Pureness of Heart

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

(CSB)

This week on Phoenix Arizona, where I live, we had temperatures of 115 and 116 degrees for a couple of days.  It is days like these that make me thankful for air conditioning and that Jesus died on the cross, so I do not need to spend eternity in the fires of hell.  Those choosing to make Jesus their savior will see God and spend eternity with Him.  However, this leads to the question of how one becomes pure in heart, so they can see God.

Some seek purity of heart through,

1)      Obedience to the law – The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) are the foundation for biblical law and the laws of the civilized world.  However, the narrative of the Bible demonstrates the failure of humanity to follow these ten simple commandments.  Disobedience to just one of these commandments means impurity in the heart of an individual.  Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all have sinned by breaking one of these commandments, resulting in a legal sentence of death (Romans 6:23).  If strict obedience to the law of the Bible resulted in purity of heart and salvation, there would have been no need for Jesus to come and die on the cross.

2)      Adherence to a strict moral code – One of the major misconceptions of Christianity is that Christians believe they are morally superior to those that do not believe in Christ.  Sadly, this misconception is often due to some Christians believing they have moral superiority in Christ, presenting a Gospel of moralism instead of the Gospel of grace.  Martin Luther’s 95 theses came as a result of his observation of moral superiority in church leadership through collection of indulgencies.  (1)  Living a moral life reflects a purity already existing in one’s heart but is not what creates a pure heart. 

3)      Performing good works of service – Faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:20) but does performance of good works make one pure in their heart.  Mother Teresa is a great modern example of one performing good works for Christ.  The performance of good works of charity by Mother Teresa were not to achieve purity of heart but out of love in her heart for the Lord.  She viewed her acts of charity as providing for Jesus.  (2)  Similar to moral living, acts of charity in one’s life represent an expression of a level of purity already existing in one’s heart.

While all of these are good principles for living, the Bible reminds us that all of our efforts towards achievement of purity are useless (Isaiah 64:6).  However, there is good news for God has made provision for us to apply the purity of the heart of His Son Jesus and have eternal life (John 3:16).  This is because Jesus was sinless and died in our place.  Jesus fulfilled the law by living in total obedience to God the Father.  Jesus never had an immoral thought or committed an immoral act.  Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, calmed storms, and even fed five thousand.  However, the greatest act of service performed by Jesus was dying in our place.  However, to receive forgiveness of sin, we must accept it by expressing our belief that Jesus died for our sins.  If you have not done so, please pray with me now.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

You have taken an important first step towards purity of heart.  Achieving purity of heart is an ongoing process of spending time in prayer and study of the Bible.  It also involves regularly connecting with other believers in Christ through regular church attendance.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

1. Christianity Today. Martin Luther: Passionate Reformer. www.christianitytoday.com. [Online] Christianity Today. [Cited: July 28, 2018.] https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/theologians/martin-luther.html.

2. Mike, Deacon. Wisdom of Mother Teresa - Matthew 25 - How can you see God? www.itinerantpreacher.org. [Online] Itinerantpreacher.org, November 14, 2011. [Cited: July 27, 2018.] http://www.itinerantpreacher.org/wisdom-of-mother-teresa-matthew-25-how-can-you-see-god/.

Psalms of the Ascents: Finding Stability

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 125:1

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion.
It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.

(CSB)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands, or should I say leans, as an example of what happens when a building lacks a solid foundation.  In 2001, engineers siphoned earth from underneath the foundations, decreasing the lean.  In May of 2008 sensors indicated that the motion of the tower had stopped, and engineers now expect the tower to remain stable for at least 200 years.  (1)  Without a solid foundation, our lives too can lean.

However, just like the engineers building the Tower of Pisa, many often build their lives upon a shaky soft foundation.  Some examples of such foundations are,

1)      Wealth – Ecclesiastes 5:8 provides biblical reality on wealth.  The main theses of the passage is that while wealth is not in itself evil and something God allows one to enjoy (Ecclesiastes 5:18), it can also be lost in a bad venture (Ecclesiastes 5:14).  The Bible also reminds that loving money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), and that our heart is in what we treasure most (Matthew 6:21).  The question one must ask themselves is do they want to build their life on the foundation of something that could quickly disappear or lead to evil behavior if one falls in love with it?

