Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

One Nation Under God

For generations, school children have learned and recited the Pledge of Allegiance in schools across the nation. The basic framework of our pledge was formed by Francis Bellamy in 1892 and was officially adopted as the national pledge in 1942. The wording underwent an update in 1954 when the words “Under God” were added and the form of the pledge we have today is this version.

The significance of the words “Under God” must never be overlooked. The addition of these words occurred under the influence of Rev. George Docherty who claimed, “To omit the words ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance is to omit the definitive factor in the American way of life.” Today, individuals battle over keeping or removing these words and other references to God in our government mottos, seals, etc. The truth of the matter is that under God is the only true location where genuine justice, liberty, and freedom occur.

The culture has become dominated by a motivation to fix problems such as racism with manmade theories and approaches. Each approach leads to new issues and ultimately does not fix the issue. Within our culture today a battle rages over movements and theories like Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality as cures for the problems within society. Such theories and attempts do not elevate the motto under God, but instead attempt to remove God from the equation and redefine everything. The reality is that movements like Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality cannot cure the dilemmas faced as a nation. The only place true healing can take place rests in living out individual and collective lives under God.

The Bible reveals that the gospel stands as the cure to the oppressions and dilemmas we face. In Acts 10, the apostle Peter received a vision from the Lord in which a garment descended with animals of all types. The message to Peter was take and eat. Peter’s desire to remain obedient to the law stated that he could not take and eat for the meat was unclean. The Lord responded to Peter that what the Lord creates is not unclean. Peter understood the message considering the tension between the Jews and Gentiles and the need to accept Gentile believers. This passage demonstrates how the genuine healing of the cultural tensions that exists occur only under God.

First, every individual has great worth as a creation of God. The ability to see others with value comes when we recognize that God has created everyone with worth and value. The Psalmist declared that each person has been wonderfully and fearfully made, Jeremiah the prophet recognized that he was created for a purpose, and Peter received the vision mentioned previously. Each occurrence reveals the truth that God as Creator creates with value and worth. The truth that individuals have great worth as a creation of God needs to exist if a nation really exists under God. This does not mean that individuals are without issues or sin, but it means that we do not condone sinfulness and the activities against the Lord, but we still love and interact with each other in recognition of God’s creation.

Second, personal blindness is overcome in the power of the Lord. The division in this world rests mainly on physical, ideological, and ethnic differences. The issue arises when personal blindness does not allow one to see others with value and worth. The divisions form areas of oppression and humanity attempts to solve these tensions through social justice movements and the use of ideologies like Critical Race Theory. These methods ultimately fail as they flow from a broken ideology of humanity. The ability to overcome the blindness of the flesh that leads to forms of oppression ultimately are defeated in the power of the Lord. The Lord alone can remove the blinders of humanity and allow individuals to see one another with respect while practicing truth and love together. Thus, the gospel not a theory or movement exists as the only corrective procedure to deal with humanity’s blindness.

Third, unity comes under God. Genuine unity does not come through governmental forms or methods of humanity, but under Christ alone. The apostle Paul declared that in Christ there was not Jew or Greek, slave or free. Later Paul declared that all things are held together in Christ. Thus, the unity and peace sought by many in our culture does not come through the attempts of humanity but occurs when people become surrendered to the Lordship of Christ and live under God. Thus, for genuine unity to occur, our nation must be one nation UNDER GOD. It is under God that hope, unity, and peace become a reality.

This week as we celebrate the Fourth of July and the birth of our nation, may we not forget that we must be one nation under God. Thus, this week will you:

1. Pray for spiritual awakening in America.

2. Pray for unity and peace because of being united in Christ.

3. Pray that we will repent and seek the Lord.

4. Pray that everyone will allow the Lord to work in his or her life.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Are You Battle Ready?

As followers of Christ, we battle away with the forces of darkness on a consistent basis. The struggle in the battle often occurs from forces that exist externally, while other forces come from the internal. As a result, believers live in a constant state of the danger zone, ever battling to remain faithful in the Lord and to seek Him faithfully with all of our lives. The Apostle Paul understood the reality of the daily battle and challenged believers to fight well by preparing and contending through the armor of the Lord.

The Apostle Paul began by commanding believers to be STRONG in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10). When understanding the strength that comes from the Lord, the believer needs to know that God’s strength is ever available. In the original language, the Apostle placed the term in the present active voice. This means that the strength of the Lord is ever available in the life of the believer and that the strength is an active reality. Thus, to be strong in the Lord means that God strengthens us in our weaknesses and provides the ability to our availability.

Likewise, we need to understand that the strength and might of the Lord is more than enough for the battle. The struggles and conflicts we face never overcome the might and strength of the Lord. The Apostle used the passive tense with the term might in this passage. The usage of the passive tense reminds us that God has more than enough might available to handle any situation or dynamic. This is because might is built into the character of the Lord. To be battle ready means that we are trusting on the strength of the Lord and not our ability or strength.

The Apostle challenged believers to STAND FIRM in the Lord (Ephesians 6:11-12). As believers, we must stand firm in the Lord against the enemy that comes against us. Especially, we need to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Satan desires to cause a stumbling in our lives and force us to falter. Thus, the evil one schemes against us by using various forms of temptation. Satan tempts us through our desires (appetites), what looks good to us (aesthetics), and our fleshly hopes (ambitions). Against these temptations we must stand firm in the Lord.

At the same time, we must stand firm against the present darkness. As a follower of Christ, we reside in the camp of the Lord. The camp is located currently in the midst of the enemy. Dwelling in this fallen world means that believers are surrounded by corruption, sin, and darkness. As these forces attempt to cause issues in the life of the believer it become imperative that the follower of Christ seek to stand firm on the truth of God’s Word and to stand firm as an ambassador and child of the Lord. Thus, in the midst of the enemy camp the children of God stand for light.

This occurs when we stand firm in the spiritual battle that is before us. The heat of the battle often drives some to retreat or surrender. As a child of God, one is to stand firm when the fierceness of the battle comes around them and to stand firm in the ultimate victory that has been claimed by Christ. We are called to recognize the battle and to stand firm and to never retreat or surrender for the victory is claimed.

