I am pleased that after more than a year of struggle with pain and issues related to a herniated disc that I am feeling much better. This Christmas for the first time in five years the entire family will gather in Fort Collins. We are looking forward to that taking place.

The past two months, I had the opportunity to speak at Family Worship Center in Centennial and at Lakewood Vineyard (where son, Christian is the pastor). This next year we are looking forward to a change in Debbie’s work schedule which we trust will lighten the load off of her.

May the richest blessings of Christ be yours this Christmas season and in the New Year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  Mary asked the angel, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.” The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God. “Elizabeth, your relative, is six months pregnant with a son in her old age. People said she couldn’t have a child. But nothing is impossible for God.”  Luke 1:34-37 GW

How would you respond if an angel appeared to you and told you that the miracle that you hoped for, prayed for was about to happen? Would you be immediately excited and believing? Would you be trying to figure out how it could happen based on your understanding?

I have been thinking about the Gabriel’s appearance to both Mary and Zachariah recorded in Luke 1. They both experienced not just a visit from “an angel” but Gabriel, who is believed to be the highest ranking angel in heaven. Both responded to the announcement of a miracle that was to take place with questions, reservations and unbelief.

ZACHARIAH AND ELIZABETH

Elizabeth, Zachariah’s wife had been barren. In their day this was viewed as a “curse from God.” It seems that this matter had been a continual concern and matter of prayer for Zachariah. One day, he is chosen by “lot” to be “the” priest to enter the temple to burn the incense that was outside of the holy of holies. Incense was a symbol of prayers going up to the Lord.

Undoubtedly Zachariah used this occasion to offer to the Lord the key concern of his life. When the angel appears to tell him his prayers have been answered and his wife would have a baby. Not just any baby, but one who would be a prophet and play and key role in God’s redemptive plan for the world. His “unbelief” is revealed by his asking for proof. (Luke 1:18) The “proof” was not Elizabeth’s obvious pregnancy, but Zachariah becoming mute until the baby was born.

MARY

Jewish tradition tells us that every young girl prayed that she might be “the one” who would give birth to the Messiah. When Gabriel appears to Mary, the announcement didn’t make for sense for her what were obvious reasons…she didn’t yet have a husband.

Zachariah viewed advanced age as an impossible obstacle for God to overcome and Mary viewed her lack of a husband as an insurmountable obstacle. Both of these make obvious sense.

But the Lord after hundreds of years of recorded miracles, was about to intervene in the affairs of these lives and the natural order of the world and humanity. The angel uses Elizabeth’s pregnancy to encourage Mary’s faith and then reminders her, “…nothing is impossible for God.”

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Pondering these events challenges my own faith. As I passed the five year mark since my health crisis, the full recovery that I anticipated and have prayed for has not happened. I continue to work and pray and receive prayer for that which has not yet happened. But I am challenged as to my faith in it taking place. It is easy to view my physical limitations as “it has been too long”…”it is what it is”…”at least I am alive.” Perhaps none of these are all that bad, but….what if I had an announcement that what I have prayed for was going to happen? Would I be like Mary and ask, “How can this be?” Would I be like Zachariah and “ask for proof?”

Even though we believe in miracles, we still at times want to fit them into the box of our own understanding. But a miracle is just that. Something that goes against the natural order of science, rationale and human logic or understanding.

It can apply to a prodigal child coming home. It may be the breaking of a “life-long” habit. It can apply to a physical miracle. It can apply to how the Lord will work to bring about His coming kingdom in the midst of political, economic and scientific realities of our world.

Mary’s resolve is seen in her response,  “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.” (Luke 1:38 GW) That is the attitude of trust. That is submission to the Lord’s will. That is a heart ready for a miracle.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV

As we come to another Thanksgiving Day, we are reminded of the fact that we have much for which we can be thankful. An older minister at my Rotary Club this week shared about his memories of the depression that resulted in extended family all occupying the same house.

