Post-Election Comments - Presidential Race and Proposition 8

To follow up with my thoughts on the presidential election results, I couldn't agree more with what Dr. Albert Mohler has written on his blog, "America Has Chosen a President," posted Nov. 5. At the risk of appearing to merely parrot the ideas and words of others, I'll refer you in this case to his article. He's a great Christian thinker and a great writer. I could not express my own thoughts any better. It's worth reading.

The bottom line is this: God is still in control. The Lord still reigns and rules from heaven, and He always will.

• "The king's heart is in the hands of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." - Proverbs 21:1
• "The authorities that exist have been established by God." - Romans 13:1b
• "The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths." - Psalm 135:6

Jesus is still the King of kings and Lord of lords, our only hope for healing. Neither Barack Obama, John McCain, nor anyone other man or woman can bind up the wounds of individual lives, nor heal this land.

Now, more than ever, I believe the call rings out for God's people to truly "humble themselves and pray and seek [His] face and turn from their wicked ways." Then we will also experience the blessings of God's promise: "Then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

I've also been checking to see what the status is on the Proposition 8 vote in California. Though supporters have claimed victory, not all votes are in yet, so I will hold off for now on saying this is a major victory.

The sad truth is, as a commenter on yesterday's post said, that this issue of legalizing same sex marriage even appears on the ballot at all. And even if Prop 8 wins, you can see how evenly divided that state remains. No doubt, the fight will wage on.

Gladly, in the two other states in which this issue appeared before voters, Arizona and Florida, the sanctity of marriage was upheld by voters who said they wanted a ban on same sex marriage in their constitutions.

You have to wonder what's in store for America. For some reason, God has chosen to withhold a major windfall of His wrath against the sins of our nation. But to some degree we're already experiencing His judgment.

When you read Romans 1:18-32 you can easily see this country described as the ones who have "exchanged the truth of God for a lie." We're seeing God's wrath being revealed in the way that He has "[given] them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another."

We're seeing God's wrath being revealed in the way He has "[given] them over to shameful lusts." To the extent that He gives us over to our own wicked and shameful desires is judgment enough! How much more to come! The parading of sin and unrighteousness in this land and the approval of such wickedness reveals that to a certain degree God has already given this nation over to her own ways. And that's the judgment we're experiencing.

Read Isaiah 3 concerning the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem and Judah and see if their situation doesn't mirror ours today. "The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves" (Isaiah 3:9).

In the rampant atmosphere of sexual immorality, in the killing of the unborn, in the oppression of the poor, in the greed of man, in the misdirection of our guides...the wrath of God is already being revealed from heaven. And beyond what we're already experiencing, Paul says this in Romans 2:5: "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentent heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed."

Friend, don't let it be so for you. Return to the Lord and receive God's forgiveness and mercy offered to you through the blood of Jesus. God demonstrated the boundless depths of His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). Receive Jesus by faith, for as many as receive Him, to all who believe in His name, God grants that we may become children of God (John 1:12).

And let us pray for our President-elect, for the choices and decisions he makes in selecting his leadership team, for guiding and signing national policy, for the example he sets and the direction he leads, that wisdom from heaven will prevail.

Let us pray and plead for God to move and act for His own glory through His church on behalf of this land.

On the Ballot - Seeking God's Truth on Election Day

There's so much I want to say about this nation, the direction we're going, this election and the issues related to it...I hope and I pray that the people of this land aren't making their decisions based upon what the mainstream liberal media has to say, nor upon what conservative talk radio suggests. I sincerely pray for our country to get down on their knees in prayer seeking the Father's will.

Let me just address one topic concerning this year's election - for now. Proposition 8. I’m really interested to see what will happen in California on this vote. Whether for good or bad, the State of California often sets the trends that will soon enough sweep across the rest of the country.

In 2000, the people of California voted 61% in favor of passing Proposition 22, which added a section to the California Family Code to formally define marriage in California as being between a man and a woman. On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court in a 4-3 vote ruled this initiative as unconstitutional, thus granting the right of same sex individuals to marry, overturning the will of the people.