The Apostle Paul expected believers to SUIT UP in the Lord (Ephesians 6:13-17). The Lord does not leave His children unprepared for the battle, but provides the needed armor for the child of God to suit up in. This armor aids in the preparation of the coming onslaught of the enemy. To prepare is to suit up in training. The training needed centers on the growing in the Lord, the growing in the truth, and the growing in one’s faith.

The preparation occurs each moment of each day as a new onslaught rests just around the corner. But the Lord does not expect His child to enter into battle without the proper gear. Thus, the suiting up moves beyond preparation. The Lord makes available His armor for His child to wear in the battle. The armor of God provides the truth needed to live. The armor protects the heart in righteousness. The armor provides the needed shoes to stand firm. The armor protects the head in the name of Christ and provides a shield and a sword for hand to hand combat. The Lord provides the offensive and defensive weapons needed to live in His strength and to claim His victory.

The Apostle called believers to SPEAK to the Lord (Ephesians 6:18-19). The key to each component of this is the conversation one has with the Lord. The believer needs to remain in constant communication with the Lord as the Lord leads and guides each step of the way in front of them. This means that we need to speak to the Lord in prayer constantly. We need to be living a life that is defined and redefined by our prayer life. In speaking with the Lord, one is making the request for the Lord’s willfulness and aid in the preparation for the battle. The child of God is making the requests known that are driven from the heart. The critical component is that the communication is not a routine event, but it is the authentic I speaking to the Real Thee. Thus, the communication is open, honest, and centers on speaking and hearing from the Lord.

Paul reminded the believer of the expectation to SERVE the Lord (Ephesians 6:20). As the follower of Christ, we must serve as God’s ambassador. This means that each of us represents the Lord and not a personal agenda. Our lives are to speak only what the Lord has given us to speak and should stand for only what the Lord has declared for us to stand for. Thus, we serve as ambassadors who are faithful to the Lord and persevere through the struggles that we face. The key component is that we stand firm in the strength of the Lord to serve Him in faithfulness for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

As you consider the Apostle Paul’s challenge to believers, how are you doing at being battle ready? Are you trusting in the Lord in order to stand strong in Him? Are you standing firm not in the strength of the self, but standing firm in the Lord? Are you making sure that you are suited up in the armor of God in order to battle well? Are you speaking to the Lord regularly so you can hear the divine commander’s commands? Are you serving the Lord in faithfulness and representing His kingdom? May this be a season of preparation and battling well for the Lord.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

A Recipe for Truly Living

Over the past couple of months, the new normal created an opportunity to cook more at home. For some individuals, this opportunity provided the chance to attempt new recipes or rediscover recipes they had not used for some time. The key to successfully making a dish from a recipe rests in the focus on included the needed ingredients at the right time and in the right amount. Likewise, ingredients should not be replaced by different ingredients that are close but not the same. When one thinks about truly living, the recipe has been given to us by the Lord. The recipe consists of three ingredients that the Apostle Paul spoke of in Romans 4:16-21. To truly live the way Christ called, include these three ingredients into life.

First is the ingredient of Grace. Grace is the ingredient of conversion. Grace provides the foundation by which salvation occurs. The Apostle Paul told the church in Rome to “rest in grace.” This declaration called the believer to trust a foundation that consisted of God’s love and His work of redemption. At the same time, grace provided the recipe for truly living with the certainty of conversion. The Apostle Paul wrote, “and be guaranteed to all his offspring.” The certainty of conversion rests not in the ways, character, or worthiness of man, but instead one receives the certainty of conversion due to grace because of God’s character, work, and desire. In grace, Christ offered himself as the needed sacrifice in the work of redemption. In grace, God desired to work on behalf of people for the opportunity that they could be reconciled with Him.

The ingredient of grace provided a completeness of conversion. Paul wrote, “God was able to do what he promised.” God’s work of conversion met the grave need of man and conquered the drastic condition of sin. The grace of God was more than enough to cover the weighty nature of sin. The promise of God is realized in the work of Christ, but also experienced in the grace of the Lord. Thus, truly living rests in the ingredient of grace.

Second is the ingredient of Faith. If grace is the ingredient of conversion, then faith is the ingredient of connection. The ingredient of faith is an elusive connection. Paul wrote these words to the church in Rome, “For the promise of Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.” (Romans 4:13). The connection to Christ is elusive to those who attempt to scale the gap between God and man that exists due to sin. When one bases a connection with the Lord on the status of doing good and being a good person, then the needed redemptive connection to the Lord remains elusive.

The ingredient of Faith is the connection ingredient that is exclusive. The Apostle stated, “this is why it depends on faith.” True life remains elusive when we attempt to gain it on personal merit. At the same time, the ingredient of faith is exclusive as the needed connection to the offered redemption of the Lord comes through faith alone in Christ alone. The ingredient of faith points to the declaration of redemption coming in Christ alone and the reality that any other way or attempt fails to bring forth a connection with the Lord.

The ingredient of faith forms a connection that exists as an eternal reality. The connection of faith is not momentary or temporary, but is an everlasting connection grounded in an everlasting promise of the Everlasting God. Faith is not based on circumstances, but on the eternal character and nature of God. Likewise, the eternal connection ought to strengthen our faith as we understand that faith is not a fleeting reality, but a certainty for life.

Third is the ingredient of Hope. The hope ingredient is the ingredient of confidence. When speaking of hope that flows from the connection and redemption with the Lord, one does not speak of a wishing for a good outcome, but instead of a hope that is certain. Hope is grounded in the character of God. Hope finds confidence in God’s promise. Hope is believed with the confidence of God as a promise keeper and a promise keeper that is trusted because of His character of holiness. Hope that comes in faith is not a wishful thinking of what lies ahead, but a complete trust in the will, ways, and leading of the Lord. True hope rests in the true Lord. Hope finds confidence in God’s provision. God provides for his own and fulfills his promises. God provided a child to Sarah and Abraham. God provided redemption to those who respond to His grace in faith. One’s confidence in God’s provision is an overflow of trusting in the promise of God and trusting in the truth of God fulfilling these promises.

