer

Lord, You are my Strong Deliverer. Thank You for Your never-failing presence in my life. Amen.

To Ponder

Paul rejoiced that he was counted worthy of suffering for the Name. Does that sound like something you would say?

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Today’s Scripture: Luke 1-2

Today, if you hear his voice… – Psalm 95:7

There were four hundred years of silence between the writing of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, and the announcement of the birth of Jesus. I guess that’s what makes the Christmas story, and particularly what happened to the shepherds, so amazing.

Listen to the familiar words beginning in Luke 2:8:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (KJV)

This announcement to the shepherds was the first public word from the Lord in four hundred years! Do you suppose the shepherds might have doubted that it really was the voice of God?

Sometimes we have the idea that God speaks only to pastors or to missionaries or to special people who seem to have it all together. Not so! God wants to talk to you, but you’ve got to meet Him halfway. So open your Bible, open your heart, and let Him speak to you today.

Prayer

Lord, prepare my heart to hear Your voice and obey it. Amen.

To Ponder

Why does God choose some of the most unlikely people to carry out His purposes?

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Today’s Scripture: Mark 14-16

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Some years ago I spent the summer studying the book of Mark. I was reading Mark 15, when I came across these words in verse 31: “The chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself!’” I wondered, Who else mocked Him as He hung on that cross? I started to find cross-references in other Gospels and discovered that along with the chief priests, Jesus was mocked by the soldiers, the thieves who were crucified with Him, and the people who passed by. This was a microcosm of humanity–the religious leaders, the military, those outside the law, and the general public. They all said essentially the same thing: “He saved others but he can’t save himself.” And then it hit me. “Right!” I shouted. “That’s right!”

To be used of God in the salvation of others requires denying self on behalf of others. The jeering crowd didn’t understand this as they hurled abuse at Jesus. They thought they had all their theological bases covered. But in their ignorance, they actually expressed a great truth.

Jesus said that if you’re not willing to give up your life for His sake and His kingdom, you will lose it (Luke 9:24). But if we deny self; if we follow the example of Christ and put the welfare of others before our own desires; if we repudiate self and give our lives for the salvation of others, we will find our lives and, in the end, come out winners.

Does your life reflect this Christlike characteristic of self-denial for the sake of others? If not, what stands in your way?

Prayer

Lord, give me the grace to give up my life for You and Your eternal purposes. Amen

To Ponder

Leading others to Christ calls for self-denial.

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Today’s Scripture: Revelation 1-3

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” – Revelation 3:15-16

I was sitting in the Sunday evening service of an evangelical church in the South. The preacher was delivering a sermon that was known in that part of the country as a stem-winder, or barnburner. His Scripture-filled message was fiery–full of compassion and concern for the lost.

About halfway through, I looked around at the congregation and saw that some were responding to the preacher’s impassioned plea with a hearty yawn. Eyelids were drooping, and some had even drifted off to sleep.

Don’t get me wrong. These were good people. Some had put in years of faithful service for the Lord. Many had shown a zeal for evangelism and a concern for the spiritual growth of new Christians. But somehow they had become spiritually flat. They were comfortable, lethargic, engulfed in spiritual dullness. What happened?

Jesus said in Revelation 2:2-5, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love… Repent and do the things you did at first.”

Christian, has your devotion to Christ cooled? Has your fervency in serving God been replaced by a sense of duty? If there was a time when your heart burned hotter and brighter than it does today, Jesus says it’s time to repent and go the other way. Ask Him to rekindle the flame and renew the joy and excitement of your first love for Him.

Prayer

Lord, renew the flame of my first love–for You and for Your kingdom. Amen.

To Ponder

Do you still experience the same excitement, dedication, and hunger for the Word that you did as a new believer?

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Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

There isn’t a person on earth who doesn’t experience temptation with fleshly lust at some time during life.

I recall being on a panel to discuss this in a high school class at a local church. The man who spoke before me was a local pastor, and since I was fairly new in my ministry with The Navigators, I was looking forward to what he would say. But when he began to speak, I couldn’t believe my ears. He told these kids, “Sure, it’s okay to park in a car on a dark, deserted country road. Just make sure you stay within the bounds of proper behavior.” Then it was my turn.

“Okay,” I said, “if you follow this man’s advice, make sure that when you park that car and turn off the lights on that dark, deserted country road that you both get out of the car, kneel down, and earnestly plead with the Lord in prayer that He will give you the strength and wisdom to stay within the bounds of proper behavior.”

The Bible tells the story of Achan, who stole something that didn’t belong to him. Listen to his explanation: “When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath” (Joshua 7:21).

Notice the progression. He saw it, he lusted after it, he took it, and then he tried to cover up his sin. Friend, is there a temptation you’re flirting with today that looks innocent on the surface? Yield yourself immediately in prayer to the power of Christ.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your victory over sin and Your saving power in my life. Amen.

To Ponder

God’s Word says that we are not controlled by the sinful nature (see Romans 8:9). How does that truth come into play when we are tempted?

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Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22

The mistake I made was trying to read in bed by lamplight. We were in the jungles of Colombia, South America, and I should have known better. Within minutes, thousands of tiny bugs were flying in circles around the lamp.

I jumped up, turned on the ceiling light, and turned off the light by the bed. Immediately, these pesky insects flew to the top of the room and began to circle that light. Next, I opened the door to the hallway and turned on the hall light, then turned off the ceiling light in the bedroom. Off they flew into the hallway and began to fly circles around the light in the hall.

I quickly shut the door, kept all lights off in the bedroom, and had a good night’s sleep. The next morning when I stepped into the hallway, there they were–thousands of insects dead on the floor directly under the light. They had circled hundreds of times, then got too close and were killed.

Friend, I have seen a similar thing happen to people who play around with sexual lust. Like these insects, they flit around and finally go too far. I watched this happen to a friend of mine who seemed to be a dedicated Christian. He was a handsome guy who easily attracted women. When we ate together in a restaurant, he’d often kid around with the waitress, making some witty remark, and the two of them would laugh and wink and flirt with each other. Then it happened. He got caught up in a sexual sin and today he is not serving God.

Beware! Lust is a powerful enemy.

Prayer

Lord, Your Word says that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Help me to honor You with my body. Amen.

To Ponder

To continue to play around danger is to end up serving the sin we thought we were master of.

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