Category: Uncategorized (Page 10 of 34)

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. “ — 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

I wrote this devotion based on our last B3 meeting that looked at spiritual connections with today’s superheroes. We know that the world is fascinated with superheroes. From Superman’s strength to Captain America’s unwavering moral compass, people admire characters who fight for justice, protect the weak, and make sacrifices for the greater good. But what if the qualities we admire in these heroes are actually pointing us to something greater—God’s calling for our own lives?

While we may not have capes, super speed, or indestructible shields, God has equipped us with everything we need to be real-life heroes—men of faith who stand for righteousness, defend truth, and fight against the spiritual forces of darkness.

If we look closely, we will see that almost all of the commendable traits of the superheroes  are Biblical in nature.  In some cases coincidentally and in other cases intentionally. Let’s take a look at a few.

Strength and power are Godly attributes and though the world sees strength in physical power, true strength can come in many different forms. There is a power source that sometimes the world ignores.  Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Samson was one of the strongest men in the Bible (probably in history). But his real strength wasn’t in his muscles but in his obedience to God. When he disobeyed God his strength left him. He was still Samson, but not the Samson he was meant to be. Like us, we are strongest when we surrender to the power of God which comes from reliance on the Holy Spirit.  Relying on God is not a show of weakness, but of strength.

Courage and boldness are also traits found in most superheroes.  When Captain America steps into battle no matter the odds he illustrates the same kinds actions that Christians are called to exhibit.  I often say that my father had fewer decisions to make than anyone I have ever known. That was because to make decisions, you have to have choices.  When it came to doing right, my father did not have to fret over his decision because he had so few choices.  Choosing what was wrong was not an option, no matter where it led.  Doing right was just right. . That takes courage.  An example of spiritual courage is standing for Christ even when it’s unpopular.  One of the most popular and well-known Bible passages can be found in Joshua 1:9 . It is addressed to one of the great heroes of the Old Testament Joshua.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  This can be a rallying cry for all us who are “in Christ.

David, a young shepherd, took down a giant because he knew God was his strength.  David did not wear the armor of the world, but only the armor of God. The giant had all the greatest armor the world could provide, but as all things of the world this armor is no match for the armor that we have access to in God’s great armory- His Word.

Other important traits of today’s superheroes are integrity and righteousness.  Superman is a symbol of unwavering moral integrity, always doing what’s right.  Superman is fictional and is just written that way by a team of writers.  They create the person of Superman.  But a team of writers, whose pens were carried along by the Holy Spirit, wrote not of a fictional person but of a  larger than life figure, Christ. They did not create His story, they just relayed it.

We see in proverbs 11:13 how important integrity is. “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Daniel was one of those true life heroes who refused to compromise, even when it meant being on the local lion menu. He refused to protect himself with a compromise in integrity.  We might not be impressed because we know the end of the story…. but remember, he didn’t.  A real hero stands for righteousness, no matter the cost.

We also see that many superheroes make  great sacrifices to save others by putting their own lives at risk even unto death.  But their heroism is not real because they are not real.  No superhero really dies or gets hurt because they can be all better in the next edition.  But in real life we do die… we do hurt.  And there is a superhero who made  the greatest sacrifice of all for all.  That was Jesus-  and He was and is …real.  Jesus put the needs of the whole world above His own  and lived out the words found in John 15:13.  “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” But not only that, He even died for his enemies. Even fictional heroes don’t do that.  But Jesus, the true Savior, gave His life for everyone, so that anyone who accepts His sacrifice can  have eternal victory over death.

So to be superheroes in a world desperate for them, we need the armor of God.  If we are to be protected from the onslaught of the enemies in battlefield called earth we need to put on the full armor of God found in  Ephesians 6:10-18.  There we are told to armor up   because we don’t want to go into battle naked. When we used to play basketball , we sometimes split up into shirts and skins. In the battle that is raging around us, we don’t want to be skins.