At times our gratitude is for that which we have “not” experienced as much as for what we do have. “But for the grace of God“, many of us could have a life trajectory and experience that placed us in a circumstance far from where we are. So, as we thank the Lord for what we do have and what have experienced we can be reminded that may stand in sharp contrast to some we know and what could have been our “lot in life.”

Another reason for thanksgiving is when we reflect or respond to that which has come to us through the generosity and goodness of others. As Paul writes to the Corinthians about helping poor believers in Jerusalem, he tells them that “God will take care of them and continue to allow them to be generous and that those who receive their support will give thanksgiving to God.”

Often it can be easy to only look at others for they have done through acts of kindness or generosity, however we must remember that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17) As we express thankfulness “for” others, we should also be thankful “to” God.

As I reflect back on five years ago as I experienced my health crisis. I am reminded of the ways the Lord used so many people to come alongside of Debbie and myself to help in what seems to be innumerable ways. We will always be thankful for those people and to the Lord for showing us His love and provision through others.

But thankfulness can be challenging to maintain. At times the miracles of the past become faint or forgotten memories. The busyness and the mundane of life can crowd out time to stop and reflect and to be thankful. It is interesting how often “thanksgiving and prayer” and “thanksgiving and worship” are referenced in scripture. Thanksgiving is possible when we stop, reflect and remember what the Lord has done and is doing for us even in small ways and regardless of our circumstances.

As a pastor I always have found it challenging to find something “fresh” to share about thanksgiving and its importance. I found something that got my attention. It comes from “The Rational Bible” Dennis Prager’s commentary on the Book of Exodus. Dennis Prager is a Jew who is a scholar of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) and is a cultural and political commentator as well.

He writes these words, “In many ways, gratitude is the most important of all the good character traits. It is the most indispensable trait to both happiness and goodness. One can neither be a happy person nor a good person without gratitude. The less gratitude one has the more one sees oneself as a victim, and nothing is more likely to produce a bad person or a bad group than defining oneself or one’s group as a victim….As for happiness, if you think of all the people you know, you will not be able to name one who is ungrateful and happy. The two are mutually exclusive.”  ( Prager, D. 2018. “The Rational Bible-Exodus: God, Slavery and Freedom”  [pg 440] Washington, D.C., Regency Faith)

To experience happiness, to possess goodness, be thankful….and eat turkey!

60th bday at NCRH

I began this week with my 65th birthday. Christian came up north to meet me

at Scheel’s Sporting Goods

for lunch and a tour of the new Scheels Sporting Goods store in Loveland/Johnstown. It was a better day than five years ago when I marked my 60th birthday just to the east of where we were in Northern Colorado Rehabilitation hospital.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now I am on my way to Spain, so I hope to see you when I come your way. After I have enjoyed your company for a while, I hope that you will support my trip to Spain. Right now I’m going to Jerusalem to bring help to the Christians there.” Romans 15:24,25 GW 

Solomon observed in his wisdom, “The heart of man plans his way,  but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 ESV) We can readily observe that life is filled with uncertainties. At times the “best laid plans” just don’t work out the “best” way we have in mind.

The above verses reveal Paul’s plans for what he expected to take place next in his ministry. We see in 2 Corinthians Paul’s instructions to the believers about giving financially to support the suffering Christians in Jerusalem. He is now writing to the Roman Christians and tells them of his desire to come and visit them in person. He tells them that he will go to Jerusalem to take the gifts from those in Macedonia believers there. He then had plans to travel to Spain and to stop in Rome on his way.

As we read in the Book of Acts, all did go the way Paul had planned. “…Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul in the temple courtyard. They stirred up the whole crowd and grabbed Paul. Then they began shouting, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere to turn against the Jewish people, Moses’ Teachings, and this temple.” (Acts 21:27,28 NIV)

A mob erupted resulting in Paul’s arrest. This resulted in over two years of trial, imprisonment and efforts to avoid the plans and tactics of his accusers. Oddly, Paul did end up in Rome. But it was under house arrest. It doesn’t appear he ever made it to Spain as he planned. Yet in it all we see the Lord working. It may have been Paul’s “Plan B” but seemed to be the Lord’s, “Plan A.”

