The Lord will remove these from us, so that we will ... finally ... turn back to Him.Lamentations 1:19 (NKJV)
I called for my lovers,
But they deceived me;
My priests and my elders
Breathed their last in the city,
While they sought food
To restore their life.
Friends,
When the LORD returns in glory, all of the unbelievers will work diligently to correct their mistakes. They will scramble for cover. It is the same impulse that drives a teenage boy to hide his computer screen when his mother walks into the room. It is the same impulse that causes a wayward spouse to plead for forgiveness ... after they've been caught in the act.
Isaiah 2:20-21 [NKJV]
In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver
And his idols of gold,
Which they made, each for himself to worship,
To the moles and bats,
To go into the clefts of the rocks,
And into the crags of the rugged rocks,
From the terror of the Lord
And the glory of His majesty,
When He arises to shake the earth mightily.
In the day of Christ's return, every man will see that he is a sinner - unworthy of being in the presence of pure holiness. But those that have truly recognized this fact will have already repented of this idolatry. They will not have waited until their faith has become sight. For that day will be too late for faith.
Brothers and sisters, if you are still harboring idols in your heart - the idols of work, accomplishment, political success, the perfect family - then put them away today. Do not wait. Do not delay. We are in the last days. The day of repentance is at hand!
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
An old friend once remarked to me that he always approached a time of revival in his life with some trepidation. That was because he knew that, before the revival came, he had to go through a period of great conviction and repentance. We can see this illustrated for us in God's word:
Joshua 4:10
So the priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the LORD had commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and crossed over. [NKJV]
When Israel crossed into the Promised Land, all the people had to pass before the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark serves as the God's seat of judgment. We must see the important symbolism contained in this act:
Before we can enjoy the promised blessings of eternal life with the LORD, we must be examined, scrutinized, and judged to be worthy of those blessings!
The cold hard truth is that NONE of us has lived a life that meets that standard. But Christ did. And He has granted that worthiness to His people. As you and I pass before the LORD, we go there having taken our place in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. To stay in that safe and blessed place, we must recognize that our carnal ways have been judged and sentenced to death. We must repent of them and leave them behind. And then we can enter into the rest and joy of our Master.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
The Lord's words to us demand a response. He speaks to His people ... and His message is one of peace and reconciliation.
I will hear what God the LORD will speak,
For He will speak peace
To His people and to His saints;
But let them not turn back to folly.
Psalm 85:8 (emphasis added) [NKJV]
The great temptation is to go back to our old ways. It is so hard to change the habits formed over a lifetime. It takes energy to speak, to think and to act in a new way. And the old patterns of the flesh are familiar and easy to revert to.
But the LORD calls us to a higher way. It is the way of eternity and of holiness.
What are you doing today that is the way of man, and not of God? What needs to change in your words and deeds and thoughts in order to demonstrate that you are not turning back to your folly?
Answer these difficult questions, brothers and sisters, and be renewed in your transformation into the image of Christ.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
Have you been living in partial victory?
Do you find yourself struggling against the same issues, day after day, month after month, year after year?
It's not the first time for you, for me, or for anyone else.
But the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; so the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
Judges 1:21 [NKJV]
The tribe of Benjamin did the same thing that all the others did. They took the land and declared victory. Indeed they were victorious. But they did not drive out the ones that they defeated. The victors therefore did not take full possession of their reward.
The Jebusites are a threshing people. They represent the weight of condemnation and self-recrimination. They beat us over and over with the guilt and reproach of our sinful past. In so doing, they drag us back to relive that past, to repeat those same stumbles, and to deny us the full experience of living under the blessing of God.
Why did the Benjamites allow the Jebusites to live with them? Who knows.
Why do we allow the sins and the weight of our carnal past to remain with us? Why don't we drive it out? Are we too comfortable with the familiarity of those life choices?
Choose today, brothers and sisters. Continue to live under condemnation and guilt and shame. Or drive out that Jebusite spirit, and live in the freedom that abundantly flows from genuine repentance.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
Maybe it was years ago.
Maybe it was yesterday.
Someone wronged you. They owed you something ... perhaps it was merely an apology ... and did not fulfill it. They deprived you of something meaningful ... perhaps they deprived of you of their kindness, love and affection.
