Monthly Archives: September 2021

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

Send me, Lord. Send me to those who need help and strength. Here am I. Send me.

Send me, Lord. Direct me to those who need the truth of Scripture. Lead me to those who are lost and undone and give me the words to say that point people to Jesus. Here am I. Send me.

Send me, Lord. Send me and give me strength. Give me power to proclaim the truth of God’s Word in a gracious manner knowing full well that many will reject the truth of Christ’s salvation. Here am I. Send me anyway!

Send me, Lord. Equip me as your gracious servant and humble herald to proclaim the good news to all. Open my eyes that I may see the need all around me.

Here am I. Send me!

Tony French

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:8-9

Joshua was chosen to lead the people into the promised-land. Moses had passed from the scene, and Joshua was now the leader of Israel. God spoke to Joshua to instruct him and encourage him in this passage of Scripture.

In these difficult times, we are commanded to go three things in Joshua 1. Let us examine them today.

1) Read and study the Word of God. Stay in the Bible each and every day. It is life, breath, and bread to our souls. We cannot go on without God’s Word.

2) Trust and obey God. God has commanded us to follow Jesus in our daily existence. We are given the great gift of salvation. And our salvation will always propel us to serve God by serving others.

3) Be courageous and do not fear. Be strong and courageous and do not fear. Why? Because God is with you! He promised to be with us through every situation. He is with us.

Take heart, child of God. God is faithful to His Word. God is able to keep His promises. Trust in His power, presence, and provision day by day.

Tony French  

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 41:10

This verse from Isaiah is a powerful promise from the Word of God. Do not fear and do not be anxious form the crux of the command. Uncontrolled fear and unchecked anxiety have no place in the life of a Christian. We are directed again and again to overcome fear through faith.

The verse begins with the command but doesn’t end there. Isaiah (inspired by the Holy Spirit) gives us three reasons to trust in God and live above fear. The Lord has promised to perform three actions on our behalf. Let’s examine them for a moment.

1) God will strengthen us. God brings us strength in all times, in all circumstances, and in different forms. We receive strength through Bible study and prayer. Strength flows to us as we worship and fellowship with the church. The strength of the Lord empowers us as we serve. God has promised to enable and empower us to follow Him and to obey Him no matter the fears that are around us.

2) The Lord will help us. Life is imperfect and circumstances can be painful. But, God has assured us He will be there to help us.  The Spirit of God helps us each day. The people of God come along beside us and help us. What a glorious thought this is—the Lord is our help!

3) God will uphold us by His hand. He will stabilize us and cause us to stand in every situation. Christ taught us that we are all building our lives on one of two foundations. Some build their lives on the unstable, shifting sands of life while those in Christ build their lives upon the solid rock. (Matthew 7:24-27) God upholds His people as they trust in Him day by day.

Be of good cheer, Child of God. God will be with you and sustain until the end. May God bless you as you follow Him each day.

Tony French

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Our focus this week is upon the cross. The cross is important to Christians no matter the time of year. But it has a heightened import during Holy Week.

Why does the cross matter? What happened there that is worthy of remembrance and thanksgiving? Paul mentions three things in this verse that I will use to answer these questions.

1) At the cross, God’s plan for redemption was accomplished. The verse begins with the phrase “He made Him.”  Christ’s death upon the cross was not accidental or incidental. It took place by the sovereignty and expressed will of God for the salvation of all who will believe.

The promise of Genesis 3:15 was fulfilled in the Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Satan was defeated and Christ is victorious. Jesus cried out “it is finished.”  All that the Father had decreed for our redemption was fulfilled. All of it!

2) At the cross, Christ died for sinners. Jesus bore in His person the very sins of the world. He died as our substitute. He died vicariously in our place. Though He was perfect, He “became sin” for us. In doing so, Jesus fulfilled His words when He cried “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

3) At the cross, we become the righteousness of God. We are justified through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Our sin is forgiven and our guilt is removed. Also, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us. We are declared righteous by the decree of God Almighty. We are made fit to stand in God’s presence not by our own goodness and works. We stand fully in Christ’s righteousness for all of eternity.

Yes, the cross matters. Without it we would be doomed forever. But through Christ’s sacrifice, we are made new and brought into His glorious kingdom. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Tony French

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.