Seven letters we have in the New Testament were written while Paul was in prison. His arrest allowed him to present the gospel and his testimony before the masses in Jerusalem and before religious and political leaders of the day. When Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, the Lord spoke to Ananias these words: “I’ve chosen this man to bring my name to nations, to kings, and to the people of Israel. I’ll show him how much he has to suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:15-16 NIV)

I think of the perspective Job had of his life. “I thought, ‘Surely I will die surrounded by my family after a long, good life.” (Job 29:18 NLT) Suffering was not in Job’s plans, just as it is not in any of our plans. We anticipate a smooth road through life enjoying the blessings of the Lord.

However, we certainly are made aware of the uncertainties of life and how that our plans and our trajectory in life can change in a moment. There were way too many times during my ministry when a church member was in a Sunday service and before the week was over, I was standing at their grave, the marking conclusion of their life on earth.

I recall when I was battling illness less than a month after moving to Fort Collins. Even though I was in the hospital, I was still telling Debbie that we might be able to keep our plans for the upcoming weekend. Little did I know that what I thought might be a few days, would turn into several months and a journey that would change the trajectory of my life.

It seems the words of the Apostle James ring true. “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 NIV)

It is important that was not live our lives in fear of the unexpected. We can live life with confidence, purpose and a commitment to pursue all that is in our hearts. Yet we must hold our plans and life loosely. We must know that the Lord is with us regardless of what takes place. He will see us through and He will use all of our experiences to build our trust and confidence in Him and to place our focus on that which is eternal.

As I write, I am just few days out of my second spinal injection to address some pain that I have been experiencing in my back due to a herniated disc. It has brought some relief while I am still experiencing episodes of some significant discomfort. It is snowing lightly here in Fort Collins and we have started to decorate for the upcoming Christmas season. Time moves along as we travel this journey of life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Therefore everyone was condemned through one failure, and everyone received God’s life-giving approval through one verdict. Clearly, through one person’s disobedience humanity became sinful, and through one person’s obedience humanity will receive God’s approval.” Romans 5:18,19 GW

Tomorrow is my 65th birthday. Somewhat of a marker of growing older in our American culture. Although with people living longer it has been said that, “50 (or is it 60?) is the new 40.” I find as I grow older and in light of my health crisis five years ago, my sense of mortality is heightened.

I believe had my life progressed as I was living it, I would have “blown through” this marker without much notice. (Other than the requirement to sign up for Medicare, in order to avoid a penalty of course.)

I have also been reading the book, Being Mortal. This is a fascinating book about medicine, life and mortality written by a doctor/surgeon. His description of aging process is quite depressing to be honest. But at the heart is something that we can observe in times of illness as well as in life. People do what they can to ignore or delay the inevitable. Death. Death in this life is an enemy.

At the same time we see adds and initiatives aimed at living longer, healthier lives. While much of this can be positive some of it seems to border on the paranoid. I believe the reason is that we were created for life. That was God’s intent for the first humans in God’s created order. However, Adam and Eve messed up. Not only for themselves but for all mankind.