I’m praying that God will convict the people of California to once again vote in favor of protecting marriage. I pray that they will rise up against the judicial activism of the California Supreme Court, overwhelmingly pass this measure and send a message to the rest of the country that marriage, as God has designed and ordained it, is to be held in honor by all men (Heb. 13:4). I hope you know where your candidate stands on this issue!

I don’t have enough time to detail all the reasons why allowing same sex couples to marry is a terrible idea in any society. But it is enough to give one. What God has established from the beginning to be true for all nations for all times is this: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). Any departure from God’s design for marriage the sexual union within the bounds of marriage, will surely lead to judgment. Think Sodom and Gomorrah.

Here’s how the Bible reveals what God thinks about homosexuality: “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable” (Lev. 18:22).

Is homosexuality forbidden only under the Old Testament law? Of course not – all Scripture is God-breathed. Look at 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” See also Romans 1 for a frighteningly true picture of how God pours out His wrath “from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Rom. 1:18).

I’ve not even begun to address the wickedness of abortion that is destroying this land! I’ve not even begun to talk about the many other forms of ungodliness that are tearing apart our nation. But when the Word of God is so clear on a matter, and when the hearts of people are so stubbornly wicked, why should we not expect judgment to fall hard upon this nation?!

The time is now for people everywhere to turn away from evil and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. While there is still time! The Day of Judgment will come!

But there is hope for healing and hope for salvation. Talking about the wicked Paul says: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11).

What about you? Will you repent of sin and follow the ways of the Lord, or will you continue with your own plans, following the stubbornness of your own evil heart?

Refreshing Perspective on Your Vote

This has been a crazy election season, and I'm sure it will only get crazier in the next few days - and for however long it may take to sort out the votes after they've been cast!

Many people get so heated when it comes to politics and their candidate of choice. Even normally mild-mannered Christians transform into partisan maniacs when conversation turns political, on both sides of the aisle. To be sure, this year's election is, as every election is, a crucial turning point in the course of a nation's history, and the responsibility we each have to seek the heart and will of God first and foremost in arriving at our decisions is imperative. Nevertheless, will your faith tumble if your party doesn't win? Will your trust in Christ be bolstered by your party's victory?

I realize there is much at stake for our country next Tuesday, but I believe this refreshing article by John Piper will help you keep a proper biblical perspective. Please read: "Let Christians Vote as Though They Were Not Voting."

Add a comment and let me know what you think.

One Thing, Three Ways

I have one thing on my mind this morning – one passion, one purpose, one prayer: that the name of God would be exalted and glorified as His kingdom comes and His will is done. That’s not too much to ask, is it?

There are three ways in which I have a pressing desire to see His glory magnified. In no certain order, one is in regards to the leadership and direction of this country. Unless you’ve been hiding out in a cave somewhere for the past two years, you are well aware of the fact that next Tuesday, Nov. 4, is Election Day. I’d be willing to bet you’re also about as ready for all of the campaigning and political ads and mudslinging to just go away.

I want to ask you this: are you seeking the Father’s will in regard to who you will vote for next week? Do you want God to be glorified in your choice for President? For Congress? For court benches? Do you want leaders who will follow the paths of righteousness and justice according to the Word of God? “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). God is glorified when men delight in seeking His face and following His ways.

Let me urge you to do your homework before stepping into the voting booth. Please do not merely punch the party ticket you’ve always punched. Know where each candidate stands and what each stands for. And by the way, although either John McCain or Barack Obama will certainly win the presidential election, there are other candidates on the ballot that you might want to check out if you don’t care for either of these.

In any case, the Bible does command us to pray for our leaders. “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

The second way in which I want to see God’s glory displayed is in the keeping of the covenant of marriage. I know I’ve been on this horse for a long time, but I’m staying on as long as I continue to see marriages crumble and as long as the fight to redefine marriage in this country rages on.

To any who question God’s design for marriage, I defer to Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees: “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6). God is glorified as His will, His design, His purpose for marriage is held in honor by all.

With that said, let me invite you to a “Marriage Check-up Seminar” on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. It will be held at the Saline Baptist Association Center, 3890 Highway 145 South, about five miles south of Harrisburg. Grant and Jennifer Medford of Springfield, IL, will lead the seminar. Grant is the Director of Student and Family Ministries with the Illinois Baptist State Association. There is no cost to you for this event, and a noon lunch will also be provided. I’ll say that again in case you didn’t hear it: This is a FREE seminar that will help your marriage! My wife and I are planning to go, and I would encourage any couple who wants to come to pre-register now by calling 618-252-1440.

