Morning Minutes

Change is a part of life, but it can be mismanaged. We can long for the past with harmful results. Remembering “the good old days” when going through tough times can lead to grumbling against God. It happened to Israel in the early days of deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Israel longed to be back in Egypt and better eating days. We can choose to remember only certain aspects of the past, while ignoring the spiritual realities of the present. Such a disposition can obscure the opportunities to serve God in times of testing. Think of the change that occurs when a loss takes place like the empty nest. Children leave home to pursue their adult life. Poor health and medication can alter the hopeful expectations of retirement years. Remembering the good old days can become an affliction of old age by allowing nostalgia to cloud our thinking. A complaining attitude and withdrawing from others is a recipe for a miserable existence. Self deception is fed by romanticizing the past. The make-believe world of “home entertainment” can shrivel the soul. Thank God for the true blessings of the past, but don’t let them blot out what God wants to do in your life now.
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Reflections:
What tends to occupy your thoughts during the morning hours?
Think of ways you can serve others in the next week.

A young married couple have their first child. A man retires from his decades long job. Diagnosed dementia presents its challenger to an older couple. The winds of change are a part of living. Jesus told Peter that though he did not understand why He, Jesus, was washing Peter’s feet an explanation would come later. This touches why momentary inexplicable circumstances baffle us. In his book, Transitions, William Bridges says, “To become something else you have to stop being what you are now. . . It isn’t the changes that do you in, it’s the transitions.” Having a newborn in your life is a sweet change, but it does begin to make unforeseen demands upon a father and a mother. Are you on the edge of a “how-will-I-handle-this” situation? It is as Vance Havner has said, “Some chapters are to be experienced now and understanding hereafter.” Some changes may be in the dark, others in the daylight. Don’t let the winds of change blow you off course in the pursuit of knowing God.
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Reflections:
What are some of the changes taking place in your life? What thoughts tend to trouble you most about confusing times in your life?

On March 2 Jews around the world celebrated the festival of Purim. It honors the delivery of Jews of Persia (now Iran) from an evil plot to destroy them (WBE). “Pur” in the Hebrew means lot. Lots had been drawn to fix a day for the massacre of the Jews. How ironic it is that the present regime in Iran is committed to the elimination of the state of Israel. The book of Esther recounts the story of how God worked in His providence through queen Esther (a Jew) who was willing to lay her life down on behalf of her people. God worked by His hand of providence for the protection of Israel from annihilation. It is alarming how many in our day are voicing anti-Semitic hatred of the Jews. God has a future for ethnic Israel. Sadly, there are Christians who think God is through with the Jew. There will be a glorious conversion of ethnic Israel at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Rom. 11:26). There are those who engage in identity theft in claiming that the Church is the new Israel. Satan wants to eliminate the Jews to block the fulfillment of the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenant (Ezekiel 16:60; Jer. 31:31-34). Are you praying for the Jews? Do you know any by name? They need to see and know the love of God in the servants of Christ. He is their promised Messiah.
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Reflections:
How does Romans 1:16 fit into your church life? What are some of the evidences of anti-Semitism you have heard or seen?

Wars have been a part of earthly reality since Adam and Eve declared war on God at the bidding of Satan. There is the invisible war waged by men and Satan against each other and against God. History is filled with wars of nation against nation, all a part of the plight of a sinfully fallen world. Jesus foretold an outbreak of wars preceding His second coming (Matt. 24:6). The war in Iran is not a part that, as if yet, but is a sobering reminder of the conflict between good and evil. It is in this moral reality that God appointed human government to reward good and punish evil (Rom. 13:3-5). When a nation goes to war it is necessary to determine if it a just war. This is necessary if justice is to be pursued. “Victor Davis Hanson reminds us that war or military strength has helped bring an end to chattel slavery in America, Nazism, Fascism and Soviet Communism” (“An Introduction to Biblical Ethics” McQuilkin and Copan). A half century of state sponsored terrorism has brought Iran to accountability for its war against other nations, notably America and Israel. As Christians we are responsible to support our government as it seeks “to punish those who do evil’ (1 Pet. 2:14) and be “a terror” to evil conduct (Rom. 13:3). Many of us are persuaded that our nation has a moral obligation to defend itself and uphold its obligation to serve the good of its citizens.
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Reflections:
Pray for the Christian community in Iran, the churches and pastors. Think upon the persecution endured when living in a nation ruled by evil tyrants.