The enemy on this battle doesn’t attack with laser beams or supervillains- he attacks through temptation, doubt, and fear.  So we must armor up for that.

To be a hero for Christ, we  must wear:

✅ The Belt of Truth – Stand on God’s Word, not the world’s lies.

✅ The Breastplate of Righteousness – Live with integrity.

✅ The Shoes of Peace – Bring the gospel wherever you go.

✅ The Shield of Faith – Defend against attacks of doubt.

✅ The Helmet of Salvation – Remember, your identity is in Christ.

✅ The Sword of the Spirit – Use God’s Word as your weapon.

Our challenge is to be a hero for God.  We don’t need superpowers to be a hero. We need faith, obedience, righteousnss, and courage. The world is desperate for men who will stand firm, fight for truth, and live boldly for Jesus.  Through God’s strength we can be that kind of person. Captain America once said, when he was about to battle an enemy that was said to be god, “There is  only one God, ma’am, and I’m pretty sure He doesn’t dress like that.”   God does not dress like anything in this world, and he provides us the armor necessary to fight our battles.  Let’s be people who don’t just admire heroes—let’s become one by following the greatest Hero of all: Jesus Christ.   Then we never have to be skins again on the battlefield of this world.

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”  Philippians 3:17

Years ago Charles Barkley, NBA star, was admonished for some behavior because he was a role model for kids.  He very famously snapped back, “I ain’t no role model.”  Well, he was wrong.  He might have said that he wasn’t a “good” role model, but he could not say he wasn’t “a” role model.  He was in a position of responsibility, but one he did not take very seriously.  He was castigated for living in denial of his role, as he should have been, but we should not jump too quickly on the “beat Charles like a drum” band wagon, especially if we deny that we are role models as well.

Yep, we are all role models and in fact, we ourselves have had role models.  Every day we influence someone and every day we are influenced by someone.  Role modeling is part of our walk whether we like it or not.  We can be like Charles Barkley and deny it, but that doesn’t change it.  We may not like it, because that puts some responsibility on our shoulders, but like it or not, we cannot escape it.

We usually think of role modeling when it comes to children.  Yesterday I heard some sad news about children and the internet and “smart” phones.   The statistics about kids giving out personal information to strangers, the number of hours spent playing games, the kinds of sites frequented, and the dangerous effects from spending so much time on electronic devices was sobering.  The conclusion of the study was that “smart phones” and the like were substituting for the normal activities that kids used to be involved in.

Playing outdoors, reading books, playing games, talking around the table, going for rides, eating meals together and other typical family activities of the past have been replaced by individualized time spent on electronic devices.  The final line of the report was most striking, however.  It said (I am paraphrasing) that all of this behavior of kids was learned mostly from parents.  It said that most kids who spent all their time on electronic devices had parents who lived very similar lives. 

It went on to say that the parent’s example was the most important part of the child’s development.  In other words, parents set the tone for the entire family by establishing behavior by example, not words.  If the parents wanted readers, they needed to read themselves.  If they wanted their kids to talk, they needed to talk themselves.  If they wanted their kids to pray, they needed to pray themselves. The conclusion was undeniable. Parents, through example, have the greatest influence on their kids. To extrapolate even further, everyone’s actions have great influence on those around them. We all have the power to influence- the key is, how do we use it?

When I was coaching, I often read a poem to the players to remind them of their responsibility to others. It was always in any playbook or website I put together.  If I was coaching girls, I put “she” in the poem and if boys, I put “he” in the poem.  Here is a copy of it like I would have read to my football players.

There are little eyes upon you and they’re watching night and day.

There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager to do anything you do;

And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the wisest of the wise.

In his little mind about you no suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly, holds to all you say and do; and

He will say and do in your way, when he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right;

and his eyes are always opened, and he watches day and night.

You are setting an example every day in all you do;

For the little boy who’s waiting, to grow up to be like you.

