Is There Life After Death?

A man told me, “When I die, I’m just going six feet under. That’s it. No more.” Is that true? Is death really that final, or is there something more? - Clint Decker

As a little boy I stood with my parents at a graveside service when a small plastic shovel was presented to me. I was asked if I wanted to scoop some dirt and toss it on the casket. I turned my head downward, then nervously backed into my mother and declined. As a I child I did not know what to make of death. It scared me. Even though my dad was a pastor and I was in church every Sunday, it did not make sense. I feared death. One reason why is that I did not understand it. It seemed so final. One day, someone is here, then the next day we are having a funeral for them. (Image by Slater Funeral Funeral Service)

When I was a pastor, a man told me, “When I die, I’m just going six feet under. That’s it. No more.” Is that true? Is death really that final, or is there something more? Let us explore what happens at death, and ask the question, “Is there life beyond the grave?”

Upwards of 73% of adults believe in some type of afterlife, while 17% are adamant there is nothing after the grave. And when we explore different religions, they have their own ideas. So what is the answer? This is where I turn to the Creator God and His Word to ask questions, for He is the source of truth.

1. We will all face death. God says, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once…” (Hebrews 9:27) In 2025, 63 million people died worldwide, or an average of 173,000 a day.

2. Upon death our eternal soul will depart from us. The Bible shares the story of Rachel who was giving birth to a child as she was dying, “...as her soul was departing…she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. So Rachel died, and she was buried…” (Genesis 35:18-19) We are both physical and spiritual beings. At the moment of death, while our physical body remains, the spiritual part of our body (soul) departs from us into another dimension.

3. Our soul will depart into the afterlife. God explains, “…many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2) The moment a person dies, they immediately awake into the afterlife, where they are either in utter joy or horror with no chance to go back and make any changes. And no prayers on their behalf can change their fate.

4. We will all face eternal judgement. After death, everyone will eventually be summoned to stand in the great courtroom of eternity, presided over by the Supreme Judge of the Universe, Jesus the Christ. The Bible says, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)

It is certain that death will come to all. It is also certain that there is life after death, either a life of eternal torment under the judgement of God or an eternal life of beauty and majesty in the presence Jesus forever.

The Bible is very clear in how to prepare for this. One must admit their disobedience against God and turn from it at once. Then one must place their trust fully in Christ, who died and rose again for them. It is simple, but hard, and will cost you everything. But through it, you will receive the gift of forgiveness and the indwelling power of God’s Spirit. And when you are transformed like this and walk faithfully with God, you will face death with confidence, certainty and with a joy of what lay beyond the grave.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will prepare people’s hearts and lives to encounter death’s door. May they not fear, but face the prospect of it with peace, knowing it is well with their soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Why You Should Remember The Fallen

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived. - General George Patton

Nearly one month after the surrender of Germany in World War II, one of the most iconic U.S. Generals, George Patton, said on June 7, 1945, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” (Image by Pixabay)

One role of government, which God created, is to defend its citizens from enemies within and without. The Bible says, “But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he [government] does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4) This is why governments have standing armies and weapons of war, to always be prepared to carry out their God-given responsibility to defend their nation.

When times like this happen, it becomes a necessary burden for the government and its people to take up arms and fight a just cause in defense of their country. In some cases, they may be fighting for their very survival. In those dark moments we should thank God for the soldiers who have lived and died, that we might be free.

One such soldier was 20-year-old Sergeant Daniel Brown from Stamford, Connecticut. He became a decorated war hero at the end of the Revolutionary War (1775-83). May 3, 1783, he was awarded the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington, who created the award (later it became the Purple Heart). Brown was one of only three soldiers to receive the commendation. He served with the 5th Connecticut Regiment and led soldiers on a dangerous mission to take Yorktown, in Virgina, from British forces.

American troops were carefully preparing for an attack on Yorktown. They had scouted out where the fortifications were that needed to be breached for a successful campaign. Troops were in position, waiting for the signal to attack, when the enemy spotted them and British soldiers began firing. Then immediately, while under fire and with only bayonets, Graham led his men over obstacles to an assault on a key fort at Yorktown. Browns citation reads, “…on the evening of the 14th of October 1781, [Sergeant Daniel Brown] conducted a forlorn hope (a suicide mission) with great bravery, propriety, and deliberate firmness, and his general character appears unexceptionable.”

