From Pity to Praise

“I do not pray the You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” -John 17:15-16

This is what Jesus prayed to the Father. In this prayer, Jesus requested protection and sanctification for His followers rather than their immediate removal from the world.

It’s a tough assignment, to be “in the world, but not of the world.” how come we operate as followers of Jesus in this world without allowing ourselves to belong to it.

This may seem impossible today, but it is clear that we are not to become entangled with the world.

The world is such a great danger to our souls that this danger caused Jesus, the Son of God, to go to the cross to deliver us from it.

The world denoted by the Greek word, “Cosmos,” meaning the world system, which is headed by satan and based on that in of itself, greed, and pride. This is the world that God warns about.

2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Messiah, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them.”

The warnings in scripture are clear. The Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world” It teaches in Galatians 1:4, “Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”

In other words, the world is such a great danger to our souls that it caused Jesus to go to the cross to save us from it.

Throughout the Bible, the lines are definitely drawn between the world of unbelievers and the world of the children of God. In such a way that James 4:4 states, “Do you know that being the world’s friend (this is, loving the things of the world) is being God’s enemy?

So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. And Jesus said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.”

The Bible teaches that those who follow Jesus will face opposition in the world. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:12, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Just as Jesus’s life with all love, concern, and selflessness was a rebuke to the world of His time, so our lives with Jesus abiding in us today bring criticism, opposition, and persecution from those who can not comprehend God’s redemptive grace.

The Bible teaches that we are not to be discouraged by this. We are to consider it as evidence that we are identified with Jesus. Jesus said, in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kind of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and we exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.”

The world has entertainment and distractions that permeate the atmosphere as to makes the way of the cross seem antiquated and irreverent, and to make a godly person seem strict or rigid. In much of the world today – entertainment, and media is fostered by the world, the name of God is profaned, sex is glamorized and moral standards are laughed at.

Even, many to follow Jesus are tricked into believing that you cannot enjoy life except as a member of the worldly crowd. The happiest people I know are separated, followers of Jesus. They are not dependent on stimulants, or abuse their bodies to relax their minds. Because with Jesus’s “presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16-11).

Being a follower of Jesus is not a long list of restrictions. It opens the windows to the real joy of living. The world would have us believe that following Jesus is a “killjoy” a dull life, unnatural and abnormal.

But the evidence is to the contrary. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” -John 10:10.

The Bible teaches that worldliness is a force, a spirit, an atmosphere of the cosmos, that is in opposition and contradiction to all who are godly and follow Jesus. It’s goal is selfish pleasure, material success, and the pride of life.

Jesus identified Satan as a prince of this world. Satan employs every device at his command to harass, tempt and thwart the people of God. His attack is relentless. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul writes, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Yet, we are not left defenseless. God provides the power to give us victory over Satan. Paul told us is Romans 8:37, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” And John wrote in 1 John 4:4, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

We will never overcome Satan and the power of this world system in our human effort or by any deeds of righteousness, no matter how commendable they may be. But we can overcome by the blood of the Lamb.

The Bible instructs us to make a clean break with all the evils of this world and be separated from them. We are not to get the world mix up with following Jesus is. This is where the confusion lies, Jesus, eight with politicians and sinners, nearly everyone he associated with was an outcast. But His relationship with them was not purely social, it was redemptive.

God meant that we are not to mingle with the world, but we are to witness to the world. We are to love the world of people whom God loves. We are too weep with those who weep, suffer with those who suffer, and identify ourselves with the poor, sick, and needy.

As for loving the evil world, and being enamored of the world system of evil, we are to be separated from it.

“Silence is not the absence of something, but the presence of everything” -Gordon Hempton

Silence isn’t just peaceful, it’s powerful. In a world overloaded with sound, silence has been shown to sharpen focus, reduce stress, and boost mental and physical wellbeing.

Silence acts as a tool for processing information, enables increased productivity, creativity and an inner calm. Research shows that two hours of silence a day helps develop new cells in the hippocampus, the brain region associated with memory and emotions.

Silence is often misunderstood as the absence of sound, but it holds significant power for personal growth and clarity. Embracing silence can prevent us from being swayed by external distractions, allowing for deeper reflection and self awareness.

