Riches at Any Cost

Riches at any cost.  That’s the height of folly.

But people succumb.  They climb over the backs of others.  They make deals that are self-serving.  They cheat and deceive at every turn.

It’s riches at any price.

Habakkuk the prophet has a warning.  “Woe to him who builds his realm by unjust gain to set his nest on high, to escape the clutches of ruin!”

In other words…seeking unjust gain for security.

Good stewardship does require wise spending habits. But never at the expense of others’ well-being.

And it may also be a warning against simply taking advantage of others – denying them the right to fair dealings.

So…don’t squeeze out the last penny in making a deal.  Be generous and thoughtful.

Then…enjoy the blessings of the Lord.

Two Testaments

Two Testaments.  The Old and the New.

Some have said that the New Testament is concealed in the Old…and the Old is revealed in the New.

But it is important to understand the difference.  You will find practices in the Old that are not approved in the New.

In the Old Testament…enemies are often hated.  In the New…they are forgiven and loved.  In the Old…righteousness is gained by adherence to law.  In the New it’s about grace…and the gift of God’s mercy.

The Old provides background for the advent of Jesus.  And what centers on the nation of Israel in the Old is now applicable to the body of Christ.

But both Testaments are a part of God’s revelation of redeeming truth.

A Triad of Truth

A triad of truth.  It’s spelled out by Micah the prophet.

“And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

It’s not complicated…confusing…or unattainable.

There are only three requirements – act justly…love mercy…and walk humbly with your God.

Act justly.  Do your best to live a life of integrity.  Never play loosely with the truth.  Avoid actions that include compromise.  Guard carefully your speech and your practices.

Love mercy.  Marvel at the benevolence of God.  Rejoice that you are not subjected to the wrath of God.  And treat others as God treats you.  That’s with mercy.

Walk humbly with your God.  Avoid pride and arrogance.  Assess all matters with accuracy.  Speak softly – but with godly authority.

Let Micah’s words describe you.

Secularism and Morality

Secularism and morality.  There is a direct link.

As a society becomes increasingly more godless…immorality abounds.

When God is honored…there is a corresponding sense of moral integrity.  Conversely…when godlessness prevails…consciences are dulled.

The Bible teaches that there is a holy God who observes all the affairs of man.  When that truth is prevalent…there is a sense of moral responsibility.  When instead…if it is believed that there is no God…restraints are lifted.

The only remedy to the rise of secularisms is adherence to the moral principles taught in God’s Word.  Otherwise…there is little restraint on moral compromise.

Amos the prophet spoke of a famine of hearing the word of God.  Count on it…with that comes a surge of moral compromise.

Submit to God’s Word — the key to moral integrity.

Justice and Righteousness

Justice and righteousness.  These are the essential attributes of an orderly society.

Amos the prophet described the waywardness of the nation of Israel.  Then comes the words of admonition.  “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

Justice speaks of fairness between peoples – a right horizontal relationship.  Righteousness speaks of a right relationship with God – the vertical relationship.

And it’s a good word for individuals – to live in right relationship with both God and man.  Fairness with peoples…and peace with God.

The word picture here is most enlightening.  The practice of fairness among men is like a river – swift…unending…and life-giving.

And righteousness is well described as a never-failing stream – life-giving…refreshing…endless.

Justice and righteousness.

A Summons to Appear

A summons to appear.  And it will come from God.

“…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…”

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

This is why Amos the prophet admonished wayward Israel – “…prepare to meet thy God…”

How will it be for you when you answer the summons to appear before God?

Will it be terror — as every transgression is recounted…and judgment is declared?

Or…it will be a moment of great joy — as you stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.  And you will have the joy of bringing to the Lord the fruit of your service to Him.

Either way…the word is this — prepare to meet thy God.

Conformation or Transformation

Conformation or transformation?  They are often the two choices.

Do you conform to circumstances as they are?  Or do you believe God for a transformation…so that what presently is becomes instead something new?  Do I accept what is…or believe that God can supernaturally change circumstances?

The Apostle Paul says – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” 

A new perspective…a new vision…a new future.

It is tempting to accept the negative circumstances of life.  What is will always be.  It’s my lot in life.  Things will never be different. 

No.  Because there can be a transformation…a new lease on life…a new excitement about living…a new hope for the future.

The God whom you serve is the God of transformation.  Put your trust in Him.

The Onslaught of Evil

The onslaught of evil.  Sometimes you feel alone.

So did Elijah.  “I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me.”

But God said – “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

You are not alone.  Instead…you are part of an army of God’s people who are praying for a revival of conviction and repentance.

Jesus said – “…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

But the temptation to feel alone is real.  A spirit of secularism is sweeping across the land.  Church attendance is down.  The spirit of compromise has invaded the church.

But God hears the cries of His people.  His kingdom will triumph.

Rejoice that you are part of what God is doing.

Filter Your Thoughts

Filter your thoughts.  Only then can you live a victorious life.

Filters separate out impurities – be it the water you drink…or the oil in your car.

You need the same for your thoughts — a filter to separate out the thoughts that are sinful and hurtful.

But what is the filter?  It is the word of God.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

This is why it is essential to read the Bible on a regular basis.  And it is the Word of God in your heart that separates out the pollutants of the world.

It is discipline that allows the word to do its work.  So…put a sentinel at the door of your heart…and refuse to allow impure thoughts to gain entrance.

Filtered thoughts.

The Throne of Grace

The throne of grace.  And you are invited to approach it with boldness.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

A throne speaks of power…authority…and position.  So is the throne of grace.

God covers you with His grace.  It is yours in sufficiency and in availability.

But you must come.  Let your approach be with boldness.  Open your heart to receive.  Allow God’s amazing grace to flood your soul.

But…be cautious.  Never presume on this grace.  Come with a spirit of humility and faith.  Never treat God’s grace as common and costless.

Today — come boldly to the throne of grace.