2)      Relationships – God created man to have fellowship with God, something Adam and Eve regularly experienced in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8).  Sin and disobedience, however, led to Adam and Eve’s eviction from the Garden, severing the close relationship they once experienced.  The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has provided a path for restoration of this relationship.  Relationships based upon any other are shaky and unstable, yet many seek stability in life from these relationships. 

3)      Career – The typical question asked when someone meets someone is what they do for a living.  This demonstrates how we find identity in our careers.  While this is not evil, it is a shaky foundation upon which to build our life for careers, like wealth, can go away.  Solomon, one of the wealthiest and successful men on earth wrote of the emptiness of work in Ecclesiastes 2:18-26.  To paraphrase, Solomon says to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor while they are still alive for they cannot take it with them when they die. 

4)      Education – Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor support the fact that higher levels of education result in higher wages.  (2)  However, this is no guarantee for many struggle to find jobs with sufficient pay to cover student loans after graduation.  This has led to student loan debt becoming the second highest consumer debt behind mortgage debt.  (3)  Those seeking stability in life through education can find themselves with higher gross wages but less disposable income due to large student loan payments. 

Psalm 125 reminds us that just as Israel found stability in the Lord, we too can find stability in life through a relationship with the Lord.  This stability is an eternal stability that is unshakable (Psalm 125:1).  It is secure with the Lord surrounding His people with a hedge of protection (Psalm 125:2).  It is a stability that will outlast the wicked (Psalm 125:3).  To enjoy this stability, one has to repent or turn from their wicked way of life and turn to God. 

Unlike the psalmist who had to look forward to salvation from the promised Messiah, we have the benefit of looking back to the finished work of Messiah on the Cross of Calvary.  Romans 10:9-10 provides simple instructions for finding stability in life through Christ through confession with our mouths of Jesus as our Lord.  If you have never done so, I urge you to find this stability by praying with me now.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

You now have a solid foundation upon which to build Godly stability in life.  To build upon this foundation requires practice of the disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and spending time with others that also have a stable relationship with Jesus.  Remember that prayer does not need to be some eloquent choice of words but is just a simple conversation with God.  The Bible is God speaking to us, but none of us has complete understanding of what we read so do not feel intimidated when the words do not seem to make sense.  Instead allow God to speak to you through His Word and little by little you will gain understanding of what it says.  This stresses the importance of being with other believers who may have a higher level of understanding and are able to teach us. 

Seek stability in life through a personal relationship with God and spending time to get to know Him through prayer and His Word. 

1. Britannica. Leaning Tower of Pisa. www.britannica.com. [Online] Britannica. [Cited: July 22, 2018.] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa.

2. U.S. Department of Labor. Education Level and Pay. www.dol.gov. [Online] U.S. Department of Labor. [Cited: July 24, 2018.] https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/educational.

3. Friedman, Zack. Student Load Debt Statistics in 2018: A $1.5 Trillion Crisis. www.forbes.com. [Online] Forbes, June 13, 2018. [Cited: July 24, 2018.] https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2018/06/13/student-loan-debt-statistics-2018/#5a3c776b7310.

Mother Teresa: Model of a Merciful Life

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

(CSB)

God’s mercies are the result of his love for us and are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Matthew 5:7 reminds us that we are to lovingly extend mercy to others and in return will receive mercy. The daily new mercies we receive from God are a blank canvas upon which we can paint a picture of extending loving mercy to others.  The life of Mother Teresa provides an example of one painting a canvas of mercy.

Born in Skopje. The capital of the Republic of Macedonia, Mother Teresa felt the calling to become a nun in the Catholic church and serve the poor.  However, upon seeing the impoverished people of Calcutta India, she felt a calling within her calling and established the “Missionaries of Charity” ministering to the poor of Calcutta.  (1)  While the conventional thinking is that one’s Christian values determine their worldview, Mother Teresa’s worldview and discovery of mission came as a result of seeing the world of poverty surrounding her. 

As children of God and beneficiaries of Gods new mercies in Christ, our lives should reflect that mercy.  While most reading this may not make the impact of Mother Teresa on the world, we can show mercy by,

1)      Praying for those we know are suffering (James 5:16) – Prayer is a powerful tool we should not take lightly.  Be attuned to the needs and suffering of those around us at work, church, and our neighborhoods making a list remembering to pray for them each day. 