Paul offers this explanation, “Sin came into the world through one person [Adam], and death came through sin.” (Romans 5:12 GW) Sin is the cancer that brings death to every person. To reverse the death sentence one must find a remedy for the cause of death – sin. Paul declares, “All have sinned…” (Romans 3:23) This is simply a New Testament affirmation of the Old Testament declarations,  “…there is none who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 14:3) “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6)

But through Christ (whom Paul refers to as the “second Adam”) true life, eternal life is available to all. Not eternal life in this natural world, but eternal life in the world to come and that which is unseen. To the Corinthians Paul says, “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive….“The first man Adam became a living being” ; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:22,45)

In the contrast between Adam and Christ, we see Paul stating that Christ’s gift overcomes Adam faults. There is no comparison between God’s gift and Adam’s failure…the gift given through the kindness of one person, Jesus Christ, have been showered on humanity.”  (Romans 5:15, GW)

Then we see that Christ’s gift of grace overcomes our sin and the penalty of death. “There is also no comparison between God’s gift and the one who sinned.…[it is] certain that those who receive God’s overflowing kindness and the gift of his approval will rule in life because of one person, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17 GW)

Christ and His grace which results in the forgiveness of sin overcomes sinful actions and a sinful nature. Christ’s gift has no comparison and overcomes death and promises life forevermore.

We can’t stop the aging process. We can’t stop the impacts of infirmity and disease, but we can be victorious over death.

“As sin ruled by bringing death, God’s kindness would rule by bringing us his approval. This results in our living forever because of Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21 GW)

That is why Paul pronounces this victorious declaration,

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Arise and attack a nation at ease, which lives in confidence,” declares the Lord, “a nation that has neither gates nor bars; its people live far from danger.” Jeremiah 49:31 NIV

Wow! It’s been one the longest stretches since I have written a devotional blog. This one was inspired by Debbie’s morning Bible reading.

Jeremiah is the Lord’s prophet and at this point in history the Lord is using Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar to not only execute judgment on Judah, but other nations as well. The Lord reveals that He is not just the God of Israel and Judah, but all the nations of the world. As a result we see a prophecy spoken against ancient kingdoms of Kedar and Hazor.  The Lord is instructing the Babylonians to attack this nation that is living “at ease.”

The wording of this verse reminded us of years ago when were attending a Billy Graham School of Evangelism. The late E.V. Hill from Los Angeles preached one of the most challenging and convicting messages on evangelism I have ever heard. It gripped all that were in attendance. His message was on the “Sin of Job.”

The epicenter of the message is when he shared the sin of Job was in his own words, “I was at ease…” (Job 16:12 NIV) He pontificated that Job’s condition of being well provided for and blessed allowed him to become isolated and insulted from the world around. He lived among the heathen nations of his day, but….he was at ease.

1- Being “at ease” can lead to self-centered living and misplaced priorities. The NLT uses the word “complacent” to describe the people of Hazor. When we are complacent, we are not focused on God-centered living. This is the focus of the “parable of the rich fool.”

“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. ’“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? ’“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21 NIV)

 We must remember we are to live a purpose-filled life. God desires to use us regardless of who we are and where we are. There is no retirement from being a Christ-follower.

2- Being “at ease” makes us vulnerable. I thought of the verse that I share with my grandchildren. My legacy verse for them. “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith…” (I Corinthians 16:6 NIV) The cities of Jeremiah’s days were walled fortresses. But Hazor is described as being “a nation with neither gates or bars….” They had no defenses they lived care-free, unsuspecting lives.

Ezekiel speaks to Jerusalem in the imagery of “Sodom” and says her sins were, “pride, plenty of food, and comfortable security…” (Ezekiel 16:48 HCSB) The New King James version uses the words, “abundance of idleness.”

It is interesting how a sense of security can lead us to believe we are not vulnerable. I say that with a degree of self-conviction. I would have to admit there was time when it was easy for me to think at least self-consciously, “bad things happen to other people, but not to me!” The verse in Job says, “I was at ease; but He shattered me…”

3 – Being “at ease” leads to temptation. The picture from Jeremiah is an army well prepared and focused that swoops down on an unsuspecting people and before they know it, there sense of security is gone, their freedom is gone.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)

I recall a leader making the statement, “unseized time, leads to our greatest area of weakness.” This is not just about physical activity. Paul the apostle tells us our thought life is a key to peace in our life. Have you ever heard of the expression, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop?”

