"Follow Your Shot!"

Posted on March 1, 2020 by suemariericker

I went to a lot of my granddaughter’s soccer practices and games this past year—it was fun to watch her practice and play!  She wasn’t at all intense about the game; my daughter observed that her daughter was more of a team mascot than an actual player.  She was entertaining to watch, though, as she pranced up and down the field.

There were a couple of phrases the coaches used consistently, and one stuck out in my mind— “Follow your shot!”  The point being, don’t just kick the ball and let it go, hoping that one of your teammates will either run up to make a goal or keep it away from the other team.  It is important to stay engaged, stay alert, and stay close to the ball when you’re playing soccer!

With the intense conflict in this nation and around the world, the enticements and deceptions of the enemy, and personal trials, temptations, and conflicts, prayer is now (and always has been) an essential part of every Christian’s life.  I am convinced that the concept of following your shot in soccer relates very well to our prayer life because we have an “opposing team” whose sole purpose is to defeat us.

Jesus told this parable to emphasize the importance of persistence in prayer:

“He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.  And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.”  For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, “Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.”’  And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says.  And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night?  Will He delay long over them?  I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily.  Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?’” (Luke 18:2-8)

Faith and tenacity in prayer cannot be separated!

Jesus also told a parable about a persistent man who pestered his neighbor (at midnight!) to lend him three loaves of bread because he had an unexpected house guest.  In concluding the story, Jesus said:

“So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.  What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish?  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!” (Luke 11:9-13 Amp)

I’ve had moments in my life when I stopped praying about something because I could see hints of change and what I considered answers to prayer start to happen; then, seemingly out of nowhere, there would be a turnaround that I did not expect.  I would forget the aggressiveness of a hungry lion, intent on devouring the unsuspecting.  When righteousness is at stake and the enemy is hard at work with his evil plans, staying consistent and remaining persistent in prayer is essential.  Particularly as we are hastening towards the elections in the United States, we must not forget that satan, the one who seeks to steal, kill and destroy, also has a lot at stake in this country—we mustn’t let the enemy lull us into sleep, passivity, or indifference.

To be candid with you, though, I have often treated prayer as my granddaughter plays soccer—prancing up and down the field, kicking at the ball when it gets close, but not playing assertively or dynamically engaged with making the goal or helping the team.  Observing the political climate, the battle for biblical morality and gender identity, defending the lives of unborn children, and the ability to “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:2), passive—feeling based, less than complete engagement and commitment to—prayer just is not going to be adequate for the battles ahead.  We must neither forget the lying nature and deviousness of the enemy, nor underestimate the strength and the ability of Almighty God to act on behalf of His people when we pray.

“…the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” (James 5:16-18)

Another approach to prayer that I’ve observed in myself is not an approach at all; instead, it is a backing away, an averting the eyes attitude vaguely reminiscent of the religious people Jesus was talking about in the parable of the good Samaritan.  I’ve read reports of the persecution and martyrdom of Christians in other countries, as well as the growing animosity and legal actions taken against Christians in the United States.  I’ve seen pictures of homeless people, reports of missing children, and have heard the accounts of spreading illnesses.  The news is full of violence, earthquakes, and tsunamis and I think I have become a bit desensitized to the barrage of tragedy and evil burgeoning around us. 

It is easy to send up a fleeting prayer when I see or read these things.  But intentionally turning aside in my thoughts, stopping, and bending down in prayer—and “following my shots”—to minister to the needs of others requires thoughtfulness and the desire to do so.  I recognize in myself a combination of “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew26:41), and, “…I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out” (Romans 7:18) when it comes to prayer and intercession.

However, I am so grateful that I’m not stuck in the brokenness of my humanity, because I have God’s assurance that:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in [me] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

“…it is God who works in me to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

And, because we have asked, we have the Holy Spirit to help us as we pray:

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27)

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HOPE

Posted on February 5, 2020 by suemariericker

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

The Bible has a lot to say about hope—I think that most people understand that the type of hope the scriptures talk about isn’t the tentative, “I sure hope so!” type of hope.  Instead, when we read about the “hope” of our salvation, it is the calm assurance that God will accomplish all that He has promised for those who believe in Him.

