wordofgod: November 2022

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Finding Romance in Your Marriage

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Romance. It’s one of those words that instantly floods my mind with images: red roses, clinking champagne glasses, and my husband’s hand in mine. Women have been conditioned to have a very high emotional connection to romance and all of the associations that go with it. The desire of most young girls is to be pursued and “swept off their feet.” The deep yearning to find that man that makes your heart skip a beat and gives you butterflies in your stomach. To find your “soul mate” and finally feel whole.

Unlike Disney fairytales, real-life romance doesn’t end with lovebirds riding off into the sunset.

By God’s amazing grace, I did find my soul mate. I was 25 years old, and he arrived in my life at the most unexpected time. He swept me off my feet, and I can remember feeling so incredibly thankful and blessed. We spent hours walking our favorite beach, getting to know the little intricacies about one another that made us tick.

We shared romantic dinners, took mini-trips to explore the world around us, and were completely content to just be in one another’s presence. Romance was in the air, and I was soaking it up like a sponge. Well, unlike the Disney fairytales, our story doesn’t end there. As you know, in “real life” you aren’t just left with an image of two young lovebirds riding off into the sunset to experience eternal bliss unchanged.

Sometimes it can feel like a husband and wife are the president and vice president of a company, managing the logistical operations of their family.

Fast forward twelve years and I still find myself with my Prince Charming, but things look very different than they did all those years ago. We now have three little girls, a mortgage payment, a puppy, and the myriad of responsibilities that go with them. Are there still romantic moments? Yes! And do I savor them when they appear? Of course. But also, there are days of the week and even distinct seasons of our marriage in which it has felt like we were “ships passing in the night.”

Where at one point we had the time to whisper sweet nothings into each other’s ear or hide little love notes for one another, now we find ourselves exchanging text messages about grocery lists and soccer practice schedules. It can feel like we are President and Vice President of the “Lee Household Company,” managing the logistical operations of our family, versus being loving husband and doting wife.

What does it mean if your relationship is missing the same kind of over-the-top romance you experienced early on?

So, what about that little thing called romance? Where does it go after many years in a relationship have transpired? Some would say that it becomes obsolete, no longer necessary. On the more cynical side, some argue that romance is a tactic used to secure the relationship and then abandoned once the vows have been exchanged and things become more comfortable. At the very least, most believe it can be manufactured for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary but is not a part of everyday love.

If your relationship is missing the same kind of over-the-top romance you experienced early on, does that mean love is lacking? I’d argue the answer is a resounding “no.”

Romance is an outpouring of love.

Your love evolves and matures over time. It is the natural and necessary life cycle of a relationship to grow into the next phase. If you are holding yourself and your spouse to the same standard of “romance” that you found in the early days, you may come up sorely disappointed and begin holding your marriage to unrealistic expectations.

Romance is an outpouring of love. Overwhelming infatuation and butterflies in the stomach are wonderful to experience and often accompany new love, but that is just one facet of love. Scripture defines love for us:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…” (1 Cor. 13:4-8)

Love is often a verb!

Considering this definition of love, it is very clear that love is far from being just a mushy emotion. In fact, love is often a verb! Love does something. And phrases like “bears all things, endures all things and never ending” are much more difficult to achieve than buying flowers and expensive champagne.

The most significant lesson I have learned about love over the years is that it is rooted in service and sacrifice. Yes, I do look forward to the unexpected bouquet of flowers, the thoughtful gift or the extravagant date night. But those moments don’t make up everyday life.

I think about the moments in our marriage that move me the most, and most of them are very far from romantic.

What the years have taught me is that having someone who sees me at my very worst and still shows up every day to love me and be committed to the vows we have taken together is so much more than romantic. I think about the moments in our marriage that move me the most, and most of them are very far from romantic. They are moments that were scary or painful or even full of joy.

In the long run, the Hallmark version of romance can’t hold a candle to a genuine, unwavering, deep-rooted love. Every good attribute we display is merely a reflection of an attribute of our Father in heaven. To consider the truest definition of love, we need only look at our great God.

God is love. (1 John 4:8)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.” (John 3:16)

The image of love to which we are to look is a love that is sacrificial and holds back nothing.