Wars have been a part of earthly reality since Adam and Eve declared war on God at the bidding of Satan. There is the invisible war waged by men and Satan against each other and against God. History is filled with wars of nation against nation, all a part of the plight of a sinfully fallen world. Jesus foretold an outbreak of wars preceding His second coming (Matt. 24:6). The war in Iran is not a part of that, as of yet, but is a sobering reminder of the conflict between good and evil. It is in this moral reality that God appointed human government to reward good and punish evil (Rom. 13:3-5). When a nation goes to war it is necessary to determine if it is a just war. This is necessary if justice is to be pursued. “Victor Davis Hanson reminds us that war or military strength has helped bring an end to chattel slavery in America, Nazism, Fascism and Soviet Communism” (An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, McQuilkin and Copan). A half century of state sponsored terrorism has brought Iran to accountability for its war against other nations, notably America and Israel. As Christians we are responsible to support our government as it seeks “to punish those who do evil’ (1 Pet. 2:14) and be “a terror” to evil conduct (Rom. 13:3). Many of us are persuaded that our nation has a moral obligation to defend itself and uphold its obligation to serve the good of its citizens.
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Reflections:
Pray for the Christian community in Iran, the churches and pastors. Think upon the persecution endured when living in a nation ruled by evil tyrants.

The athlete must keep his eye fixed on the goal towards which he is pressing. Believers in Jesus Christ are called to focus on Jesus. He ran his race and serves as the object of our faith. Jesus has blazed the trail for us and completed the course triumphantly. He trusted the Father each step He took. The work of atonement for our sins was finished. We are not running to accomplish our atonement. Jesus alone accomplished our redemption in His death, resurrection, and exaltation. He went ahead of us to show how to live in a way that pleases the Father. It’s not too much to ask that a picture of Christ, as it were, should hang in the room of our mind. Runners in the faith-lane have to deal with obstacles, other people, oneself, the mocking of the unbelieving world. What is in front of you? Are you discouraged? Finish strong, dear believer, finish strong.
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Reflections:
What are you doing to improve your endurance through the hard places of life?
Is your trust in other people? In your abilities or achievements? In your church? In possessions? In diet, exercise, and medical care?

Progress is a good word if it indicates progression in the right direction. As Christians we have a mandate to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” We are warned, however, to “lay aside sin which clings so easily.” Unbelief in the face of trials is a trap. It’s like quick-sand deceiving us to make the wrong decisions. It was unbelief that kept an entire generation in Israel out of the Promised Land. Is there a sinful pattern that is especially alluring to you? Keep your feet free. Every sin we commit develops in us a taste for more sinning. It will sap our strength and make us weary in the race. Our culture is saturated with enticements to immorality. Living for material satisfaction can trip us up. An unwillingness to discipline ourselves for godliness can entangle us in wasted time and energy. Self-centered thinking can knock us out of the grace-lane. Is there something that is appealing to you that will keep you from progress in pursuing the joy of a God-glorifying finish in the race?
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Reflections:
What are your characteristic fantasies, either pleasurable or fearful? Daydreams? What do your night dreams revolve around? (“X-ray Questions”, David Powlison)

The Christian life is a long distance run, not a sprint. The writer of Hebrews wants his readers, Hebrew Christians, to draw encouragement from those who have finished the race of having lived a life that honors God. Healthy self-examination can determine how we will cross the finish line. God has marked out for each of us our own race course. For some, more hills, more flat stretches, turns, heat, cold, obstacles to overcome. Post this on the wall of your mind. We must put aside anything that hinders our progress. As one observer has put it, “A hindrance is something, otherwise good, that weighs you down spiritually.” It could be a habit, a friendship, an aspiration, a hobby, a place, a pleasure, entertainment, a house, a boat, sports. “A good athlete does not choose between the good and the bad; he chooses between the better and the best” (Warren Wiersbe). Self-discipline is required for godliness and running with endurance over the long haul. Is there something that is holding you down in the pursuit of knowing God better?
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Reflections:
Is scrolling through some of your favorite web sites eating up too much time? Who are your role models? What kind of person do you think you ought to be or want to be?

