CONFRONTATION – A Daily Devotional – from your friends at RayStedman.org

“They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:40b-42

I love that. They did not stop. They counted themselves fortunate to suffer dishonor for his name. It seems to take Christians so long to face up to the simple declaration of Scripture that, when they were called to be a Christian, they were called to suffer. As Paul said in his letter to the Philippians, For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:29). 

We are called to this. Suffering is an integral part of the Christian experience. It is not something that is unusual or reserved for just a few; it is for all. Peter wrote, Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12). Don’t think it is strange. 

You go through problems, difficulties, heartaches, disappointments, ostracism and coolness from others, all for the sake of the Name. Don’t think that is strange. It is that to which we are called.

In a world that is run by illusions, governed by deceptions, and is a victim of lies and maliciously evil falsehoods, what else can we expect if we stand for the truth? People will think we are strange, at times. People will think we react in funny ways. There will be some degree of coolness, even among those who are, in many other ways, friendly toward us. They will think we are a little odd. But it is they who are odd; it is we who are normal. 

When a normal person lives in a world full of oddballs, they think he’s odd. But that is the suffering to which he is called. Like these disciples, we ought to thank God for it and rejoice in it. Jesus said that, didn’t he? Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name’s sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, … for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you… (Matthew 5:11-12 KJV).

The church, then, is not to wring its hands, and say, Oh what a terrible thing! We’re being opposed! What an awful thing! No! Rejoice, like these early Christians did. Count it an honor that you have been called to suffer a little for his name’s sake. Stand up and be counted.

Father, help me to understand that we are the salt of the earth, we are the light of the world, and we must begin to act that way again. Evil is lurking… but is it afraid of YOU?

Click here for the link to RayStedman.org – link to devotional here

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6

SWAT – SLAM… BAM… and it was over! I hadn’t even looked for the opportunity before it presented itself, though my dander had been rising at the sight wasps coming to eat the butterfly larvae. As I passed by the wall, the wasp was just sitting there. Before I could even think, and as quick as lighting, I smashed him with my bare hand. I felt like a hero!

Situations, like seasons, come and go. I often forget the problems and responsibilities that come with seasons. It had been a year since dealing with the wasp-larvae problem. Katie likes butterflies, wasps like their offspring. Now that it’s spring, the 2 naturally come together, To us, butterflies represent life, freedom and hope. Wasps… irritation, pain and death! I hate pain and death!

There’s another thing I hate almost as much as pain and death. Bullies! I hate bullies! People picking on other people, often for no logical reason at all. Being a preacher’s kid, and on the small side, I was bullied growing up. Often by adults using me to make a point, or to attack my dad. Wasps are bullies. And I learned a long time ago that the best way to deal with them… is quickly!

There’s a lady I have come to love very much. She is under Hospice care. Though her death is inevitable, it is not coming quickly. Being in constant and increasing pain naturally leads her to depression. I visit her regularly, but long before I arrive at her door, I already know what wasps I am going to have to face… and swat! So I pray, prepare and present God’s swat, in order to limit those evil stings!

Being a drummer, I had to learn to be fast! When that wasp landed on the wall in front of me, I didn’t even think. Before my hand began to move, my mind had already made the decision… ‘him or me!’ Learning how God loves His children has made me learn what HE doesn’t like. AND how HE handles those pests. GOD gives endurance and encouragement! I am simply His messenger. And what an honor it is to be so.

Are YOU an agent for God’s endurance and encouragement? Do you need some?  

“…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word.” Ephesians 5:25-26

“They’re WILTING – OH NOOO!” Looking out the glass doors, I saw what Katie was seeing… and saying. She had wanted butterflies, so I bought her milkweed. Placing the plants where she could SEE the butterflies left the plants under the hot afternoon sun… which was drying them out fast! It was a problem we’ve had before, but last year’s solution was not working now!

When wilting happened last year, I built a sun filtering screen above the milkweed so it wouldn’t dry out. Which worked! The butterflies last year already knew where the milkweed was, so flying under the screen was not a problem. The new butterflies this year weren’t seeming to find easy access to the plants, so we weren’t seeing many of them. Experimenting, I moved the plants out from under the screen. The butterflies came, but the milkweed wilted!  So I repositioned the screen. 

Watering plants twice a day isn’t impossible, when we’re home to baby it. But we aren’t always around. Milkweed attracts butterflies that lay their eggs on the leaves, which grow into caterpillars, eventually ‘morphing’ into more butterflies. Keeping the plants watered is critical. Plans to keep them watered, when we are away, are critical for the life of the butterflies. Just like humans!