We can see a contrast of hopes in the life of Abraham:

“In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, ‘So shall your offspring be.’  He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb.  No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21)

There are two important aspects of God-inspired hope:

  1. Jesus is to be the center and the focus of our hope;

“For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (1 Timothy 4:10)

  1. And His return to earth to gather to Himself those who have renounced the kingdom of this world in exchange for kingdom of our God.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness….” (Titus 2:11-14)

There is substance to our hope because the Bible is full of God’s promises:  “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)

In Jesus, God has granted to us everything necessary for our physical lives and spiritual growth, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like it.  Sometimes our hope is misplaced.  Sometimes we experience grievous disappointment.  Sometimes we don’t get the response from heaven that we are hoping for.  Sometimes our souls are wounded by the actions of others.  There are so many ways that our hope in the love and faithfulness of God, and our faith in the redemptive work of Jesus are challenged—and that is a good thing! …because God allows life’s challenges and disappointments to help us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

“…having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

Like most people, I have experienced disappointments and heartbreaks.  Christians do not have a free pass that exempts us from pain, illness, loss of a job, death of a love one or death of a dream, abuse, or divorce (or the myriad of other life situations that seem to overwhelm us sometimes).  I have not always responded nobly or in faith to the one who loves me best.  But because He loves us; because He promises to never leave us nor forsake us, His gentle Holy Spirit woos us back into relationship with the Savior.  The Comforter comforts.  The truth bearer convicts and convinces—and by His power and incomprehensible grace, hope—God ignited hope—abounds in us.

Yet we have an enemy who seeks to cut our ties and destroy our intimacy with Jesus—one way he does that is to destroy hope in our hearts.  Lest there be any question about his motives, scripture reminds us that satan and his demon forces seek to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).   Two strategies the enemy used when confronting Jesus in the wilderness was to question His identity and to dispute God’s word.  No doubt those are a couple of the tactics he will attempt to use against us.

So, we need to keep hope engaged – there are several ways to do that:

  • Keep our focus on Jesus.

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”  (Hebrew 12:1-3)

  • Stay in the Word; let it permeate our souls and our spirits.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

  • Worship God!

“No distrust made him [Abraham] waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.” (Romans 15:20-21)

  • Walk (live) in the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

“For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.” (Galatians 5:5)

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

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"…that they all may be one."

Posted on December 27, 2019 by suemariericker

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.  I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent Me.” (John 15:17-21)

I wonder if demons have parties.  I don’t know, but I think a lot of Christians are giving hell some reasons to celebrate.  There have been denominational differences and doctrinal disagreements for a long time.  There are some who think that a basis for unity in the Cross of Christ could not exist because anyone who does not subscribe to their particular dogma is not (or could not be) saved. 

I think it interesting that what seemed to be a conflict surrounding the current president of the United States between believers, followers of Jesus, and unbelievers, those who make their intellects and the things of this world their gods, now has drifted into the realm of setting Christians against each other.  I’m not at all surprised, though, because I think satan would use any tool, any situation at hand to destroy the work of Christ by contradicting His prayer that we would all be “one”.

Jesus said, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”  You would think that all Bible-believing Christians would be in agreement about truth; yet, for centuries people have developed or held onto pet doctrines that are “proof-texted” into a sort of exclusiveness that shuts out anyone who doesn’t agree with their particular “but the Bible says…” stance.  In fact, I’m sure sanctification through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word is not intended to set us apart from other Christians; but the fact that we are set apart from the world is confirmed by the words of Jesus:

“If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)

Considering the fact that satan used scripture during Jesus’ encounter with him in the wilderness should give us a clue that not every time someone quotes a Bible verse is it divinely inspired.  In fact, without the quickening of the Holy Spirit, the use of scripture can take on the stench of death:

“…Not that we sufficient in our selves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit.  For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)

However, with the Holy Spirit actively (in contrast to passively – a condition entirely up to us) filling our lives, we have this assurance:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.  He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you.  All that the Father has is mine; therefore, I said that He will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-15)

[Just a side note here: I’ve had people speak verses to me or have read a verse that sparked an awesome “this was a God moment!” reaction.  It is so precious when the Holy Spirit, who knows us intimately, works that way! “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11]

So, I have an opinion about the conflict tearing apart not only our nation, but also Christians.  I’m not going to share my opinion, but I will share some scriptures that influence what I believe:

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature…for the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7)

“Therefore, you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges.  For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” (Romans 2:1)

And lest we try to convince ourselves otherwise: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)

“Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)

“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:10-14)

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:13-16)

The apostle John records an incident (John 8:3-11) where a group of religious people brought to Jesus a woman caught in the act of adultery.  The law demanded her death; the Savior offered her forgiveness.  As I read this story, I recognize two familiar attitudes that often characterize Christians:

  • Broken People, standing, head bowed, and eyes averted, before Jesus, acknowledging just how deserving they are of punishment and death, yet eagerly receiving the grace and forgiveness of a compassionate Savior.
  • Stone-Throwers, standing before Jesus, heart calloused, eyes challenging, content with their own righteousness and quick to render their judgment of others, particularly of the Broken People.