Okay, third and final thing for now. I want to see the name of our Lord hallowed among our young people. I know things aren’t like they used to be even %& years ago when I was in school. The things that compete for the attention and affections of our youth today are relentless and reckless. Students are bombarded with more ungodliness and temptations to sin in more accessible and culturally acceptable ways than ever before.

I’m praying and asking you to pray fervently for God’s glory to shine through the lives of our youth as His kingdom comes and His will is done in them and through them. What a spiritual awakening would we see in this county and beyond if the light of Christ Jesus begins to burn brightly in the hearts and lives of our students! Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Loving October

October is quickly coming to an end. I'm sad to see it go.

I've always loved the month of October. For one thing, my birthday falls during this month, though now that my youngest son's birthday is only two days apart from mine, guess who's gets lost in the shuffle? I'm okay with that.

The changing of the colors makes this a beautiful time of the year. I enjoy the crisp coolness in the air. Take a drive around southern Illinois in the fall and you can't miss the beauty of God's creation nor the wisdom of the seasons.

Football's in full gear. The World Series is in swing. Basketball's getting warmed up to take the court. Monopoly's playing at McDonald's. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

But I have had an added reason to love October since I've become a pastor: Pastor Appreciation Month. I don't know what other churches do for their pastors, but I wouldn't trade what Ridgway does for me for anything. Daily when I come into the church office in the morning, someone has left a surprise gift. Yes, I said daily. Here's a short list of some treats left by an unknown giver(s):

• Angel food cake
• Snack basket containing Cokes, Sprites, M&M's, chocolates, crackers, Rice Krispie treat and some kind of deviled-egg chocolate thing
• A bag of Snickers candy bars
• Edy's Double Fudge Brownie ice cream
• Gift cards to Starbucks, McDonald's, Cracker Barrel and Mimmo's Pizza
• Books - lots of books
• Dental floss
• Medicated chest rub
• Post-it Notes
• Pen and bookmark set
• A very nice tie from the Glory Beams Sunday School class
• A Vidal Sassoon personal grooming kit from the Naomi & Ruth Sunday School class - don't ask, it's a long story
• and, maybe my favorite, well, besides the ice cream - a "Have a Super Day" paperweight that plays the "Superman" theme when you press the button

Pretty amazing stuff. God has blessed me through this church beyond abundant. How can I say thanks? It's the kind of stuff grace is made of. You know I'm loving it!

It's Still My Father's World

This is my Father’s world. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters” (Ps. 24:1-2).

This is my Father’s world. “For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and all it contains” (Ps. 50:10-12).

This is my Father’s world. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” (Gen. 1:1, 31).

This is my Father’s world. “Who has measured the waters in the hallow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by the span, and calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, and weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales?” (Isa. 40:12).

This is my Father’s world. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in” (Isa. 40:21-22).

This is my Father’s world. “To whom then will you liken Me that I would be his equal?” says the Holy One. Life up your eyes on high and see who created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing” (Isa. 40:25-26).

This is my Father’s world. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?…Who set its measurements?…Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who enclosed the sea with doors when, bursting forth, it went out from the womb; when I made a cloud its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and I placed boundaries on it and set a bolt and doors, and I said, ‘Thus far you shall come, but no farther; and here shall your proud waves stop’?” (Job 38:4-11).

This is my Father’s world. “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?…Have you entered into the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of the deep darkness? Have you understood the expanse of the earth?” (Job 38:12-13, 16-18).

This is my Father’s world. “He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains; they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they lift up their voices among the branches. He waters the mountains from His upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works” (Ps. 104:10-13).

This is my Father’s world. “O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your possessions…They all wait for You to give them their food in due season. You give to them, they gather it up; You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good” (Ps. 104:24, 27-28).

This is my Father’s world. “He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:15-17).

This is my Father’s world. “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created” (Rev. 4:11).

My Father's World

I don't usually walk the six blocks from my house to church on Sunday morning, but I'm glad I did this week.