No matter how it happened, you were wounded by their actions.
Philemon 1:15-16
For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave - a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. [NKJV]
The question now is this:
Can you receive them as a brother? Can you acknowledge that you've been hurt without holding a grudge? Can you accept that Christ has given them grace sufficient to repent?
This can be one of the hardest things we are called to do as Christians. But it is no more than what Jesus did for us ... and for Him, it cost Him His life.
Forgive, brothers and sisters, as we have been forgiven.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
The very first Christians were utterly convinced of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus, having witnessed the following event:
Mark 16:19
So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
And how did they respond to this?
Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. [NKJV]
Surely, we who call ourselves Christians are likewise convinced that Jesus did what He - and His word - said He did. By the grace of our Lord, we can believe this.
And how do we respond?
Daily, we must examine our thoughts, words and deeds. Bring them before the holy and perfect standard of God's righteousness. Only then can we enjoy the peace of genuine repentance.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
The hypocrisy in events leading up to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus never ceases to amaze me. This short passage is but one example, but it captures the moment.
Mark 14:1 [NKJV]
After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death.
This was among the most important feasts of the Jewish religion. And these men represented the religious elite, the pillars of good and civilized society, if you will.
And here they are plotting to kill a man.
They are not deep in prayer, giving thanks for their deliverance from Egyptian slavery.
They are not coming together to worship God in fellowship.
They are not even gathering to celebrate this feast as a community of faith.
They are gathering in secret to orchestrate an ambush, a mock trail and a murder.
Of course, none of this happens outside of God's perfect will and orchestration... not even the most minute detail escapes the Father's attention. And their plans for murder are destroyed by Jesus' triumphant act of giving up His life.
Even so, how often do we fall into this same trap? How many times do we turn our back on time to pray, or ignore the Sabbath rest ... in order to plan things that are clearly contrary to His will and commands? There is time yet to repent of this. And the time is now.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
The Lord has been patient with you and me. Thankfully, He continues to be so. But it is a tragedy when we mistake His patience and longsuffering for approval and acceptance.
1 Timothy 5:24-25 [NKJV]
Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
Sometimes, the consequences of our actions do not come immediately. But they will come. Brothers and sisters, do not simply assume that God approves of your choices just because everything seems to be going well. Don't assume a pastor is obedient to the Lord just because he has a big congregation and a nice car. The same applies to our own personal lives, as well.
It is critical to examine each day. Ask the Lord to reveal to you where you are disobedient so that you can repent. You will find the genuine peace that comes from being confident in your obedience.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
Each moment represents a choice. We can take this opportunity to continue doing good or to allow weariness to have its way. We must make a decision: perpetuate the cycle of sin and disobedience, or change my direction. We must, therefore, examine each moment and all the history that leads up to it. Judge that history not by man's low standards, but by the standards of the Almighty and Perfect God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Return to Me," says the LORD of hosts, "and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts. "Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds."'
But they did not hear nor heed Me," says the LORD.
Zechariah 1:3-4 [NKJV] (emphasis added)
Over and over, Zechariah reminds the reader that it is the LORD of Hosts who is speaking. And yet, even with His undisputed authority, the leaders did not hear or heed Him. Are we doing the same as those who went before us? Are we repeating the same mistake and expecting a different result? Have we even taken a single minute to ask ourselves that question?
Today is a new day. A new morning. God's mercies are fresh and new. Do not waste this moment by continuing the deadly pattern of sin and disobedience.
Change direction.
Return to the LORD, and He will return to you.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
There are congregations all over the world in which the one at the top has amassed for himself great power and prestige. They expect to treated with great pomp and deference; and often their congregations all too willingly do so. They flatter godly men and women with offers of privilege, tempting them to set aside an effective ministry in favor of being treated like a big shot.
"Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, 'We are delivered to do all these abominations'? Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it," says the LORD.
Jeremiah 7:8-11 [NKJV]
These three verses pack a real punch, brothers and sisters. The LORD is calling us out for trusting in the flattery of those that have elevated themselves to powerful positions in the church. He rebukes all who allow that flattery to lead them to sin in any number of ways. And then, He declares His utter disgust of coming before Him to say, "We did all for You!".