God is the one who set into motion the greatest love story that ever was—to save a people who didn’t even know they needed saving. The one who held back nothing, even to the point of sending his beloved Son to die in our stead to pay a debt we never could. This is the image of love to which we are to look—a love that is sacrificial and holds back nothing—a love that gives:

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32)

Dear friends, don’t let this world and all of the “here today, gone tomorrow” versions of love make you question the love you share with your spouse. Celebrate those romantic moments when they present themselves, and remind yourself of the truest definition of love. Continue to love and honor your spouse through service and sacrifice, and look to your Savior who is the source of a love that will never tarnish or fade.

Erica Chase is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and SoCal native. She loves cooking, baking, event planning, and finding pretty much any reason to gather with friends and family over a delicious meal.

This article was originally published on December 5, 2019.

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Something to Think About

Today on the broadcast I will be talking about

Something to Think About

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

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Something to Think About

Today on the broadcast I will be talking about

Something to Think About

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New Life for Old

Reflections on Galatians 2:20

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

My old self— How I lived without Jesus…my old way of thinking, of choosing, of doing…me at the center, not Him; my will being done, not His; my pleasure being pursued, not His.

Has been crucified with Christ— Not something God will one day do, but something He has already done…When Christ died, my old way of living died with Him. Past tense…“has been”…my old self is a “has been”…thank God it is so!

It is no longer I who live— The old way of living is over…not improved upon, patched-up, painted over, or made better…all things have become new…there is nothing about my old (selfish) self that is worth bringing into my new life in Christ.

But Christ lives in me— Christ…not an “ideal” I try and live up to, but a person who is alive IN me. He participates IN my life as Lord, and I participate in His life as His servant; He participates IN my life as the vine, and I participate in His life as the branch; He participates IN my life as the Light, I participate in His life as the one who reflects His radiance; He participates IN my life as the Shepherd, and I participate in His life by placing my trust in His leading and wholly following Him.

So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me— I have never been so fully alive, free, fresh …new wine, new joys, new purpose. My trust is in Him, not my resources; my confidence is in Him, not my abilities; my victory is in Him, not my accomplishments. I can trust the one who loves me…who gave Himself for me…the one who gives and gives, over and over again.

Buried with Christ and raised with Him, too,
What is there left for me to do?
Simply to cease from struggling and strife,
Simply to walk in newness of life.
—T. Ryder

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

5 Ways Valiant Women of the Bible Encourage Us Today

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Beautiful Christian Life LLC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through its links, at no cost to you.

The Bible is full of exciting stories, many of them including strong, passionate, and wise women. While many devotionals and books focus on Proverbs 31 to teach about godly womanhood, let’s also remember the many narratives that portray women of valor in the Scriptures. Here are five God-glorifying traits we find in these valiant women of the Bible who encourage and inspire us today.

1. Discerning: A Wise Woman Saves Her Household

Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:3 is described as being a discerning woman. When her husband acted rudely and grievously mistreated David, Abigail loaded up gift baskets to make peace with David. Her husband didn’t even realize the danger in which he had placed his family. If Abigail had not acted, her whole family would have been destroyed by David because of her husband’s insolence.

Abigail recognized that David was chosen to rule Israel and approached him in such a way as to remind him that God is the one who will establish David’s kingdom, and David will not be vindicated by his own efforts (1 Sam. 25:30-31). Abigail did the right thing, even though her husband acted foolishly. Because she acted wisely, Abigail saved her whole household and encouraged the future king of Israel to act wisely and trust God (1 Sam. 25:30-35).

2. Choosing God’s Side: Clever, Believing, and Brave

Rahab believed God’s people would conquer her city, and she wanted to be on God’s side. She realized that her city of Jericho would be destroyed, so she cleverly hid two Israelite spies and helped them escape from Jericho soldiers. Rahab was even brought before the king and questioned. But she didn’t give up the Israelite men whom she was protecting. This is both a great spy story and faith story!

Rahab not only uses her wits to protect God’s people, but she also joins herself to God’s people. As Joshua learned from the Angel of the Lord that he must obey God’s marching orders and be loyal to him (Josh. 5:14), Rahab also knew that she must be on God’s side to live. Rahab believed God’s people would be victorious and bravely used her mind, words, and actions to protect God’s people—and her own family in the process (Josh. 2:1-6:25).