Because of Brown’s extraordinary bravery in battle, British General Earl Cornwallis had his defenses cut off with no hope of retreat and was forced to surrender. That battle was the last military engagement of the American Revolution.

Americans, as well as citizens of every nation, should be grateful to God for soldiers like Sergeant Brown, who are willing to sacrifice themselves to fight for their homeland.

Why should we remember soldiers who have lived and died among us? Why should we remember their heroic deeds? Because it reminds us that we live in a world of good and evil, light and darkness, God and Satan. It reminds us of the reality that there are still ruthless leaders and vigilante groups who conquer and destroy with much bloodshed. It reminds us that we need godly men and women to boldly stand against such evil. It also reminds us that war is ultimately a spiritual battle, which is where we can have hope. For when the good news of Jesus Christ is declared, it can change the vilest of men. Through Jesus, the hardest of hearts, the cruelest of souls, the darkest of minds can be touched by the Master. How? Through Jesus’ death and resurrection. His greatest act of love, courage and self-sacrifice has brought hope to the world. For it is written about Jesus, that He, “…disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them...” (Colossians 2:15) And because of this, one day in the future, there will be no—more--war!

A prayer for you – Lord God, I thank you for our brave men and women who have given their lives for the defense of our nation. Protect those who are serving today. And I pray you will send your good news of Christ into war-torn areas, that souls might be transformed by the power of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Law and Speeding Tickets

“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” - James 2:10 

I was in college and running late, so I hopped into my bright red sporty-looking car and started buzzing down the road. Instantly, I was made even later when a police officer decided to stop me for speeding. Now I really needed to make up for time, so I buzzed down the road even more. However, unbelievably, another officer stopped me. That was a very expensive 20-minute drive. (Image from traffictickets.com)

Looking back, the officers had every right to pull me over because I was exceeding the speed limit. In straightforward terms, I was breaking the law.

Speed limits are one among thousands of different laws in our nation to help govern our citizens and keep order. The English word for law, refers to a system of rules that have been laid down, or set in place, for people to abide by. Those laws then become the moral standard for what is right or wrong in a country.

The Lord God, who created the heavens and the earth, is King over the universe. He governs it by a system of His own laws. They are divine and holy, which the entire human race is subject to. They cover two categories: how we relate to God and each other. All of His laws are summed up in the Great Commandment, which Jesus stated, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 37-40)

What does God’s law deal with? 1. Adultery. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) 2. Divorce. Jesus taught, “…I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery…” 3. Loving our enemies. Jesus spoke, “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28) These are just three out of hundreds of God’s moral laws.

Are they only for Sunday morning churchgoers? No. The entire human race is subject to these laws including atheists, Muslims, Jews, Republicans, Democrats, liberals, conservatives and everyone else. What does God expect from people? “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) God’s standard is perfect obedience and perfect love with all He has commanded. Why? Because God is holy, and the law He has laid down is a reflection of Him.

What happens when we mess up? “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” (James 2:10) In an extreme case, if a person was able to perfectly obey God’s law, except for just one area, that would still not be good enough. God does not judge based on a scale. He judges based upon perfect obedience. And when we fall short, we become legally guilty before God, then are convicted and sentenced under His judgement to eternal death. It is extremely serious and incredibly severe.

Is there any hope? Yes! Jesus came from heaven to earth for this very reason. He knew we were not good enough on our own, but He knew He was. Therefore, being an innocent man, He died on a cross and rose again to take our conviction and sentence upon Himself. Then through His resurrection, He provided a remedy for you to be completely forgiven, and through that forgiveness, all things can be made new for you.

Though you have failed before God, there is a certain and everlasting hope waiting for you. Receive it today!