If you want to understand who you really are, spend sometime with yourself in silence.

Silence provides a space to think clearly, helping to organize thoughts without the interference of noise.

In moments of quiet, emotions can surface, leading to better understanding and management of feelings.

Taking the time to be silent can enhance our decision-making skills, because it allows for thoughtful consideration rather than impulsive reactions.

When we are distracted all the time, we are like a leaf blowing in the wind. We can have a lack of control and direction. Silence offers focus, it helps us concentrate on what truly matters, and filters out unnecessary noise.

Silence fosters a sense of inner strength, that can enable us to stand firm in our beliefs and decisions.

Practical Benefits of Embracing Silence:

In a world filled with constant noise, choosing silence is a powerful strategy for personal and professional growth. It allows people to cultivate a strong sense of self and navigate life with intention and clarity.

Scripture teaches that God hears and answers when we requests according to His will. It’s when we ask God to work in us and accomplish His will, He answers our prayers.

Praying according to God’s will involve the lining our heart with the Bible, focusing on His glory rather than our personal desires, and trusting His wisdom over our own.

It means praying for spiritual growth, and being open to opportunities to share His message. Being okay with “Thy will be done, with a submissive heart.

The Bible says Jesus poured out sweat of blood, when He prayed about His death on the cross, but in the end He said, “Not my will be done, but Yours.”

The surest way to pray God’s will, is to pray using the words of scripture itself. And focus on how our request will magnify God, not just make our life more comfortable.

Praying for the fruit of the Spirit, wisdom, and strength to live like Jesus, which are clearly aligned with God’s will.

Ask in faith, approaching God with confidence that He hears us and He is gracious, rather than doubting His willingness to act.

We can pray Gods will using key examples,

“His will be done,” means actively yielding our desired outcome to God‘s wisdom.

Asking for wisdom in difficult situations is promised in James 1:5, “If anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to them.” This scripture highlights God’s willingness to guide those who ask, particularly during times of trouble or needing direction.

Pray for opportunities to share your faith, and offer gratitude, even in difficult times.

Never treat God like a genie. Prayer is a relationship based on submitting to God’s will, not a transaction to fulfill selfish desires or wishes.

Prayer is not getting God to do what we want. Prayer is lining up our hearts, will, and thoughts with what God wants.

God will never answer prayers that violate the moral principles found in the Bible.

Do you know that there is a battle for your soul? Satan has set his sights on devouring our souls, like a roaring lion. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us “Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walking around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may desire.”

David speaks repeatedly on the battle for his soul that was being waged. When we look at what David wrote in Psalm 143:3 maybe you can recognize where Satan has been after you. “For the enemy has pursued my soul, he has crushed my life to the ground, he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.”

Satan is pursuing every one of our souls, he wants to crush our spirits, steal our lives, and leave us in a dark place, absent of hope and life. Satan’s contented purpose is to deceive us and cause us to feel crushed and trapped in a dark place emotionally. His intentions are to make us feel this way.

God is our rescuer of our souls.

David writes in Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way that I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”

God’s steadfast love is our only path to restoring our souls and refreshing our spirits to hope and health. When we are in the pit of darkness, we can look up and reach out to the light of God’s grace. When our soul is dry and barren like a parched land, we can stretch out our hands to God and ask Him to quench of thirsty souls. “I spread out my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land” -Psalm 143:6

God has build His name, reputation and glory on fulfilling His promises according to His righteousness. “For your names sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble” -Psalm 143:11

This means we can count on God to come through when we find ourselves in big trouble. No matter what the scoreboard tells us, the game called life is never over if we are on God’s team, and we will win in the end.

Psalm 143:12 goes on to say, “And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies, and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am your servant.”

Our enemy has been defeated. Jesus crushed the head of the snake through His resurrection. Jesus is coming back and when He does. He will destroy all our adversaries of our souls. Until that time, we trust God and serve Him. Knowing He keeps His promises. As we serve Him daily, He will guard, heal, restore, and refresh our souls out of the abundance of His steadfast love.

Allow God to conquer your soul and rule on the throne of your heart, Jesus is a worthy and mighty King.

Do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand, and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven” – Matthew 5:15-16

One of the best ways we can be used by God is by simply being ourselves. The identity Jesus has given us as His children is meant to shine forth and be a witness to those around us.

