We really resent the idea when someone says, “Do as I say, but not as I do.” Our walk should match our talk. I’ve come to conclude that our beliefs and doctrines are what we say we believe. But our actions are proving what we actually believe. Our doctrines may be what we say we believe, but our actions reveal what we truly believe. Galatians 2 tells the story of when Paul had to confront Peter because his actions didn’t line up with his stated beliefs.

Galatians 2:11–14 (NLT)
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 
12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 
13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 
14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?
 
Galatians is written very early in the history of the church. It's one of the oldest books in the New Testament. Acts 10 records the story of how God used Peter to get the message of the gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. Peter has a vision where God lowers a sheet with unclean animals that Jews would not dare eat and tells Peter to eat. Peter responds, "Nothing unclean has touched my mouth." God says, "Don't call unclean what I have cleansed." He leads Cornelius's people to find Peter, and God leads Peter to go talk to Cornelius's household about Jesus. Cornelius is a Gentile, not a Jew.

Before this time, virtually everyone who was a Christian was first Jewish. They thought that in order to be a Christian, you had to be a good Jew first. You had to follow the Jewish Old Testament, the laws, and the commands. For instance, the Sabbath laws, the food dietary laws, and the laws related to the circumcision of males.

Peter was struggling with this. He was supposed to lead this Gentile to faith in Jesus, and then he finds out that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). He realizes that the same gospel is for both Jew and Gentile. The Holy Spirit filled the Gentiles, and Peter said, "We've got to baptize them." They don't have to be Jews, they don't have to be circumcised, and they don't have to follow the laws and the codes and the conduct of the Jewish people.

Ultimately, Peter would recognize that his ministry was primarily to the Jews and Paul's ministry was primarily to the Gentiles. So, Peter already wrestled with this and already received it from the Lord. This is the context in which we find Paul and Peter in Galatians 2. Peter visited Antioch, where he met some of the Gentile believers. He had no problem associating and eating with these Gentiles until some men from the Jerusalem church came.

Galatians 2:12 says, "But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore." James was the half-brother of Jesus and the pastor of the church in Jerusalem, where there were a lot of Jewish-grounded believers. Verse 13 says, “[E]ven Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” The word "hypocrite" refers to someone putting on a mask. We think of actors who present themselves one way on stage, behind a mask, but are another way off the stage. Peter knew that Jews and Gentiles come to faith in Christ the same way and are saved from their sins in the same way, yet he became a hypocrite. He was afraid of these Jewish Christians who would think that eating together with Gentiles would be a violation of God’s law.

This fear caused him to slowly back away from his fellowship with the Gentile Christians, and he began to eat only with the Jews. Paul reminded Peter that Jesus had created one family in Christ and tore down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles. There was no separation between them, and yet Peter was drawing a distinction between them. Peter was, in fact, ostracizing an entire group of God's family because he was intimidated by the crowd. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man is a snare,” and Peter had been caught in that trap.

Well, we may not have problems like these, but we can still apply this passage. Today, there are people who say that they are Christians and they know the truth of God's word, and yet then they pull back from those convictions that they once held dear. Parents are vulnerable to this when their child grows up and begins to believe things that are different from what they were taught in the home. The parents were teaching God’s Word, but now the children are “enlightened”. The parents taught right from wrong, but now the child says, “Mom, Dad, I don’t think that’s important anymore. Don’t you know that there are different perspectives on those Bible verses?” Or, they may say, “I went to this church in college, and they taught something very different than what you taught me.” They may go on to quote their professors in psychology, sociology, or world religions.

The parents, though they know their Bibles, are tempted to soften their convictions or try to find a compromise in their own minds because they are afraid of being ostracized by the people that they love. Remember, “the fear of man is a snare.” Instead, their discussions should include, “I love you too much to stay silent about this. The Bible has not changed. God has not changed His mind.” Then they can proceed to quote Bible verses and help their adult children with the questions that their professors have asked. When God’s Word is clear, God’s people should be clear. When thinking about this story, there are three challenges to consider:

First, build your faith and your doctrine on the Word of God. You would think this sounds simple enough, yet most believers can recount a story of someone who claims to be a Christian backing away from plain, easy-to-comprehend doctrinal ideas from God’s Word. This happens simply because it is no longer socially acceptable. It’s not because God’s Word has changed or that it is now difficult to understand. We should not retreat from what we know to be right.

Second, this truth will not make you popular with the world, but it will make you pleasing to God. God’s Word often goes against the grain of this world system (2 Corinthians 4:4), which makes it unpopular with this world, maybe family members, or maybe friends. But staying faithful to God’s Word will make you pleasing to God. Who do we want to please - others or God?

Galatians 1:10, just one chapter earlier from where we’ve been reading, says, "I am no longer trying to please people. I am trying to please God. If I were still pleasing men, then I would not be the servant of God." Paul might have added, “If I were trying to please men, I wouldn't confront Peter to his face over this hypocrisy that he knew better.” The truth will make us unpopular with this world, but it will make us pleasing to God. One verse of scripture to hold on to or pray over yourself and your children is 3 John 1:4, which says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." God's greatest joy is when his children walk in truth, not when everyone thinks well of us. Jesus says, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:46).

Third, you are not alone when you stand on God's word. In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah was depressed. He was running for his life, when God asked him, “Where are you?” Elijah says, “I've been serving You, but I'm alone. I'm by myself. No one else is standing for you like me.” God’s Word to Elijah is what God wants to tell us as well. God says in 1 Kings 19:18, “I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal.” He’s encouraging Elijah to keep standing. He is telling Elijah about the 7,000 who are faithful to Him. Elijah doesn’t see them. Perhaps they are the silent group in Israel, but they still have a backbone and have not bowed to the prominent pagan idols in the land.

Do you feel alone when you are standing faithful to God at work, at school, or in your everyday lives? The devil wants to isolate you. He wants you to think that if you stand for God's Word, you'll be all by yourself. The devil would love to convince you that you are in the minority and that you are fighting a lost cause, but Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” One day in glory, may God say to us, “Well done, you good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Do we want the popularity of the crowd, or do we want to be well pleasing to God? Are you building your faith on God’s Word or the lies of this world? Imagine Paul telling Peter, “It doesn’t matter if people that you love tell you that you shouldn’t be eating with the Gentiles. God showed you that He shows no partiality. He taught you that we are all one big family in Christ. Live your convictions and allow the chips to fall where they may.”

“Dear God, give me the grace to stand in today’s world with Your Word in my heart and Your Spirit directing my steps. I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Lydia and I once had the opportunity to visit Yerevan, Armenia. While we were there, we visited a monastery named “Khor Virap” (which means “deep dungeon”), which is located on the border with Turkey overlooking Mount Ararat. The site is so beautiful that you can see the two mountains when the sky is clear. It's an incredible view from that position. Merchants in Yerevan, which is close to the location, will try to sell you something related to Noah's Ark, as they, too, believe that the ark is there on Mount Ararat. Genesis 8:4 says Noah’s Ark “came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.” The monastery has a whole description of the Genesis account of Noah's Ark, signifying its biblical significance for those who might visit. The monastery was built over a pit, which holds great importance for the Armenians beyond the Genesis account. The man connected with the pit and the monastery was Gregory, who became a saint and also is referred to as Gregory the Illuminator. He was a strong Christian who served in the army of Armenia.
 
Gregory’s father, Anak, was believed to have assassinated King Khosrov II, who was the father of King Tiridates III. During a time when Armenia had a pluralistic society and Christianity was not yet a widely accepted religion, King Tiridates III asked Gregory to burn incense to a pagan idol. However, Gregory refused to do so because of his Christian beliefs. The king was outraged by Gregory's refusal and by his father’s assassination, so he decided to punish Gregory by imprisoning him in a dungeon to rot and die. He would have died if it were not for a kind lady who would visit him every day for fourteen years and give him a loaf of bread.
 