2)      Contribute to charities serving the poor and disadvantaged (Matthew 25:34-40) – Matthew 25:34:40 represents the theological support for Mother Teresa’s ministerial worldview.  When we contribute to helping the poor, we are in essence showing mercy to Christ who showed us great mercy through His death on the cross. 

3)      Be open to volunteering in service to the poor – In our busy societies it is easy to be in such a hurry we ignore suffering in our world.  While none of us has time to volunteer to help all the suffering we see in our communities, I want to encourage everyone reading this to not ignore suffering we see but to pray and if possible offer help. 

Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all have sinned with Romans 6:23 proclaiming the death penalty for sin but also pointing us to forgiveness in Jesus Christ.  The greatest demonstration of mercy anyone can experience is that of a just God providing forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice of His own Son (John 3:16).  Therefore, as an extension of mercy to anyone reading this, I invite you to pray with me and receive God’s merciful gift of salvation,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

I encourage everyone to extend the mercy of God to others through sharing this post, so they too can experience the mercy of God in their lives. 

1. Biography online. Biography Mother Teresa. www.biographyonline.net. [Online] Biography Online. [Cited: July 15, 2018.] https://www.biographyonline.net/nobelprize/mother_teresa.html.

Psalms of the Ascents: The Lord is on Our Side

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 124:8

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

(CSB)

The biblical account of David versus Goliath demonstrates that the biggest and strongest does not always prevail in a fight (1 Samuel 17).  The intimidating and imposing figure of Goliath has instilled fear in the armies of Israel (1 Samuel 17:8-11).  However, young David understood that with God on his side, lions, bears, and even giants like Goliath could not destroy God’s people (1 Samuel 17:34-40).  David then went beyond saying God would defeat Goliath and proceeded to bring down the giant with a simple stone.  This was no simple stone or slingshot however, but a stone backed by the power of God.  Gideon provides another example of God defying the odds, giving His people victory.  The account of Gideon also provides an example of God’s mercy and grace as well. 

Due to Israel’s disobedience, God allows Midian to oppress them (Judges 6:1-10).  This oppression is serious because it involves Midian destroying the produce of the land leaving the people of Israel nothing to eat (Judges 6:4).  However, the people of Israel cry out to God and God extends his grace and mercy to them with a promise of deliverance from their Midianite oppressors (Judges 6:7-10).

Deliverance from Midian for Israel will come in the form of God calling a deliverer, Gideon (Judges 6:11-12).  Unlike David, however, Gideon is full of fear questioning why God has allowed the oppression to occur (Judges 6:13).  Instead of answering Gideon’s question the, answer to which was the sins of Israel, God instructs Gideon to go and that He is sending him (Judges 6:14). 

Initially Gideon selected a large number of troops to attack Midian, but God tells Gideon he has too many men (Judges 7:1-2).  God then proceeds to stack the odds of victory against Israel by trimming down the troops to 300 men.  God’s reason for this trimming down is to prevent Israel from believing their own might and strength achieved victory and instead know that their victory was from God (Judges 6:2).  The result of this dependence on God is a miraculous victory not unlike God’s victory at Jericho (Judges 7:15-23; Joshua 6).

The modern 70-year history of Israel is also a demonstration of God’s mercy and grace along with His defying the odds in protecting His people.  Since the formation of the nation of Israel in 1947, the nation has been under attack from the surrounding nations who outnumber them.  However, Israel continues to thrive as a nation showing God is still with them.  (1)  It also demonstrates the mercy and grace of God as the nation continues to live in its national rejection of Jesus, the Messiah. 

In the next psalm of the ascents, we see the psalmist offering praise for God being on the side of Israel.  The picture here is a throng of people making their pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  They are going to be part of the annual feast and thus to be in the presence of God.  This psalm not only offers praise for the privilege of journeying to be with God, but also thanks for His continual protection.  The psalmist,

1)      Makes a declaration of faith acknowledging God’s protection against their enemies (Psalm 124:1-5) – God’s people need not fear those that attack us either physically, emotionally, or mentally for our faith but must remember that nothing can defeat us (Isaiah 54:17; Romans 8:31).