Hope finds confidence in God’s power. Our confidence of hope is in the truth that God reaches into our lives that deserved death and offered the avenue to bring forth life. The power of redemption appears in the power that raised Christ. The same power rescues us from spiritual death and brings us eternal life. The power of God delivers us from what we cannot overcome and brings forth victory.

The recipe to truly living only contains three ingredients: grace, faith, and hope. These ingredients combined offer an amazing life that rests in the character, promises, and power of the Lord. The ingredients of true life are available today. Have your combined them to form the beautiful life with Christ?

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Which Criminal Defines You?

As we celebrate Easter, may we not forget the significance of Good Friday. On Good Friday, Jesus ascended the hill known as Calvary to face the punishment of death that we deserved in order to make an atoning sacrifice on our behalf. On the cross, Jesus found himself surrounded by a crowd of people, Roman soldiers, and two thieves who were facing the punishment of the cross as well. Luke 23:39-43 details an interaction between Jesus and the two criminals that hung with him on Calvary. As we come to Good Friday, may we understand that like the criminals on the cross, each of us have a choice to make. This all begins by recognizing that we are each a criminal deserving punishment.

The passage at hand should remind us of our thievery. Like the two criminals hanging with Jesus, each of us as plagued by a sinful nature that separates us from God. As a result, we are outlaws that are in rebellion against the ways of the Lord. We find ourselves living more for our desires instead of obediently following the Lord. Thus, we are guilty and deserving of punishment before a Holy God and face condemnation due to our sin. As a result, we all receive a proper sentence of death like the criminals in the story.

The Bible declared that one of the criminals rejected Christ by mocking him. He desired Jesus to reveal himself as a conquering Messiah before he would believe. He wanted evidence and as a result carried a misunderstanding of who Jesus truly was. The response of the mocking criminal echoed the crowd of the world and appears to be influenced by the culture of the day. Likewise, we often mock Christ by desiring Him to show himself for us to believe. At times, people desire proof instead of responding in faith. Their lives are more focused and influenced by culture and the flesh. As a result, the penalty of death becomes a spiritual reality as well as a physical reality.

The second criminal responded to Christ instead of rejecting Christ. The second man recognized his sinfulness in the presence of Christ and understood the innocence of Christ. The second criminal believed that Jesus truly was the Son of God and called out to Him in a faith that led to a response from Jesus. The man confessed his guilt and sin and professed Christ as the ultimate solution. Like the second criminal, we must recognize our guilt and call out to Christ. Such a response of belief and faith still carries with it a physical death, but gives way to the promise of life. Thus, Jesus said to the thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Each of us is a criminal standing in the presence of the Messiah. Which criminal will we be? Will you be the criminal who rejects Christ and faces ultimate capital punishment? Will you the criminal who receive Christ as Messiah and Redeemer and receives capital reward? On this Good Friday, which criminal will define you?

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Are You Salty for Christ?

Salt is a common substance found in homes and restaurants. People use salt to flavor food, melt ice, and preserve food. When we eat food that contains a large amount of salt, we find ourselves thirsty and longing for something to drink. When Jesus was preaching the Sermon on the Mount, he used salt as an example of how Christians ought to live. Jesus declared, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:13). Let’s note a few important truths.

First, believers are to be the salt that preserves. The world around us constantly decays due to the presence and reality of sin that plagues us. The decay continues as people attempt to solve problems separate from Christ and fix issues in the manners of humanity. The Bible states that, “There is a way that seems right to men, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 16:25). Thus, the attempts of people to stop the decay of the world due to sin in their own ability only continues and fuels the decay.

The salty believer should reach into this decaying world and engage it with Jesus. The engagement is a form of preserving for the intent of seeing people respond to the message of hope and true spiritual healing found in Christ. As salt, the Christian ought to engage a decaying world with truth for the purpose of seeing lives changed. When believers refuse to be salt in a decaying world, the decay continues without hope of being stopped. Are you being the salt that presents the cure to the world’s decay?

Second, believers are to be the salt that adds flavor. The ways of the world mirror the bland untasteful food in need of salt for flavor. Believers engage this culture with the flavor of the gospel with the intent of providing purpose and life to people. The follower of Christ should demonstrate the flavor of living for Christ in a community of faith and in the personal character. The life of the believer provides the salt to an unflavored life and offers a satisfaction that fills the longings of the soul. Are you engaging the world in a way that provides salt to a flavorless world?

Third, believers are to be the salt that makes others thirsty. The life believers live ought to be a life desired by others. When Christians live out a salty lifestyle, the world desires what they have. The world becomes thirsty for a relationship with Christ because of the presence and effect of the salt in the world. Is your life salty for Jesus? Is your life making others thirsty for Jesus?

Conclusion, how are you living as salt? Are you engaging culture with the purpose of seeing it preserved so that a response to the gospel can occur? Are you adding the needed flavor to the world that they may receive the needed flavor of the gospel? Are you being the salt that makes people thirsty for Jesus? If you have come to the place where you are no longer salty for Jesus, he waits for you to repent, seek forgiveness, and follow him. You cannot make yourself salty again but Jesus can make you salty for him.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Rest in the Lord

One common experience for all people is the reality of pain. Pain and suffering occur in many forms and fashions. There is the experience of physical pain from injury or disease. There is the emotional suffering in the loss of a loved one or a tragedy. There is the suffering and pain as a result of our wrong actions and struggles with others. Ultimately, pain and suffering exist due to the selfish sinful state of humanity.

But God, rich in mercy and grace has given hope in the midst of the suffering. To the follower of Jesus, God gave hope through the words of Peter in 1 Peter 5:10. In this letter, Peter penned, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

To a Child of God, God himself will RESTORE. The concept found in the term restore signifies that God will mend the brokenness of His child. The hurt caused by the suffering will find restoration in the working of the Lord through His grace. The idea is the reconciliation that happens for the setting of things back in place. No matter what man attempts to become restored, the only true restoration comes in Christ.

To a Child of God, God himself will CONFIRM. Suffering often challenges men and women in the area of faith. Pain and anguish tend to cause questioning and moments of doubting. In the midst of this suffering, God will confirm Himself and ultimately give a firmness to the believer to ultimately continue in the trusting of the Lord. The Bible speaks to a man named Job who lost everything and ultimately began to question God. In the midst of the questions, God responded to Job and confirmed to Job His working and goodness. Likewise, God will confirm His presence and working in the midst of the suffering of His child.