It was a beautiful, bright autumn morning with the sun beaming forth in all its warmth and glory. The trees were displaying the beauty of the fall colors, and the multitudes of birds in the air joined together in a delightful symphony, filling the morning sky with their Maker's praise.

My lips were compelled by the overflow of my heart's praise at the wonder of the Lord's creation to sing, "This Is My Father's World."

The lyrics below were penned by Maltbie D. Babcock over 100 years ago. According to CyberHymnal.org, while a pas­tor in Lock­port, New York, Bab­cock liked to hike in an ar­ea called “the es­carp­ment,” an an­cient up­thrust ledge near Lock­port. It has a mar­vel­ous view of farms, or­chards, and Lake On­tar­io, about 15 miles dis­tant. It is said those walks in the woods in­spired these lyr­ics. The ti­tle re­calls an ex­press­ion Bab­cock used when start­ing a walk: “I’m go­ing out to see my Fa­ther’s world.”

"The heavens are telling the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands" (Ps. 19:1). As you read through - or sing through - the words of this beautiful hymn, let your heart and mind be captivated by the wonders of our Father's creation.

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

This is my Father’s world, dreaming, I see His face.
I ope my eyes, and in glad surprise cry, “The Lord is in this place.”
This is my Father’s world, from the shining courts above,
The Beloved One, His Only Son,
Came—a pledge of deathless love.

This is my Father’s world, should my heart be ever sad?
The lord is King—let the heavens ring. God reigns—let the earth be glad.
This is my Father’s world. Now closer to Heaven bound,
For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.
No place but is holy ground.

This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.

FIREPROOF opening this weekend

You may know that the movie, FIREPROOF, opens in theaters nationwide this Friday. I realize that you have a very difficult decision to make in viewing entertainment on Friday night with the first Presidential debate slated to air, so maybe you’d rather see the movie on Saturday instead. Or you could record the debate and watch it later. Whatever works for you.

Our nearest theater in Marion, IL, has sold out the 6:40 showing on Friday night. They were also sold out on Sunday night, but have other showings still available. I'm still hoping my wife and I will be able to attend one of them this opening weekend.

I want you to see this movie, too. I know you could wait until it comes out on DVD, but in order to let Hollywood know that we appreciate movies like this, there needs to be a strong turnout at the box offices on opening weekend.

So many couples, even Bible-believing Christian couples, are missing out on the greater joys of the covenant marriage relationship that God has established and intended for them. FIREPROOF provides a picture of what it’s like when a husband turns away from self-centeredness and begins loving his wife with the love of Christ. Contrary to what the culture seems to think these days, living out a marriage God’s way really does bring a greater joy to both husband and wife.

Hope to see you at the show!

The Love that loves even when it hurts

“How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?”

This line in the upcoming movie, FIREPROOF, marks the beginning of a revelation in Caleb’s life that will lead him first to the love of Christ and then to a love for his wife.

Are you making plans to see this movie on opening weekend? FIREPROOF opens this Friday, September 26, and will be playing in over 800 theaters nationwide. Your investment of time and ticket prices will be well worth it!

Why am I so sold on FIREPROOF? Because I believe more than anything that seeing this movie will give you hope for your marriage. You might be thinking that it’s way too late to save your marriage, but hold on, dear friend!

You may be saying, “Yeah, but I’ve tried everything to make this marriage work, and nothing’s working! We gave it a shot, but I just can’t give any more. We fight all the time. He’s been unfaithful. She spends more money than we make. We don’t agree on anything. I’m not sure if the love’s even there. Even if I tried to work it out and make things better, how am I supposed to love somebody who constantly rejects me?”

When Caleb Holt (played by Kirk Cameron) asked this question, his father explained that this is the love that Jesus Christ showed to us on the cross. Think about that for a while. Jesus didn’t come to die on the cross because we loved Him and were looking for a way to know Him personally. He suffered and bled and died for those who rejected Him. He sacrificed His body in demonstration of a love that goes beyond all human reason. The Bible says it this way: “But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

That’s not a love I can figure out. I can’t explain how anyone would willingly die for those who would scoff and torture him. I can’t comprehend a man who could look at the Roman soldiers spitting in His face, crowning Him mockingly with thorns, and driving nails into His hands and feet, and somehow voice an audible prayer to God, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

A true understanding of such a love comes only by divine revelation. God has revealed in His holy Word that He loved this world so much that He gave His one and only Son over to death in our place so that we would not have to suffer His wrath against sin, but instead have everlasting life.