I’ve been both.  I am still inclined to be a stone-thrower now and then; but having fallen from self-righteousness into grace because of the proclivity of my human nature to sin, I am more frequently inclined to extend that same grace to others.

These verses are the theme of my life:

“When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

Here are another couple of familiar texts that are relevant to the political and spiritual conflict besieging our country (and many others):

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2)

It is very easy to quote this verse with confidence when the governing authorities are ones that we have voted for.  However, when someone is elected who defies God and His definitions of righteousness, justice, and truth, it is in those times that, by faith, we acknowledge His ways and His thoughts are much grander than our own very limited perspectives.  …and He has a powerful way of causing everything that the enemy intends for evil to turn out for the good of His kingdom and glory—and for His children!

Also…

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

We have different backgrounds, different journeys, different perspectives, yet there is one thing that should unite all Christians and quiet our conflicts—the gospel of Jesus Christ.  “…that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), and He will return again one day to take us home to be with Him (John 14:1-3)!

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Devotion

Posted on December 17, 2019 by suemariericker

If I am honest with myself, I must admit that I do not love God with all my heart, with all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength (Mark 12:30).  I was thinking about that recently when I was sharing some things I was learning from scripture with several friends.  I’m pretty sure they see me as a much more spiritual person than I am because I do have a devoted time that I spend with scripture and in prayer in the mornings; however, I spend a lot of time with news, cozy mysteries, Facebook, and word games, watching TV or doing cross stitch throughout the day.  I don’t spend near as much time as I think I should be writing or doing housework (I tend to get extremely distracted when I’m supposed to be folding laundry or washing dishes).

With a legalistic religious background, finding the delicate balance between conviction that leads to repentance and cleansing, and condemnation that leads to discouragement and failure is a work only the Holy Spirit can accomplish.  Fact is, I am, by faith, in Jesus—and that means, “There is therefore no condemnation for those [me] who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set [me] free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

I also believe this scripture, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in [me] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  He began a good work in me, He is working in me, and He will complete the job He’s begun!

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and He is doing a good work in our lives—we are not perfect, and will not be until we see Jesus, yet “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead [we] press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Sounds like commitment.  Sounds like passion.  Sounds like devotion!

The dictionary gives these meanings to the word “devotion”:  profound dedication and earnest attachment.  Devote means to give up, appropriate, to concentrate on a particular pursuit, to set apart, and to dedicate—or to commit to destruction!

I think the words “devote” and “devotion” have lost some significance over time.  I can’t put my finger on why exactly—maybe it is because most Christians have “devotions”, a time set aside to pray (maybe), read the Bible, or a “devotional” which includes few verses or short passage with an accompanying, and equally short, commentary on the scripture; yet a passion for growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is either waning or missing altogether.  We are doing our Christian duty, and I know God blesses it (I am writing from experience); however, He has so much more for us—more intimacy, more passion, more usefulness, more grace, more fruitfulness, and more giftedness.  Just more……

I did a scriptural word study on “devote” and devotion; it was pretty interesting.  …and this is crucial:

One tactic of Satan and his demonic forces is to lead us away from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 

The apostle Paul in the second letter to the church at Corinth writes, “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

Satan is cunning and we are no match for him without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit quickening our lives.  He disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and his intention is to distort the gospel and prevent “sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

Often in the Old Testament God devoted people and nations to destruction because of their idolatry and the immoral and murderous practices embraced by many idolatrous cultures.

In the New Testament, we are cautioned about what we devote our attention to (myths, speculations, vain discussions – 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 6).  In his instruction to Timothy, we are also encouraged to “devote [ourselves] to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13).  Another aspect of our devotion: “those who [believe] in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works” (Titus 3:8).

And those who are devoted to God are both forgiving people and thankful people!