To a Child of God, God himself will STRENGTHEN. When the believer faces difficulties in life, the Lord never abandons. Rather, God himself responds by becoming a strength. The Lord balances, holds onto, and props up the child in the midst of the storm of pain. The believer may not recognize the presence of the Lord in the middle of the anguish, but the Lord allows His strength to be the strength of His follower. Thus, when man’s weakness and feebleness fail, God holds his own up and continues to give them the ability to stand.

To a Child of God, God himself will ESTABLISH. The term used for “establish” indicates that the Lord will be the foundation for the follower of Christ. As the foundation, God lays a base for the believer that never fails or shifts. Thus, the believer withstands suffering because they become established in the Lord and allow the Lord to establish Himself as the foundation in life. Resting in the world leads to a constant shifting and unsettled life with a weak foundation, but in Christ there is an unfailing and unending foundation.

Are you struggling and suffering today? Without the Lord the suffering will ultimately leave you abandoned and alone. A life reconciled to the Lord through a relationship with Christ brings forth the hope of the promised eternal life and the constant presence and working of the Lord in life. Find hope in the Lord to endure and overcome the suffering in life. Allow the Lord to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Lose Your Religion

We have often heard that people should avoid any discussion on politics and religion. These two areas tend to drive wedges between loved ones, acquaintances, and people in general. The divisive nature of each finds grounding in the human-made components of each. Especially within the church, we see that the traditions of religion often drift to lead people away from God’s true calling upon one’s life.

God addresses this issue in the Bible. To the children of Israel in Amos 5:21 the Lord declared that he despised their religious feast because of the feast’s hypocrisy. Later in Matthew 15 and Mark 7, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and calls out their traditions of religious activity due to the leading astray of the traditions. Jesus marks that the religious rituals are keeping people from obedience to the Lord.

Now we come to the twenty-first century, and we must deal with a critical question, “What religious traditions are driving us?” Tradition creates a masquerade ball in which people find themselves attempting to live up to the standards of history, man’s ideology, and the expectations of others. As a result, we tend to put on a religious mask in which to appropriately meet the traditional expectations. However, this does nothing but create a hindrance from living for the Lord obediently.

The mask of religion leaves us fearful, burdened, and tired. Out of fear we attempt to mark every box of religious activity. Out of religious activity we are often left overwhelmed by always seeking to check another box, and as a result, we are left tired, frustrated, and often distant. With this said, let me be clear, religion in and of itself is not wrong and traditions in and of themselves are not sinful, but when each trumps God’s Word and God’s leading then he or she becomes sinful idolatry.

Jesus calling out the Pharisees concerning their religion points to the only solution “Lose your religion and live in a relationship.” Let me be very clear. The Bible is clear that believers are to gather together as a local body of believers as the church. To neglect to be part of the local church is sinful according to Hebrews 10:25. However, the church must desire to live as the extension of the Kingdom of God and not for herself in tradition.

May each of us evaluate our lives and ask several probing questions. First, what religious traditions are we chasing that are keeping us from living entirely for the Lord? Second, what religious masks are we wearing to please the traditions of man instead of pleasing the Lord? Third, are we experiencing religious burdens and fatigue because we concern ourselves with satisfying the traditions and expectations of man more than God?

If any of these describe your life let me invite you to lose your religion and live in an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. Find how to live this life according to the desires and ways of the Lord by committing to the truth found in the Bible. Seek the leading of the Lord in prayer. Gather with the local church to seek the Lord together, to worship Him together, and to be a family. If your religion is keeping you from a relationship with Jesus, then lose your religion and enter into a relationship with Jesus. If your relationship with Jesus is being hindered by religion, then lose the religious traditions and seek Christ alone through His Word, in prayer, and in the gathering of the saints.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

“As Much As These”

In John 21:15, John pens these words of Jesus, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” This pointed and intriguing question is one that causes reflection, introspection, and concern. It is ambiguous and pointed. It is subtle and obvious at the same time. “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

At that very moment, Simon was left to reflection on his love of Christ versus his love of these. But what are these? Could it be the other men around the fire that morning? Could it be the fishing gear that had been used? Could it be the fish that been used to fill the need of hunger? Could it be the vast collection of fish from the fishing expedition? Any of these could be the “these” Jesus is asking about. Simon is left to reflect on the passion and love that he has for all of these objects in his life and for the activities they stand for. While reflecting upon “these” Simon is left to reflect on the amount of love for Christ which exists in his life compared to his love for “these”.

Left to reflection alone, Peter could easily pass off the question, “do you love me as much as these?” because often time reflection stops on a superficial level where one can easily answer “of course I love your more than these.” But reflection should guide one to introspection. The process of introspection is diving beneath the initial level of response and digging deeper into our lives to fully analyze what is truly going on. It is a time of deep analysis that drives us to be honest about what has supplanted the reign, rule, and authority of Christ in our lives. It is the process of seeking out the crevices of our lives that are secretly confirming to the ways of the world instead of the ways of God.

Through reflecting and searching oneself, we should be led to a sense of concern when we recognize areas of our lives that have failed in remaining adhered to Christ. The concern should drive us back to the place of repentance, seeking forgiveness, and being transformed. This concern should strengthen our resolve to seek Christ in all that we do and to focus on obedience and growing in Him. There should be concern because the question, “Do you love me as much as these?” simply indicates that there might be a barrier between yourself and God.

As we look into our lives for the answer to this pointed question, let us respond to these simple questions.

1. Do you love me as much as these fishing supplies (secular occupations and hobbies)?

2. Do you love me as much as these fish (items collected or material wealth gained)?

3. Do you love me as much as these men (the individuals around you who seem to follow Christ every step of the way)?

4. Do you love me as much as these (anything and everything in life)?

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Let Faith Guide You

Throughout time, the story of David and Goliath has been taught in Sunday School classes and proclaimed in sermons. Often, the one teaching or preaching has charged the listeners to be like David by facing one’s fears and overcome them in victory. The problem is that this passage is not about a scared shepherd boy facing the military giant with fear and trembling, rather it is a story that depicts a shepherd boy whose faith in God is so great that fear of Goliath does not exist.