To those who use the covering of "church" to do these things, the LORD declares that they have made His house a den of thieves... a hiding place for those who steal time, joy, and righteousness from those who are seeking the Lord.
Today is the day to repent of this. Examine the words and actions of those in leadership. Demand that they reflect the humility and courage of Jesus.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
Have you ever noticed how the more a person turns his back on the LORD, the more fervently they execute their religious practices. They diligently pray, attend daily services, and give far more than a token offering when the tithe basket comes around. But their hearts are far from God; their words and actions betray a hatred for God's word. And the LORD has already responded to these people ... He sees beyond their empty actions into the secrets of their hearts:
Hear the word of the LORD,
You rulers of Sodom;
Give ear to the law of our God,
You people of Gomorrah:
"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?"
Says the LORD.
I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
And the fat of fed cattle.
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
Or of lambs or goats.
Isaiah 1:10-11, NKJV
The prophet brought forth these words at a time that Israel was enjoying great temporal prosperity, but had made the "abominations of the heathen ... became common in the land."* Along with these horrendous practices, the house of Jacob had become ever more enthusiastic about the forms of worship that the LORD had ordained ... as if to make up for their disgusting behavior.
God's response is to say, "Enough! I want this no more!"
What about today? Look around, brothers and sisters. Look in the mirror, too!
Have you exchanged religious rituals for the determined study of God's word?
Do you have to change the channel on your TV or radio because the preacher is coming for a visit? Are you focused on anger and revenge for 6½ days each week, thinking that you hide behind a half-day of songs and prayers?
Assuredly, the Lord is not impressed. What He desires is a changed heart ... contrite, and broken before Him. This is path of the believer. This is the path to blessing and righteousness.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
The themes of modern sermons range from moral living to family relationships to physical health to financial prosperity to emotional well-being to politics to ... I think you get the idea. When Jesus sent out His twelve disciples, though, they went with a simple, straightforward message.
So they went out and preached that people should repent.
Mark 6:12 [NKJV]
Is this so complicated?
Is it so difficult to stay "on message"?
During the disciples' travels, other great blessings were evidenced: the sick were healed, demons were cast out. But the message was simple: Repent. We've drifted away from this for reasons too numerous to list here. But we can stop drifting, can't we? We can refocus our words and our actions to preach a simple, clear message to a world that desperately needs to hear it.
Christ has sent you and me out to give this message. Will you do as He commanded?
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
In our study of Mark, we have been learning how the Pharisees had placed unconscionable burdens on their followers. We are seeing how they broke their own Sabbath rules in order plot evil in their hearts. Time and again, our Lord hears not only what they say with their lips, but discerns the hatred and murderous intent of their hearts. These religious leaders, who were revered in the community as pillars of piety and morality, held a dark secret ...
Jeremiah 23:24
“Can anyone hide himself in secret places,
So I shall not see him?” says the LORD;
“Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD.
Psalm 10:8
He sits in the lurking places of the villages;
In the secret places he murders the innocent;
His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.
- NKJV
Both of these verses contain the phrase “secret places”. It is translated from the Hebrew word mictar (pronounced mis·tär’, and we should understand it to mean a place where someone lies in wait, preparing to perpetrate a crime. Does that not perfectly describe what Christ is seeing in the religious elite of that era? On the outside, the Pharisees were holy and wholesome, demonstrating great indignation when someone challenged their teachings and fully believing that they were right. Inside their hearts, though, they waited secretly to accuse Christ and put Him to death.
We know, of course, how those events unfolded. Jesus went to the cross at the hour appointed by the Father (not the Pharisees). The Pharisees, along with many others, were used as God's instrument in that drama. And therefore their hearts were revealed as evil.
Today would be a good day for each of us to examine our own hearts.
As believers, perhaps we are outwardly moral and upright, but inwardly we may be harboring unforgiveness, bitterness or malice towards another. It can happen with surprising ease. It only takes a momentary lapse of concentration and vigilance for the enemy to establish that foothold. Fortunately, we have the perfect remedy. We cry out to Jesus and plead for His mercy. We rely on Him to bring us to repentance. And the love of Christ will fill us anew.
Be encouraged, Jose
p.s. You can listen to the study of Mark any time - day or night - at Bible Study Audio.