The verse today is similar! Sin, and the effects of it, can wilt and kill the life in me that Jesus loves. Though He paid my price for sin, I STILL have the need to be watered and cared for. And He does that PERSONALLY though His Word. The Bible is my SON-screen… His Word, a filter for everything that comes into my life. It is MY responsibility to seek His direction and will by DRINKING IN His Word!

Jesus’ love led him to sacrifice Himself for His Bride… The Church! Knowing the Scripture makes that clear. But I cut the first part of the verse off… on purpose! The verse STARTS with “Husbands love your wives like…!” Hmmmm….! That He gave His ‘promised purpose’ AFTER giving ‘the command,’ makes clear what HE expects from ME! So BEFORE any heat rises, I’m going to The Word – FIRST!!

Are YOU spending time DAILY… bathing, drinking and being protected by the Water of Jesus’ Word?

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15

I saw him come in, though he looked a little off! When he opened his mouth to speak, I knew something was wrong. He sounded horrible! I shook his hand anyway and we went into the office for a quick Church meeting. Moving from a chair, to standing, it was evident he was not comfortable. It may have been seeing Jesus’ picture on the wall, but I wondered, did Jesus ever get sick like Randy?

There are only 2 answers to the sick question… Jesus either did or didn’t. Everything we know, or need to know, about God and Son is found in the Word of God. If it isn’t in there, it’s questionable! And I’ve heard some crazy, unverifiable stuff. Like, ‘when Jesus was a child He healed sick animals for fun!’ Which cannot be found in PETA 4:7. But Jesus, like Randy, was a man. Did He ever get sick?

We have several folks in our church who are going through health issues. Some serious! When I talk to them on the phone or go visit, it is my calling to give them some hope to hang onto. So I pray to God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ His Son. I ALWAYS ask for healing or to help them to feel better. So I’ve wondered, “can Jesus even sympathize with one of His sick sheep?

The question of ‘did Jesus ever get sick,’ begs another. ‘Does it matter?’ In one respect, it doesn’t. God told us by His written Word what we need to know. If it’s not in there, we are not allowed to build fanciful sandcastles of Doctrine that can easily fly away on gossamer wings! Like Calvinism (that was a joke aimed at a few of my friends).

So did Jesus ever get sick? Looking at this Bible Verse, I’m going to make a 51/49 bet that He did. But I’m not putting money on it. We know, other than dying from the sickness of paying for our sin, He didn’t have terminal cancer. I doubt He had COPD or Cerebral Palsy because He appeared to walk and talk really well! But did Jesus ever catch a cold or the flu? I think He did… and here’s why.

Sickness, like breathing and sinning, is common to EVERYONE! Whether sick from flu, cancer or fatigue, we all know what it feels like to not feel well. That being said, it helps me to think my Savior has an ‘experienced’ empathy for my plight. Just like He did with my breathing and my sin. And that thought, unbelievably… gives me a LOT of comfort.

Whether healthy or sick, are you comfortable with Jesus?

“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:6

I had the need to see a doctor I had never met before. After the referral, I received an email from his office with instructions about the appointment. Several times I saw, written in bold print, “Please do not arrive early!” It was the first time I had ever heard THAT rule before!

With the appointment set for 9am, I arrived at 8:40am because of the rule drilled into me, ”early is on time, on time is late, and late is never acceptable.” So… what to do? I sat in my truck until 9:52. When I started heading toward the door, there was a man ahead of me by about 10 seconds. He was older, and I could have easily beat him, but rules of courtesy came first and I had time!

Once in, I heard him give his name and say, “I have a 9:30 appointment.” Astonished, I thought, “Flagrant violator! Didn’t you read the instructions?” When it was my turn I said “McCay… 9am… because I READ YOUR INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT NOT BEING EARLY!’” After helping them out with enforcement, I sat down. About 9 minutes later the door opened.. and they called HIM FIRST!

I wasn’t mad or upset, since I didn’t have anywhere else to be. But I was intrigued! So I asked, “I’m just curious as to why your office was so explicit, yet called the early guy first! She mentioned something about not having copied my paperwork yet! After about 10 minutes HE walked out and they called me in! I think I saw a snicker on his face!

I have a love/hate relationship with rules because I don’t like lots of them. Yet trying to live in a society without rules would be murder… Literally! Growing up, I was promised that life would be better for me if I simply obeyed ‘The Rules.’ But I have learned that not everybody does, and that rule breakers often benefit when there are no consequences. Like the snickering Mr. Early!