Jesus’s teaching on salt and light in the Sermon on the Mount is one of my favorite passages of Scripture where He related to sharing the heart of God with the world around us.

In Matthew 5:13-15 Jesus taught,

I think one of the most powerful aspects of this passage is how Jesus speaks identity over us. God doesn’t tell us to go get some salt and share it. He says we are salt. He doesn’t tell us to go get light and shine it. He says we are light.

Sharing God’s heart is a part of who we are. As children of God, we have been redeemed -washed clean, that we might proclaim the excellencies of our Savior by living in line with our new identity.

The world is a dark place. It is without hope. It is filled with the blind leading the blind and the needy seeking fulfilment from the needy. Our only hope is Jesus. With the One, true guide being the Holy Spirit.

We are called to a lifestyle of expelling darkness around us with the powerful proclamation of God’s heart to love, provide for, and redeem all those who would simply say yes to Him. We are called to respond to Jesus’s call and stop putting a basket over the light He has placed within us.

We shouldn’t have to be apologetic for the hope we have. We shouldn’t have to fear the opinion of man. We should love relentlessly, offer grace unexpectantly, and sacrifice ourselves so that others might see a glimpse of God’s heart.

We shouldn’t cover up who we are in Jesus. We should seek to reveal God’s heart in all we do. And watch as the world around us is drawn to the light of God’s unconditional love revealed through our lives.

Here’s an easy outline:

Our bodies are made from the dust of the earth, and for the duration of our earthly lives, we live in frail, feeble, perishing bodies that are decaying and dying. Seemingly they are of little worth to the great, powerful, omnipotent eternal Creator who is to be praised forever and ever. Yet God has taken our apparently useless, insignificant human forms and poured into them a revelation of the gospel of His only begotten Son.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” -2 Corinthians 4:7

God has poured into our hearts the divine light of His love and glory, the truth of His salvation and grace, the rich treasure of the news of Jesus. He alone can save a sinner from the penalty and power of sin, death, and hell. God caused the treasured light of knowledge of the glory of God, to fill and flood our weak, physical bodies so He might live in us and work through us, for our eternal benefit and His praise and glory.

We have this treasure of earthen vessels with an excellent power within, that proves God is for us and not against us.

Satan is the god of this world and an enemy to our souls who seeks to blind our eyes to this tremendous truth, or to at least deceive us with a satanic lie.

But, there’s a light that shines in our hearts to those of us who believe and it restores our souls. On the road to Damascus, Paul (Saul) was not only spiritually blinded but also by the glory of the risen Jesus, ascended, and blinded His physical eyes as well. But that blindness to the truth in Paul was removed and his eyes were opened to the beauty of Jesus and he saw clearly, both physically and spiritually.

From dust we are and to dust we will return. Our bodies are indeed earthen vessels, but the treasure that has taken up residence within us is the Spirit of Jesus our Lord. It is the glory of Jesus within us that the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians wants us to rejoice at the greatness and the privilege we have. It is through faith in Jesus that we have this treasure in us and that is an incomparable greatness of the power within that comes from God and not ourselves.

When we are saved and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, Jesus breathes into our bodies that were dead in our trespasses and sins. That’s when the Holy Spirit of God took up permanent residence in our weak, mortal frames. It’s the moment we trusted Jesus for our forgiveness of sins and gave us everlasting life.

The light of the knowledge of the glory of God began to stream into our hearts and gave us salvation and His indwelling Spirit is the greatest treasure of God who resides in our mortal bodies.

The Creator of the universe who caused light to shine out of darkness, and the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus so that His life may dwell in us and His love may shine in our hearts, that we may share His grace and show the excellency of His power to those that remain dead in their trespasses and sins.

There is no worth in us that we should be so honored, as the contrast between our frail, feeble, perishing bodies and His divine strength and eternal light demonstrates that by His goodness and grace. This heavenly treasure had been placed in our bodies.

This is the mystery of Jesus in us the hope of glory given to us so that His power may be shown in our lives. We have become temples of the Holy Spirit who uses God’s light to guide us into truth, so we can proclaim His truth and grace to others.

Let us praise His name for His inestimable grace towards us.