The Holy Spirit, through the apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossian church, gives us a word picture of what a life devoted to God looks like:

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:12-17)

We cannot be devoted to God without being committed to His Word, without forgiving others, or without being thankful.  Praise God for the Holy Spirit who draws us into deeper intimacy with Jesus and with our Father!

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What Would Jesus Do?

Posted on November 26, 2019 by suemariericker

Most of us have heard the question, seen the bracelet, or recognize the acronym WWJD.  I think from the first time I heard it an ambivalence stirred in me a mixture of “I need to be more like Jesus and do the things Jesus did”, and “I’m not sure I am willing or even capable of being like Jesus!”

The idea has taken a negative turn for me as self-proclaimed authorities advise (with no biblical basis and very little biblical knowledge) what Jesus would do and what He wouldn’t do.  Politicians make bold religious statements to legitimize sin and death, to validate their campaigns, and to justify their actions while leading astray those who are not familiar with scripture and attempting to silence those who do know God’s Word.

There are some notable things recorded in scripture that Jesus did, and it would be judicious for us to follow His example:

  • Jesus humbled Himself.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

  • Jesus did nothing and spoke nothing on His own authority; instead, He emulated what the Father was doing and spoke what the Father commanded Him to say.

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19)

“For I have not spoken on My own authority, but the father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.  And I know that His command is everlasting life.  Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” (John 12:49-50)

In teaching His disciples, Jesus promised them (and us) help in following Him:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-14)

  • Jesus quoted scripture to present truth:
  • …when He validated creation and defined marriage: “And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?”’” (Matthew 19:4-5)
  • …when He identified the fulfillment of prophecy: “And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah.  And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’” (Luke 4:17-19)
  • …when He was confronted by the enemy with temptations and lies: “But Jesus answered him, saying, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” …And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” …And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” (Luke 4:4, 8, 12)

If we truly desire to do what Jesus would have us do, we must abide (make our home) in Him.  “I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:5-8)

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Spirit of Antichrist

Posted on November 7, 2019 by suemariericker

I’m sure most people, whether Christian or not, have heard the word “antichrist.”  Many people are also familiar with the number 666, even if they have no other association other than to think that it is related to something or someone bad.  Here are a couple of verses most who are Christians are familiar with:

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.  Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2 John 1:7)

“This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for is the number of a man, and his number is 666.” (Revelation 13:18)

I was interested to note as I was looking up “antichrist” in the concordance, that only four verses use that word—and it is not used in the book of Revelation.  However, the apostle John, who wrote Revelation through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is the only one who refers specifically to “antichrist”.

The other three verses:

“Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.  Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18)

“Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?  This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:22)

“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.  This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” (1 John 4:2-3)

The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul describes the antichrist in reference to the return of Jesus:  “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

There has been much conjecture over the years about who the antichrist is, speculation about when he is going to show up, and curiosity about whether he is currently alive and being groomed for his role in history.  I don’t know.  And the focus of this post is not the antichrist (believe it or not!).

What I think is important for us to recognize (and the apostle John recognized centuries ago), is that the spirit of antichrist is actively at work in the world right now; and, even though there is one person specifically identified as THE Antichrist, there are also many others who are anti-Christ, working against the Spirit of Christ in the world—and have been for a very long time.

For instance, people operating in the spirit of antichrist are those professing to be “Christians”, yet turn around and bless abortion centers or who reject and misinterpret passages of scripture in order to condone what God calls impurity, “dishonorable passions”, and “shameless acts”.  I’ve also noticed a lot of politicians declaring their opinions about what they think Jesus would do, proclaiming a false compassion not founded in righteousness and justice as God defines them. 

Here is a good comparison to note between Christ and the spirit of antichrist:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Here are some other noteworthy characteristics of the spirit of the antichrist, already at work in the world.  The spirit of antichrist is cloaked in deception—and arrogance and pride (a “haughty” spirit) are open thresholds for the enemy to gain entry to one’s thoughts and attitudes, making them ripe for delusion.  “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) “Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.  Therefore, God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11) 

Jesus, not a doctrine or denomination, is the truth (John 14:6).

Lawlessness is a characteristic of the spirit of antichrist.  No doubt increased violence, murder, fraud, and growing disregard for the welfare of others point to the pervasiveness of lawlessness.  I also recognize that the manipulation of the laws and constitution of a country to benefit one political party or a system of government not intended in the formation and groundwork of that country is also lawlessness. 