As the story unfolds in 1 Samuel 17, one finds several important realities about living in faith. First, note that those who were fearful were not relying on God. David never showed any signs of fear. In fact, the ones who were fearful in the story were the leaders and the military. When reading, one finds that it is the King and the warriors who hide when Goliath calls for battle. The fear of these individuals centered on what they were humanly experiencing and perceiving. They had lost sight of the past victories and the current promises of the Lord.

Second, recognize David did not trust in the weapons of man, but relied on the strength of the Lord. David never flinched when he heard Goliath’s challenge. Instead, David looked at those paralyzed in fear and boldly stepped out in faith to accept the challenge. As the King agreed to allow David to battle, he attempted to place on David his armor and weaponry. This weighed David down and ultimately David removed it and went to battle with nothing but simple stones and a sling. David did not rely on the methods or weapons of man, but rather trusted completely in the power of God to use him as an instrument of victory.

Third, notice that David never second-guessed God’s ability, but rather marched forward with complete trust. When David took the step toward Goliath, a pause did not occur because fear had been conquered by faith. When Goliath mocked the Lord, David gave all honor to the Lord. When Goliath saw humor, David saw God’s glory. When Goliath assumed easy victory, David knew of guaranteed victory. David never backtracked, but stepped out in faith and never stopped stepping in faith.

When approaching life, which scenario best describes you? Are you living in uncertainty and fear like the nation of Israel and her leaders or are you living in the faith like the shepherd boy? Do you know the one true God who gives you the strength and power for the journey? To live in faith like David must begin with a personal relationship by faith with Jesus Christ.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

The Criminal’s Choice

The passage at hand should remind us of our thievery. Like the two criminals hanging with Jesus, each of us is plagued by a sinful nature that separates us from God. As a result, we are outlaws that are in rebellion against the ways of the Lord. We find ourselves living more for our desires instead of obediently following the Lord. Thus, we are guilty and deserving of punishment before a Holy God and face condemnation due to our sin. As a result, we all receive a proper sentence of death like the criminals in the story.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

A Gospel-Saturated Life

Luke 24:32-35 – They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of bread.

Several years ago I was helping clean up brush, weeds, and limbs from the property around our house. In collecting the debris, we were planning to have a fire in order to burn the remnants and get rid of the yard waste around the house. As we mounded the debris up, it became apparent that we were going to need help igniting the brush pile. So we gathered our tools and headed into town to purchase five gallons of kerosene to aid in the igniting of the pile. As we arrived home we scurried over to the pile and saturated it with the kerosene, but there was a problem; we did not have any way to ignite the pile of debris. We had forgotten to get matches. There was the pile of lawn waste waiting to be ignited, saturated with a burning agent, but no true fire was present.

A gospel saturated life is like that pile of lawn waste that was soaked with proper liquid for igniting, but there was no fire. Many times individuals in the church are saturated, but not ignited. People can be saturated with knowledge. They can know about God and about the bible, but never be on fire. People can be soaked in habit. They can perform good deeds, act morally, and attend every church service and never be on fire. People can be dripping with tradition. They can know when to stand and when to sit in the services. They can know the first, second, and last stanza of every hymn and never be fire. Anyone can become saturated and never become ignited by Christ.

Here in this passage the men on the Emmaus Road knew a lot about Christ. They knew the stories and had seen Jesus perform mighty works. They knew of His prophecy to rise again. They were saturated. Then, all of the sudden, Jesus showed up and ignited their saturation. No longer were they damp wicks, but now their hearts burned with desire because Jesus had ignited them.

Today, we must never become the undesired gospel saturated people. A people full of knowledge about Jesus and about the bible, but a people unignited for Christ. Rather, we must seek to constantly be on fire for Christ. Our saturation must be ignited and burning with zeal and passion for Christ. Is the wick in your lamp saturated with oil, has the Master ignited it?

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

God’s Great Love

Valentine’s Day has arrived and all around our country expressions of love are being exchanged.Children will trade Valentine’s Day cards, couples will go out to eat or send flowers, and some individuals will become engaged. As great as those moments are, others experience Valentine’s Day as a day of loneliness, pain, and depression. For those experiencing the expression of love in this season let me share with you a great love. For those experiencing the pain of the season, let me offer you a great love of hope. When Jesus was speaking to a religious leader named Nicodemus, he said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). This simple statement extended an eternal Valentine gift from God to man.

First, note the love of God. The love of God exceeds the love of man. Often individuals extend love to others as long as the love does not require or expect too much. God’s love is a great love that flows from His very character and is extended to His creation. God’s love is so great that man struggles to completely understand it, but desires to experience it.

Second, notice the price of God’s love. God’s love reached so deep that God gave everything. He gave His one and only Son so that people may have a way to have a relationship with Him. God’s love did not withhold anything from man, but rather gave everything. The depth of God’s love was so deep that God knew that the only hope for man would be the cost of His Son.

Third, recognize the audience of God’s love. The love of God extended to every individual. In fact, the desire of God’s love is that every person would reach out and receive the gift of love that was purchased by His Son. God does not force a person to take the gift available, but rather makes it available for whosoever will receive it. God’s audience was everyone and God’s offering of the love gift was to everyone.

Fourth, identify the eternal promise of God’s love. Unlike flowers that fade away or cards that slowly decay, the love of God gave an eternal present that never fades or decays. The love of God offers a promise that those who receive Christ as Lord and Savior will inherit life everlasting. The offering of God’s love gives man an avenue to victory over the death sentence of sin.

On this Valentine’s Day, the greatest gift you could receive is the gift of God’s love. All one needs to do is receive the gift that has already been purchased and is being extended to man. Have you reached out to receive the gift? If not, why not receive the greatest Valentine’s Day gift of all time, the gift of everlasting life that is given in the love of God.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Breaking the Holy Huddle

It’s basketball time in the Bluegrass as high schools and colleges in the state are well into their seasons. The moment I want us to contemplate is the time when the players join on the court, in a huddle, to receive instruction. This constant pivotal instance is the moment when the players in the huddle are receiving their marching orders for the war that is ahead in the game and to systematically carry out the play. But notice an often overlooked key, the huddle must be broken. If the team stays in the huddle then penalties come and no matter how well the huddle functions and looks, the team is ineffective and unhealthy. Just like this reality on the basketball court, this is also a reality of the holy huddle called the church.