Friend, if you’ll open your heart to God, He will reveal how great His merciful loving-kindness is toward you. Even though you’ve constantly rejected Him, He has shown His love for you. And as long as you’re still breathing, He gives you the invitation to receive His love by receiving Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

In this love God forgives your sin, erases your guilt and removes your shame. In this love God fills you up with peace, with joy and with love. He transforms your life from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. He dwells within your heart through faith and keeps you in step with His Spirit so that you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. It’s like being born again. Do you know God’s love for you today?

When God revealed this love to Caleb, he received Christ’s sacrifice for his sins and received new life in Christ. And only then could Caleb begin showing that same Christ-like love to his wife who constantly rejected him. He learned that he could not give a love that he did not have.

What about you? The hope for your marriage is the love of Christ Jesus. The only hope for salvation from death and hell is the love of Christ Jesus. If your marriage or your life needs desperately to be saved or strengthened, cry out to Jesus and fall upon His mercy and grace. He can make your life and your marriage fireproof.

Rock Climbing Discipline

I'm still sore from rock climbing. Not a real scaling-the-mountain thing, but a challenging indoor rock wall. The soreness, though, is definitely real.

My family and I had a chance to spend a few days vacationing in tropical St. Louis last week. As a pastor it's important for the vacation time to be spent out of town. Hopefully it's a great opportunity to reaffirm the family bond, enjoy our time with each other, face new adventures together, establish some family traditions, then come back refreshed and ready to get back to work. That's what our week has been for us, and for me.

The rock wall was at the St. Louis Mills mall in the Nascar Speedpark area. On Saturday they had a two-for one deal on wristbands that allowed you access to the go-carts, bumper boats, Lazer Tag, mini-golf and the rock climbing wall. I bought the boys wristbands so they could do as much as they wanted, and I bought some extra tickets so that I could go with them on some things. I wasn't exactly planning on trying out the rock wall.

Did you know that when some muscles don't get used very much, and then all of a sudden you engage them in strenuous activity, they have a way of hollering back at you the next morning?

Tyler wanted to climb the rock wall, and so I joined him. I wasn't even half way up when I fell the first time. But I got up, shook off my embarrassment, and went back up. This time I made it to the top, using those muscles that would soon get even with me.

I went on one more climb on the other wall, and scaled that one, which seemed a bit easier. Tyler also made it to the top on that wall. But after that I was done. I could feel my forearms weakening by the minute, and I knew I had nothing left to give.

I wasn't sure where I wanted to head with this post, but every story has to have a spiritual purpose, right? I think for me the lesson is this: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

If I had been training my body regularly, I would have been prepared to face the rock wall. I would have eagerly looked forward to such a challenge. Even though the task may still have seemed daunting, I would have known that I could handle it. And my muscles would not have been so irritated at me the next day.

Doesn't it seem like when God places a challenge in front of us that the difference in whether we make it or break it is in our spiritual preparedness? If I am disciplining, or training, myself in the ways of godliness consistently, then the challenges that come my way don't seem so difficult. They may still be daunting, but when I'm fit in the strength that Christ provides, then what can I not handle? What load can I not bear in the sufficiency of God's grace?

We need - and I need - to be daily preparing for the rock climbing walls of life. We train ourselves for the purpose of godliness by feeding on the word of God, praying without ceasing, trusting Him for all things, obeying His commands, seeking His kingdom, relying upon His provision, walking in His guidance, resting in His promises, letting His Holy Spirit direct all our ways, and so on.

Godliness is profitable for all things. I will never have any regrets in following hard after the things of God. The effort, the work, the discipline, the sacrifice - whatever it takes to train myself in the ways of godliness - will all be more than worthwhile.

Lord God Almighty, there is great joy in the ways of godliness, and O how valuable your way is in facing whatever rock walls are set before me. With your help I can advance against the foe. With your help I can scale a wall. Strengthen me in your grace, and strengthen your church in your power. May we discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness, knowing it is profitable for all things.