Rebellion and anarchy are lawlessness—and they characterize satan and his relationship with God.  “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!  You who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’  Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Interesting that one of satan’s schemes is to weaken nations!

I am astounded—yet shouldn’t be, because I have the Word of God and the many warnings within its pages—at the rampant manifestations of the spirit of anti-Christ. It is easy to get upset over what we see happening in the world and in this nation, yet Jesus’ words give us a better response:  

“…Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

And as easy as it is to shake our heads and point our fingers in dismay at the media, the culture, the politicians, or even other Christians, we must remember who the real enemy is and that he is a master at deception.  We must be careful about attitudes of self-righteousness, pride, rebelliousness, indifference, complacency, or unforgiveness.  Our best response is to make personal, recognizing our vulnerabilities as human beings, the counsel given to a nation centuries ago, “…if my people who are called by my Name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

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Moving the Boundaries

Posted on October 12, 2019 by suemariericker

One of my granddaughter’s favorite TV programs involves a small group of Australian school kids who formed an agency to solve mysteries and other puzzles.  In an episode she watched recently, one of the boys entered a race during a field day event that he felt confident he could win.  In fact, his friends also figured that he was a shoo-in for winning the race because he was the school’s best distance runner, and his closest competition was a sprinter who didn’t quite have the endurance needed to go the distance to win.

Kyle lost his temper when he lost the race to the other boy.  Not a good response, but it initiated an investigation into what could have happened that day.  Come to find out, the boy who won the race, the sprinter, was also the one who marked the course and determined the placement of the finish line.  He knew what he could handle, so he set the distance accordingly.  He cheated, so that he could win and get the medal.

Some verses come to mind:

“Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” (Proverbs 22:28)

In the physical sense, this verse is referring to property boundaries—removing them to enlarge one person’s land while defrauding another’s.  Chuck Smith, in his commentary on this verse, explains how this works in the spiritual realm:

“The landmark is the guidelines, and in a spiritual sense, unfortunately, we are living in the day when many men have sought to remove the spiritual type of landmarks or the foundational truths of the Word of God. And what confusion has ensued when men start playing around with the foundational truths of Christianity. Questioning the authority of the Word of God. Questioning the deity of Jesus Christ. And men starting to remove these landmarks. Confusion results.”

Along those same lines:

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!  Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21)

And…

“Where is the one who is wise?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the debater of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? …For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and weakness of God is stronger than men.”  (1 Corinthians 1:20, 25)

I think that it is both interesting and sad that politicians, the leaders of some churches, and other influencers are quick to elaborate on what defines Christianity—how we should act and what we should believe.  It is interesting that people who have very little knowledge of the Bible and are not familiar with what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, promote themselves as authorities as to what is “Christian” and what is not.  And yes, there are churches whose leaders have decided to “move the ancient landmarks.”

Apart from the Holy Spirit breathing life into our reading of the Bible, our best attempt to understand God’s Word will be colored by our opinions, our biases, and legalism.  For instance, many people recognize these verses:

“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love…. So, we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.  God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”  (1 John 4:8, 16)

Without the Holy Spirit, one could cite those verses to mean that it is just fine and dandy with God to live in a manner that scripture identifies as immoral, unjust, or unrighteous because He is love and that is all that matters.

The Holy Spirit, through scripture, rounds out the perspective of God’s character:

“The Lord test the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.”  (Psalm 11:5)

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him:  haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devices wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”  (Proverbs 6:16-19)

I am amazed that some who profess to be Christians support abortion—because God hates “hands that shed innocent blood.”  This is just one of the issues where demons masquerading in costumes of compassion or justice have convinced not only the culture in general, but also religious people, ones who are not intimately acquainted with God and His Word, to lend their voices in support of abortion.

Other landmarks set by God in scripture that many are attempting to move include sexual morality (or immorality, as it has become), gender confusion and identity (instead of recognizing that a person’s gender is determined by biology), and marriage as God established it in the Garden of Eden—one man with one woman for a lifetime.