3. Renewing the Mind: Acquiring Knowledge

Mary, the sister of Martha, was a learner. When Jesus was present, she sat at his feet soaking in all he said. Jesus commended Mary for taking the time to learn about him (Luke 10:39-42). In a time when women would not have publicly sat at the feet of a rabbi to learn, she made listening to Jesus’ teaching a priority. Jesus didn’t send Mary away to learn about him from her brother Lazarus in private, but welcomed her to learn from him firsthand.

While it is easy to get caught up in daily chores and responsibilities, Jesus doesn’t allow that as an excuse to neglect learning and listening to him. Whether reading books that teach theology, taking classes in a seminary, learning at a Bible study, privately reading the Bible, or most importantly, worshiping with the saints on Sunday in church, learning of Christ is a priority in God’s eyes for women. Their spiritual well-being and knowledge of Christ is explicitly blessed (Luke 10:42).

4. Bolding Speaking for Justice: The Five Daughters of Zelophehad

The five daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—were bold. They came before Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of Israel and petitioned for a portion of land to be given to them so that their family name would not be forgotten in Israel. Their father had died in the wilderness, and there was no son to continue the family line and inherit the land. It was a sign of blessing to be included in the promised land with God’s people—and a sign of curse to be left out of the land.

These women realized there was no reason for their family to be left out of the promised land simply because their father had died in the wilderness. They saw a just cause and addressed it. God honored their request, and they were given land in Israel. Their boldness was also used by God to address how a family’s inheritance would be secured if a man had no sons (Num. 27:1-11). Not only did these single women address their own needs, but their courage affected future generations who would face similar problems. These women wanted to live in God’s land of promise and to ensure that promise for future generations.

5. Hospitable and Hard Working: Serving Jesus along the Way

Martha (of Bethany) and several other women who followed Jesus were hospitable—welcoming the Lord and his disciples into their homes and caring for them. These women served others with their hands and energy (Luke 8:1-3). Yet, they were not immune to pain and suffering. Martha, her sister Mary, and her brother Lazarus were close friends of Jesus. Yet even though Jesus was an intimate friend of the family—a friend she could send for in a crisis—this did not mean Martha lived a carefree life. She knew the pain and grief of her brother’s death. Even so, she clung to Jesus Christ and trusted him (John 11:5, 27).

There are many narratives of valiant women in the Scriptures. These women had their own stories, struggles, and lives. They lived real lives of hardship and pain, but each clung to God in those struggles. They weren’t perfect women, but they were faithful women who used the gifts God had given them to accomplish his purposes. Their lives are not idealized but are full of the imperfections and pain of living in a broken world. As such, they offer encouragement and hope to Christians today as we cling to God’s promises through the hardships of life.

Ayrian Yasar is associate editor of Beautiful Christian Life.

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Tuesday, November 29, 2022

The I wills of Christ

Today on the broadcast I will be talking about

The I wills of Christ

Not as "I will"

Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

I will," be thou clean

Luke 5:12-13 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 13 And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

I will" raise him up at the last day

John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

If I be lifted up, "I will" draw all men unto me

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

I will" come again

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

I will" that they be with me

John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

If I will" that he tarry

John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

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The I wills of Christ

Today on the broadcast I will be talking about

The I wills of Christ

Not as "I will"

Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

I will," be thou clean

Luke 5:12-13 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 13 And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

I will" raise him up at the last day

John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

If I be lifted up, "I will" draw all men unto me

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

I will" come again

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

I will" that they be with me

If I will" that he tarry

John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

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Listening

“For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness.” Psalm 95:7-8 (ESV)

I hope to reach the terminus of my Bible journey as I read from the book of Genesis towards Revelation. It has been a familiar task in the past, though, if I am honest, perhaps not so familiar to me now as it once was. Sporadically, I have shed some of the enthusiasm I once had when I first discovered that the prayerful reading of the pages of scripture revealed glimpses of God’s nature.

Last night was one of those occasions. My problem was that I was not truly focused on the task: reading the Bible. My lack of prayerful preparation had prevented me from going deeper into the Word.

I can imagine the order ringing out from below: “Christian without prayer or preparation reading the Bible – send out the befuddlers!” They were to build on my folly by speaking a disparaging word or two to tell me that it was all a waste of my time.

In a reaction, a word from God rose up to the surface of my being. Found in Revelation 3:15, it was originally spoken to the Church of Laodicea, stored in my mind from an earlier reading. I was like them in danger, too cool in my attitude towards my God. Like them possibly no longer worthy of his Loving embrace. They had tolerated compromise and indifference in their relationship with God. Quickly, I went back into God’s presence to offer a more focused heart and mind. There I found Him waiting.