On the way home, I hit the Venice Drawbridge. I SAW a red light as I approached, but didn’t really comprehend what it meant, since the gates weren’t lowering. When I finally realized I was supposed to stop, I was just ‘at the edge’ of the decision. Then hit the gas!!! Yes, like Mr Early, I got away with it. But then I kinda sensed that Jesus wasn’t too happy about it!

Are you proving you love Jesus by following The Rules?

“The king of Israel answered, ‘Tell him: ‘One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.’” 1 Kings 20:11

It was last summer when I last rode my 4-wheeler with my son-in-law and grandson. We were in the mountains then, but some mechanical issues forced bringing the ATV home to Florida for repairs. It was time to test it out. So yesterday, the 3 of us headed to the flatland of Florida. For me, as a grandfather, it was a boasting kind of experience.

Having ridden dirt-bikes and 4-wheelers for most of my life, I forget the process of actually learning how. Now, it’s mostly instinct. Riding over dirt trails behind my grandson Cash, I noted his style and confidence as he showed off the skill of an experienced rider. When we hit some deep mud-holes filled with water and he got stuck, I watched him use his experience and wisdom to get unstuck. His dad and I were both proud! He’s 11!

My 4-wheeler is better than his. It has more capability and power because it was built that way! His is 2 wheel drive while mine is 4… and with twice the engine power! A couple of times, after he got stuck and couldn’t get out, his dad would shout further instructions. When that didn’t work, I went behind him and pushed him out. Even then, Cash was learning HOW to teach and to help others.

My father was called to be a Pastor almost immediately after being saved! He had to learn everything the muddy way. Trial and error, along with advice from experienced Pastors, brought lots of pain and failure. But over time, as little muddied successes became instinct, the Prince of Darkness came to know my father as an enemy and warrior. And God and dad pushed me!

I’ve heard stories from Cash. When the subject of riding comes up in the school yard, LOTS of his peers jump into the conversation, boasting like they know more and are better at it. Cash is learning to just ignore hollow boasting, since talk doesn’t prove anything. Only the muddy school of hard knocks and experience makes a true rider.

The same thing happens in the schoolyard of the Church. Over the years, I heard the stories around the house. As frustrations and pain, brought by a challenger of my father’s abilities, were discussed by mom and dad around the house, I overheard. Now, my wife and I have those conversations. It’s amazing how many people think they know more, and aren’t afraid to say so!

I’m proud of my Grandson. He’s learning LOTS of skills in many areas of life. Which is a good thing. Because, as I have learned, Life in Christ on this Earth is a very muddy business. And one needs to be VERY careful how they put their armor on!

Are YOU a true and experienced warrior for Christ? 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Spring sprung a while back here in sunny Florida, and doing anything outside had been mostly sweat-less. Figuring the job of sealing my dock to be about a 2 hour job, I was actually looking forward to it. Within 30 minutes, with sweat coming from every pore, I began questioning both my purpose and my abilities! I needed some help, in more ways than one!

I hate sweating… always have. After a while, whether at work or leisure, heat causes me to become fatigued, then nauseous. As the sun rose, so did the temperature and my comfort. Having about a quart of liquid to drink, I began chugging to offset the sweat. But I wanted to pace my work and drink to meet the time required. When nausea set in, I humorously said to myself, “Man, you’re gettin’ too old for this!” Then began to question if that was really true!

Getting older leads to questions I don’t like to ask because they can lead to realities I do not wish to face. At my age, I still feel like I can do anything I have always done. But over time, as I’ve started needing assistance in the form of a tool, like a dolly, or a person, I am realizing new limitations. But using a paintbrush and a roller was NOT on my ‘needs help’ list.

When brain started kicking out orders, “move faster, drink more, think smarter, take a break, quit now,” I did what I learned to do a long time ago. I talked to The Master. When this Bible verse came to mind, I had to question IT as well. “REALLY Lord? You mean like finishing this sweaty job?” That led to more ‘ability and purpose’ questions. Soon I saw myself being loaded into the fire of the crematorium!

The best help I received was after the job was done. Tired, sweaty and nasty, I told a person I’m close to about the experience. They said, “it was REALLY hot today… in the 90’s! That’s normal for ANYONE working under the sun!” Suddenly, I felt better about my lot in life, that I’m NOT close to death or uselessness, and that I actually finished the job ‘like a boss!’

I came to realize that “ALL THINGS” in this Bible verse doesn’t really mean ‘ALL THINGS!’ I am limited by my humanity, age and abilities in MANY areas. I’ll never have to fly a plane, drive a ship, or design a building. But I CAN do, though Him, EVERYTHING HE asks of me. I was reminded that it wasn’t HIS idea to seal the dock in the first place!

What is God asking YOU to do for Him?

