KLOVE RADIO FEATURES – JUNE 2025
ABSOLUTE FAITH & COMPLETE INDIFFERENCE –
Is it possible that one way to find peace is to mix absolute faith and complete indifference? Being fully persuaded to do what God has asked you to do, but comparably apathetic to what happens when you’re obedient. One example of this is found in the lives of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Book of Daniel. They calmly shared with King Nebuchadnezzar, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18) They had absolute faith in God’s power to save them but were completely indifferent to their mortal peril. “Jesus, help us to live with that level of ‘pure faith’ and trust!’”
WHEN NEEDS ARE PREFERENCES
What if our attachment to a “need” is merely a preference? Paul expressed this conviction in Philippians 4:11-13 when he wrote, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul was fully persuaded that his faith in Jesus empowered him to be indifferent to his circumstances. He found strength and contentment regardless of whether he was experiencing abundance or need. “We are grateful, Jesus, that You alone know and will meet our real needs vs. Our wants.”
SLOW DOWN & LIVE SAFE
I’ve always been wired to get more done in less time. At times, it’s been divinely inspired. Lately, it’s been more dangerous, walking up and down stairs, handling glassware, and even brushing my teeth, as my right nostril found out at blistering speed. So, I’m getting the message: slow down and live safe. Why should that be so hard? Is it reflecting on my value and usefulness to be more painstaking to experience less pain? An easy sentence to believe, but a harder habit to admit. So, I’m making the confession, I need to slow down to live safely and finish well. Humbling to say, which in itself seems absurd, but necessary to activate the grace required to open my heart and ears and be obedient. There is no clearer definition of pride than feeling awkward saying, “Jesus, help me to slow down.”
WHEN SORROW IS NOT PUNISHMENT
Some of those who crucified Jesus assumed He was dying for His sins and not for the sins of the world. Yet, as the Bible says, Jesus was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, and was acquainted with our grief. (Isaiah 53:3) Perhaps you think this about yourself, that your sorrows are connected to things you’ve done wrong. That may be true on some level, but it’s just as possible it’s a lie from the enemy. Sorrow is a part of everyone’s life. Job experienced enormous sorrow that the Bible says was not connected to his sin. The Bible says, at times, we should weep with those who weep, empathizing with their pain, while not feeling sorry for them, but believing that God has hope for their future. Let Jesus take your sorrows. That’s why He came.
DON’T BELIEVE YOUR UNBELIEF
There’s one thing in life that each of us should never believe. It’s what amazed Jesus the most when people believed it more than the truth, His words, even His miracles. It wasn’t when they lied or believed elaborately conceived deceptions. From Christ’s vantage point, this was far worse. It baffled Him. How could anyone believe in something so absurd? If it amazed Jesus, it should scare us. It’s called “unbelief.” Jesus was so shocked and astonished, the Bible says, “He could not do any miracles there.” (Mark 6:5) So, what’s the takeaway? The next time “unbelief” creeps into your thoughts and tries to dismiss what you know in God’s Word is true, resist it. As James 4:7 promises, “… humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”