I would like to think that He smiled approvingly, as a father, who sees in the action of his child, evidence they have heard and understood His call to Wisdom.

Psalm 95:7-8 (ESV) – Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..

If unwittingly, like me, you find yourself with some apathy, hear the call to wisdom.

PRAYER: Lord, we rejoice that You are not the distant and indifferent God some would tempt us to believe in. Guide us, as we travel through today, encourage us to be whole-hearted for Your Kingdom trusting in Your Love. May Your Fragrance fill our being. Please promote in us a pleasing desire for Your Word today. Amen.

By Roderick Marshall
Used by Permission

Knowing Jesus’ Voice

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

Before the invention of call display, you could identify some voices on the telephone by a single word. Familiarity allows us to recognize certain people instantly.

In the same way, using a story about sheep, Jesus says we can know His voice. Those who know Jesus’ voice, listen to Him and follow Him.

In John chapter 10,Jesus describes Himself as a shepherd and people as sheep:

• His sheep listen to His voice (10:3)

• He calls His own sheep by name (10:3)

• His sheep follow Him because they know His voice (10:4)

• He knows His sheep (10:14) • His sheep know Him (10:14)

• His sheep listen to His voice (10:16)

We can know God’s voice.

God reveals Himself through His Word. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for us — the sheep (John 10:14-15). When we surrender to Jesus and trust Him as our Savior, we know Him and we know His voice.

Followers of Jesus listen to God’s voice.

Just like sheep listen to their shepherd, believers listen to what God says. And hearing is implied in listening. Not only can we know God’s voice, we can hear Him speak! God speaks to our hearts through His Word, with the quiet whisper of His Spirit to our spirits, through our consciences, through wise advice, and even circumstances.

Listening to Jesus means doing what He says and going where He goes.

Followers listen and listeners follow. The two actions go hand in hand.

Heavenly Father, thank you for this incredible truth: that I can know your voice. I want to follow you, so help me to listen and respond to everything you say. Amen.

By Suzanne Benner
Used by Permission

Monday, November 28, 2022

3 Attributes of a Christian Man

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What is unique about a Christian man? What separates him from other men? In a word, love. But what kind of love—what is the love of a Christian man?

1. A Christian man's love is grounded in the love of God.

First John 4:19 says, “We love because he [God] first loved us.” The love of a Christian man is rooted by faith in his Savior Christ Jesus. Apart from Christ there is no true love, but what is the nature of true love—what does it look like, what does it do, and how can you tell? The love of a Christian man is sacrificial, just as Jesus' love for his people was sacrificial. John writes in his first letter,

By this we know love, that he [Jesus] laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. (1 John 2:16)

In the book of Ephesians Paul writes,

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. (Eph. 5:25)

In a marriage with a Christian man, it is the man who is specifically called to love sacrificially—to give up himself, his own wants and desires—for the benefit of his wife. The love of a Christian man focuses on others, cares for others, and benefits others. It is sacrificial.

2. A Christian man leads his family.

With Christian love as the foundation, a Christian man leads his family by providing for them, setting a godly example, and teaching them through words and actions. In 1 Timothy 5:8 Scripture warns men not to neglect their families but instead to take care of them. Humanity was designed by God for work; just as God works, we work because we are made in God’s image. A Christian man who is able works in order to provide a home, food, and other needs for his family. The work that a man does is one way of setting an example of leadership for his family; it serves to show his family the loving traits of a Christian leader—his sense of responsibility and care for others. Leading also means teaching. Ephesians 6:4 encourages fathers to rear their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This means fathers must know the Lord's instruction—they must know the word of God and pass it on to their children.

3. Christian men lead in the church as they are called by God and given gifts from the Lord.

God has declared that only men are to serve in the offices of the church as pastors, elders, and deacons (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit.1:5-9). Especially in the first letter to Timothy and the letter to Titus, God, speaking through Paul, is very specific about the attributes of a Christian man who is called to be a leader in Christ's church. He is to be above reproach and the husband of one wife. His children are believers, respectful, and well-behaved. He is to be humble, in control of his emotions, not greedy, and of course, not an alcoholic.

