mrtonyfrench

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

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth.

Psalm 108:5

David’s words of exultation in Psalm 108 are powerful and worshipful. The psalmist calls upon the people of God to rise up and praise the Lord. The Lord has done great things and is worthy of praise.

Let us exalt the Lord in our lives today. God is great and worthy of exaltation. The heavens and all creation declare His glory. (Psalm 19:1) Worship and praise Him, child of God.  Yahweh is worthy!

Let us exalt the Lord for His glorious deeds. The glory of the heavens cry out in praise of its Creator. Those of us who are made as image bearers of the Almighty should praise Him in song, deed, and the words of our mouths.

May our prayer today be the text of Psalm 108:5. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth. Our Lord is excellent in all His ways! Praise Him!

Tony French

“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 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. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:25-27

In this portion of Scripture, Jesus reveals the coming of the Holy Spirit after His ascension to Heaven. He will send the Holy Spirit to indwell Believers and teach us about Christ. This promise has great impact on our lives as Christians.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity. The Spirit is co-equal, co-powerful, and co-perfect with the Father and the Son. He has always existed and has a particular role in our lives as Christians. What is the function of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christ-followers?

1) The Holy Spirit teaches us. He reveals the truth about Jesus so that we may understand the height and depth of Christ’s person. He led the apostles to give us the words of the New Testament. And now the Spirit uses that same Scripture to teach every generation of Christians the truths of God and power of salvation.

2) The Holy Spirit leads us. He live within us and guides each day. He protects and sustains Believers in ways that we can see. Yet, He also guards us in many ways we cannot ascertain. Are you listening to the Spirit Child of God? He will lead you in truth and righteousness. Pay attention!

3) The Holy Spirit comforts us. The Spirit of Truth comes along beside us, comforts us, and carries us through the trials and tribulations of life. Jesus also promises peace in verse 27. The Holy Spirit is the purveyor of that peace as we submit to Him day by day. Christ never promised that life would easy and comfortable. He did promise to send the Holy Spirit to guide us, direct us, and comfort us in every situation.

I give thanks for the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Tony French

My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:1-4

The Word of God is precious. It is life, health, and strength for all who believe and trust in Christ. There is no book, no writing, no anything that is quite like the Bible, God’s Holy Word.

Too often we neglect the sacred Scriptures. We lay it aside in favor of other pursuits. The author of Proverbs 3 corrects us and reminds us of the power of God’s Word. Daily reading and study of the Bible is a must for a Believer who hopes to grow and mature in their faith.

In this short passage, God’s people are taught to remember His Word. Christians should keep biblical truth at the forefront of their minds. What we are taught through Scripture should inform our daily lives. It should direct how we respond to others, how we view our selves and the world, and how we make decisions. Read, study, and obey the truths of Scripture, child of God.

Verses 3 and 4 bring to our recall two important truths. As we live by the Word of God, let us be merciful and truthful. The author uses figurative language to help us see the need to keep the truth at the forefront of our mind. Binding the truth to our hearts insures that we are continually in touch with the principles of Holy Writ.

But, we are always to exercise and live in the truth while applying mercy. We are all sinners who need a Savior. Our role is not to be final judge and jury in the lives of others. We are to point them to Jesus, the Truth, mercifully and lovingly. As Ephesians 4:15 tells us, “speak the truth in love.”

Holding truth and mercy in tension will allow us to be faithful to Christ in this present age. When we apply the Scriptures in this way, the truth of God goes forth and lives are changed. Thanks be to Almighty God for His glorious Word!

Tony French