Although there are a lot of similar poems, sayings, and songs I could quote (and did quote) about our influence on kids, the fact of the matter is, we are all models of some kind to everyone around us.  The kids on my team were not only influential on those younger than them, but their peers and elders as well.  We are models to our children, grandchildren, nephews, and nieces, but also on our young neighbors, peers, and elders (in my case, there aren’t as many of the elder types any more).  We are, just like Charles Barkley discovered, role models no matter what we want to think.  As Christians we have an added burden.  We represent Christ; we belong to a team; we are not on our own any more.

If people know we are Christians they we scrutinize our actions even more closely.  In some cases, they will feel free to imitate them, believing they must be OK because, supposedly, we are OK.  Jesus taught us to be “flavoring” to the world.  In Mark 9:50 He said, “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” The way we live should be like salt is to food: it adds flavor, it preserves, and it causes thirst. We add flavor by making godly choices. We preserve by always speaking the truth in love. We cause thirst for God by living out a life of faith before the world.  If we don’t add flavor, don’t preserve the truth, or don’t cause a thirst for God, we are still modeling behavior, just the wrong kind.

We know that we have been influenced by others in our lifetime. In fact, we are still being influenced by others.  Who do we allow to shape us?  Some in our circle are good and helpful, others dangerous and harmful.  One day a farmer grabbed his shot gun to shoot at a flock of pesky crows. Unfortunately, he didn’t see his sociable pet parrot that had joined the crows. After firing a few shots, he walked over to the fallen birds and was surprised to find his parrot badly ruffled with a broken wing. When the farmer’s children saw the injured bird, they asked, “Dad, what happened?” The farmer simply replied, “Bad company.”  First Corinthians 15:33 says that “bad company corrupts good morals” and yet we sometimes “hang” with those who are not beneficial to positive behavior.  We will experience the same  consequences of those we flock with.   If that is the case, we will soon be the person that others should not “hang” with as well.

Proverbs puts it pretty bluntly, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Prov. 13:20  So we are influencers and we are the influenced.  Both positions require discretion.  In one we must examine our own actions in the other the actions of others.  As influencers of our children and others, we should not be like the Pharisees.  Look how Jesus spoke of their influence:  “therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds”  Matt. 23:5.  In other words, though their words might be correct, don’t follow their deeds.  Do we talk bigger than our actions?  The bottom line is that should neither be Pharisees nor follow Pharisees.

Paul told the believers in Thessalonica that he had, through his actions, become a role model for their behavior.  He and his companions had proven themselves as men of God by their consistent dedication to the truth.  Can we look at our those around us and say we are setting an example of how to be and that they should try to be more like us.  Regardless of whether we say it or not- they will be, so what we are should be what we hope they will be.

Proverbs says that “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth” (Prov. 22:1).  A good name is not so easy to earn, but very easy to destroy.  Our character should gain us a hearing to proclaim the gospel to others, not shut the doors.  It is not easy to be a role model like Paul.  Next to Christ, he was what we should strive to be not only for ourselves, but for others. He lived out his faith, so that anyone watching his life would be able to tell there was something wonderful inside him.

If we want to be influenced by others in a positive way, we should surround ourselves with people with people who care about their actions.  If we want to be people of positive influence, we should care about our own actions. It won’t be easy, but Hebrew’s 12:1 says “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” Let’s run the race well, knowing that we are being watched and many around us will try to run it just like us.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

(This is a devotion I wrote a few years back while awaiting the birth of our eleventh grandchild. Since this is the end of the holiday season, I am regifting this devotion to you.)

Well, here it is 5:30 in the morning and I am sitting in solitude of McDonalds once again.  Elaine and I are waiting for an eleventh grandchild to make her way into the world and she is stubbornly remaining in safety of  the womb until arrival is absolutely necessary.   I can’t say that I blame her!  The deadline day was this morning and the doctors said that Laura (mom) could absolutely not go beyond this morning even if inducement was necessary.   Then last night a nurse called and said, “Oops, due to staffing issues we need to delay you one day.  See you on Thursday.”