“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance.” Ephesians 1:13

It was overdue and had been a couple of years since I last sealed the dock. I remembered it took about 1.25 gallons of clear sealer the last time. Shaking the can from the shelf, I noted ALMOST a gallon.  Then I remembered there was about half a gallon of COLORED sealer of the same brand at the church. “I’ll just mix the 2 and avoid buying a whole new can!”

It’s not like I was stealing from Jesus. After all, I had bought the colored sealer myself. After the sealing project at the church was done, I knew Jesus didn’t really need what was left over anymore. “Besides,” I thought, “it’s probably going to go bad anyway.” So I picked it up, along with a clean bucket, and headed to my dock.

It SHOULD have been simple. I shook the can of brown sealer really well and poured it into the bucket. Then did the same with the clear. INSTANTLY I knew I had a problem! Though they were from the same company, it was obvious they did not have the same base ingredients! It was like mixing oil and water! OR… kinda like mixing Law and Grace!

One of the biggest controversial subjects in Christendom comes when Law and Grace are mixed together. As I stirred my mixture to try to force a blending of the 2 sealers, the brown stuff would immediately fall to the bottom and the clear would rise to the top! I snickered at the thought because it made so much sense to me! God hinted… “Write about that!”

I’ve said many times, “Heaven is like a good government job, it’s not what you DO… it’s who you KNOW!” Getting to know God through the 10 commandments was about as clear as my muddy mixture. But when He sent His Son to meet all the requirements of the law FOR me, He made it clear that Jesus Christ was my ONLY possible way to ‘seal the deal.’

Taking advantage of the clear stuff floating on top, I went ahead and trimmed out the dock by dipping my brush in and applying it 1 stroke at a time. Later, Katie called and asked if I needed anything from the store… since she was going there anyway. I asked if she would please purchase a new can of clear sealer… since she was going that way anyway! She did.

After His resurrection, Jesus was heading back to the Father in Heaven and wanted to make sure the pathway was clear so I could join Him if I wanted. But only on HIS terms. Since I really wanted to go… and He was going there anyway… I sealed the deal by simply giving up on my own muddy plan, and accepted HIS free offer of Grace… at His expense. It remains the best deal I have ever accepted!

Is ‘How to get to Heaven’ crystal clear with you? Or muddied?     

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

With Gift Card in hand, we headed to Panera for dinner. My eyes immediately fell upon the pastries, in particular, a presentation of Bear Claws. When ordering, I requested ‘the Bear Claw on the top right please.’ How was I to know that simple request would become a dagger to my heart… with a battle to follow?

I grew up in a small town south of Pittsburgh. While in Jr. High school, I was privileged with an occasional job at the local Italian Bakery. It was there I learned the art of baking, and acquired a taste for Louie’s Bear Claws. Having eaten so many, I learned to be picky. The one on the ‘top right’ was covered in icing and almond shavings. I HAD to have it!

I’m no dummy. I requested ‘top right’ because, from HER position behind the counter at 180 degrees my opposite, there could be no confusion. I watched her grab the Bear Claw from the ‘top left,’ turn it sideways, shake off the loose almonds and then bag it! My mind and heart could not comprehend the crime that I had just witnessed with my own 2 eyes!

Within 2.7 nanoseconds, my whole being became a battleground! It started with judgment, “does she not know right from left?” When she shook off the goodies, I slid into attempted murder thinking, “how could she be so stupid?” My final crime was selfishness, “demand the fool go back and give you the correct one!” My battle ended in 30 nanoseconds.

Such is the application of today’s Bible Verse. ‘I am a judgmental, murderous, selfish PIG!’ That fact, proven in less than a second, is evidence enough to send me to the Lake of Fire for eternity! But ANOTHER fact QUICKLY overcame and conquered the first. ‘I am a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus.’ Being a Prince, The King QUICKLY reminded me to ‘ACT LIKE ONE!’

I wish I could say that the matter disappeared from my mind immediately. Unfortunately, both satan and my flesh were not willing to let matters quickly go by. Outwardly, I received the Bear Claw in the bag, then kindly thanked the gal for her service. But the battle raged inside all the way back to the table. Finally, I said to Katie, “I have a ‘Word for the Day!”’

Jesus said that those who put their faith in Him WILL suffer for it. Scars from my repeated battles over pride and selfishness are testaments to HIS victorious life in me. Remembering them humbles me, then leads me to Christ-like action. Jerry Reed said, “He who expects nothin’ ain’t gonna be deceived!’ Which is exactly what Jesus insists from me!

In the end, I guess you could say I was mauled by a Bear Claw… for His goodness sake! So what’s YOUR story?