2)      Praises for God’s protection (Psalm 124:6-7) – In a time of struggle when the odds seem stacked against us, it is beneficial to reflect on past times when God has rescued us.  It we cannot think of any time of past rescue, read accounts of God rescuing His people in the Bible like the above-mentioned example of David and Goliath and Gideon. 

3)      Declares the Lord is His helper (Psalm 124:8) – How great it is to know that God, the maker of heaven and earth, is our help in times of trouble. 

Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble but in the second half of the verse reminds us that He has overcome the world.  The overcoming power of Christ with us is what stacks the odds in the favor of the people of God.  However, if you are reading this and have never made Jesus your savior, that overcoming power is lacking in your life due to sin separating you from a relationship with God.  I therefore invite you to pray with me now so sin no longer separates you from the overcoming power of God in your life,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Remember, when the odds seem stacked against us, we have the overcoming power of God within us. 

1. Rubenstein, Colin. Israel defies the odds to flourish. www.smh.com.au. [Online] The Sydney Morning Herald, May 15, 2018. [Cited: July 15, 2018.] https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/israel-defies-the-odds-to-flourish-20180514-p4zf6v.html.

Satisfaction for Spiritual Hunger and Thirst

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

(CSB)

Psalm 42:1 compares a hunger and thirst for God to a deer panting for water.  A deer only pants when hot and living in a dry desolate place or when running from something.  Perhaps Jesus words in Matthew 5:6 are in reference to this psalm, causing us to ponder our commitment to God’s righteousness provided through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. 

We live in a sinful parched world in which all have sinned (Romans 3:23).  In this parched land we seek refreshment and escape from our hunger and thirst.  Unfortunately, many do not seek this refreshment and nourishment from God but instead seek it from,

1)      Self-medication – As opposed to medication under orders and supervision of a physician, many in our communities turn to forms of self-medication (i.e. alcohol and drugs) as a means of escaping their problems.  While these substances may give temporary escape, one cannot escape the reality of their problems and do not find long-lasting solutions to their problems.  (1)

2)      Illicit pleasure – Similar to self-medication, some also seek temporary relief to the inner struggles through elicit pleasures like pornography or casual sexual encounters.  (1)  Not only are these pleasures only temporary but they carry with them the danger of diseases and an unwanted pregnancy.  There is much argument over President Trump’s choice for the Supreme Court around the Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion legal in the United States.  What never receives mention in the argument is the demand for abortions comes from people seeking fulfillment of their inner struggle through illicit sex seeking a means to eliminate the resulting pregnancy.   

3)      Career – Unlike self-medication and illicit pleasure, career is something beneficial in one’s life.  However, work can become addictive just like drugs and sex.  (2)  Tech start-ups actually expect their employees to devote themselves totally to their work at the expense of a personal or social life.  However, just like drugs and sex, one seeking filling of their inner hunger through a career will be disappointed.  This is because a career is only one economic downturn or management decision away from elimination. 

4)      Politics – Former Republican leader in the U.S. Senate, Trent Lott, equated leading the Senate to one herding cats.  (3)  With this metaphor, Mr. Lott illustrates the uncertainty of the body politic, yet many seek fulfillment of their inner hunger from politics, believing the next election will elect the great leader that will solve all of their problems.  2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 teaches about the man of lawlessness that will emerge upon the political scene in the last days.  Many who place their trust in politics to solve their problems will believe this is the one to solve the worlds problems and create nirvana only to be disappointed when he is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:3).  Sadly, if they took the Mark of the Beast, they will join their leader (Revelation 14:11).  While politics is important and affects our daily lives, it is not able to fill the inner hunger that only a relationship with Christ can fill.  As Christians we should vote making our voice heard but we also must remember that politicians are flawed individuals like all of us and will disappoint us. 

5)      Moralism – Moralism is a false gospel negating the need for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.  This is because the law or moral code existed prior to the birth of Christ.  If obedience to this code or law was enough to save us, Jesus death on the cross was not necessary. However, the Bible reminds us in Romans 3:23 that we all have sinned and in Ephesians 2:8 that our salvation is not earned from our works but accomplished through the grace of God.  Those seeking fulfillment of their inner hunger through moralism live lives of doubt as to their standing with God and disappointment when they violate their moral code. 