A Christian leader opens his home with hospitality and sets the example of Christian holiness and self-discipline. He is trustworthy and knows the word of God well-enough to enable him to teach the Bible and to correct those who contradict it. He should not be a new convert to the faith but instead should demonstrate his godly leadership abilities by managing his own household well and having a good reputation with others, even those who are outside of the church.

These are a few of the traits of a Christian man and leader. Christian men must never lose sight of God's love, which is the source of any love and sacrifice a Christian man makes for the benefit of others—especially his own family. And though the traits of a Christian man who fills a leadership office in the church are specifically aimed at pastors, elders, and deacons, they are also attributes which all Christian men should strive to attain by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit. For God is pleased when his love flows through godly Christian men to his family and the family of faith.

Daniel Rowlands is content editor for Beautiful Christian Life.

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Calm and Confident

“John replied, ‘No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I’m not the Christ but that I’m the one sent before him. The groom is the one who is getting married. The friend of the groom stands close by and, when he hears him, is overjoyed at the groom’s voice. Therefore, my joy is now complete. He must increase and I must decrease.” John 3:27-30

I was told I would not be considered for a national leadership role that had opened up in the organization I’d served with for many years. Yet, deep inside, I felt God was asking me to take the role. After some soul searching and checking of my motives, I sent a letter expressing my interest in the position and the conviction that God was motivating my response. I received no immediate reply but after six months I was asked to take the position!

In this process, the words of John the Baptist gave me confidence: “No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven.” Early in my career, I became convinced that God places people where He wants for His purposes. This has given me a clear sense of who really is in charge. John was sure of who he was and who he was not. He was not the Christ, the Messiah, but he was the friend. Christ was to be honored — that was John’s chief purpose and joy.

Calm and confidence will invade your life when you understand that God is in control, even when the circumstances do not seem to be lining up the way you want. When you intentionally commit to honoring Christ in all circumstances, a profound joy will follow. Are you willing to release control and trust God to be Lord over all? Can you be content to honor Christ and give Him greater reach into your life and circumstances?

Jesus, you are the Messiah and Lord of all things, I am not. I want to trust you today. I give you my cares, desires and concerns. I affirm that no one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. I trust you have the best plan. By faith, I thank you for what you have planned for me. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

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The value of instruction

Today on the broadcast I will be talking about

The value of instruction

Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Proverbs 6:23-24 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: 24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

Proverbs 12:1-2 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

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The value of instruction

Today on the broadcast I will be talking about

The value of instruction

Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Proverbs 12:1-2 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

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Sunday, November 27, 2022

Peace with God, Deliverance from Shame: The Gospel of Luke Chapter 1

Image by Zvonimir Atletic; from Shutterstock.com

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Beautiful Christian Life LLC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through its links, at no cost to you.

Is there something in your past you feel ashamed about? You’re not alone. Someone once told me that one of the downsides of growing older is having more to regret, because a person has had more opportunities to mess up.

All of us can think of things we did but now regret: the words we would like to take back or the ones we wish we had spoken instead; the behavior that would make people wince if they only knew we did that; and the good deeds we didn’t do because we were too busy focusing on our own selfish desires.

We all want someone to acknowledge that we matter and have value.

Why do we act in ways we know are wrong and are bound eventually to hurt us, and others as well? One reason is because we desperately want our lives to have meaning, and we try to find that meaning however we can—or to escape from the seeming reality of our insignificance.

We may feel incredibly lonely and just want to feel loved—at least for a while, even if it involves compromising our values or letting down those closest to us. We may be hurting so badly that we will do almost anything to get rid of the pain, even if it means taking drugs that harm us or sequestering ourselves from a world that seems to bring only pain.

Because the fear of shame and need for approval are so strong within us, we may cheat on a test, lie about our credentials, or slander someone else in order to get ourselves ahead. We all want someone to acknowledge that we matter and have value—that our lives count for something important.

In the book of Luke, we find shame in the very first chapter.

Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, was barren and long past childbearing age (Luke 1:7). To be barren in Israel at that time was a sign of God’s disfavor and judgment. Yet, Zechariah and Elizabeth were upstanding Israelites who loved the Lord (Luke 1:6), and it must have been hard for them to understand why God hadn’t given them children.

Just as Elizabeth’s womb had been unfruitful, so Israel had failed to produce the fruit of righteousness that God required of it (Isa. 5:7). Where once the nation had its own autonomous king, now it was forced to bear the indignities and oppression that came with being ruled by the pagan Roman Empire under the client king Herod I (Luke 1:5).