In 297 AD, the king wanted to marry a Christian nun, but she had already taken vows of chastity and refused to marry him. In his fury, he killed a group of Christian nuns who were fleeing from Roman persecution. As a result, he lost his senses, experiencing lycanthropy, a condition in which the person behaves like a wild animal. He would roam the forest like a wild boar. After a period of time, those close to him had lost hope that he would ever improve.
 
However, Tiridates’ sister had a dream that revealed the only man who could help the king was Gregory. She believed that Gregory could free the king from his affliction and pray to his God for healing. The problem was that since Gregory had been put into exile in a cave many years ago, it was believed that he had already died.
 
Nevertheless, they sent for Gregory anyway. When they found him in the cave, he was barely alive and emaciated. They brought him to the king. They asked Gregory to pray for the king's healing, which he did. To everyone's amazement, the king regained his senses almost immediately. He was healed of his affliction and was able to reason and think clearly once again. The king then acknowledged that Gregory's God was the one true God. In 301 AD, the king proclaimed Armenia a Christian nation and thus made Armenia the first Christian nation officially.
 
Daniel 4:1-37 is the account of how King Nebuchadnezzar came to acknowledge Daniel’s God as the one, true God. This is the same man, who one chapter earlier had thrown Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace for not bowing to his idolatrous statue.
 
Daniel 4:1–3 (NKJV)
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.
2 I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me.
3 How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.
 
I imagine Nebuchadnezzar went to Daniel and said, “Daniel, I can see that you're writing the court stories. I can see that you're writing about the things that have happened while your people have been in exile in Babylon. You must include this story in your book.” Here you have the powerful testimony of a once-pagan king coming to faith in the one true God.
 
We may not be the king of an empire like Nebuchadnezzar nor the king of a country like Tiridates. But, if God has proven Himself in your life, you have a story to proclaim. If Nebuchadnezzar was alive today, he would pass out a gospel tract to every one he could, which would be Daniel chapter four - how God proved He alone is the One True and Living God.

Reflection Question: Who needs to hear your story today?

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for how You have transformed my life because of Jesus Christ. May I never be ashamed to share Your gospel with others and testify to how You have saved me. I pray others will come to know You, in part, because I have been bold in my witness. In Jesus' Name, amen.

In Jesus Skeptic, award-winning journalist John Dickerson shares how Christianity has benefited society through the arts, through the scientific revolution, through developing hospitals and universities and much more. He writes, “We say that a fish doesn’t know what water is because water is all they have ever known. In a similar way, we who have been born into American or European cultures have a difficult time understanding what society without Christian influence would actually look like.” [1]
 
He noticed a correlation between women’s rights and societies influenced by Christianity. He continues, “To my surprise, the countries with the best women’s rights all have predominately Christian populations. And the countries with the worst women’s rights are where Christianity has been outlawed or is socially punished. … On average, Christians make up 75 percent of the populations in the nations that lead the world with the best women’s rights, including matters such as equal pay, the right to vote, the right not to be sold into marriage, and a striving toward equal rights in all areas.” [2]
 
In each of the ten worst countries for women’s rights, according to the non-Christian World Economic Forum, none of them are Christian dominant societies and eight out of ten have less than five percent Christian populations. Most of these nations have outlawed Christianity. In these nations, women are not allowed to vote, nor go to school. Often they will be denied the ability to drive a car. “In some [countries], girls are still sold into marriage. Even worse, in some of these cultures, a woman gets physically punished if she is found ‘guilty’ of being raped by a man.” [3]
 
I agree with Dickerson’s final analysis when he says, “No matter how much you may respect other global cultures, if you have a daughter, sister, or mother, you do not want her living in one of these societies.” [4]
 
It is so easy to take it for granted when you are living in a Christian-influenced society, which lifts the status of women. God’s Word is clear that men and women are both equally made in the image of God.

Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (NKJV)

Men and women both have equal dignity before God. Though we should appreciate the differences that exist, it should always be within the context of recognizing the equal standing men and women both have in the eyes of God.

Dear God, thank You for the freedoms that I enjoy living in America. Thank You for how Jesus has lifted women in society. I pray we never take it for granted. In Jesus' name, amen.

[1] John Dickerson, Jesus Skeptic (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book, 2019), 40.
[2] Ibid., 40-42.
[3] Ibid., 42.
[4] Ibid.

Remember the childhood experience of getting soap in your eyes during a bath? The moment the soap would trickle down, the natural reaction was to look down, which only made it worse. However, as parents, we've all told our young children to "Keep looking up." When trying to wash that young child's hair, if we could get them to keep looking up, the soap wouldn't get in their eyes. Well, when I read Psalm 121, I think of that scene. I hear God telling His children to "Keep looking up!"

Psalm 121:1–8 (NKJV)
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.

The book of Psalms is considered as the hymn book of the people of God in the Old Testament. This passage is from the Songs of Ascent, which is a collection of Psalms (Psalms 120-134) sung as the people of God journeyed to Jerusalem for one of the three annual festivals. As they came from all over Israel to worship in Jerusalem, they were always ascending. When my group and I visited Israel last year, we noticed that regardless of where we came from in Israel, we were always going up to Jerusalem because it's located at a higher elevation, surrounded by hills and mountains. In this context, they would walk together and sing these songs to God.

In Psalm 121, we find a pilgrim who, as he journeys, looks upon the hills that surround him. Commentators interpret the first verse in two main ways:

1) It could refer to the "high places" mentioned in the Old Testament, which were sites of idolatrous worship by the pagan nations around Israel. Some Israelite kings would establish or tear down these high places, which symbolized idol worship. So, in saying, "I lift my eyes to the hills; from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth," the pilgrim is affirming his trust in the one true God, Jehovah, rather than in these idolatrous high places.

2) As the pilgrim journeyed, he could be contemplating the natural beauty of the hills and the surrounding landscape. The act of gazing at this awe-inspiring creation leads him to declare, "I look at these hills; I look at the beautiful creation. From whence comes my help? My help does not come from the creation itself. It comes from the Creator of all this beauty - God Himself."

So, Psalm 121 invites us to focus our trust on the Creator rather than the creation and to remember that our help ultimately comes from the Lord. Whether in times of temptation to worship false idols or when marveling at the majesty of the natural world, the psalmist's message resonates through the ages: our ultimate source of help is the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Dear God, I praise You! I worship You! You are the Creator of all this beauty I see all around me. I pray that my eyes stay on You today. I pray I keep looking up! In Jesus' name, Amen.

I read about the love story of Daniel Webster and Grace Fletcher. At the time, he was a poor lawyer who fell in love with Grace and began dating her. Grace's father was a clergyman and he allowed Daniel to visit only when he was present. So, they started dating in Grace's home, where she worked. Her job was to untangle knots in silk yarn, which was a time-consuming process. Daniel would sit with her for hours, holding one end of the yarn, while they both fell in love with each other. One day, when Grace's father left the room, Daniel proposed to her. He pulled out a red ribbon that he had tied into an intricate knot and said, "Grace, you and I have been untangling knots for a long time. What if we could tie a knot together that would last our entire lifetime?" Grace also tied up several intricate knots, tying them together. This knotted ribbon became very special to both of them, symbolizing their love for each other.
 
They were married for about 21 years until Grace passed away. After Grace's death, Daniel got married to someone else, but he kept the mementos from his time with Grace in a box entitled “Precious Documents”. The box contained personal items, including letters from him and Grace. The letters were smudged because he had read them so many times. Daniel had pulled those letters out throughout his life to read back over Grace’s love letters to him during their courtship and even after they were married. A red knotted piece of yarn was also found in the box, which symbolized the knot they tied together. Even though Grace had passed away, Daniel never forgot his first love.
 