Paul says that God’s peace comes when we fix our minds on, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Just before this list the apostle gives the assurance that the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV)

The Lord allow us to live in His peace and provision, but He doesn’t want us to become self-centered and vulnerable by simply living “at ease”  and becoming complacent in life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:3,4 NLT

An important aspect of our faith is our hope in God making everything right. Everything new. Restoring that which was intended from the very beginning of creation. Restoring that which was lost due to sin and rebellion. We see that all described in Revelation as John’s vision comes to an end.

The place where God dwells, God’s, “home” is the place where all of His people are to view as their “home.” It is one thing to be in our “own” home. It is another to be in someone else’s home. What is pictured here is a sense of God’s home and our home being one. It is the place where we are destined to be, it is a place of refuge, safety and provision.

I think of Jacob at Bethel. As he received his vision of the ladder reaching heaven, he declares, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God…” (Genesis 28:17 NIV) The Lord brought the Hebrews out of bondage in Egypt to settle them in their own land. A (temporal) place where they would live on earth and serve, honor and trust the Lord. Jesus words of comfort to His disciples were, “I go to prepare a place for you….that where I am there you will be also.” (John 14:3)

What is striking about this ultimate picture of the end of the age is not God’s people going to be with God, it is God coming to be with His people. It is the fulfillment at the end of Revelation of the spiritual promise at the beginning of the book when the Lord says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20 ESV)

Throughout scripture we see the “with them God.” This is emphasized in these verses. God “with” His people. God’s people “with” Him.

Then we see absent in God’s home, what is so prevalent in our “earthly” home.  “…and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT) This life is filled with death, sorrow, crying and pain. Someone said, “If pain were water, the world would drown.” All that characterizes this life will be gone in the next and in God’s home.

When I read this verse recently, I found myself pausing and focusing on some of the key words. Words like, “no more.” And then the absence of all that challenges our worldly existence is underscored with the words, “All these things will be gone forever!” 

This is not some temporary relief. On an individual basis we may have season that is absent from death, sorrow, crying and pain. But they are the reality in our world for somebody, somewhere. But in God’s home, death, sorrow, crying and pain are gone for everyone, everywhere FOREVER.

That’s the home we need and we can look forward to when our faith and trust is in Christ alone.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” Revelation 16:17 NLT

For most of us it is with a sense of relief or accomplishment that something is finished or the end of a task has come and we are “done.” While most translations use the word, “done” in Revelation to describe some key points in time, the words, “it is finished” are ones that get our attention.

The phrase is best known for the words of Christ uttered on the cross before He breathed His last breathe. But in God’s redemptive plan we find three key junctures that signal the fulfillment of what was long anticipated.

The Plan of Salvation. “When Jesus had tasted it [sour wine on a sponge], he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30 NLT)

The death of Christ on the cross was the fulfillment of that which the prophets had foretold. The man on the cross was the “seed of the woman” from Genesis. This was the suffering servant that Isaiah foretold would be “wounded for our transgressions.” This was the root of the stump of Jesse. This was the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” 

The coming of the Messiah who would restore the throne of David, was foretold and anticipated. It was believed, but also doubted. It was hoped for and yet misunderstood. John’s gospel, declared, “He came to His own, did not receive Him.”

But God’s plan is above the minds of man and the time of history. What God has determined with be fulfilled and accomplished. It will be different than what we can comprehend or image, but as sure as the sun rises each day it will take place.

The Jewish leaders thought they were getting rid of an antagonist and threat to their authority and status. The crowds worshiped Him and then turn on Him. The disciples followed Him and then fled. But in it all scripture was fulfilled and God’s plan for the salvation of humanity was taking place. So, with His last breath and His last words Jesus said, “It is finished.”