A holy huddle is the place where believers join together to prepare to participate in the game called life. It is the gathering of followers of Christ to receive direction from the Lord through engagement with the Word of God. The huddle is the refuge from the world where the believer is surrounded by other Christians where encouragement and support occur. The holy huddle is the place in which believers gather for the purpose of preparing to play for the Kingdom of God.

The existence of the holy huddle is pushed along by a desire to be with other believers. It is driven by the passion to grow in one’s personal intimate relationship with Jesus Christ; compelling believers to find their position in the Kingdom Work and their purpose on God’s team. The holy huddle lives because of the One who lives in believers.

Cautiously, Christians must understand the desire to huddle so they can guard against the hazard of huddling. If believers are not careful, the huddle will be over emphasized and as a result, the huddle never breaks. The huddle consists of great talks about the game and great conversations about the current situation going on in the game, but the huddle never disbands to engage in active participation in the game of life. The huddle is stuck in a mindset of selfishness where the existence of the huddle becomes its own end to a means. The concern of the huddle is not to receive the calling into the game, but to find a way to preserve itself. It is overly concerned with the form of the huddle than the situation in the game.

Thus, it is imperative that Christians defend themselves against the traps of simply huddling together, but keep in mind the greater task that calls them to break from the huddle and engage in the game. The church must never become a stuck, stagnant holy huddle, but must break and engage in the work of the Kingdom. Believers must be compelled by obedience and faithfulness to the Lord’s commands to be His witnesses, to overcome the temptation to stay in holy huddles. The concern of the heart must be centered on the eternity of those in desperate need of redemption. This is what causes us to break our holy huddles and to launch into participation of this Kingdom work.

Let coming together and worshiping on Sunday be a huddle that is a place that prepares you for the great task at hand.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Which Jesus Do You Follow?

At the end of 2015, the Gallup Poll released data stating 75% of Americans identified with Christianity. This number was down by roughly 5% since 2008, but still stands as a overwhelming majority of individuals within our country. At the same time, we find that the gathering of the church across America is in a state of plateau or decline. The ultimate question then must be asked, “Which Jesus is being followed?”

In Acts 8, we have the account of the Gospel spreading to Samaria. There is a magician whose name is Simon who hears the gospel and is baptized. The Bible says that Simon followed after Phillip. Upon hearing what was occurring, the disciples headed to Samaria to lay on hands that the Holy Spirit may be received. As this occurred, Simon the Magician saw great signs and miracles being performed. These wonders amazed Simon and led to him requesting the ability to lay hands on others that they may receive the Holy Spirit. To this Simon Peter called the Magician to repent because he wanted to receive the Holy Spirit for personal reasons and if not then he and his money shall perish. Simon the Magician asked for prayer that nothing that Peter said would occur to him would happen.

Simon the Magician chose Jesus, but it wasn’t the true redeemer, but rather a plastic Jesus that would meet his own personal desires. He wanted the power of the Holy Spirit, not for life change, but for elevation of being known. He wanted enough of Jesus to make him feel comfortable about his future, but not enough of Jesus to change his life and his heart. Molding Jesus to fit Simon’s purpose trumped the necessity of Jesus molding Simon. He wanted Jesus to support his sinfulness in a message of love while not facing the calling to repent. Simon desired the benefits of a relationship with Jesus without surrendering all to Jesus.

Peter on the other hand understood what it meant to follow Jesus. It wasn’t for personal gain, but sacrificial. It wasn’t about him, but selfless. It wasn’t partial, but complete. It wasn’t comfortable, but obedient. Peter chose not a plastic Jesus that was molded by his thoughts or desires, but chose the Jesus that was stained in blood with piercings, and called his followers to accept him on his terms. Jesus does not condone sin in love, but calls people to repentance. The promises of health, wealth, and happiness in this world are not the words of Jesus, for he calls us to faith and trust and to even count trials with all joy.

So which Jesus do you choose? Are you attempting to accept Jesus on your own desires? Are you attempting to mold Jesus to your wants and ideas? Are you wanting Jesus just to give you comfort and condone your life? Do you want Jesus to give you a greater worldly status or bank account? Or do you choose the Jesus who calls you to follow in sacrifice? Are you being molded by him? Are you seeking his calling to repentance when sin arises? Are you looking to give all you are for his calling? Which Jesus do you choose?

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Not Mere Leaves

A couple of years ago I planted squash in my garden. The squash plant itself grew and majored into a large plant with nice deep greenery. The plants appeared to be healthy and ready to produce a great number of squash. Unfortunately, though the leaves seemed perfect and beautiful, the plants would not produce fruit. As a result, the plants existed for no purpose other than to set off an external appearance.

In Mark 11:12-14, we find that Jesus was hungry and seeking to eat. At a distance, Jesus noticed a fig tree. As Jesus approached he noticed that the tree had leaves but did not have fruit. As a result, Jesus curses the fig tree even though it was out of season.It must be noted that the fig tree symbolizes the religious life of Judaism that appeared to be seeking holiness but was genuinely without fruit. It is the same question that must be asked of each individual professing Christ today. Are we masquerading as a believer by our appearance or are we a genuine believer who is producing fruit?

Believers are called to be fruit producers. James 2:26 reminds us that a faith that does not have works is a dead faith. In the life of the believer, the evidence of the presence of Christ is the fruit that is produced. It is the acknowledgement of the existence of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the obedience of following Christ. This does not mean that one is redeemed through works, but rather the fruitful works of the believer point to his or her faith.

On the flip side, the passage tells us that those who appear to be alive and are not producing fruit face the curse of God. These individuals are the one who are spoken of that will declare all they have done for Jesus and then be told to depart because they never knew Jesus (Matthew 7:23). For Israel, they were walking through tradition and religion while rejecting Jesus. Likewise, without caution we can practice tradition and religion instead of following Christ.