So often, what happens is that we start our dating or married lives with a honeymoon phase. However, over time, our priorities may change. It's not that we stop loving each other, but we may start to cool off. When football season begins, some are more excited than others. I heard about a woman who was talking to her husband and he asked if there was anything she needed to tell him before the football season started. She thought about it and said, “I think you love football more than you love me.” He replied, “Yeah, but I love you more than I love basketball.”
 
Just as married relationships can cool off, our relationship with God can, too. Before we know it, what began as a passionate walk with God, can cool off. Our quiet times, if they exist at all, can become dull and more like going through a routine. Revelation 2 describes the church at Ephesus as just going through the motions.
 
Revelation 2:1a, 2-5 (NKJV)
1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, …
2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;
3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”
 
The church in Ephesus was founded by the apostle Paul himself. This church has an incredible heritage and pedigree. Paul wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus, which is now known as the Book of Ephesians. Paul wrote two letters to his protégé in ministry, Timothy, who was the pastor of the church in Ephesus. Church history tells us that the Apostle John, who wrote the Book of Revelation, the Gospel of John, and three letters that bear his name (First, Second and Third John), was the pastor of the church in Ephesus. This church had an incredible pedigree, but Jesus' words to them were, "I have something against you. You have left your first love."
 
If it can happen to such a great church, it is a temptation for us, too. He shares three different steps to return to that flame that you once had.
 
First, He says, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen." In Greek, that's a word that means to keep on remembering - it's a present imperative that describes continually remembering. You are constantly remembering. Have you forgotten about what happened when you gave your life to Jesus? Have you forgotten about being lost? Have you forgotten about that time when you did not know Jesus, and you were living for yourself? You were destined for hell, separated from God, and yet God, in His love and mercy, reached out to you and loved you into the kingdom. Every single day when I'm praying in my prayer journal, I say, "Thank you, God, for allowing me to be Your child. Thank You, God, for bringing me into the kingdom. Thank You for loving me through the cross." Never get over the fact that Jesus reached out, opened your spiritual eyes, and helped you see your lost condition and the beauty of the Gospel that could save you and make you right with Him. He says, "Keep on remembering from where you have fallen."
 
Second: "Repent." This is not a popular word today, but Jesus uses that word to rebuke five out of the seven churches, from Revelation 2-3. He says, "Repent or else." Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action. It's something internal. You are saying, "I choose to no longer live for myself, but I'm living for Jesus. I choose to no longer live in this direction, but instead be Jesus-centered.” Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action.
 
Third: “Return” or "Do the first works." He says, "Do the first works or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place.” What do you do with a bulb that's out? You throw it away. It no longer has its usefulness.
 
Do you remember when you first gave your life to Jesus? I can't forget this comment that my dad, who gave his life to Christ at 33, told me. Since I was born when he was 40, this was many years after I was born, but I remember him telling me, even as a teenager, he would say, "Josh, I remember when I first gave my life to Christ. I just had so much love in my heart. I could not help it. All I wanted to do was go and hug a tree. I had so much love." Where does that come from? From God. He is love, and He's filling our life. We love Him, and we love others, and we love the lost, and we love His church. All that love just bubbles out. Don't allow that to cool off in your relationship. Do the first works.
 
Was there ever a time when you loved Jesus more than you do right now? What were you doing during that time? You might reflect on that time and say, "I came to church every time the doors were open. Every morning I'd wake up an hour early just to spend time with Jesus. Every time I would go on my lunch break, I would stick my Bible on my dashboard, I would pull it out, and I would read for a chapter. I would eat my lunch, but then I would read. I would tell people about Jesus. I would carry little pocket cards in my pocket that would have a scripture verse that I would memorize." I'm telling you all of these things that we probably did when we were on fire for Jesus. The question is, why did we ever stop? That's what Jesus' question to Ephesus was, "Why'd you stop?" Go back and return to what you did before. Go back and be around the family of God. Be involved in that Bible study group. Jesus says, "Go back. Do the first works."
 
The sad truth is Ephesus did not do that. Today, there's no church there. The church continued to go in the direction that it was going in and it did not heed the words of Jesus. If that can happen to a church that was founded by the apostle Paul, that was pastored by John, Timothy, and Paul, it can happen to any church. If it can happen to a church that's sound doctrinally, that's steadfast, that's successful, that's sacrificial, then it can happen to any church.
 
A woman was riding in a truck with her husband. He was driving the truck and they were sitting on the front bench. She said to him, "Honey, do you remember those times when we were dating and there was no space between us? I was sitting in the middle of that bench, right beside you, and you were driving. There was just no space between us. Don't you remember those good old days? And why don't we do that?" He looked at her and replied, "I never moved."
 
Sometimes we feel distant from God and wonder why we don't feel the same fire and passion for Him as we once did. But just like the husband in the truck who never moved, God never moves away from us. We can always slide closer to Him and rekindle our love for Him. Remember, repent, return to those first works, and you will soon find the fire rekindled with your relationship with the Lord.
 
Dear God, my heart has grown cold. I’m not prioritizing my walk with You. Please forgive me. Remind me of the activities that I used to do, and I commit to returning to them. I never want to leave You, my First Love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Adapted from Reconnect With God (Revelation 2:1-7): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/2vkktq9/reconnect-with-god-revelation-2-1-7

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Ann Landers, the syndicated advice columnist, was at one time receiving ten thousand letters a month from people with all kinds of problems. Someone asked her if there was one common denominator among all her correspondents. She said that the great overriding theme of all the letters she read was fear—fear of nearly everything imaginable until the problem became, for countless readers, a fear of life itself.

Fear is a universal human emotion. We all experience it in different ways and to varying degrees. Often, we don't take the time to understand why we are afraid, what kind of fear it is (healthy or unhealthy), and we have simplistic answers to solving our fears.

While some fears are rational and protect us, others can become debilitating and prevent us from living the abundant life God intends for us. The Bible makes a clear distinction between healthy fear (reverence for God) and unhealthy fear (terror that paralyzes). When 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear," it's referring to that tormenting fear that keeps us from moving forward in faith. These irrational fears can consume our minds and even affect our physical health. But here's the good news: we don't have to live captive to those fears. God has provided everything we need to face our fears with courage and confidence.

There's a great comedy sketch from MADTV starring the incomparable Bob Newhart as - what else - a psychiatrist. His patient tells him she has a pathological fear of being buried alive in a box. He has two words of wisdom: "Stop it!" Somewhat taken aback, she goes on to detail her other issues: she's bulimic, she's been stuck in a series of abusive relationships, she's a compulsive hand-washer. "Stop it," he says. "Just stop it, what are you, some kind of nut?" After five minutes of this, she's had it. Outraged, she protests that she hates this therapy, it's moving too fast, it's ridiculously simplistic. "You want more?" asks Newhart. She nods. He leans across his desk. "Stop it or I'll bury you alive in a box!" he shouts. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QGsU4rN654]
 
Often, when faced with the emotion of fear, people tend to tell others to just "stop" feeling that way. However, God's Word provides us with promises and strength for those fearful moments. God doesn’t simply instruct us to “stop it.” Instead, He empowers us with His Spirit, gifting us with power, love, and a sound mind. We don’t have to let fear control our lives; instead, we can combat it with the truth of Who God is and the promises He has given us. When fear arises, we don’t need to ignore it or face it alone; we can confront it with faith.

Reflection Question:  What promise from God’s Word can you cling to when fear threatens to take over?

Lord, thank You for not leaving me alone in my fear. Help me replace fear with the truth of Your promises and to rely on the power, love, and sound mind that You have given me. In Jesus' Name, amen.

From "God's Answer for Fear": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/cr3n4pv/6-god-s-answer-for-fear

"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

It is crucial to distinguish between our relationship with God and our fellowship with God. When you are a child of God, you are in relationship with God. He's your Father; you are His child. That doesn't change. A doctrine that we need to understand and appreciate is called "The Security of the Believer" (we are secure in Christ). Another doctrine is "The Perseverance of the Saints" (true believers will persevere until the end).