Christ Jesus instructed us to enlist the Father's aid daily in keeping us away from temptation. An old country song reminds that we don't need anyone's help in being lead to temptation, because we'll find it all by ourselves. Our generations are certainly not the first to have this problem ...
Numbers 31:15-16
And Moses said to them: "Have you kept all the women alive? Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD." [NKJV]
In this episode, the warriors appointed to defeat the Midianites had forgotten that the beautiful women they carried back to camp were the very ones who had very recently tempted their brethren and enticed them to sin. In other words, the victorious soldiers in the LORD's army took hold of temptation and brought it back home!
Are we doing the same today?
It is time to stop holding tight to that which tempts us. You know what those things and thoughts are... so stop pursuing them (and then wondering why you stumble). Return to your pursuit of that which is Godly, and you won't have time to pursue that which is not!
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
For too long, God's people have wandered about listlessly. We have ignored the clear and consistent voice of our God and King.
Come, and let us return to the LORD;
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
Hosea 6:1 [NKJV]
Are His chastisements in vain?
Must His rebukes continue to fall on deaf ears?
Sisters and brothers, the Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy. He is also holy and completely righteous. If we are who we claim to be, then we must obey His call that we repent from worldliness.
Let today be the day that we walk according to the Spirit of God.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
Every act of true and genuine repentance is a great victory. It means that the Spirit has overcome the flesh, that Kingdom of God is advancing against the forces of Hell. No wonder Christ describes the scene in Heaven as a great celebration ...
Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. [NKJV]
As we discussed earlier, Jesus is both describing Heaven's response and commanding it. And this command applies to you and me in the here and now.
When we are saved, we are given a specific place in the heavenlies. We are seated there, wrapped in Christ. We are no longer citizens of the kingdom of darkness. We are now made citizens of the Kingdom of God.
So, when Christ says, "There is joy in the presence of angesls", He is commanding you and me to rejoice in the repentance of those around us. This may be difficult, since our flesh will remind us of that person's imperfections and mistakes. But we know that the enemy is a liar. And we know that the old things have passed away; and that the Lord has created a new heart in that person ... just as He has in you and me.
Let us rejoice on this day. Someone has come to repentance. And even more, let us seek true repentance on this day for our own sins and stumbles. And then let us rejoice again.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
Repentance is hard. It means giving up that with which we have grown comfortable. It means turning away from the familiar and moving into something new and untried. And yet, the reward of repentance is remarkable...
Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. [NKJV]
Jesus proclaims that all of heaven rejoices over your repentance and mine. He is both describing this and commanding it.
Imagine all of God's Kingdom rising as one to cheer and celebrate each act of repentance that takes place. Having this vision should give you and me the encouragement and strength to overcome any obstacle that the enemy places in our path.
Be encouraged, Jose
And I heard another voice from heaven saying,
"Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues."
Revelation 18:4 [NKJV]
Friends,
Take a good look around you. What is your situation? With what are you surrounded? Pay special attention to your worship practices.
Be aware, brothers and sisters. The Lord is calling His own to come out of churches that are stuck in old rituals, and have thus forgotten Christ's message. Remember, the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus is coming, and sooner today than yesterday.
True strength and courage is found in genuine repentance.
Be encouraged, Jose
Friends,
Beware of the preacher whose sermons always make you smile. The Holy Word of God is not meant to entertain.
When Paul spoke the words above, he was preparing to depart Ephesus to return to Jerusalem. In essence, it was his farewell party. And throughout Paul's entire stay in that city, he brought forth the true and pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be definition, this means that Paul confronted sinners and their sinfulness, rebuked those who had gone astray, and admonished all of the believers to lead holy lives. He was unafraid to do these things. His God was not all lovey and cuddly and safe. His God is the true God, the Almighty. Who is holy. And just. And faithful. And awesome.
Our flesh doesn't want to be reminded of these facts. We want our preachers to not be too strident or to set goals that are too lofty. Give us a break! we say. Go easy on us ... we're only human!
Brothers and sisters, like Paul, all of us -- not just our preachers -- must have the courage to speak the whole truth. Look around at the world. Can't we see that it desperately needs the real and genuine word of God? Not some watered down version that promises an escape from Hell without a repentance. The world needs to repent. No one will unless they hear Christ -- through you and through me -- say, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!"
Be encouraged, Jose