Wow, have you ever been on a road trip and you are desperate for a rest stop and you notice there is one in two miles and you give your body that message and then you see the sign that says, “rest area closed.”  No matter how gently you try to tell your body there is no restroom in sight, your body does not take the news well.  Well, Laura is experiencing this feeling in triplicate.  Her body is rebelling against the sign that said, “Hospital closed for one day.  Check in then. Have a nice day. “

As we look at today’s verse we see that God has given us a remedy for delays and disappointments.  He doesn’t just say stop worrying like the mean PE teacher who tells his class to stop sweating after a two-mile run.  God gives us the means and the power by which we can stop worrying. 

First of all, He tells us to be square with Him.  We are certainly disappointed that the little bundle of sunshine is behind the clouds for an extra day, especially when we have spent the last few days with Laura walking in town, out of town, up trails, down trails, on beach, in the water, and every where you can imagine in an attempt to speed this little bundle into the world.  Baby has held on tenaciously to the walls of the womb and refused to make an appearance (probably has been hearing all the news in the world today), and the only thing that has happened is Elaine and I gave birth to a whole bunch of sore muscles.  I got in 19,000 steps just yesterday and I imagine Elaine got in more because her legs are shorter than mine.

But regardless of all we did, God had His own timetable and He instructs to not worry.  In fact, He tells us to be thankful for it.    Through the Apostle Paul He says that peace comes from sharing our desires with Him and thanking Him for answering before we even know the answer. Amy Carmichael, missionary to India wrote, “Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace…If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you know what His will is.”  God’s will is that we trust Him and believe that he sees not only our own situation, but how this situation will affect hundreds of others.  We trust that God’s timetable is timely.

I don’t know why the hospital delayed the delivery by a day; they had their reasons, but so did God.  Who knows, maybe the doctor Laura would have gotten worked his way through medical school with crib sheets and the ability to see other’s test papers at long distance.  But I trust God and I trust that someday I might even know why we might be spending another day hiking into waterfalls on steep (beautiful but steep) trails. 

Robert Louis Stevenson tells of a storm that caught a vessel off a rocky coast and threatened to drive it and its passengers to destruction. In the midst of the terror, one daring man, contrary to orders, went to the deck, made a dangerous passage to the pilot house and saw the steerman, lashed fast at his post of holding the wheel unwaveringly, and inch by inch, turning the ship out, once more, to sea. The pilot saw the watcher and smiled.

Then, the daring passenger went below and gave out a note of cheer: “I have seen the face of the pilot, and he smiled. All is well.”

Philippians tells us that the one who guards our hearts and minds is smiling.  We can be assured that “all is well.”

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Forgiveness is one of the most profound acts of grace we can extend to others. It mirrors the heart of God, who forgave us completely and undeservedly through Christ. Yet, forgiving someone who has wronged us can often feel like one of the hardest things to do. We wrestle with pride, hurt, and the fear of being vulnerable again.

Jesus addressed this struggle directly when Peter asked how often we should forgive someone. His response—“seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22)—was not a numerical limit but a call to boundless forgiveness. Why? Because God’s forgiveness toward us is equally limitless. Every time we fall short, He remains faithful to forgive, inviting us into His grace anew.

hurt. When we forgive, we are not excusing wrongdoing or pretending it didn’tInstead, forgiveness is a decision to release resentment and trust God to bring justice in His perfect timing. It’s freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness and allowing His peace to fill our hearts.

One powerful example of biblical forgiveness is Joseph forgiving his brothers in Genesis 45:1–15.   Joseph’s brothers had betrayed him by selling him into slavery out of jealousy. He endured years of hardship in Egypt, including slavery and imprisonment, before God elevated him to a position of power as Pharaoh’s second-in-command. When a famine struck the land, Joseph’s brothers unknowingly came to him in Egypt to buy food, not realizing he was the brother they had wronged.