God was working a solution to take away Israel’s shame.

Then one day the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and announced that Elizabeth would give birth to a son named John who would prepare the way for the coming Messiah (Luke 1:13–17). God saw the shame of Elizabeth, and he saw the shame of Israel. He had a plan all along. Even though it seemed as if God had abandoned Zechariah’s family—and the entire nation—he was working his solution to take away their shame.

As was the case with Elizabeth, not everything that makes us feel ashamed is of our own doing.

We cannot choose the families or socio-economic circumstances into which we are born. We cannot always change certain characteristics about ourselves that we would like to be different. We cannot always avoid being mistreated and harmed by others. Still, even under the best of circumstances, we can’t ever rid ourselves entirely of shame, because there is always something we will wind up doing that we shouldn’t. The Bible diagnoses this problem to be indwelling sin, and we all have it (Rom. 3:23).

God cared about something far greater than Elizabeth’s barrenness and Israel’s political oppression.

God cared about the redemption of the world from sin, misery, death, and estrangement. God cared so much that he sent his Son to be born in the flesh to rescue the world (John 3:16). Only by keeping the law perfectly and being the once-for-all sacrifice for sin could Jesus redeem us from guilt, shame, judgment, and punishment. Jesus took our shame upon himself at the cross and bore it willingly out of his unfathomable love for mankind (Isa. 53:1–12; Rom. 15:3; Gal. 3:13).

In Christ, we have peace from our self-condemnation and are beloved by him.

In Christ, we have peace from our self-condemnation that accuses us daily—and more importantly, we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1). We can rest in all God has done in Christ to remove our shame and present us before himself in clean, white robes washed in the precious blood of the Lamb of God (Rev. 7:14; 22:14). In the sight of God we matter, have infinite value, and are beloved by him.

Because of what Jesus did on our behalf, we too can say with Elizabeth,

Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people. (Luke 1:25)

We can rejoice that Christ’s perfect righteousness is counted to us, and our sin is counted to him through faith alone, which is itself a gift from God by his grace alone (Eph. 2:8–9).

This is the gospel, and it is glorious.

Le Ann Trees is managing editor of Beautiful Christian Life.

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This article is adapted from “Peace, Not Shame: The Gospel of Luke Ch. 1” at corechristianity.com.

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Sitting on the Fence

“Chose you this day, whom you will serve” Joshua 24:15

“I have decided that sitting on the fence is not a God thing,” I told my family.

In real life everyday situations, much evil has continued because people are afraid to take a stand. Oh, they may take a stand in private conversations but few will voice their views in public. They are afraid they may be rejected.

I have been there. Sometimes I am a coward and sometimes I am brave. Sometimes I notice that others are cowards. Sometimes they are brave.

There have been times when I should have publicly supported someone who was right, but I didn’t. We need to check out rumors or gossip. There have been times when I wished someone would be brave enough to voice their support for me, but they didn’t. Standing with someone who is assumed guilty could mean rejection, the loss of a job, a loss of credibility or more (in the sight of men, not God). I’m sure you have been there too.

Lately I have realized the importance of standing up for what is right and publicly supporting others who are right. Sitting on the fence or being neutral is not a Godly characteristic.

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Civil Rights Leader), said so aptly, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Jesus definitely spoke up. He was not a coward!

Father, You have shown me how often I have been a coward. Please forgive me. Make us bold and courageous followers of You. Help us take a public stand against what is wrong. Help us to be willing to pay the price. Jesus did. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Saturday, November 26, 2022

I Will Not be Shaken

“I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken”. — Psalm 16:8

Thought

There are many things that can trouble our lives, but none that can shake us loose from the grip of God’s grace if our hearts remain pointed at Jesus as our Lord and our hope remains focused on the Lord’s return. If Jesus is our Lord, then all of life’s greatest blessings lie ahead of us and he will let nothing rob us of this coming glory!

Prayer

Holy Lord, you are worthy of majesty, honor, and praise. I lift up your name, O God, and place it above every name. As I look to the future, I want to honor you and I want to journey with you there. Since I believe you will never leave or forsake me, I will always look ahead to find you leading the way. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission
From: http://www.verseoftheday.com

Friday, November 25, 2022

Before You Pull the Ripcord on Your Marriage

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Beautiful Christian Life LLC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through its links, at no cost to you.