As easy as it is to blame a politician, a political party, a culture, or a demographic, it is nothing less than the satanic, the demon realm that seeks to misconstrue truth as the Holy Spirit presents it in the Bible.  It is much easier to see people as the enemy rather than as pawns in the enemy’s hand—which they are because: 

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  (Ephesians 6:12)

And Jesus proclaimed when He was talking to the religious leaders about demons:

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”  (Matthew 12:30)

So, we pray.  …with faith, and trusting our sovereign God, our heavenly Father.  And we stand firm and armored-up with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

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The Impossible Commandment

Posted on September 12, 2019 by suemariericker

Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

That’s it.  To obey Jesus, all we need to do is love people the way He loves us.

Not necessarily a piece of cake, though.  In fact, there are a lot of religious things that we could do that would be a whole lot easier!  How exactly do we love others the way He loves?  Many people claim to be lovers and not haters, but their words and actions often don’t live up to their profession.  The catch phrase in Jesus’ commandment is “as I have loved you.”

So, how did Jesus love us?

Sacrificially, and with humility! 

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

And with multifaceted completeness!

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne, steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14)

“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 truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)

Some things that God’s love is not include envy or boasting, arrogance or rudeness.  God’s love is not selfish, irritable, resentful, and does not rejoice with what God identifies as sin—these characteristics identify what is not love.

It gets a little tricky nowadays as saying what God says and declaring what scripture identifies as sin is considered “hate speech”; yet, we cannot claim to love someone when we are rejoicing with their wrongdoing instead of honoring what is true according to the Bible.

…because God is love! 

“So, we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.  God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16)

The only way we can get to the point where we are able to obey Jesus’ commandment to love one another (and there are no exclusions to His mandate in scripture) is to abide in Him:

“Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches.  Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

The Holy Spirit dwelling in us makes possible for us to do what is humanly impossible—love others the way God loves!

“By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.” (1 John 4:13)

The choice is up to us, though, whether we will live in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, clinging to the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), or be swayed by the opinions of the world, the flesh, and the enemy—particularly when they are so loud, intimidating, and seem so convincing. 

I’ve begun studying the book of Revelation with some friends and my heart and thoughts have become stuck on Jesus’ message to the Ephesians:

“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.  I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.  But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. (Revelation 2:2-5)

The church at Ephesus was an active, hardworking, patiently enduring, and doctrinally sound church—yet they were missing something.  Amidst all their religious activities they were missing the most important works of all, the ones engendered through their love for the Savior.

I’m pretty sure that the love problems we have in the world, and particularly in some situations and with some people, can be traced directly to our love relationship with Jesus.  Happily, He gives us the cure for our broken hearts:  Remember, Repent, and Return to our first love.

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God of Comfort

Posted on August 7, 2019 by suemariericker

Recently, some friends of mine experienced unthinkable tragedies in their lives, the kind of heartbreaks that leave people reeling with anguish and questions.

In both situations, young children were left without one of their parents.

A bell rang and a gate opened to a place in my memories that I do not like to go—a little girl, four years old, whose mother died.  It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I realized I hadn’t grieved that loss.  Even now, there is a bit of a sting from her death.

But I do not grieve like one who has no hope!

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.” (2 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

It has taken me many years to get to the point that, when the twinges of pain and regret come ringing, I can answer them with, “I can grieve, but I do not grieve like one who has no hope!”  God has been to me a source of help and comfort when life seemed to offer no hope for peace.  And His presence in my life has been the impetus and equipping for me to become an intercessor for others who experience similar heartbreaks.

Scripture confirms:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

This past weekend was marked with tragic violence, hatred countered with more hatred, unfathomable depths of grief, paralyzing fear, and many, many unanswered questions.  Trying to formulate responses and solutions, finger pointing, blaming, and political rhetoric come screaming at us from almost every direction.

We want this fixed, and we want it fixed now!

We do not want to be afraid to leave our homes, afraid to go shopping, afraid to go out to eat or with friends, afraid to send our children to their schools!  We need hope, we need comfort, and we want to feel safe!

Yet we are seeing Jesus’ words spoken two thousand years ago being fulfilled:

“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

Many believe that enacting more laws will counteract the lawlessness, hatred, and murder spreading (seemingly) unchecked throughout the nation and the world.

It’s a spiritual problem, though, best countered on our knees.

Consider this, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Do we really think that the rulers, authorities, the cosmic powers over this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil who rebelled against God because they didn’t accept His authority, care the least about the laws made by human beings? 