How deeply have you thought about the New Covenant? Its significance has been observed countless times in church services. Many refer to it as the Communion service. Jeremiah the prophet made the God-given proclamation during one of the darkest times in Israel’s history. The Babylonian army had breached the walls of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Solomon’s Temple was desecrated and destroyed. Thousands of Israelites were being marched off in shackles to Babylon. God’s severe discipline for generations of rebellion against His holy purposes for the witness nation came crashing down. The New Covenant was to replace the Old Covenant of the Mosaic Law promised to a redeemed Israel when her Messiah would come to rule and reign on earth. God was not going to destroy Israel. There was hope. The coming substitutionary atoning death (Isaiah 53) would be the occasion for “all Israel to be saved”(Rom. 11:26). Not only that, but the church of Jesus Christ would experience the offer of forgiveness of sin. Dear reader, have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ for a change of heart and fellowship with God? The secret to knowing God is to be born again and experience the joy of knowing Him. “Thank you God for the forgiveness of sin found in Jesus Christ.”
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Reflections:
What can you do to better prepare yourself for your next Communion service? How does your reading and study of the Bible and your personal prayer life affect your love for Christ and obedience to Him?

What was the main purpose of the story of Job’s excruciating experience of suffering? The apostle James tells us “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. . . .you have seen the purpose of the Lord. . . .” Vance Havner captures the thought succinctly, “The main purpose of God was not to explain Job’s suffering or suffering in general. Job got through to illumination, which is better than explanation.” “Outcome” is the critical word. John Calvin had a handle on it, “afflictions ought ever to be estimated by their end.” That we might come to know God better and that does not play out ultimately until “the end” at which time when the blessings are poured out when we are in Christ’s presence. That brings us to Havner again, “Do not pine away in your adversity, seeking explanation or restoration of your former prosperity. Seek to know God and thenceforth enjoy Him forever, whatever happens to your belongings and your boils.”
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“Let us see what Job foreshadowed, now fulfilled in the sufferings, faith, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and heavenly reign of Jesus Christ. Let us expect to suffer with him if we will ultimately reign with him, for by grace we will.” Christopher Ash, Job, The Wisdom of the Cross.

The love that God produces in a life is tethered to His eternal character. As it is seen in those who belong to Christ it is unsurpassed in its lasting value. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose not to delight in the sins of others or in myself. Be wary of those who want to violate God’s moral law in the name of personal freedom. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to delight in those things which please God. Do I demand truth-telling of myself and keep the promises that I make? Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to joyfully endure the hardships of life. Do I run from problems and difficult people? Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to act on those things that God has said are true. Am I willing to take the necessary risks that come with doing what is right? Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to be confident about the future. Do I take the failure of someone else as final? Do I keep on working toward the good of others for God’s sake? Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose not to stop loving. “Lord, keep me from living with my bags packed.” Am I committed to stay on the offensive with my love?
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Reflections:
In what measurable ways am I seeking the good of others? Are my expressions of love like those of Christ?

All that is called love is not true love. Love is not merely an emotion, nor is its source found in human beings. God is love. That is the measure of what our love should be like. Continuing with the bouquet of flowering love. Love does not act unbecomingly. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to treat others with respect. What ever happened to manners and courtesy? How indifferent am I to the effect that my behavior has on others? Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose not to place self about service. Do I know what it is to sacrifice my rights for the good of others? Love thinks more of responsibilities than rights. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to absorb irritations and offenses out of concern for others. Do I have a temper problem? Short fuses don’t make for the warmth of a fireside chat. “Love is not touchy” (Phillips paraphrase). Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to let God keep the moral scoreboard of life. Do I keep a private file of personal grievances? What relationships have I left smoldering on the embers of an unforgiving spirit?
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Reflections: What are some ways I can show love to others on this day? Do I thank God for the love that has been shown me by others?