The Judgment of the earth. Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” Revelation 16:17 NLT

The Book of Revelation “reveals” Christ reclaiming His rightful rule over all the earth and the final judgments on the world for their idolatry and rejection of God’s plan and purpose. It is God restoring to Himself a people of worship and holiness, to be with Him forever. In the early chapters a scroll is depicted in the hand of God who is on the throne in heaven. Only the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” in all of heaven and earth is found as the “worthy one” who can take the scroll and open the seals that release the judgments of God on the earth.

Seven seals are broken. Each with corresponding events. The last seal is broken and it causes silence in heaven as the scroll unfolds in awe and anticipation. Seven angels sound their trumpets. With each, judgments in all of their forms take place. The seventh angel blows his trumpet and there are seven last bowls of judgment that are “poured out” on the earth. As the seventh bowl judgment is poured out a loud shout from the throne Temple. This is the voice of God Himself!! “It is finished!”

The restoration of heaven and earth. “And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6 NLT)

This is after the 1,000 years of Christ’s rule and Satan final deception and judgment. John sees in his vision, a new heaven and a new earth. There is a new Jerusalem coming down from heaven and the declaration of “I am making everything new!” What we see is the culmination of the history of the earth from beginning to the entrance of sin and the promise of a Savior and a restoration of what which was lost.

It is promised and prophesied. It is yet to take place and will only happen in God’s time and manner. Some will grow weary others will doubt. But, “one golden day break Jesus will come!” In the words of the old song of the Gaither’s there will be the realization that, “It is finished the battle is over, It is finished there will be no more war, It is finished the end of the ages, It is finished and Jesus is Lord.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” 1 John 5:21 NLT

This is the final verse of 1 John. John shares with his readers, instructions and gives warnings about living life in a challenging world. His letter ends somewhat abruptly. Most translations word this final verse as, “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” The New Living Translation speaks to the “modern” heart with relevance about the real issue, “the heart.”

If prostitution is the “world’s oldest profession” then idolatry is the world’s oldest sin. It should be no surprise the first commandment is, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20)

The history of God’s people is rampant with the issue of idolatry. The four hundred years of captivity in Egypt among all the idols in the land, had generational ramifications for God’s people. Idolatry become their “Achilles heel” that brought their downfall.

However, the record reveals the issues of worshiping God alone, and the influence of surrounding cultures predated their centuries in Egypt. As Jacob’s family prepared to return from the house of Laban we read his instructions to his family, “So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, ‘Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.'” (Genesis 35:2 NIV)

We see during the Exodus, that early in their journey to the promised land, as Moses was on Mount Sinai in their impatience the people turn to Aaron and ask him to make them golden caves as their gods.

As God’s people prepared to enter the promised land under the leadership of Joshua, they declared that they would serve the Lord. Joshua commanded them, “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” (Joshua 24:23 NIV)

Samuel who was the priest-judge of Israel, before Saul was chosen as the first king of Israel told an imperiled people threatened by the might of the Philistines, “…If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 7:3 NIV)

The next significant point in their history was when King Solomon in his old age accommodated his foreign wives by building shrines to their gods. This began hundreds of years of idolatry and at its best split loyalty between Jehovah and the idols of the nations around Israel. Finally the Lord sent His people into captivity in foreign lands in an attempt to rid their hearts and lives of idolatry.

Even when the idols in their forms where absent, there remained a deeper issue. The Lord spoke to the prophet Ezekiel, “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces….” (Ezekiel 14:3 NIV)

So, as John writes to first century believers and warns them about loving the world, it seems fitting for him to warn them about the devotion of their hearts. What is needed is a “new” heart, a transformed life….a heart “transplant.”

The Lord’s promise through the prophet was, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NIV) Jesus said the greatest commandment was, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 NIV) Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.” (Ephesians 6:6 NIV)

An old chorus contains the words, “change my heart O God, make it ever true…” That is our sincere prayer to God, our responsibility before God is to heed John’s words, “keep away…from anything that might take God’s place in your heart.” As Solomon learned perhaps too late, but wanted to pass one to other, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

Christ can change our heart, we have the responsibility to guard our heart.