The world acknowledges two Jesuses: the Jesus of the Scriptures and the Jesus of culture.

The Jesus of culture is not the true Jesus but one who conforms to the world.

I am writing to the followers of the Jesus of Scripture. The Jesus of Scripture wants to lead you and me as a shepherd leads his sheep, a general leads his army, and as a faithful father leads his family. This type of sovereign leader knows the way that will bring wholeness, goodness, and abiding mercy and love to the object of His love and grace.

Trusting in His Loyalty

In the midst of trouble, confusion, evil, and destruction, God is constantly asking us for our hearts to say, “Yes, Lord, no matter what, for Your glory.”

I believe our Lord Jesus is asking us to not lean on our own understanding but trust His loving loyalty in all our circumstances.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

My interpretation of that verse is when I cannot understand the finger of God or His hand, I know I can trust the heart of my Savior. His ways are beyond my understanding, but His love can be trusted for our good.

Remember in the depth of His sorrow and pain, His thoughts were on you and me as He whispered to God, “‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).’” He could have added, “But You know, Father, what You are doing through Me.”

And even today as Jesus asks us for our obedience to His ways and words, it’s only because He wants to ravish our hearts with His presence. Brothers and sisters, we are never alone. He is with us, and in us, and in this very hour is working all things together for our good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

The Church is on the Defense

I think today that most Christians would agree that the Church is on the defense in America and that we are in a state of retreat because we have lost our moral authority. I lose my moral authority when Jesus does not become prominent in everything that I do and every decision I make.

Remember the passion of His life when He went into the temple and exploded with passionate rebuke?

“… for zeal for your house consumes me … .” -Psalm 69:9

Yes, this is the Jesus of Scripture, who dwells within each of us. And, yes, Jesus wants our hearts so He can give each of us His passion and His compassion for our world today.

Take Risks for Jesus

Yes, I know we each desire to know and serve the Jesus of Scripture, but all the saints and heroes of our faith had to take risks in the culture in which they lived. Remember, we are really in a war zone for the hearts and minds of those in our network.

I will follow these thoughts with the story in the book of Daniel about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They took the risk. They went public and got thrown in the fiery furnace.

Take courage, and meditate on the words from the book of Job.

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him … .” -Job 13:15

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