2 Peter 3:14

Peter’s teaching revolves around the New Heaven and the New Earth in chapter 3 of this epistle. His main point is that God will make all things new and bring us into the presence of the Savior. We will live with Christ in complete holiness as all things are made new.

This promise is glorious and we long for that day to arrive.

Verse 14 relates three dispositions that Christians are to have as we await that day of glorification. Our preparation to enter into the presence of Christ should revolve around these three areas. Therefore we shall discuss peacefulness, spotlessness, and blamelessness in today’s post.

Peacefulness

Peace should permeate our lives as we live for Christ and prepare for His coming. The promises of God, the provision of God, and the power of God, are all components of living a peaceful life. God is faithful to supply us and empower us to accomplish His will. (Philippians 4:13,19) The peace of Christ is one disposition we should all possess as we await His return.

Spotlessness

Believers are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-10) Our life in Christ is now one of growing in holiness and learning to be above sin. Obviously, we still sin from time to time. Christians still need the Lord’s forgiveness as we learn to be holy and separate. But, rebellion is no longer our master. The power of the Holy Spirit lives in us. This power is sufficient to lead us away from sin and to a life of faithfulness. When Christ returns, may He find His Bride to be holy and spotless in all things.

Blamelessness

The Greek word for blameless means “to be without censure.” In other words, let us seek to live our lives in such a way that no one will be able to accuse us of ungodly or untoward behavior. Granted, that is a very difficult task that can only be accomplished as the Spirit of God lives in us and directs us each day. It is what we are called to do. May Jesus find us blameless when He comes again.

“Even so, come Lord Jesus!” 

Revelation 22:20

And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt:  “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:9-14

Jesus used parables to explain great spiritual truth. A parable is an understandable example from everyday life that demonstrates spiritual truth. The parable from Luke 18:9-14 is no exception.

The contrast between the Pharisee (highly religious person) and the tax collector was stark. On one hand, the Pharisee was well thought of and respected in the community. On the other hand, the tax collector, was hated, despised, and considered one of the worst. Yet, the tax collector left this experience in the temple as the one who was justified. Why?

1) The tax collector was humble. Jesus tells us that all who humble themselves will be looked upon by the Lord with grace and mercy. The Pharisee was haughty and arrogant. But the humility of this tax collector opened the door of God’s mercy. The same lesson applies to us today.

2) The tax collector was repentant.  He stood at a distance and wouldn’t even lift his eyes to heaven while beating his chest. These are considered acts of extreme repentance and remorse in 1^st century Palestine. The tax collector knew his plight and understood there was nothing he could do but beg for mercy. Consequently, this is what we must do to be saved. Repentance from sin and turning for sin are a must for those who would be saved. The tax collector demonstrates this attitude quite beautifully.

3) The tax collector cried out for mercy. He called upon God as he realized He couldn’t save himself. The sinner had no other recourse but to plead for mercy. The publican in this story represents sinners everywhere. When we exalt ourselves as the Pharisee did, we will be rejected by God. But, when we humble ourselves, repent, and call upon God for mercy He will save us, forgive us, and transform us.

Which person are you? Are you prideful and arrogant? Do you believe your goodness will be enough to merit God’s favor? Friend, our goodness and righteousness will never be adequate to deliver us from our sin and guilt. Trust in Christ’s mercy and forgiveness today. It’s the only way to be justified before God.

Tony French   

Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah an official of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. They came to Hilkiah the high priest and delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites, the doorkeepers , had collected from Manasseh and Ephraim, and from all the remnant of Israel, and from all Judah and Benjamin and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Then they gave it into the hands of the workmen who had the oversight of the house of the Lord, and the workmen who were working in the house of the Lord used it to restore and repair the house. They in turn gave it to the carpenters and to the builders to buy quarried stone and timber for couplings and to make beams for the houses which the kings of Judah had let go to ruin. The men did the work faithfully with foremen over them to supervise: Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari, Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites, and the Levites, all who were skillful with musical instruments. They were also over the burden bearers, and supervised all the workmen from job to job; and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers. When they were bringing out the money which had been brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord given by Moses. Hilkiah responded and said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan. Then Shaphan brought the book to the king and reported further word to the king, saying, “Everything that was entrusted to your servants they are doing. “They have also emptied out the money which was found in the house of the Lord, and have delivered it into the hands of the supervisors and the workmen.” Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king saying, “Hilkiah the priest gave me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the King.

2 Chronicles 34:8-18

Have you ever felt yourself drifting from God? Are there seasons where you sense that you have stopped growing in your spiritual journey? I would imagine that every Christian experiences those times in life. We want to follow Christ and grow in our faith. Yet, we stall out and seem to even slip backwards at time. Whatever are we to do?

This Scripture gives us a guide to how we can get back on track when our spiritual maturity is stunted. We will examine this passage over the next couple of weeks to determine how we, as God’s people, can reignite our passion for Christ.

Josiah came to the throne at a time of spiritual decay in Judah. Even the temple, the symbol of God’s presence had fallen into disarray and disrepair. The King gave the command to repair and restore the temple. And the priests and leaders did rehabilitate the temple. In that process, they found the book of the Law that had been neglected by past kings. It is at this point of the account that we are given our first principle for personal revival.

Personal renewal requires a rediscovery of the Word of God. King Josiah read the words of the Lord and was convicted in his heart. He know that the people had not be observing and following God’s commands. He repented at the reading of the Law.

The process is the same for us. When we drift from God, let us remember the importance of Scripture. Spiritual decay and bible neglect often go hand in hand. Renew your commitment to study the Bible. Read and study it when you feel like it and when you don’t. Make the pledge to prioritize Scripture reading each day.

Rediscovering the Word of God is the first step to personal renewal.  May God richly bless as you study the Scriptures this week.

Tony French

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Jesus is enough.

Jesus is sufficient for all my needs.

His grace is enough.

Jesus is sufficient in the good times and the bad.

Jesus is enough to fulfill me, sustain me, and secure me.

His mercy is enough.

Jesus is sufficient for all of my trials and problems.

Jesus is my all in all.

Jesus is enough.

Christ is who we trust in—He is all we need.

Jesus will carry us home to heaven.

JESUS IS ENOUGH!

Tony French

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate , nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

The above verses describe the power of the Lord’s salvation. They describe what life is like before Christ and what takes place after saving grace is applied. The before and after picture is stunning.

To put it simply, before we knew Christ we were unrighteous, selfish, self-centered, and only concerned with fulfilling the desires of our fallen nature. But, we have been washed, sanctified, and justified through Jesus Christ. Our hearts have been totally changed from the inside out.

Christians have been washed. Our sin has been forgiven and cleansed through the sacrifice of Christ. He paid the debt so that we could go free. Our sins have been placed under Christ’s blood and we are made clean and whole. The Old Covenant altar was cleansed by blood of animals. We have been cleansed through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:1-14). To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Believer have been sanctified. We have been set apart to an entirely new way of life.  After salvation, Christ-followers live by faith, seek to obey God’s directives, and try to follow the Lord’s will for our lives. Christians are not perfect in this life and still sin. But, the true convert will have a desire to please God and will not be able to live happily in sin any longer. The authentic Believer will experience true guilt and remorse for sin and will seek cleansing from God through confession and prayer (1 John 1:9-10).  The gift of salvation that changes lives is wonderful indeed.

Christians have been justified.  Our guilt has been removed and we have been given the imputed righteousness of Christ. Jesus removed our guilt by absorbing it upon the cross. He has granted us righteousness through His resurrection from the dead (Romans 4:25).

God deserves our ever-lasting praise for this marvelous gift of justification.

Let us give thanks today for what we have received. We have been washed, sanctified, justified through Christ our Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our guilt has been removed and we have eternal life. It is for these reasons and more that we should “Bless the Lord at all times.” (Psalm 34:1)

Tony French

Make me understand the way of Your precepts, So I will meditate on Your wonders.

Psalm 119:27

The Word of God is a miracle. Through the Holy Scriptures, God has revealed Himself to humanity and has led Christians to His grace. With these thoughts in mind, let us examine three things the Bible does for God’s people this week.

The Bible perseveres. Isaiah 40:8 tells us The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. God’s Word will never fail. It always remains and abides with His people.

The Bible protects Believers. We are told in Psalm 119:11 the following—Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Studying and living by the dictates of God’s Word protects God’s people from sin, from straying, and from harm.

The Bible preserves God’s people.  Psalm 119:37 says Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Christians are preserved in their faith and their life in Christ by continuing to read and think deeply about the Word of God.  \

Read the Bible, study the Bible, and obey the Bible, dear Believer. Time spent in God’s Word is never wasted.

Tony French