Beautiful flowers are all over the place in grocery stores making their contribution to the celebration of love. No harm there. But we had better not overlook the truth that true love is truth in full bloom. Love was the solution to the problems of the Corinthian congregation. Here’s offering a bouquet of love for everyday, not just on Valentine’s Day. Love is patient. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to persist creatively when put in difficult relational situations. It turns lemon-like situations into lemon-aide. Love is kind. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to reach out to others in order to make their lives richer. Love walks on the legs of helpfulness to those who need it. Love is not jealous. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to refuse resentment because someone else has something we don’t. Is my spouse’s attention to others a threat to me? Love does not brag. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose to avoid self-promotion. Am I trying to create an image that is contrary to reality? Love is not arrogant. Love’s beauty is displayed when we choose not to indulge in power grabs. Do I attempt to use people to achieve my goals? Not a complete bouquet, but enough for now. “Lord, give me the grace to love better, like you love.”
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Reflections:
Should I not take the time to reflect on how Jesus demonstrated love in relationships while on earth?

One of the purposes of government, according to our Constitution, is to insure peace and safety for its citizens (Rom. 13:4). “This would imply, for example, that the United States should control all immigration processes so that the country gives priority to accepting those people who will most likely make a positive contribution to US society” (Wayne Grudem, Politics According to the Bible). How can we as Christians contribute to “the general welfare of the nation in which we live? We want immigrants who respect and obey the laws of the land. Illegal entry into our nation is not a good start. To make matters even worse those illegal immigrants who bring their crimes with them and disrespect our laws are destabilizing the very foundation on which a well ordered society rests. Followers of Christ should support law enforcement officers, local and national, in restraining the forces of evil (Rom. 13:3). And finally, we must honor all immigrants who make the sacrifices necessary for citizenship and who give evidence that they will make a positive contribution to our national life. We who are believers in Christ are called to be points of light for the gospel in our nation.
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Reflections:
Are there things our local community can do to improve assimilation into our customs and culture?
What are the benefits of controlled immigration?

The Old Testament distinguishes between the legal immigrant (Heb. word, ger) and the illegal immigrant (Heb. words, foreigner, nekhar and zar). “Illegal immigrants should not expect these same privileges from the state whose laws they disregard by virtue of their undocumented status” (James Hoffmeier, The Immigration Crisis: Immigrants, Aliens, and the Bible). Legal immigrants are to be treated fairly and justly (Lev. 19:33). They should not be oppressed (Ex. 23:9). The sojourner (legal alien) is to be shown love. The motivational power of sympathy is invoked, i.e. remember what it was like in Egypt, Deut. 10:19). These standards of conduct do not condone unkind treatment of those who are illegal. We may rightfully conclude that “it is legally and morally acceptable for government to deal with those in the country illegally according to the nation’s legal provisions. The Christian insists, however, that they be dealt with in a humane manner” (Hoffmeier). The New Testament guidance regarding immigrants is that government should seek the good of its citizens (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). “The immigration policies of a nation should be designed to bring benefit to that specific nation” (Wayne Grudem, Politics According to the Bible). Truth-infused love and compassion should set the Christian’s moral compass.
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Reflections:
What are some ways we can help immigrants to assimilate and integrate into our society?

Most of us in America share at least one thing in common. We are descendants of immigrants. Try to imagine what it was like for our ancestors to have left another country to start a new life, bringing their customs and culture into a new world. Yet immigration is ever with us. From all over the world they come wanting what America has to offer. However, the current political atmosphere is charged with the conflict of legal and illegal immigrant status. Ancient Israel, God’s witness nation, attracted those who wished to be fellow participants in the blessings promised to Abraham. The word “sojourner” (“stranger” in some translations) is understood to mean “a person who entered Israel and followed legal procedures to obtain recognized standing as a resident alien” (James Hoffmeier, The Immigration Crisis: Immigrants, Aliens, and the Bible). At the very outset of our understanding of the “theology of immigration” we should be aware not only of our obligations to immigrants, but of our status as pilgrims, “aliens” whose true citizenship is in heaven (1 Pet. 1:1). We are temporary residents wherever we live. We should be humbled and thankful for our citizenship in America, and above all what it means to be immigrants looking for our dwelling in the new heavens and the new earth.
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Reflections:
How should my “alien” status as a Christian impact my outlook on what it means to be an immigrant? Why is legal status as an immigrant important to living in a new country?