Sin in our lives and the world has left an insatiable hunger and thirst in the hearts of all that only a relationship with God through Jesus Christ can fill.  All other things we do to fill this hunger and thirst will ultimately disappoint us but God has promised never to leave us (Deuteronomy 4:31).  Jesus said He is the way of truth and life (John 14:6).  I invite you to pray with me now and fill the hunger sin has left in your life,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

The way is now open for you to finally fill the raging hunger and thirst in your life brought on by sin.  Just as we must eat and drink regularly to fill our physical hunger, we must begin the regular practice of the spiritual disciplines of prayer and study of the Bible to continue satisfying this hunger.  To make this more effective, you should find a church teaching the Bible, so you have better understanding of who God is. 

May God bless everyone reading this post. 

1. Ph.D., Stephen A. Diamond. Avoidance, Sobriety and Reality: The Psychology of Addiction. www.psychologytoday.com. [Online] Psychology Today, February 28, 2010. [Cited: July 13, 2018.] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evil-deeds/201002/avoidance-sobriety-and-reality-the-psychology-addiction.

2. Ph.D., Alan A. Cavailoa. The New Workaholism. www.psychologytoday.com. [Online] Psychology Today, September 6, 2017. [Cited: July 13, 2018.] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-bullying/201709/the-new-workaholism.

3. Marshall, Andrew. Lott finds battle for Senate unity as easy as herding cats. www.independent.co.uk. [Online] Independent, January 31, 1999. [Cited: July 13, 2018.] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/lott-finds-battle-for-senate-unity-as-easy-as-herding-cats-1077487.html.

Psalms of the Ascents: Looking for God’s Favor

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 123:3

Show us favor, Lord, show us favor,
for we’ve had more than enough contempt.

(CSB)

While the idea of pleasing everyone would be nice with nobody hating us, the idea is unrealistic.  Even Jesus, the Son of God could not please everyone.  However, in our political correct social media culture, we seem obsessed with trying please and not offend anyone which often ends with us offending the ones we least want to offend. 

The next psalm of the ascents, Psalm 123 has the sub heading of “looking for God’s favor.”  As Christians, pleasing God above others should be the driving force of our lives.  While this seems harsh in our politically correct culture, it is actually the most beneficial thing one can do to serve others. 

Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us that where our heart is where our greatest treasure is.  While the context of this passage of Scripture is material possessions and money, it can also apply to relationships one treasures.  When we treasure pleasing and not offending others, we are relinquishing control of our lives to them.  Since each person we know has different wants, needs, and desires, trying to please them all will end up leaving us with no clear purpose for our lives, rendering us ineffective in serving others. 

Perhaps this is why this psalm that the people of Israel would recite on their way to Jerusalem was important for it is a reaffirmation of their desire to please God over anything else through honoring Him during the feasts.  In Psalm 123 we see the psalmist,

1)      Lift up His eyes to God in Heaven (Psalm 123:1) – When we find ourselves in trouble, we never seem to have a problem with looking up to God as Peter did when sinking in the sea (Matthew 14:30).  However, if we really treasure God in our hearts, we should regularly look up to God through prayer and study of God’s Word. 

2)      Looking to the Lord until he receives God’s favor (Psalm 123:2) – The psalmist lived before the birth of Christ and lived his life in anticipation of the promised Messiah that would rid him of his sins.  Those of us living after the birth of Christ have an advantage over the psalmist in that we have the privilege of looking back at God’s unmerited favor through Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Unfortunately, since we no longer must look forward to God’s provision of favor, we can take the unmerited favor, or grace of God, for granted.  In our daily time looking up to God, take time to thank Him for His grace. 

3)      Seeking God’s favor over worldly contempt (Psalm 123:3) – Political correctness that tries to please everyone creates contempt from those we offend while pleasing someone else.  Aiming to please God above anyone else frees us from this contempt and serves to simplify our lives leaving us with only God to please.  While totally pleasing God is not possible in our fleshly bodies, when God is the treasure of our hearts, our life attitude is on aiming to please God and when we fail, seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9). 

4)      Calls for an end of arrogant contempt (Psalm 123:4) – The final verse of this psalm represents a decision by the psalmist to live his life with the attitude of pleasing God first. 