Just like the fig tree, the squash plant in my garden had to be removed. It was not producing fruit and was not accomplishing the task it had been created for. Likewise, the Lord has created you to be in a relationship with Him, but the sin in life has caused a separation. The Lord loved you and I so much that He sent Jesus as the needed sacrifice. Though Jesus faced death, He also arose victoriously and offered reconciliation to God through faith in Him. This is a life of following and living for Jesus. So today, do you know Jesus? Are you producing fruit? Or are you simply leaves appearing to believe, but are not authentically following Jesus and are fruitless?

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

How to Stay Focused Through the Storm

A couple of weeks ago I penned an article that dealt with the necessity of staying focused through the storms of life. In that article, I spoke about the distractions that Peter faced as he walked on water and how similar our journey often is. Since then, several individuals have engaged me concerning that article and asked the follow-up question, “with the reality of the distractions and the need to stay focused on Christ, how do we maintain focus?” With this inquiry in the back of my mind, I would like to give three essential ways to remain focused on the Lord. Let’s look at the life and teaching of Jesus for this.

First, one must get alone consistently with the Lord. Throughout the life of Jesus, one reads how He strategically would get away from the crowds and get away with the Father (Luke 5:16). Engagement with the Lord provides a time of renewal, repentance, and revival. Prayer opens the lines of communication to speak to the Lord and to hear the leading of the Lord. With consistency, the believer sets a routine of being with the Lord. When the distractions come, getting away with the Lord allows the believer to have an escape valve to deal with the disturbances.

Second, one must be transparent and obedient to the Lord. Being strategic in getting alone with the Lord is critical, but the conversation must be open. When the believer practices transparency, he or she speaks what dominates the heart, mind, and soul. The Lord already knows the intentions, thoughts, and conditions of one’s life. Thus transparency opens oneself before the Lord completely. The Father longs for His children to speak openly concerning their situation. Jesus did this before the cross when he requested that the cross be removed from His earthly future (Luke 22:32).

It is critical to recognize that Jesus did not end with transparency, but also submitted to the Lord. After requesting the removal of the cross, He quickly surrenders to the will of the Father. When believers speak openly with the Lord, they must respond to the Lord in humility and obedience, even when the answer is not the desire of the fleshly heart. Thus, the focus during the distractions consists of getting alone with the Lord, speaking openly, and humbling oneself to the will of the Lord.

Third, one must be preemptive in dealing with the distractions. Jesus gave insight to dealing with the pressures of distractions when He taught the parable of wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7. The wise builder was preemptive by building a strong foundation so that when the storms came, the building would stand. Likewise, believers should be preemptive by constructing a life on the rock of Christ through the practice of activities like spiritual disciplines. Building one’s life on Christ allows the believer to stay focused on the Lord during the storm because Christ is the foundation that is holding all things together (Colossians 1:17).

Distractions in the Christian journey are guaranteed. The distractions may be from the past sin in one’s life or from the uncertainty of the future or somewhere in between. Either way, it is important that the believer journey well by communicating and maturing in one’s relationship with the Lord.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Let Faith Guide You

As the story unfolds in 1 Samuel 17, one finds several important realities about living in faith. First, note that those who were fearful were not relying on God. David never showed any signs of fear. In fact, the ones who were fearful in the story were the leaders and the military. When reading, one finds that it is the King and the warriors who hide when Goliath calls for battle. The fear of these individuals centered on what they were humanly experiencing and perceiving. They had lost sight on the past victories and the current promises of the Lord.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

The ABC’s of Getting Out of Our Way

Many times life feels like a journey that travels in reverse instead of forward. We seemingly make a step forward in the right direction only to find us falter and stumble two steps in reverse. Often these struggles result from our conflicts and stumbling blocks that we place in our path. It is like we cannot move forward in life because we cannot get out of our way.

If you struggle with this issue, know that you are not alone. The Apostle Paul himself shared, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” (Romans

7:15). In the same way, the Apostle Peter invariably discovered a way to trip himself up. On the water walking toward Jesus, the Apostle lost focus and became distracted by his fear (Matthew 14:22-33). Later Peter would step forward in his faith in declaring that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-20), only to trip himself up later in the denying of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62). To help us battle our landmines, let’s look at the ABC’s of getting out of our way.

First, A = Accept Humanity. Even as a follower of Christ, a believer must acknowledge their humanity. As an individual following Jesus, you will face constant temptation and trials (James 1). As the Apostle Paul and Peter, there will be moments when the desires and ways of the flesh will cause you to falter and trip. Such occurrences ought to lead us to a place of repentance and should not be ignored. Likewise, these moments of missteps cannot become to the demise of our journey

It is critical that we accept our humanity meaning that we accept that we are not perfect. We accept that we have limitations and battles. We accept that moments of falling does not indicate that we cannot serve the Lord, but rather accept that God offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.

Second B = Be Prayerful. One of the greatest weapons against the struggle of sinful flesh happens in the power of prayer. Prayer is the avenue of conversation in which we seek the strength to overcome temptations and the leading of the Lord in life. Being prayerful develops a pathway to ask forgiveness when we have faltered and a way in which the Lord can reaffirm His love and work in our lives. We see Jesus reaffirms Peter after his denials in John 21 and He does the same for His children in prayer. To battle through the temptations and to seek to get back on the path, we must be prayerful.

Third C = Commit to the Goal. Just like a runner must commit to finishing the race, so must a believer be committed to the goal of completing life’s race. Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:14). When running a race in cross country, I once fell and scraped up my body. I had a choice to make, get up and commit to finishing the race or quit. After the fall, I pulled myself up and continued to complete the race. In the same way, the believer must commit to the goal of living for Jesus faithfully and finishing all the way to the end. This completion only occurs when we are entirely committed to living faithfully and obediently journeying with Jesus.

Are you struggling with getting in your own way? If so, the first step to overcome it is entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From there, a believer can battle well and overcome the missteps by merely following the ABC’s, ACCEPT your humanity, BE prayerful and COMMIT to the goal.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Walking in Step with the Spirit

In high school, I participated in marching band. One of the key components to marching rests in the necessity for each member to stay in step with one another. When an individual finds themselves out of step with the band, the entire show suffers. In a similar way, God calls believers to walk in step with the Spirit. When one becomes out of step, his or her life falls outside of the desires of the Lord for one’s life and as a result struggling ensues.

