Devotions

The apostle Peter gave a word of warning to the people of God: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

This kind of message can be especially hard to embrace in times of peace. God’s people may easily grow complacent and forget that they live in the midst of a society that can suddenly, even violently, become opposed to Christ and his followers.

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (1 Peter 4:14).

In other words, if the world accepts you, it means that you are one of its own. But when you make the choice to leave a fallen world and embrace the value system of God’s holy Word, your life, your conversation, your heart, and your motives all change.

After speaking of the fiery trial, Peter went on to say, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15).

Before you consider yourself exempt from this warning, remember that we must put away all forms of racism and other cultural issues that are bitterly dividing our society today. We must learn to forgive and not allow this spirit of murder and hatred to get hold of us. Second, we are to be givers instead of takers. Next, we must separate ourselves from evil. Get out of that relationship, leave that club, put that book down, get off that Internet site! It is time to separate ourselves from the things that are weakening and blinding us. And, lastly, we must not live as a busybody in other people’s matters — and that includes gossiping and being critical.

Let us live in a way that the love of Christ might be known through us.  

Carter Conlon joined the pastoral staff of Times Square Church in 1994 at the invitation of the founding pastor, David Wilkerson, and was appointed Senior Pastor in 2001.

“He said to them, ‘Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given’” (Mark 4:24).

Jesus knew these words might sound strange to nonspiritual ears, so he preceded his message by saying, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear” (4:23). He was telling us, in essence, “If your heart is open to God’s Spirit, you will understand what I have to say to you.”

What, exactly, is Jesus saying in this passage? He is speaking of the glory of God in our lives — that is, Christ’s manifest presence. The Lord measures out his glorious presence in various amounts, whether to churches or to individuals. Some do not receive any of his glory, yet others receive an ever-increasing measure emanating from their lives and churches in greater and greater amounts.

God has promised to pour out his Spirit on his people in these last days. Indeed, all of scripture points to a triumphant, glory-filled church at the close of time. Jesus himself said the gates of hell will not prevail against his church, so no matter how fiercely Satan bares his teeth, he cannot stop God’s work. Jesus has removed his bite!

Paul writes, “To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). We have each been given a measure of God’s Spirit according to his divine allotment. Paul writes, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

What is God’s goal in measuring out his Spirit — his glory and presence — to us in varying amounts? He does this for a single purpose: “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:13).

Jesus rules the nations of the world. The Bible tells us, “He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves” (Psalm 66:7). “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).

Don’t be fooled, our country is not ruled by Republicans, Democrats or any human authority. It is not ruled by Wall Street or big business entities. No power, earthly or supernatural, rules America or any other nation. God alone is in control. He sits as King of kings and Lord of lords, ruling and reigning over all creation from his heavenly throne.

I am amused whenever I hear politicians boast about our country’s power, how we established ourselves as the most powerful nation on earth. We did nothing of the kind. All the nations, kings, dictators and presidents of the world are mere specks of dust in God’s eyes. Our Lord rules over them all, pulling down one authority and raising up another.

“Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales; look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing … All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless” (Isaiah 40:15, 17).

If Christ rules as the supreme authority over his kingdom, and we are his subjects, then our lives must be governed by him. What does it mean, exactly, for us to be governed by Jesus? According to the dictionary, to govern means “to guide, direct, control all actions and behavior of those under authority.” In short, Jesus must be allowed to control all of our actions and behavior. He must guide and direct our lives daily, including our every thought, word and deed.

Allow your King, Jesus, to govern your life through his Word, then you will be blessed and your life filled with his joy.

The Lord is very patient with his children. He actually invites us, “Bring forth your strong reasons” (Isaiah 41:21), meaning that it is fine to have moments of questioning. We might receive some sudden, awful news — the death of a loved one, a pending divorce of a son or daughter, unfaithfulness of a mate. In such moments, God sends the Holy Spirit to bring us comfort, ease our pain, and settle our hearts. Our Lord feels every jolt of pain, fear and panic that strikes us.

God sees every detail of your crisis and he sees all the life-problems pressing in on you. Those who pray and wait on him with calm faith are never in any real danger. Moreover, he knows your panicky thoughts and yet his command to you holds true: “Don’t panic or get ahead of me. You are to do nothing but pray — and rely on me. I honor everyone who puts his trust in me.”

Consider these words God has given to his church: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). “You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield” (Psalm 115:11). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Unbelief is deadly, its consequences tragic. We face dire consequences if we try to extricate ourselves from our trials instead of trusting God to see us through. Jesus came to break our chains of legalism and deliver us from our shackles. But first we must admit our sin. When we confess our unbelief and then cast our future, our freedom, and our deliverance wholly into Jesus’ care, he will arrive on time! Our part is to do nothing — but trust him!

God can restore whatever has seemed dead in our lives with just a single word. Are you having financial problems, unable to pay your bills? So it was with the Lord’s disciples.

When tax time came around, Christ and his disciples had no money to pay the needed amount. So how did the Lord fix the situation? He sent Peter out to fish. “Go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give to them for Me and you” (Matthew 17:27).

I can only imagine what Peter must have thought: “Tax money in a fish’s mouth? This I’ve got to see. I’ve been a fisherman all my life and I’ve seen a lot of things inside fish — worms, hooks, seaweed. But I’ve never seen a coin.” Yet, when Peter reeled in the first flopping fish, he opened its mouth to find a gleaming coin — enough to pay their taxes, just as Jesus had said.

Why did the Holy Spirit move upon the gospel writers to record this story? And why didn’t Jesus just take up an offering, or send the disciples out to work for a day to bring in wages for the tax?

I believe Jesus moved supernaturally here because he wanted to prove to his children that he will do the impossible for us. He can fix any problem! He wanted us to know he is the same God who fed Elijah with bread and meat delivered by ravens (1 Kings 17:6); kept a widow’s barrel of meal from dwindling during a drought (1 Kings 17:14-16); and fed a crowd of 5,000 with a few fishes and loaves of bread (Matthew 14:19-21).

God knows that at certain times in our lives only a miracle will do and he wants to assure us he can do the impossible for us, in any situation. Beloved, believe God to provide for you in every area of your life because nothing is impossible with him.