The greatest decision one can make is the decision to treasure God in his or her heart.  While it is not possible to earn God’s favor since we have all sinned (Romans 3:23), God has extended his grace or undeserved favor to us (Ephesians 2:8).  However, God does not force His grace on anyone, so we must ask.  If you are reading this and have never accepted God’s unmerited favor, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Continue looking up to God through the spiritual disciplines of prayer and study of the Word of God.  This insures God remains the treasure or our lives, freeing us from the contempt and imprisonment of a life attempting to please others. 

The Blessings of Humility

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the humble,
for they will inherit the earth.

(CSB)

In a modern society and culture that rewards those with confidence exuding rugged individualism, the thought of the humble inheriting the earth is unthinkable.  However, Jesus, the humble servant who left the glory of heaven to become a man who would later die for sins he did not commit, providing salvation for all who choose to believe (John 3:16) is even more unthinkable.  Besides providing salvation and a restored relationship with God the creator, Jesus also provided an example of perfect humility that will result in Him literally inheriting the earth when He returns to establish his Millennial rein on earth (Revelation 11:15). 

Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that pride, the anthesis of humility, precedes destruction and a fall with the Bible full of examples of men and women who fell due to arrogant pride.  While most of us will never have a kingdom to lose due to pride, we can still suffer loss of relationships, money, career, and even intimacy with God due to pride.  Pride caused,

1)      The arrogant pride of Pharaoh’s magicians in Exodus – We find an example of arrogant price in Exodus 8:6-7.  Moses has called up the plague of frogs from the waters of Egypt with the magicians of Pharaoh doing the same thing in prideful arrogance.  Not mentioned but implied in this passage is the people of Egypt now having to deal with an even greater plague of frogs due to the arrogant pride of Pharaoh’s magicians. 

2)      The Idolatrous pride of Ahab and Jezebel – We recently witnessed a royal wedding in England, but the royal wedding of Ahab and Jezebel would lead to the downfall and exile of the entire nation of Israel.  This is because Jezebel, the daughter of the king of the Sidonians, caused King Ahab to forsake his God and instead worship the pagan god Baal (1 Kings 16:29-33).  As promised in Deuteronomy 28:36, this abandonment of God led to the exile of the nation of Israel.  Ahab and Jezebel had pride in themselves and their idols refusing to make God the center of their leadership of God’s people.  What idols do we pridefully worship that take our focus of God.  Is it our career, sports, money, material possessions, academic achievement?  While in and of themselves these things are not evil, they are demonstrations of pride in our lives if they take the place of God. 

3)      The religious pride of Caiaphas – Matthew 26:57-68 records the trial, or so-called trial, of Jesus before the Sanhedrin.  There is no fairness in this trial for Jesus, the defendant, did not have an opportunity to call any witnesses.  Jesus often pointed out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of his time.  Examples of their pride are the sounding of a trumpet when giving (Matthew 6:2), praying loudly (Matthew 6:5), appearing gloomy when fasting (Matthew 6:16).  Perhaps the major point of contention for these religious leaders was their denunciation by Christ in Matthew 23:1-36. 

We must learn from the fall of these men and women and instead of following their example, follow the example of Christ.  Christ is the humble servant who even though he never sinned, took our sins upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21).  While this humble suffering and death is a polar opposite of how the world views a great leader, in fulfillment of Matthew 5:5, Jesus will inherit an eternal kingdom (Revelation 22:5). 

The greatest news for all reading this is you have an opportunity to rein for eternity with Christ when he establishes his earthly kingdom.  However, to do this there is an act of humility to perform.  This act does not require suffering but surrender, surrender of one’s life to Jesus, making him the center of your heart.  This act is simple to perform for all that is necessary is to pray,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

With this simple act of humility everyone praying this prayer now has inherited the earth through their inclusion in the coming Kingdom of God.  I encourage everyone that prayed to find a church where you can learn more about the Lord, for you will be with Him for eternity.  I also encourage you to tell someone else about what has just happened giving them an opportunity to inherit eternal life. 

May God bless everyone reading this. 

Psalms of the Ascents: A Prayer for Jerusalem

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 122:1

I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

(CSB)

Today is Independence Day in the United States of America.  On this day in 1776 the founders of the United States signed the Declaration of Independence (1), declaring the intent of the colonies to sever their ties with England over a list of ignored grievances.  While the Declaration declared independence, independence only came as a result of a bloody war.  Since that date the nation has grown to become a super power in the world and seen by many as a beacon of freedom.