One of the church’s biggest problems is divorce. I can’t say that I’ve seen any documented statistics, but one of the mantras I’ve heard over the years is that the divorce rate is the same inside and outside the church, with about half of all marriages ending in divorce.

I have my doubts about such claims, as the churches I’ve been a part of throughout my life have had very few divorces. There have been a few but certainly nowhere near fifty percent. Nevertheless, one of the problems I have witnessed has been the speed with which couples want to pull the divorce ripcord.

Jesus allowed divorce in the case of infidelity; he did not command it.

As soon as people encounter trouble, it seems like they begin looking for the door. Or even in the face of significant trouble, such as infidelity, people want to pull the ripcord on their marriages. I remember on one occasion that a young married person was the victim of adultery. He told me, “Jesus commands me to get divorced.” I quickly responded regarding his erroneous opinion.

I told the man that Jesus allowed divorce in the case of infidelity; he did not command it. The gospel makes this clear when Jesus specifically states, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives” (Matt. 19:7). This person was in such a hurry to divorce the cheating spouse that he twisted Christ’s statement.

I understand that sexual infidelity can be devastating to a marriage—it can create havoc to the point where the only solution is divorce. Yet, we should be very circumspect about making such a decision—it’s one that should be made slowly and cautiously. Taking one’s time in such a difficult circumstance will undoubtedly be painful and stressful. But why is it important to wait?

Marriage is a portrait of Christ and the church.

In the end, we have to remember that marriage is a portrait of Christ and the church—the holy bond we share with our bridegroom (Eph. 5:25ff). How often do we sin against Christ? How often do we commit spiritual adultery? How often do we engage in idolatry? Yet, Christ, our faithful bridegroom does not give up on us.

Like Hosea the prophet and his adulterous wife, Gomer, Christ pursues us, hedges us in, and showers us with his longsuffering patience and love until we repent. This is the love that should mark all Christian marriages. We live out Christ’s love for us in our marriages when we forgive when sinned against, even when we are the victim of serious sins, such as adultery.

Pray for Christ’s grace in the midst of marital strife.

There are a host of practical benefits for staying married—the cliché rings true, “Stay together for the sake of the kids.” But all such reasons pale in comparison to the manifestation of the love of Christ and the power of forgiveness even in our marriages—even in the face of gross sins.

We live in a disposable culture—our mountainous garbage dumps and cavernous landfills testify to the speed with which we cast things aside. Marriage should not be one of those disposable things. Marriage is supposed to last a lifetime. Pray for Christ’s grace in the midst of marital strife. Pray that Christ would enable you to forgive your spouse. He has loved you first, so that you can love him and love others, especially your sinful spouse.

This article by J. V. Fesko is adapted from “A Pastor’s Reflections: Don’t Pull the Trigger Too Fast.” For more helpful content by Dr. Fesko, please visit jvfesko.com.

J. V. Fesko is the Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. He has written numerous books on the Christian faith, including Word, Water, and Spirit: A Reformed Perspective on Baptism, Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine, The Theology of the Westminster Standards: Historical Context and Theological Insights and The Need for Creeds Today.

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1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

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Thank You God

Today on the broadcast I will be talking about

Things to thank God for

Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

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Overcome the Fear

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 (NASB)

Since the pandemic, I have wrestled with despair. I want to believe God is with me, but I am tempted to be at the mercy of an unseen virus that could sneak up on me and kill me or someone I love.

So my soul searches for God’s truths. Where is God in all of this? Do I believe what he says is true? Do I believe in His goodness despite my greatest fears?

David writes this psalm as he is running for his life. He, too, felt danger and uncertainty. As he wrote words of confidence in the Lord throughout Psalm 27, he was honest and yearning in his relationship with God and to be delivered from what he feared most.

The word “unless” in the above verse packs a powerful meaning. Believing in the Lord’s goodness brings hope from despair. He gives us a choice. We can either despair or have confidence in his goodness, seen every day as we have sunshine and rain, morning and night, birds singing, and flowers blooming.

If we truly believe in the Lord’s goodness, we can realize that he cares. Despair doesn’t have to control us, and fear can be overcome. God is in the midst of our crisis, yet he has a bigger picture of all of it.