Joseph had every reason to exact revenge. Instead, he chose forgiveness. In a deeply emotional moment, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, saying:  “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)

Joseph recognized that God had used even the evil intentions of his brothers for a greater purpose—to save countless lives during the famine. He chose to see his circumstances through the lens of God’s sovereignty rather than through bitterness.

Joseph not only forgave his brothers but also provided for their needs and their families. His forgiveness restored their broken relationship and exemplified the grace and mercy of God.

This story reminds us that forgiveness often requires seeing beyond the offense to God’s greater plan. It encourages us to release resentment and trust that God can bring redemption even from the deepest pain.

We need to ask ourselves if there are any areas where unforgiveness may linger in our hearts. If so, offer those situations to Him, asking for the strength to forgive as He has forgiven you. Remember, forgiveness is not about the one who hurt you—it’s about your obedience to God and the freedom He wants for you. May our hearts reflect the  love and compassion that Jesus has toward us.

Ephesians 4:22-24

“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

This past Sunday I gave a sermon on the importance of authenticity in a Christian’s life.  There are many reasons why we should be authentic and to list them all would take a book. The one I spent the most time on was that it gives legitimacy to the gospel message.

As the New Year begins, it’s natural to reflect on resolutions and goals—dreams of becoming a better version of ourselves. Yet, how often do those resolutions fade as January gives way to February? True and lasting change can’t come from our own strength or efforts; it must come from within, through the transforming power of Christ.

The Apostle Paul calls us to “put off your old self” and to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God.” This isn’t merely a self-improvement strategy; it’s a call to embrace the new life Christ has given us. The “old self” represents the sinful tendencies and excuses we cling to, like saying, “That’s just the way I am.” But true Christian authenticity doesn’t mean staying the same; it means letting God change us.

On the other hand, hiding behind a polished exterior—trying to appear perfect while concealing our struggles—is just as inauthentic. Jesus warned the Pharisees about this very behavior, calling them “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27). Authentic faith isn’t about perfection; it’s about letting God’s grace shine through our imperfections.

When we live authentically in Christ, three powerful things happen:

1. Authenticity Attracts

When we reflect Jesus’ humility, love, and self-sacrifice, others are drawn to Him through us. Desmond Doss was a conscientious objector during World War II. He refused to carry a weapon, but still played a major part as a medic in the battles that transpired. At one point as others retreated he stayed behind and took on enemy fire while saving 75 men over a 12 hour period. He dragged them to safety and would lower them down a cliff to his fellow soldiers below. His unwavering faith and heroic actions inspired his comrades, and led them to say, “I want what he has.” Do our actions lead others to say the same?

2. Authenticity Affirms

Living a transformed life silences accusations of hypocrisy. Lee Strobel, now a prolific Christian writer and speaker was once a skeptic of Christianity. He went to churches to disprove the Christian gospel. He had his hypocrisy radar going full blast. But he did not see what he expected. He was moved by the authenticity of many Christians and because of their actions he became one of the greatest advocates for the Christian faith. Doubters can be moved toward Christ when they see believers whose lives genuinely reflect the gospel.

3. Authenticity Aspires

Sharing our stories of transformation can inspire others because they see changes in our lives because of who Jesus Christ is in our lives. John Newton was a notorious slave trader before he gave his life to Christ.  When he wrote the beautiful hymn “Amazing Grace” it was a testimony that inspired others to believe that change is possible in their own lives. When people see how God has worked in us, they begin to believe that He can work in them, as well.

The New Year offers a chance to recommit to living as the “new you” in Christ. This authenticity isn’t about staying the same or hiding our flaws. It’s about becoming who God created us to be, through the renewing power of His Spirit.

Here is a prayer of authenticity that we can all  begin  the  new  year with.

Father, thank You for making us new creations in Christ. Help us to live authentically, reflecting Your grace and truth in our lives. May our authenticity draw others to You and inspire them to believe in Your transforming power. Renew us daily and guide us to live in Your likeness, with true righteousness and holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This was just a quick devotional summary of the sermon.  You can see the entire sermon here.