Keeping this beacon lit has often required military engagement against enemies of the nation.  In addition, the nation takes seriously it’s responsibility as a world power, lending aide to freedom loving nations having their freedom threatened.  While some may view intervention in the affairs of other nations as meddling, many in the United States view it as a desire to share the spirit of the freedom declared in the Declaration of Independence signed on July 4, 1776 with others so they too can enjoy their God given freedoms.

In Psalm 122 the heading in my translation is a prayer for Jerusalem.  As one of the Psalms of the Ascents, this prayer was something pilgrims would recite while walking towards Jerusalem.  While most of us reading this will not make annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem, this psalm has application and serves as a reminder to pray for our nations, the Psalm reminds us to,

1)      Rejoice (Psalm 122:1-2) – The Apostle Paul urged the members of the church in Philippi to constantly rejoice in the Lord.  When reading Psalm 122, it helps to imagine throngs of people walking or riding to Jerusalem with wide smiles on their face in anticipation of being in the presence of the Lord.  This should be how we as disciples of Christ feel when going to church services.  Unfortunately, however, church can become part of our weekly routine, thus losing its joy.  I challenge everyone reading this to this next Sunday spend time with the Lord prior to attending church services and take the joy you experience from this time with the Lord with you. 

2)      Find unity in the Lord (Psalm 122:3-4) – God has uniquely made each person with one purpose, to worship and fellowship with God (Psalm 139:13-14).  While the uniqueness of our creation makes each one of us special, it also brings potential for disunity due to each of us being different.  In Psalm 122:3-4, the psalmist calls for unity in Jerusalem as the people go there during the feasts to worship.  This can only occur as each unique individual unites around a common purpose of worshiping and serving God.

3)      Place the Lord on the throne of our hearts (Psalm 122:5) – Sin is the result of us placing something other than God, usually our selfish interests, on the throne of our hearts.  For example, if you are working hard at a job eying a promotion and the promotion goes to someone else, you may feel anger at the situation.  While the Bible does say be angry in Ephesians 4:26 the verse also tells us not to sin in our anger.  If our anger over the loss of a promotion becomes thoughts or actions bringing harm to either the person receiving the promotion of our boss, it is sinful anger and indicative of the job or our career, and not God, being at the center of our lives.  With God at the center of one’s life they would resolve the situation by being angry at not realizing God had other plans for their life. 

4)      Pray for peace (Psalm 122:6-7) – Matthew 5:9 reminds us that peacemakers are known as the sons of God.  The greatest peace any person can experience is the peace that comes from a restored relationship with God their creator.  While God makes us unique to worship and have fellowship with God, the sin of Adam and Eve has severed that relationship.  The result was a loss of the peace that only comes from a relationship with the creator God.  God’s people must therefore pray for peace, not just for our nations, but for each individual by praying they restore their relationship with God by accepting Jesus as their savior. 

5)      Pray for good for our brothers and sisters and fellow citizens (Psalm 122:8-9) – For our brothers and sisters that know Jesus as their savior, we must pray that they will grow stronger in their knowledge of God’s Word, live empowered by the Holy Spirit, and serve God in whatever capacity God leads them.  For those that do not know Jesus as their savior, pray that God will send a messenger of the Gospel to them or open a door for you to share Christ with them for this is the greatest good anyone can do for another. 

If you are reading this and have never accepted Jesus as your savior and experienced a restored relationship with God your creator, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Congratulations for this is now your independence day for you are no longer under the tyranny of your sins but have perfect liberty for the Spirit of the Lord now lives in your heart (John 14:17, 2 Corinthians 3:17).  However, just as nations must fight for and protect their liberty, Christians have an enemy that will attempt to hinder their new and restored relationship with God.  Ephesians 6:10-20 describes this spiritual warfare instructing us about our weapons to fight this different type of war.  It is also important to find a church that teaches the Bible for training in fighting this war and leading others to Christ. 

Happy Independence Day everyone and may God richly bless everyone reading this. 

1. ushistory.org. The Declaration of Independence. www.ushistory.org. [Online] [Cited: October 30, 2016.] http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/.