“What it means to follow Christ in Cameroon.” Christians in this west African nation pay the price for belonging to Christ. . . Christians living along the Nigerian border have repeated, brutal attacks by Boko Haram. In these villages 50 to 80 miles from the border, men, women and children are attacked simply for being known as Christians (The Voice of the Martyrs). This kind of persecution has not come to believers in America, but it may. This last beatitude (repeated twice) challenges contemporary errors in the Church: That Christianity delivers from suffering, that God loves His children too much to be abused and suffer, that it is God’s will for us to live well and free of pain, that suffering is always for sin, that suffering is a sign of God’s anger, that suffering can separate us from Christ. Are we prepared for the trials of rejection and social hostility because of our beliefs in Christ? H Reflection: Am I able to live joyfully when I am ostracized because I am a Christian? Do I pray regularly for my brothers and sisters in Christ who live as persecuted minorities in other countries?

“Radical Islamists and radical secularists are fighting side by side, brought together by a common enemy” (Erwin Lutzer, We Will Not be Silenced). Who is that common enemy? The church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The recent willingness and plan to storm into a church worship service in Minneapolis, Minnesota is an ill wind blowing. Christians should expect persecution. It comes because we are identified with Christ. It is our message, the preaching of Jesus Christ, that Satan has His sights set on destroying Bible Christianity. Jesus told His disciples that those who are persecuted for His sake are to be envied (“blessed”). The force of our Constitution and the laws derived from it should be brought against the evils erupting in our nation. But that does not guarantee insulation against the cultural Marxists marching through our institutions. How solid is your loyalty to Jesus Christ and His gospel? H Reflection: To what extent do your beliefs draw the antagonism of society? What are those beliefs that are currently angering non-Christians?

The Christian’s new identity in Christ faces us with what seems like a paradox (a seeming contradiction). On the one hand Paul says “you have died” (Col. 3:3). Then he says “Put to death.” We have to become in practice what we are in principle. The imperative is “do it now!” “Do it resolutely!” The killing of sin is the getting rid of sin in one’s life. It is the constant battle against the magnetic pull of disobedience to God. Don’t let the eye wander. Refuse the clink-bait on your phone or TV remote when it opens the door to thinking and emotions which yield bad results. “The goal of mortification (killing sin) is to weaken the habits of sin so that we do make the right choices” (Jerry Bridges). Interestingly, the first four vices (3:5) have to do with sexual sins. Are there some temptations you to which you need to say NO? With men it often is chasing “eye candy.” With women it can be romantic fantasy. “Lord, I need a stronger spiritual immune system. Help me. I need to say no to what is wrong. I need to say yes to what is right.” H Reflection: What are your plans for entertainment this week? What makes you tick? What lights up your world? What are the mental weeds you need to pull up to make you a better person?

Biblical Christianity must not only be defended it must be demonstrated. Think of it this way. Do you see yourself as the virtual presence of Christ wherever you are? Heaven on earth is possible is possible in a measured sense when you have been identified with Christ in His resurrection. This is not “make believe” stuff. Sin can no longer condemn the believer. The power structure of sin has been broken (Gal. 6:14), and we have a new power source. Then comes the finishing touch. Heaven on earth is possible when you have hope, a time of vindication. The believer has a life source unknown to those who do not know Christ. When Christ returns the source of the believers’ life will become apparent to all. The verdict of eternity will reverse the verdicts of time. Now do you not see. The plight of unbelievers is that will know that they based their lives on sand, not on the stone of the sufficiency of Christ.
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Reflection: Do you see yourself shuffling along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with things right in front of you? How can this be changed? What’s wrong with the statement, “being so heavenly minded, one is of no earthly good?”