In John 10:27-29, Jesus declares that God will hold you in His hands. He says, "You will not be snatched out of the Father's hands. You'll not be snatched out of My hand." Well, listen, that's your relationship, and your relationship remains unchanged. You're still His child even if you sin, but your fellowship can be damaged.

I have three boys. If one of them were to do something, they're not going to stop being my son. You who are parents know exactly what I'm talking about. They never stop being your child, and yet there may be something that has hurt your fellowship, and that fellowship is what God wants to restore if you'll let Him.

The guilty conscience is a gift from God when it leads to restoration of fellowship. In Hebrews 10:22, we read about people who should feel guilty, and they rightfully do feel guilty. This is the person who is in right relationship with God, but then they've stumbled, they've fallen, they've sinned in some way, and they feel guilty over it. This is a healthy conscience at work.

But Satan loves to take this gift and twist it. He wants to keep your guilty conscience lingering even after confession. He wants you to confess your sin, but then never accept God's forgiveness. He wants you to remain in a broken fellowship even though your relationship is secure.

What God wants is for His children to move from a guilty conscience to a clear conscience. He wants us to be like Paul who said in Acts 24:16, "I have lived my life in good conscience before God and man." That happens when we confess our sins specifically, turn from them, and then receive God's forgiveness completely - recognizing that He has cleansed us "from all unrighteousness."

Our enemy, Satan, also known as "the accuser of the brethren", loves to keep us wallowing in guilt - because a Christian who is constantly feeling guilty about forgiven sin is a Christian who isn't effectively serving God in the present. If Satan can keep you focused on past failures that God has already forgiven, he can rob you of present joy and future effectiveness.

Recognize that you have never stopped being God's son or daughter. Thank Him for His forgiveness and begin to repair the fellowship that was broken because of the sin. If you have asked God to forgive you of specific sin, remember this passage from God's Word: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1

Reflection Question: Is there an area where you've confessed sin but still feel a sense of broken fellowship with God? What would it look like for you to fully receive His forgiveness and restore that fellowship?

Father, thank You for the security I have in my relationship with You through Christ. I recognize that my sin doesn't change my relationship with You, but it can damage our fellowship. Help me to quickly confess my sins when I fail, and then to fully receive Your forgiveness rather than allowing the enemy to keep me in bondage to guilt. I choose today to walk in restored fellowship with You. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "God's Answer for Guilt": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/x8v77x7/5-god-s-answer-for-guilt

"He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Every now and then, somebody says, "Well, what you need to do is forgive yourself" or "You just need to be affirmed." But that misses the whole point of true forgiveness.

Think about it this way: Imagine if I had a guy named Jack and a guy named Bob in front of me, and I punched Jack right in the nose. His eyes start watering, blood streaming down his face, maybe even loosened some teeth. Then imagine Bob steps forward and says, "Now, there's a problem here, but I want you to know that I affirm Josh. I just affirm him. And Josh, I want you to know, I forgive you for what you did to Jack."

And then I respond, "Hey, you don't need to forgive me; I've already forgiven myself."

Meanwhile, Jack is standing there with his nose bleeding. The truth is, only the person who was punched can forgive the one who did the punching. Bob's forgiveness means nothing in this situation, and my self-forgiveness is completely irrelevant to Jack. [Illustration originated from Adrian Rogers, “The Guilt Trap,” in Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive (Signal Hill, CA: Rogers Family Trust, 2017), Zec 3:1–4.]

This is exactly how it works with God. When we sin, we sin against God. We've offended Him. We can "forgive ourselves" all we want, but if God hasn't forgiven us, we're still guilty. We can have others "affirm us," but that doesn't remove our guilt before God.

The truth is when we recognize our sinfulness in the sight of God, against God, He alone can forgive us. He alone can truly get rid of the guilty conscience that we've been experiencing.

We must realize that our sin is against God. He alone can forgive us. He alone can truly get rid of the guilty conscience that we've been experiencing. How can you feel that you are truly forgiven? Let me share this helpful outline, taken from June Hunt [Biblical Counseling Keys on Guilt: Living Guilt Free (Dallas, TX: Hope For The Heart, 2008), 22–24.]:

F - Find the source of your guilt. 2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Find out according to God's word, where is the source of the guilt? Is it because you should feel guilty and need to confess according to His word, or is it because of expectations you had for yourself or others had for you?

O - Own responsibility for your sin. Don't excuse it; don't create an alibi. God will not accept our alibis. If He's told us something to do or not do in His Word, it's because we can do it by God's power.

R - Realize that God means what He says. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Take Him at His Word.

G - Give up dwelling on your past. Isaiah 43:18 says, "Do not remember the former things nor consider the things of old." You can either live in the present or you can live in the past, but you can't do both.

I - Invest time in renewing your mind. Romans 12:2 says, "Don't be conformed to this world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Input equals output. If we put God's word in us, our consciences become properly wired.

V - Verify truth when Satan accuses. Isaiah 54:17 says, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper; every tongue that rises up against you in judgment, you shall condemn." Learn to discern the difference between the Holy Spirit’s voice and that of Satan. Answer Satan’s accusations with truth from Scripture. 

E - Exchange your life for the life of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 describes the great exchange: all of my sin placed on Jesus at the cross, all of His righteousness given to me. Don't shy away from what God says about you. How righteous is Jesus? God's word says you are that righteous before God in Christ.

N - Notice that God brings your feelings in line with the facts when you obey Him. Psalm 32:1 says, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." We place our faith not in how we feel but in what God says, and then our feelings will follow.

There are many times after I've said, "Lord, forgive me," you know what I've said? I've said, "Thank You. Thank You for forgiving me." In that moment, I don't feel forgiven, but I'm thanking Him for His Word because my faith is not in how I feel; it's in what God says. So when He says, "You're forgiven," I may feel like a worm, but yet God's word says I'm forgiven. God's word says I'm cleansed. God's word says I'm a son of God. God's word says that I'm the righteousness of God. Thank you, Lord, for Your forgiveness.

Reflection Question: Which step in the F-O-R-G-I-V-E-N outline do you find most challenging to put into practice? What practical step can you take today to live more fully in God's forgiveness?

Father, thank You for showing me how to live in the reality of Your forgiveness. I choose today to run to You, not from You, when I sin. Thank You that I am completely forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I am the righteousness of God in Christ! In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "God's Answer for Guilt": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/x8v77x7/5-god-s-answer-for-guilt

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." - Psalm 103:12

When God forgives, He doesn't do it halfway. Throughout Scripture, He uses descriptive illustrations to help us understand how completely He removes our sins:

1. He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:11-12). How far is the east from the west? It just continues to go. God wants not just to forgive us; He wants us to understand the depth of that forgiveness.
2. He makes our "scarlet" sins as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). Every time we see a fresh snowfall, we should remind ourselves: "Oh God, You've made my conscience, my soul, my spirit, the real part of me - You've made me, through the blood of Jesus, as white as snow."
3. He forgets our sins (Isaiah 43:25). You say, "I'm sorry, Lord." He says, "I forgive you," and then a week later, the devil brings it back to your mind. You say, "Oh God, I'm so sorry for what I did," and He says, "Sorry for what?" What He chooses to forget - confessed sin, repented of sin - He truly forgets.
4. Our sins disappear like the morning dew (Isaiah 44:6, 22). You go out early in the morning, and everything is wet with dew. By mid-afternoon, it's all gone, all dried up. In the same way, God describes how He forgives our sin and cleanses us as disappearing completely.
5. He casts our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19). "Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us. He will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." It's our job not to go back fishing for them! [This outline is taken from Bob Russell, Life Preservers (Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1997), 96-97.]

The world tries to offer freedom and forgiveness but can never deliver. They try to disguise this by changing the names of things where it's no longer a sin, no longer an offense against God, but God's word is clear. When we uncover our sin before God, He will cover it. When we try to cover our sin, He will uncover it. He wants our relationship to be made right again.

Reflection Question: Which of God's illustrations of forgiveness speaks most powerfully to you? Why do you think you struggle to accept the completeness of God's forgiveness?

Lord, thank You for the vivid pictures You've given us of how completely You forgive. I am in awe that You remove my sins as far as the east is from the west, that You make them white as snow, that You choose to forget them, that they disappear like morning dew, and that You cast them into the depths of the sea. Help me to stop fishing for sins You've already forgiven. Today I choose to stand in the truth of Your complete forgiveness rather than in my feelings. Thank You for Your amazing grace. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "God's Answer for Guilt": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/x8v77x7/5-god-s-answer-for-guilt

"I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." - Acts 24:16

In God's word, we see four different types of consciences that people can have:

1. The Weak Conscience (1 Corinthians 8:7) - People may feel guilty when they should not. Often, people feel guilty about things that are not sins. Paul addressed this when he talked about eating meat sacrificed to idols. There are some areas the Bible is not necessarily condemning, but other people in your life might condemn. Perhaps you have the voice of your mother or father in your ear, or it's peer pressure making you feel guilty about something that isn't actually sinful according to God's word.
2. The Seared Conscience (1 Timothy 4:2) - People should feel guilty, but they don't. If you habitually violate your conscience, it becomes seared. Often, the most effective silencer for the conscience is majority opinion. If everybody's doing it, or at least no one sees anything wrong with it, we don't feel guilty about going along. Bob Russell states, "Our conscience is like a computer. It spits out whatever's been programmed into it."
3. The Guilty Conscience (Hebrews 10:22) - People should feel guilty, and they rightfully do feel guilty. This is the person who is in right relationship with God, but then they've stumbled, fallen, or sinned in some way, and they feel guilty over it. This is a healthy conscience at work.
4. The Clear Conscience (1 Peter 3:15-16) - People do not feel guilty, and they should not feel guilty. This is the place to be for the child of God. As Paul said in Acts 24:16, "I have lived my life in good conscience before God and man." Romans 8:1 reminds us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." [This list is from Bob Russell, Life Preservers (Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1997), 87-90.]

A well-balanced, healthy conscience is more concerned about inward morality than simply outward behaviors. It's sensitive and sensible, not engaging in excessive self-condemnation. It can obtain and accept forgiveness from God and from others.

Reflection Question: Which type of conscience do you identify with most right now? What steps can you take to develop or maintain a clear conscience before God and others?

Heavenly Father, I want to have a conscience that is properly calibrated to Your Word. Show me if my conscience is weak, seared, guilty, or clear. Help me to be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit without falling into self-condemnation. I want to live like Paul, with a clear conscience before You and others. Teach me to accept Your forgiveness completely and to walk in the freedom that comes from a clear conscience. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "God's Answer for Guilt": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/x8v77x7/5-god-s-answer-for-guilt

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10

The biggest thing I want you to take away from this devotion is the difference between what the Bible calls godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, godly guilt and worldly guilt.

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, what did they do? They hid themselves. There was a sense of guilt there. God called out, "Adam, where are you?" And Adam replied, "We hid ourselves." "Why?" "Because we are naked." "Who told you you were naked?"

It's like my dog Rocket who polished off an entire plate of bacon that Lydia had made. When I came downstairs, I couldn't find him anywhere. Why? Because he knew what he did. His tail was down, his ears were down, and he was hiding in his bed, trying to bide his time, hoping we would forget.

What Is True Guilt? [1] From earliest childhood, no one has escaped guilt. We experienced guilt when we stole a cookie or told a lie. The Old Testament Hebrew word asham, with its many derivatives, paints a three-dimensional picture of true guilt.

•  The word guilt refers to the fact of being at fault, deserving punishment and requiring a sacrificial offering.
•  True guilt is the result of sin.
•  When we sin we are guilty, and a penalty must be paid for our sin so that fellowship with God can be restored.
•  After David committed adultery with Bathsheba, he repented and cried out to God, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:4).

 
 What Is False Guilt?[2] False guilt is based on self-condemning feelings that you have not lived up to your own expectations or those of someone else.

• False guilt arises when you blame yourself, even though you've committed no wrong, or when you continue to blame yourself after you've confessed and turned from your sin.
• False guilt keeps you in bondage to three destructive weapons... shame, fear and anger.
• Ironically, confession does not resolve false guilt. Revelation 12:10 says "The accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down." He loves to burden believers with false guilt and condemnation. Some of his favorite strategies are: bringing up the past, reminding you of your failures and making you feel unforgiven and unaccepted by God.

How do you know if the Holy Spirit is convicting you (vs. satan accusing you wrongfully)[3]:

• God will not convict you of something that has already been forgiven and cleansed. Satan loves to bring back up things in a Christian’s past that is already under the blood of Jesus.
• God will convict you of specific sins (1 John 1:9). A Christian can expect the Holy Spirit to be direct when it comes to unconfessed sins. Satan loves to make you feel sinful without really addressing a specific. Adrian Rogers states, “[The devil] wants you to feel absolutely miserable about nothing in particular.”
• God will convict you for the purpose of redeeming you (1 John 2:1-2). 

The truth is, sometimes we should feel guilty for things we have done against God's word. Oftentimes, the world's response to guilt is just to affirm yourself or try to disguise it. But some things you ought to feel a sense of guilt about. This is an emotion God has given us to show us that something's wrong.

True guilt is the result of sin. In our modern society, the only way to get rid of the guilt that plagues everyone's soul is to redefine sin, to redefine what God says is right and wrong. But if we have sinned against God, forgiving ourselves isn't enough. God alone can forgive us and cleanse our guilty conscience.

1 John 1:8-9 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection Question: Is there an area in your life where you've been experiencing guilt? Is it godly sorrow leading to repentance, or worldly sorrow that just makes you feel bad without resolution?

Father, thank You for giving me a conscience that alerts me when I've sinned against You. Help me to recognize the difference between true godly sorrow and false guilt. When I've sinned, give me the courage to confess it specifically to You, knowing You are faithful to forgive and cleanse me completely. Thank You that You don't just forgive me but You cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I receive Your forgiveness today. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "God's Answer for Guilt": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/x8v77x7/5-god-s-answer-for-guilt

[1] June Hunt, Biblical Counseling Keys on Guilt: Living Guilt Free (Dallas, TX: Hope For The Heart, 2008), 1.
[2] Hunt, 4.
[3] These points are adapted from Adrian Rogers, Mastering Your Emotions (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1988), 91-94.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2

Life feels lighter when we share the load. God designed us for community, and He never intended for us to carry our burdens alone. When we walk alongside others, or let them walk with us, our burdens become lighter.

Henry Cloud, a Christian psychologist, shared a fascinating study about stress. In this study, researchers subjected a monkey to various stressors, such as ringing bells, flashing lights, and loud noises. The researchers observed and recorded the monkey’s elevated stress levels.

Then, they introduced a second monkey into the same environment. The stressors—the bells, lights, and noise—remained unchanged, but the first monkey’s stress levels dropped dramatically by 50%.

The presence of a companion made the unbearable stress more manageable. The study concluded that sharing burdens with another drastically reduces the impact of stress. Cloud humorously commented, "If you’re stressed out, you need more monkeys in your life!"

This makes me think of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, that says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." 

This study reminds us of the power of community. When we let others into our lives, sharing our joys and struggles, life becomes more bearable. And when we turn to Jesus, the ultimate burden-bearer, we find strength and peace that surpasses understanding. You were never meant to face life’s challenges alone.

Reflection Question: Who in your life can you lean on during stressful times? How can you be a "monkey" for someone else?

Lord, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to share my burdens with others and be willing to carry theirs as well. Teach me to trust You as my ultimate burden-bearer. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

[see: https://www.facebook.com/DrHenryCloud/posts/hey-guys-one-of-my-favorite-studies-was-done-years-ago-with-monkeys-measuring-th/10152201971784571/]

Adapted from the sermon: "God's Answer for Stress": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/series/vn9m7tk/taming-toxic-emotions

Scripture: "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." — 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)

There’s a story about an art collector who loved his son dearly. When the son passed away, a portrait of the son became the centerpiece of the father’s collection. Upon the father’s death, an auction was held for his enormous art collection. The first item up for bid? The portrait of his son.

The crowd was restless, eager to bid on the Picassos and the Rembrandts. No one seemed interested in the son’s portrait. Finally, a man offered a small bid and won the painting. At that moment, the auctioneer announced, “The auction is over. The will stipulates that whoever gets the son gets it all.”

Friend, when you have the Son—Jesus—you have everything. All the promises of God are yes and amen in Him. Don’t seek the blessings more than the Blesser. Don’t focus on the gifts more than the Giver. When you have Jesus, you have all you’ll ever need.

Reflection Question: How can you focus more on Jesus, the Giver, rather than the gifts in your life?

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son. In Him, I have access to every promise and blessing. Help me to treasure Christ above all else and to trust in Your faithfulness each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

From "Standing on the Promises": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/36zxsxp/6-standing-on-the-promises

"...in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." -- Ephesians 2:21-22 (NKJV)

I have got this miscellaneous bucket of Legos. On their own, those pieces seem useless. Scattered, unconnected, not contributing to anything. But when someone with a master plan puts those pieces together, and they begin to take shape, now they become useful. Every piece in its place. Every piece is being used. But as long as a piece stays in the bucket, it does not help anybody.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 2 that the church is a building - a holy temple - and every one of us is a stone in that structure, being fitted together by God Himself. The question is not whether God has a place for you. He does. The question is whether you are willing to be placed where He wants you.

When I was around ten or eleven years old, my dad handed me a pile of rocks, some gravel, and a batch of mixed concrete. He said, "Josh, you're going to build a wall around this particular part of our driveway." I asked him what to do when a rock did not fit. He said, "That's what the hammer and chisel are for. Break it down and shape it until it fits." That rock wall still stands there today.

I took those irregular, uniquely shaped rocks and chipped and pieced them together until they fit just right. Many times, I would try to shape a rock for a particular spot and just could not make it work. So I set it aside and tried another one until I found just the right stone for that section of the wall.

That is what God does with you. He sees His grand design. He looks at every stone available to Him. And He says about you, "Here is a unique piece. On its own, it may seem ordinary. But given to Me, it can become useful. Unique and perfectly placed."

I used to pray, "God, use me however You want to use me." My mentor, Dr. Bill Bennett, heard me one day and said, "Josh, stop praying 'God use me.'" I said I just wanted God to use me. He said, "Make yourself usable, and God will wear you out."

Have you made yourself usable? Have you laid your stone at the altar and said, "I am committed, not only to the universal worldwide church but also to my particular local church and to these specific people." You do not just belong to God. You belong to each other. And when every piece is in its place, the building becomes exactly what He always had in mind.

Reflection Question: Have you truly made yourself usable, not just as a believer, but as a committed, available part in your local church?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for having a place in Your church just for me. Forgive me for staying scattered and disconnected when You designed me to be fitted and placed. Today I lay myself at Your feet. Shape me, chip away what does not fit, and place me exactly where You need me. I belong not only to You but to the church You have called me to. Help me to show up and make myself usable for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from: You Belong (Ephesians 2:19-22): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vzdhfww/10-you-belong-eph-2-19-22

"So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family." Ephesians 2:19 (NLT)

Right after Paul said Christians are citizens of a new kingdom, he adds that they are also members of a new family.

I once attended one of my family gatherings, and I noticed something. In the same home, there were babies and older relatives. There were teenagers and young couples. Everyone under the same roof. Nobody was sanctioned off. Nobody was told, "You can't sit over here." Why? Because we are a family. This is exactly what Paul is explaining here. God had a plan long ago to incorporate both Jews and Gentiles into a single family under the banner of Jesus Christ. God would be our Heavenly Father, and we would be brothers and sisters in Christ.

So what does that mean for us? It means we should be unified. It means we belong to one another. My gifts belong to you. Your gifts belong to me. We can be counted on the way a family can be.

As a pastor, I've noticed something. Sometimes someone will go through a hard season and look for someone to lean on, and the support just isn't there. But often (not always), for years and years, they were never the kind of person others could lean on either. Proverbs 18:24 says, "He who has friends must show himself friendly." If we want friends, we should first be friendly ourselves. Galatians 6:7-8 says, "We reap what we sow." If you have been sowing into people's lives, encouraging them, praying for them, walking with them through the hard seasons, then when your own hard season comes, you will find somebody's arm around your shoulder. Often, they are the same ones you were reaching out to before.

You might say, "I don't need anybody. I'm strong. I'm independent." As Americans, we often idealize the independent spirit. That is not what Jesus envisioned for His church. Jesus describes the church as interdependent, leaning on one another when we need it most.

Romans 12:5 says we are "individually members of one another." The New Living Translation puts it simply: "We belong to each other." My gifts belong to you. I belong to you. We are not just friends and acquaintances. We are family members, locked together. Whatever is happening in the world, whatever groups are in conflict with one another, is all secondary. The primary thing that brings us together is that we have all come under the banner of Jesus Christ. That is what ties us together.

Somebody said even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. You were not designed to do this alone. You need what the church provides. You need the church family. You belong, not just to God, but also to each other.

Reflection Question: Are you the kind of person others can lean on? Is there someone in your church family right now who needs you to show up for them the way you would want someone to show up for you?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making me part of Your family, with brothers and sisters I can count on and who can count on me. Forgive me for the times I have tried to do life on my own, like I don't need anybody. Help me to be the kind of person who shows up. Who encourages. Who prays. Who walks with people through the hard stuff. I want to sow into the people around me so that when they need someone, I am there. And remind me today that I don't just belong to You. I belong to the church family. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from: You Belong (Ephesians 2:19-22): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vzdhfww/10-you-belong-eph-2-19-22

"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV)

The church is not a manmade structure or a human invention. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." The church is Jesus' idea. In Ephesians 5, Paul makes it clear that Jesus Christ loves the church. He is devoted to the church. And He wants you, as His follower, to be a part of it. But it takes your participation to make that happen. In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul gives us three images that help us understand what it means to belong to this community.

The first image is this: we are citizens in God's kingdom. Paul writes, "You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints." There is a different relationship now. You may say, "I'm an American citizen." That's fine. But as a Christian, you have a dual citizenship. You may be American, but your primary allegiance should always be to Jesus Christ.

Jesus repeatedly spoke about His kingdom throughout the Gospels. When He came, He said, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). In Matthew 6:33, He says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Even the political leaders of His day thought He was talking about a physical, political kingdom. We know, looking back, that He was speaking of a spiritual kingdom.

So what does that kingdom look like? Romans 14:17 tells us: "The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Righteousness - being in right standing with God. Peace - the shalom of God - that contentment of knowing I am right with Him and in His family. And joy - not mere happiness, but something the Holy Spirit produces in our hearts regardless of our circumstances.

How do we seek first the kingdom of God? It starts when I ask Jesus to rule and reign in my heart. And after He rules in me, I seek His kingdom by praying for it to take hold in someone else. My spouse, my children, my grandchildren, my community. That's how we expand His kingdom. That's how we seek it.

Someone has described local churches as embassies of heaven. An embassy is an officially sanctioned outpost of one nation located inside the borders of another nation. It represents that nation, its government, its values, and its identity. If you've ever visited Washington, D.C., you can walk down Embassy Row and see flags from all over the world flying in front of their respective buildings. Entering an embassy feels like stepping into another country—an entirely different environment, language, and culture.

This passage is teaching us that the local church is an embassy of heaven. When you walk through the doors of the church, the believer who has said "Jesus, be my Lord" ought to sense something special: I belong here. This is my tribe. This is my country. This is a foretaste of heaven.

Christians should not be surprised when they go throughout this world and don't feel completely at home here. Jesus said His followers would be in the world but not of the world. You have a different allegiance. Your allegiance is not to the kingdoms of this world. It is to the kingdom of God. You are a citizen of a new country.

When you come to church, it should feel like home. Not because we always get it right, and not because we never disagree. But because we are living our lives according to the same Book - the Bible, and striving together to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ. We have a shared allegiance.

Reflection Question: Where do you feel the most tension between your citizenship in this world and your citizenship in God's kingdom? What is one practical way you can let your allegiance to His kingdom shape how you live this week?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that I am not a stranger to You. By the blood of Jesus, I have been made a citizen of Your kingdom, and I belong to something bigger than myself. Forgive me for the times my allegiance has gotten confused, when I have sought the things of this world more than I have sought You. Today, I ask You to rule and reign in my heart. Let my allegiance be clear. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from: You Belong (Ephesians 2:19-22): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vzdhfww/10-you-belong-eph-2-19-22

"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV)

I love Legos, and I could spend hours building them, but one frustration I have is when a piece is missing. When my boys were younger, I would build a set and put it on display. Then, they would get the set down and begin to play with it. One of them might have a creative idea that would take one of the big components from the first set I just built and move it elsewhere. Then they might find some miscellaneous Legos from somewhere else and just start attaching all these different things together. The new creation might be great, but when they want the original set back together, they would call me to fix it.

I'd tell them it doesn't work right because there are missing pieces. They wouldn't know where the pieces went. So, I'd spend a lot of time trying to find the missing piece! Usually, it wasn't a simple piece or a regular piece. It wasn't just a standard brick. It was unique, made specifically for a particular function. Until that piece is found, certain parts of the set will not function properly.

Sometimes, I wonder if that's how God feels about His church. He has the plan, and He knows how every piece fits into that plan. He is building His body - the church - and each one of us has a unique place. But what happens? That one unique piece, for one reason or another, begins to drift away. It is no longer attached to the church, and the church is not functioning as optimally as God designed. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we each have a place to fill, something to do, and that we are His masterpiece, His work of art. If we don't do our part, we are just stranded somewhere and not useful to the body of Christ.

You might say, "Well, God will find someone else to fill that role." We need to realize that we are vital to what God wants to do in His church. Without each of us doing our specific part, the church is not as strong as it needs to be. We are not only unique pieces. We are meant to be connected to Christ's body - the church.

We don't just belong to the invisible, universal church. We also belong to the local church. We are specific pieces necessary for everything to work the way God designed it to work. Paul gives us three images of the church in Ephesians 2:19-22, and each one says something important about where you fit.

1) You are a fellow citizen. You are not just a visitor. You hold full rights and responsibilities within God's kingdom. The church relies on its members actively participating and fulfilling their roles.

2) You are a member of God's household. This is family language. When someone is missing from the dinner table, the rest of the family feels it. There is a hole that nobody else can quite fill the same way. God builds His church the same way He builds a family. Each person is placed in the family of God on purpose.

3) You are part of a holy temple being fitted together. "Fitted together" sounds like Lego language to me. God's ongoing work in building a local church involves placing, connecting, and securing each piece, contributing to the overall strength and structure. You are not an accidental or leftover piece. Your presence is essential, and when you're not in your place, the church doesn't quite function the way He intends.

So, if you have drifted away from your church family, today is the day to come back. The church needs its missing piece, and that missing piece is YOU!

Reflection Question: Are you in the place God has designed for you, or have you drifted away from the local church?

Dear Heavenly Father, I sometimes forget I matter to what You're building. I convince myself that someone else can fill my spot. But Your Word says otherwise. You call me a citizen, family, a piece of what You're still putting together, meaning You're not finished with me. Today, show me where I belong. Give me the courage to stop sitting on the sidelines. I want to be connected to the body of Christ, right where You need me. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from: You Belong (Ephesians 2:19-22): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vzdhfww/10-you-belong-eph-2-19-22

"Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25, Living Bible

Research described in Feeling Alone in a Crowded Congregation[1] shows that loneliness is not just emotionally painful; it can also harm us physically. It creates a kind of stress that contributes to chronic inflammation and increases the risk of heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. One striking statement says that loneliness has the same effect on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That is how serious the epidemic of loneliness is.

We are social beings. Human connection is essential for brain function, physical health, and emotional well-being. We are hardwired to connect, and yet modern society has reduced both how often we interact and the quality of those relationships.

If we are honest, we know this is true. We can sit across from a friend at a table and still be tempted to retreat into a smartphone instead of engaging the person in front of us. We have tools called social media that were meant to build community, yet they often leave us more disconnected than before.

Loneliness may be one of the great epidemics of contemporary Western culture. It is a symptom of an individualistic society. The closest family relationships may still remain strong, and casual acquaintances may still exist, but the middle ring of relationships - those meaningful, steady friendships that build true community - is where the greatest loss has taken place. And this is happening in the church too.

Sometimes people adopt the mindset: “I’m a lone ranger Christian. I don’t need anybody.” But that philosophy does not match God’s design. We are created for community. We belong with other believers. We should prioritize relationships in the church family.

However, community takes commitment - it won't happen without your effort. It begins with intentionality. A simple step is to show up at church gatherings 15 minutes early and stay 15 minutes late. That kind of effort creates opportunities to meet people, talk, and begin forming relationships.

It also helps to recognize the value of groups. Relationships grow when people gather in settings like an adult Bible fellowship, Sunday school class, men’s or women’s Bible studies. People may come together to study God’s Word, but one of the beautiful byproducts is that they begin to know one another. They may not know everyone, but they come to know a few. And as those relationships grow one at a time, over time, real community begins to form.

If you have been feeling isolated, do not accept loneliness as normal. Do not believe the lie that you do not need others. God’s intention all along has been that believers live in community. Take one small step. Be present. Be intentional. Make room for relationships. As you do, the Lord can build community one person at a time.

Lord, thank You for creating me for connection and community. Forgive me for the times I have embraced isolation or distraction with technology over real relationships. Help me to be intentional in building fellowship with other believers. Teach us to value the relationships You want to build in my life. In Jesus' Name, amen.

[1] https://www.crossway.org/articles/feeling-alone-in-a-crowded-congregation/

Adapted from: You Belong (Ephesians 2:19-22): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vzdhfww/10-you-belong-eph-2-19-22

Psalm 119:18 - "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law."

2 Timothy 2:15 - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The journey of studying Scripture requires more than just reading - it demands careful observation, interpretation, and application. Here are some principles to effectively studying God’s Word.

1. Begin with Prayer - The Bible is a spiritual book that requires spiritual understanding. Without the Holy Spirit's help, we cannot fully grasp its meaning. Prayer opens our spiritual eyes to see what God wants to reveal.
2. Read Scripture as Pointing to Jesus - The entire Bible tells one unified story of God's redemption through Jesus Christ. Both Old and New Testaments point to Jesus as the promised Messiah and central Hero of the story.
3. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture - When encountering unclear passages, look to clearer verses on the same topic. The Bible doesn't contradict itself but rather complements and explains itself.
4. Take Time to Meditate - Don't rush through reading. Take time to deeply consider passages, perhaps reading them in different translations to gain fresh perspective.

Other Practical Tips for Bible Study

• Study the context of the passage rather than isolating verses.
• Read in community with other believers – like a Bible study group or Sunday School class.
• Be aware of historical and cultural background.
• Pay attention to different biblical genres (poetry, narrative, prophecy, etc.).
• Approach Scripture with faith and willingness to obey.
• Use study tools like commentaries and Bible dictionaries. Many free online tools exist, like www.biblegateway.com, www.blueletterbible.org, and www.preceptaustin.org.

The Bible was given not just to inform us but to transform us. Consider these questions:

• Am I approaching Scripture with a humble, teachable spirit?
• Do I take time to truly understand what God is saying before jumping to application?
• Am I willing to obey what God reveals through His Word?

Take the challenge: Choose one book of the Bible and commit to reading it daily for 30 days, asking God to reveal new insights each time. Take notes on what you observe and how it applies to your life.

A dusty Bible leads to a dirty life. Make time to regularly engage with God's Word, allowing it to transform your mind and shape your life according to His will.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. - 1 John 5:3

Understanding God's Word isn't just an intellectual exercise - it's connected to our willingness to obey. When we commit to following what we already know, God faithfully reveals more of His truth to us. God has no obligation to give you any more light until you're willing to obey him in what you already understand in His Word. It's like climbing a mountain; each step of obedience takes us higher, giving us a clearer view of God's perspective. Conversely, refusing to obey what we already understand can block our spiritual growth and understanding. Simple obedience opens the door to further revelation.
 
Reflection Question - Is there something God has already shown you in His Word that you need to act on before seeking more understanding?
 
Father, I choose today to obey what You've already shown me in Your Word. I pray for more understanding as I continue to read and study. Reveal Your truth to me as I follow You more faithfully. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
 
Check out an article entitled: "When Your Bible Becomes a Sword" https://www.joshfranklin.org/blog/2024/04/09/when-your-bible-becomes-a-sword

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:15

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." - Psalm 119:11

When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), He didn't rely on His divine power - He relied on Scripture. This wasn't just a coincidence; it was a model for us to follow. Jesus demonstrated that the Word of God is our most effective weapon against spiritual attacks. He didn't argue with the devil or try to reason with him; He simply quoted Scripture. Jesus didn't have the scroll of Deuteronomy in his backpack on his way to the Mount of Temptation. He has memorized and internalized God’s Word, which is our best strategy against Satan’s temptations as well. We don't need elaborate strategies or complex solutions for spiritual warfare - we need to know and speak God's Word.
 
Reflection Question - How can you better prepare yourself to follow Jesus' example of using Scripture when faced with temptation?
  
 “Jesus, thank You for showing me how to handle temptation and spiritual warfare. Help me follow Your example of standing firm on God's Word. Help me as I grow in the discipline to memorize and internalize Scripture so I’m ready when challenges come. In Your Name, amen.”
  
 From the audio message: "When Your Bible Becomes a Sword ": https://www.joshfranklin.org/sermons
 also check out an article also entitled: "When Your Bible Becomes a Sword" https://www.joshfranklin.org/blog/2024/04/09/when-your-bible-becomes-a-sword

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." - Hebrews 13:8
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." – Isaiah 40:8
 
If you watch news media outlets, you are confronted with conflicting narratives. You watch or read from one source, and you are given one set of apparent “facts”. You watch or read from another source, and you are given a different set of apparent “facts”. You think to yourself, “Who is right? What is right? What is wrong?” Well, in a world where truth seems increasingly relative and facts are constantly debated, isn't it comforting to know there's something that never changes? While social media feeds and news outlets might present conflicting narratives, God's Word stands firm and unchanging. This isn't just about having a stable reference point - it's about having an anchor for our souls. When everything around us seems to shift like sand, God's truth remains solid ground. His promises, His character, and His love for us are constants we can build our lives upon.

Reflection Question - In what ways have you seen God's unchanging nature provide stability in your life during times of uncertainty?

Lord, thank You for being my unchanging foundation in a changing world. Help me anchor myself on Your truth rather than the shifting sands of cultural opinions. Give me discernment to recognize Your unchanging voice amid the noise. In Jesus' Name, amen.
 
From the audio message: "When Your Bible Becomes a Sword ": https://www.joshfranklin.org/sermons

also check out an article also entitled: "When Your Bible Becomes a Sword" https://www.joshfranklin.org/blog/2024/04/09/when-your-bible-becomes-a-sword

Living in a democratic republic as a Christian American has a unique set of challenges. At times, we are misunderstood by Christians living in other countries, whose form of government is more of a dictatorship. Christians in these kinds of countries quote Romans 13:1, which says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.” We are told to be more submissive as faithful Christians. However, our country is unique. Here, we have certain freedoms and responsibilities enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
 
Christians living in our specific time and history should realize that there are cultural and societal differences between America in the 21st century and the Roman Empire of the 1st century, under dictatorships. That was not a democracy.

We should be submissive as law-abiding, Christian Americans, but we should also be informed and involved in our civic responsibilities.
 
For instance, citizens in other countries may not get to vote on who will lead their country. We not only can vote in America, we should vote, and we should be active in the process. Citizens in other countries may not have the freedom of religion or the freedom of speech like Americans have. With those freedoms, Christians in America have a right and a responsibility to do what is possible to help shape the country in which we live. We have the privilege of being a voice in the marketplace of ideas. Unlike non-democratic settings, we are not merely submissive but actively engage in self-governance—of the people, by the people, and for the people. We must embrace the responsibility of sharing our thoughts, ideas, and convictions. Our vote matters. Our voice matters.

Proverbs 29:2 reads, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
 
Americans choose to vote for a candidate based on what issues they perceive are essential versus non-essential. There are substance issues to consider and style issues to consider. Substance should be more important than style, but style is not unimportant. The choice between two parties or two candidates may be very difficult. You may not prefer either platform, party or candidate, but to not choose is a choice. Christians must prayerfully think through what is essential and what is non-essential in making their political choices.

Pray, be informed, and vote your Biblical convictions!

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12
 
Have you ever felt like you're in a battle you can't see? That's because you are. As believers, we face spiritual warfare daily, though it often goes unnoticed. The good news is that we're not left defenseless. Just as a soldier wouldn't enter battle without proper training and equipment, God hasn't left us unprepared for spiritual warfare. He's given us the most powerful weapon possible - His Word. The Bible is more than just a physical Book you can read. It can become a powerful weapon you can use in this spiritual battle. When we face challenges, temptations, or doubts, we're not just dealing with physical or emotional struggles - we're engaged in a spiritual battle that requires spiritual weapons. Believers must discover how to take the Bible and transform it into the spiritual weapon God has given us. Only then will we be prepared to face the spiritual challenges of today.
 
Reflection Question - What areas of your life feel like a battlefield right now, and how might viewing them through a spiritual lens change your approach?
 
“Heavenly Father, open my eyes to the spiritual battle around me. Help me recognize when I'm facing spiritual opposition and remind me that You've equipped me with everything I need for victory. In Jesus' Name, amen.”
 
From the audio message: "When Your Bible Becomes a Sword ": https://www.joshfranklin.org/sermons

also check out an article also entitled: "When Your Bible Becomes a Sword" https://www.joshfranklin.org/blog/2024/04/09/when-your-bible-becomes-a-sword

"Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves…. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." – James 1:21, 22, 25
 
Other voices will speak into every situation under heaven, but the question remains, “What does God's Word say?” In a world full of competing opinions, we need a reliable source of truth. God's Word stands as our ultimate authority, providing clear guidance and wisdom for every situation we face. While other voices may change with the times, Scripture remains constant and trustworthy. When we make God's Word our final authority, we build our lives on a foundation that cannot be shaken. It's not outdated or irrelevant - it speaks directly to our modern challenges with timeless wisdom and truth.
 
Reflection Question - How do you respond when God's Word challenges popular opinions or cultural norms?
 
Prayer - Lord, help me to trust Your Word as my ultimate authority. Give me courage to stand on Your truth, even when it goes against the current of popular opinion. Thank You for being my unchanging foundation. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

From "The Book That Changes Lives":
https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/dbr99vy/3-the-book-that-changes-lives