If we are going to be angry about the unconscionable violence and lawlessness occurring all over the world, it is crucial that we recognize the source—it is a spiritual battle that can only be effectively addressed with spiritual means.  Let us not be like those who have futile responses, whose lives are dominated by a spirit of fear instead of the Spirit of God— “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7); instead, let’s “take up the full armor of God!” and pray— “in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Ephesians 6:13, 18)

Jesus told His disciples while assuring them of the promise and work of the Holy Spirit, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” (John 16:12)  Though we receive the Holy Spirit through faith when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, His work, His leading is a journey, not a destination:  “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 6:13)

When opinions are strong and emotions run high, few people can bear hearing words of truth or words of comfort.  Not everyone is consoled by the promise of God’s presence, passages of hope from scripture, or the assurance of supportive prayer.  That is why it is important for us to be in tune with God’s Spirit, as Jesus was, speaking only what He is saying to those who are mourning.

People who have a relationship with God and a dynamic prayer life will appreciate prayer support; those who have not received Jesus or haven’t experienced His faithfulness, His lovingkindness, or His presence will think our words and our commitments to pray are meaningless—yet as Christians, we do not grieve as others grieve.  And if we have walked with Jesus for any length of time, we recognize the truth found in these verses:

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. …Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” (James 5:13, 16-18)

Let us commit to be who God calls us to be, both prayer warriors and children of light in the midst of the darkness! (1 Thessalonians 5:5)

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The Golden Rule

Posted on July 24, 2019 by suemariericker

Most people, whether they are a Christian or not, are familiar with the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you,” or “treat people the same way you want to be treated.  This is how scripture records this principle, spoken by Jesus:

“…as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31) He said this in context of teaching, “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.  Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods, do not demand them back….” (Luke 6:27-30)

I wonder if over-familiarity with particular scriptures makes us somewhat calloused to their application to our lives? 

I had an “aha!” moment recently; I’m sure it happened when I was driving.  I am not filled with the noblest of attitudes when I am cut off in traffic, or when I am passing someone on the freeway and another driver rapidly approaches my car from behind and tailgates me.  I am very deliberate and somewhat slow in returning to the right lane after I get well beyond the car I was passing.

There are little (sneaky) ways of being passive-aggressive in “getting back” at the people who behave in (what I think are) annoying ways.  People who bug me or offend me in some way or another.  It is so easy to engage in a running commentary on the driving habits and mistakes of others—judging, condemning, even though Jesus commands us, “Judge not, and you will not be judged, condemn not, and you will not be condemned, forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:37, 38)

And it doesn’t even occur to me that I am disobeying Jesus.

I am not a religious leader; my “religion”, my words, my beliefs, my actions do not affect congregations of people.  However, as inconsequential and isolated as I may consider myself, my thoughts and attitudes, my words, and my actions do affect the people I interact with each day.  It is possible to harbor a pharisaical attitude without being a Pharisee.  It is possible to be a hypocrite while feeling justified in my attitudes and subtle behaviors.

“Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.  You fools! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also?” (Luke 11:39-40)

It is quite easy to allow life’s annoyances to become offenses—and that rarely ends well!  It didn’t for Cain when God accepted Able’s offering but not Cain’s:

“In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions.  And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering He had no regard.  So, Cain was very angry, and his face fell.  The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?  If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.  Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.’” (Genesis 4:3-7)

With both the political climate and the political commentary igniting flames like a thunderstorm in a dry forest, taking offense and giving offense has become the way of life in our society.  Treating others the way we would like to be treated, with courtesy and respect, is sometimes difficult, yet Jesus doesn’t give us any options for behaving differently. 

I see a lot of problems with the demand for personal “rights”; because if we do not get the deference or treatment we may want or expect, then we are in a prime place for the enemy to come along and chisel out a stronghold or place of offense in our souls.  …and it is possible for offense to grow into bitterness.   

Scripture has this to say about bitterness:

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”  [The apostle gives us “instead of” for these wicked characteristics…] “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

I often go running to Jesus with my thoughts and emotions about something I’ve read or heard (taking “every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5).  I’m grateful that when I confess my sins, particularly the ones lurking in my thoughts, my attitudes, and sometimes in my conversations, that He not only forgives me, but He also cleanses me from all unrighteousness.  My soul is a major construction site—I am so blessed to know that God has the commitment and the tools to get the job done!  With His grace at work in our lives, we are equipped to extend that grace and kindness to others.

“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”  Proverbs 17:9

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook and offense.”  Proverbs 19:11

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