KLOVE Radio Features – May 2023
WHY I DO WHAT I DO
Why I do what I do is more important than anything I could ever accomplish for God. John 5 says that because the Father loves the Son, He shows Him everything He is doing. Love is the only truly pure reason to do anything worthwhile. Christ’s love compels us. (2 Corinthians 5:14) Love is the selfless motive for doing that which is eternal. “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3) In the end, we will not be primarily judged for what we have done, but for our motive. The Bible says in Hebrew 4:12, the Eternal Word will judge the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. “Jesus, purify my heart and motive with your selfless love.”
“GOD, YOU SHOULDN’T SAY THAT!”
Have you ever read a scripture verse where Jesus is speaking, and thought… “You shouldn’t say things like that.” In Mark 8, after Jesus told His disciples that he would suffer, be killed, and yet rise again after three days, Peter rebuked Jesus and told Him not to say things like that. To which, Jesus told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan.” (Mark 8:33) Hmm? Not what you want to hear the God of the Universe say to you. When God says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts,” (Isaiah 55:8) He means it. So, when reading the Word of God, prepare for the unexpected. You may question why Jesus said something that stretches you, but never question the accuracy or value of what He is saying. That may only get you a piercing, “Get behind Me, Francis.” “All Scripture is inspired by God…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
BORN FOR TROUBLE
I was born for trouble…made for a fight…called as a warrior, from morning till night. Such is the destiny of every true Christ-follower. We are disciples and whole-hearted followers of the God Who came to Earth to fight the fight of faith and give His life for us. That’s our calling. The battlefield of Earth is the proving ground of our character and courage. Job 5:7 says, “People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire.” Born for trouble…made for a fight! Ephesians affirms this, “…put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” (Ephesians 6:13, NIV) Earth’s clothing isn’t a prom outfit…it’s body armor; helmets of salvation, breastplates of righteousness, shields of faith… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:16-17)
OUR FIVE CLOSEST FRIENDS
It’s been said we become like our five closest friends. Therefore, choose them wisely. The prophet Isaiah calls Abraham a friend of God. (Isaiah 41:8 ) Good choice. A best friend has seen you at your worst and still likes you. Make God your closest friend. He created you, loves you, died for you, and knows you best. Next, if you are married, your spouse should then be your next closest friend. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” (Ephesians 5:25, ESV) If you have children, stay close to them all the days of your life. “Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the glory of children is their parents.” (Proverbs 17:6) Lastly, when choosing friends, remember, “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV) But a true friend loves at all times. (Proverbs 17:17)
COME AND SEE!
We live in an age when people are so afraid of being rejected or canceled, they allow their courage to evaporate. Unbelief becomes a passive “Wait and See.” The opposite of bold Faith which challenges us to get up and “Come and See.” “…the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1), and a lion “…doesn’t retreat for anything.” (Proverbs 30:30, NET) Double mindedness leads to instability. (James 1:8) As The Message says, you are “adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.” I can be so open, I’ll spend my life saying, “Ready! Aim! Aim! Aim!” but never commit to “Fire!” Jude calls this being a “…cloud without rain… an autumn tree, without fruit…” (Jude 1:12, NIV) “Jesus, give us the courage to step out of our fear-filled boats when you tell us to, and to patiently wait when it’s your perfect will to do so.”
THE MULTICULTURAL CHURCH
As the birth of the Church in Acts 2 was multicultural, so its continued growth and health will include people from every ethnic background as well. “At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem… When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.” (Acts 2:5-6) As God began this pattern of inclusion on Earth, so Eternity will affirm it. “…behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne…” (Revelation 7:9) Whoever you are…whatever your ethnic or cultural background, the Creator of all people has made each of us a unique expression of Who He is, and for that we can all be thankful.