Lord God, help me to trust in your goodness. When fears and feelings of dismay come at me, help me to choose to believe in your goodness instead of the circumstances. Amen.

By Jan Stewart
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

The Christmas story was the plan of God.

You see, Adam and Eve were the first human sinners: the first people to do something that our good heavenly Father said was bad. In fact, they decided it would be better to trust and be friends with Satan, God’s enemy and the one who secretly hated them, than to be friends with God who loved them and had given them a good life, a beautiful relationship with each other and himself, and a wonderful garden in which to live. When they sinned, Adam and Eve realized what a terrible thing they had done. They were ashamed and afraid of what God would do when he found them.

Even though they sinned terribly, God gave Adam and Eve grace.

Yet, God was merciful to Adam and Eve: he came to them when they had messed up terribly and gave them grace—love they did not deserve. He told Adam and Eve that there was hope for them. There would come a child who would fight Satan for them. God provided a covering for Adam and Eve (making clothing for them from an animal) and promised that he wouldn’t let them be friends with Satan, by making the children of the woman enemies with the children of Satan (Nancy Guthrie, Even Better Than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible’s Story Changes Everything about Your Story, p. 113). God forgave Adam and Eve, and he would make a way for them to be with their heavenly Father.

God promised to send a child who would fight against Satan and save God’s people.

Adam and Eve would wait for this child that would save them from evil and Satan. They would trust God that he would send a warrior child who would make it possible for Satan to be defeated and provide a way for them to dwell once again with God.

Adam and Eve didn’t get to see the Christ-child with their eyes, but they looked forward by faith to his saving work. The whole Bible is the story of how God is going to save sinners like Adam and Eve, and like you and me, through this child who would fight against Satan and save God’s people. The baby in the manger was really a mighty warrior.

Ayrian Yasar is associate editor of Beautiful Christian Life.

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Wednesday, November 30, 2022

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Unlike Disney fairytales, real-life romance doesn’t end with lovebirds riding off into the sunset.

Sometimes it can feel like a husband and wife are the president and vice president of a company, managing the logistical operations of their family.

What does it mean if your relationship is missing the same kind of over-the-top romance you experienced early on?

Romance is an outpouring of love.

Love is often a verb!

I think about the moments in our marriage that move me the most, and most of them are very far from romantic.

The image of love to which we are to look is a love that is sacrificial and holds back nothing.

Related Articles:

Reflections on Galatians 2:20

Further Reading

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1. Discerning: A Wise Woman Saves Her Household

2. Choosing God’s Side: Clever, Believing, and Brave

3. Renewing the Mind: Acquiring Knowledge

4. Bolding Speaking for Justice: The Five Daughters of Zelophehad

5. Hospitable and Hard Working: Serving Jesus along the Way

Related Articles:

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Further Reading

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

We can know God’s voice.

Followers of Jesus listen to God’s voice.

Followers listen and listeners follow. The two actions go hand in hand.

Further Reading

Monday, November 28, 2022

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1. A Christian man's love is grounded in the love of God.

2. A Christian man leads his family.

3. Christian men lead in the church as they are called by God and given gifts from the Lord.

Related Articles:

Further Reading

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Beautiful Christian Life LLC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through its links, at no cost to you.

We all want someone to acknowledge that we matter and have value.

In the book of Luke, we find shame in the very first chapter.

God was working a solution to take away Israel’s shame.

As was the case with Elizabeth, not everything that makes us feel ashamed is of our own doing.

God cared about something far greater than Elizabeth’s barrenness and Israel’s political oppression.

In Christ, we have peace from our self-condemnation and are beloved by him.

Related Articles:

“I have decided that sitting on the fence is not a God thing,” I told my family.

Jesus definitely spoke up. He was not a coward!

Further Reading

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Further Reading

Friday, November 25, 2022

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Beautiful Christian Life LLC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through its links, at no cost to you.

Jesus allowed divorce in the case of infidelity; he did not command it.

Marriage is a portrait of Christ and the church.

Pray for Christ’s grace in the midst of marital strife.

Related Articles:

Recommended:

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 (NASB)

FURTHER READING

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Beautiful Christian Life LLC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through its links, at no cost to you.

The Christmas story was the plan of God.

Even though they sinned terribly, God gave Adam and Eve grace.

God promised to send a child who would fight against Satan and save God’s people.

Related Articles:

Recommended: