mrtonyfrench

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

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.

Romans 12:9-10

These verses teach practicable commands for daily Christian living. Paul’s down-to-earth directives are important and cogent for Believers in our present context. As we examine them this week, may our lives be transformed by the power of His Word.

Paul tells us that love should be rightly motivated. Our motive for love should be selfless and not self-serving. Genuine, authentic love looks out for others and does not focus solely upon the self. Love spurs us to do right, to flee evil, and to seek righteousness.

Love should also be expressed. Christian love is not simply a noun. Love is also a verb. Godly love will take actions that will be demonstrable and easily viewed by others. The impetus for Christian action is love for God and love for others. Christians will love in word and deed.

Humility is also a primary modus for love. Selfless love will give preference to others and will honor others. A living sacrifice will love people as Christ has loved them. Let us go and do likewise!

Tony French

Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands? ”Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. ¹If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Daniel 3:14-18

Our God is able. God is able to deliver us from every trial and He can perform miracles. God is able to do more than we can ask, think, or comprehend.

He rescued the three Hebrews who refused to bow to the Kings’ idol. The fire could not touch them. Even their clothes were spared the stench of the smoke. The God of the Bible is able.

But, even if God does not send deliverance in this life, we still worship Him. We continue to obey Him no matter what. If the miracle arrives wonderful. If it does not, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego give us the formula for following God in Daniel 3. Follow Him in any and every situation. It may cost us in the short term. Following Christ will always be rewarded in the long term.

Are you willing to trust God and His plan in every event and complex of life? He is worthy of such trust and faith. Child of God, trust Him, obey Him, and leave all the consequences to God. He can handle it!

Tony French

10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”

Proverbs 1:10-14

The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom for our times. The wisdom contained in this book is greater than mere knowing. It is knowledge with application. The Proverbs (mostly attributed to King Solomon) help us put knowledge into practice. And that is the power of true wisdom. Two important precepts are contained in these verses. Let us examine them today.

The first important principle that is discussed in this passage is this—follow the path of righteousness and avoid temptation. Believers are commanded to keep themselves from sin and to forsake the path of temptation. Do not consent to sin, Child of God. No good can come from following the path of rebellion.

The Proverbs are replete with figurative language. The symbols used in verses 11-14 make two main points. First, sin always promises much. The world, the flesh, and the devil all promise that giving in to disobedience will fulfill our wildest desires. Also, temptation makes sin look so good and appealing. God’s people should look beyond the temptation to the aftermath of sin for the truth.

Second, you can always find a partner in sin. The words “us” and “we” are peppered throughout these verses. If we surround ourselves with those who are on the path of rebellion, we will find it difficult to resist temptation and live for Christ. We are called to love and share the gospel with everyone. However, we must be careful who we allow to influence our lives. Godly people will lead us to love the Lord and obey Him. Ungodly folks could easily drive us to forsake God and His will for our lives. Christian, follow the Lord’s wisdom!

Tony French

law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Romans 13:8-14

This passage of Scripture helps us to understand how we are to treat others. How we interact with people is a chief consideration of the apostle. Let us examine them today.

Paul’s teaching on Christian conduct, among other doctrines, is important in this passage. The preeminent directive that should govern our relationships is love. We owe it to one another to love each other as Christ has loved us. (John 13:34)

All of God’s commandments are summed up in Paul’s statement in verse 10 which states “Love is the fulfillment of the law.” Jesus himself taught us that whole of the law is summed up in the statements “love God and love others.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Love does not harm. Rather, it lifts up, encourages, and comforts us in the truth.

Our lives on earth are brief and passing quickly. Verses 11-14 implore us to wake up, live in the light, and take advantage of our time. We should live properly and not behave according to our old nature. Our time is short and our salvation is near. May the Lord help us to live for Christ and avoid the temptations of our flesh. We should redeem the time knowing that the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Treat others well, child of God. It’s the least we can do.

Tony French

His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Matthew 25:23

In Matthew 24-25, Jesus gives several parables to heed as Christians approach the last days. The parable of the talents has one key lesson that all Believers need to heed. What is that lesson? God values and commands us to be faithful to Him. Whether we have little or whether we have much, the principle is still the same—be faithful!

The world’s definition of success is far different than the one found in the Kingdom of God. This world’s interpretation of accomplishment can be summed up in one word, more. This society values more money, more fame, more pleasure, and more everything. The problem, though, is the fact that one can never have enough. Even when one achieves some level of prosperity it never completely fulfills them. There is always a desire for more.

By contrast, the Lord simply asks His people to be faithful. He calls us to be faithful to our Savior, faithful to our family, and faithful to the Kingdom of God. Perseverance equals success in the life of the Christian. As many have said, “let us be faithful to the Lord and trust Him for the results.”

Be faithful, dear Christian. You may not have wild earthly achievements. But, everything you do for Christ will be noted in Heaven. Be faithful!

Tony French