The Apostle Paul spoke to this issue in Galatians 5:16-26. In this passage, the Apostle Paul wrote in verses 16-18, “But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Walking in step with the Spirit starts by committing themselves to walking with the Spirit. This lifestyle indicates that one battles the temptation to walk ahead of the Spirit. Often, confidence, pride, and impatience lead people to step in front of the Spirit. When one finds themselves in front of the Spirit, he or she will experience major misdirection in life. The pitfalls occur because of the nonexistence of guidance needed in life.

At the same time, the Apostle Paul called believers to not walk behind the Spirit. Walking behind the Spirit may not seem that bad, but such a lifestyle indicates a faith that is shaky. It is the desire to make sure that the direction of leading is certain and correct before making the needed step. Such an approach to life could be characterized by delay and uncertainty. The skeptical approach seeks to follow the leading of the Lord with a great sense of caution.

The counter to these two ways of walking with the Spirit is to walk in step with the Spirit. Walking in step with the Spirit means that the believer is readily walking where the Lord leads as He leads. It means that their reliance and faith in the Lord is complete without doubt. The image of walking with the Spirit is like the child who grasps the hand of a parent and trusts them to lead them to the next destination.

The reality is that a spiritual struggle occurs when attempting to walk with the Spirit. The struggle begins with the flesh seeking gratification. The flesh attempts to fool men and women to believing that the longing that exists in life finds fulfillment in the ways of the world. The flesh seeks the instant momentary fulfillments that flow from impulse and leave one empty.

The other side of the struggle is following the ways of the Spirit which lead to being gratified. The gratification that results from following the Spirit is a lasting fulfillment. It endures and does not fade away and gives the believer joy. This is in opposition to the ways of the world and part of the battle to walking with the Spirit. Thus a constant spiritual tug-a-war takes place.

To walk with the Spirit begins by putting the flesh to death. This means that the self and the desires of the flesh must be put to death. Putting the flesh to death means that the old self is pushed away and the new self that comes from a relationship with Christ is nurtured. Putting the old self to death comes when the flesh is crucified.

Putting the old self to death cannot be accomplished by the good things you do or say. It cannot be put to death by the intentions or ways of your life. The old self can only be crucified because Christ was crucified. The old self can only be replaced by the new self by entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

So how are you living? Are you walking in the flesh or in the Spirit? Are you walking with the Spirit or are you in front or behind the Spirit? Today is a great day to pursue walking with the Spirit.

Paul Richey 12/15/21 Paul Richey 12/15/21

Five Christian Keys for Heading Back to School

Students and teachers head back to school next week as the summer concludes. The desire for many of these individuals revolves around the hope of a semi-normal to normal school year considering the past year. The students and teachers face an increase in responsibilities, a busy schedule, and various forms of academic and relational pressures. For the Christian, these realities form temptations that hinder one’s growth with the Lord. As a result, the believer needs to remember five critical keys as he or she headed back to school.

First, REMEMBER THAT YOUR VALUE IS NOT IN A GRADE. Every student ought to give their best to learn and grow as a student. Some students find passing tests, reading books, or writing papers easy while others struggle. Each student receives different grades. These grades do not provide ultimate value as an individual. The Psalmist wrote, “I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.” (Psalm 139:14). Each person’s value is great because everyone has been created by the Lord. One’s value rests not in the thoughts of people, but instead is grounded on the truth of being a creation of the Great Creator and thus has great value. At the end of the day, do not value yourself on a grade, but find value as a special creation of the Lord.

Second, KNOW THAT SOMEONE ELSE NEEDS YOU. The Christian needs to recognize that living for Christ provides a model for others to follow. The Apostle Paul knew the importance of such a life as he wrote to the church in Corinth, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). A Christian student must live a life that honors and reflects the Lord so that others follow the example. Likewise, Christian teachers model Jesus for their students to see a life impacted by Christ. The world is filled with pain, hopelessness, and struggle. People long to find meaning and belonging. This means that the Christian student and teacher ought to recognize the need of others and demonstrate Christ, so others see the healing, hope, and stability that comes as a follower of Christ.

Third, REFUSE TO NEGLECT THE BIBLE. As the assignments come from teachers, students face various forms of reading and work. After school activities like band, sports, and clubs fill calendars and occupy time leading to the threat of abandoning the engagement of Scripture. The Psalmist penned, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105). Though a believer ought to complete the assigned task related to their academic and school journeys, the abandonment of engaging the Bible must not occur. The investment of time in reading the Word of God leads to the guidance the believer needs in life to navigate the hurdles that come before them. Through the year, let the Word of God guide you, protect you, and provide for you a way to discern truth during the academic journey.

Fourth, SEE YOUR SCHOOL AS A MISSION FIELD. Christians enter the school year with the opportunity to serve as an ambassador of God’s kingdom and a missionary representing the Lord. Jesus declared, “Don’t say, ‘There is still four more months, and then comes the harvest?’ Listen to what I am telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together.” (John 4:35-36). The temptation for Christians to delay sharing Jesus occurs when one believes a more opportune time or place exists. He or she faces the temptation of the not yet ready as a witness or a crop. Jesus would tell students and teachers to open your eyes and see the readiness of the field. He would challenge each to see the school as a mission field that exists as ready for the harvest. For the follower of Christ, school becomes a prime and fertile ground to declare the gospel.

Fifth, WORSHIP THE LORD THROUGH YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY. The Apostle Paul made it clear that every component of a believer’s life ought to glorify the Lord. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Paul’s use of the term “everything” indicated that all of life should glorify the Lord. Thus, as teachers and students enter the doorway to the school their academic journeys ought to reflect the glory of the Lord and bring him praise.

As the new school year begins, may students and teachers set a course to honor the Lord in their work and study. May this year lead to a time of worship through study. May teachers honor the Lord through caring engagement. May students grow in knowledge and understand the greatness of the Lord in a deeper manner. May the 2021-22 school year be understood through the opportunity to grow in the Lord.