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will help us to recognize how we have failed. We have all broken your laws and are deserving of your judgment. Through Jesus, forgive us, O God. Remove our guilt, we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Strength of a Decorated Soldier

Major Audie Murphy earned 33 awards, citations and decorations, including all possible medals of valor from the U.S., as well as three French and one Belgian medal. - U.S. Department of War

Medal of Honor recipient, Army Major Audie Murphy, is the U.S military’s most decorated soldier in history. He spent about 400 days on the front lines in WWII. During his more than three years of combat, he was wounded three times, fought in nine major campaigns and was credited with killing more than 240 enemy soldiers while wounding and capturing many others. All this despite being only 5 feet, 5 inches tall and 110 pounds. (Image from togetherweservedblog) 

The U.S. Department of War states, “Murphy earned 33 awards, citations and decorations, including all possible medals of valor from the U.S., as well as three French and one Belgian medal.”

In ancient days there was another highly decorated soldier. His name was David. He rose to become the greatest solider in Israel’s history. As a teenager, in one-on-one combat, he singlehandedly killed Goliath, the fiercest enemy solider Israel ever faced. From there he successfully served in multiple battles, eventually rising to become King of Israel and its most accomplish military general.

During his career as a warrior, David killed thousands of enemy soldiers and expanded Israel’s territory like never before. The Bible says of him, “And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. [He] reigned over all Israel [and] administered justice and equity to all his people.” (2 Samuel 8:14-15) As King, he once wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O Lord, save the king!” (Psalm 20:7-9) Echoing the same ideas, he repeated, “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue…Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Ps. 33:16-17,20)

As a King, David was not foolish, but well prepared for any attack. He had an army ready to fight and all the weapons of his day at his disposal. But where did he place his trust? For the defense of his nation and victory in the bloody battles of war, he trusted in the Lord God. The one who is King of all kings, Lord of lords and Creator of heaven and earth.

David understood the nature of mankind and the world he lived in. He knew there was an unseen evil and lawless spirit that raised up ruthless men to kill and destroy. Would mortal men alone with man-made weapons achieve victory against such a diabolical enemy? David employed the only one who had power over evil. The Lord God Almighty. A wicked tyrant can defeat men but cannot defeat God. This is seen in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was put on the cross by cunning and crafty lawless men. Yet three days later he defeated their schemes by rising from the dead.

The leader of a nation. The leader of an army. A soldier. A citizen. They are all fools who do not trust in God’s only Son to thwart the attacks of evil forces.

How can people receive this divine protection? Simple. Humble themselves before the Lord God and call upon the Lord for mercy with a desperate heart. God always responds when precious souls finally realize they cannot save themselves, but only God can. Yet, because of our stubbornness, we often find ourselves at the brink of utter defeat before we realize that truth.

Are you fighting in our own strength? Are you near to defeat? Then are you ready to humble yourself and call upon the only one who can save you to the uttermost?

A prayer for you - Lord God, you see the nations and souls of all people. Bring Presidents, Prime Ministers and Kings to call upon you. Bring military generals and soldiers to fall on their face before you. Bring dads, moms, grandpas and grandmas to be desperate for you. Bring them to stop fighting in their own strength and trying to save themselves. Lead them to call out to you to save their souls, their families and their nation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is The Judgment and Wrath of God Real?

What is God to do when like a parent, He lovingly lays down rules for the good of His children, but they blatantly defy Him with high handed rebellion? - Clint Decker

A survey from a few years ago found that “nearly eight-in-ten U.S. adults think God or a higher power has protected them, and two-thirds say they have been rewarded by the Almighty. By comparison, somewhat fewer see God as judgmental and punitive. Six-in-ten Americans say God or a higher power will judge all people on what they have done, and four-in-ten say they have been punished by God…” (Image from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)

When it comes to our natural instincts, if we are given a choice, we would rather receive messages about how God is pleased with us and loves us, rather than how He will judge us. Am I correct? Despite our personal feelings though, is the judgment and wrath of God real?

Jesus once said, “…whoever does not obey the Son [Jesus] shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). Wrath of God? The phrase is uncomfortable. Jesus is the most compassionate, kind and loving person the world has ever known.

Sometimes we might think the idea of God’s wrath, judgment or anger was just an Old Testament thing, and that when Jesus came in the New Testament, it all ended. Not true. There are hundreds of verses throughout the entire Bible that speak about the judgment of God.

What is the wrath of God? Theological scholar, Dr. Leon Morris, wrote that it is the “active opposition of God’s holy nature to everything that is evil.” Evil is anything that goes against the ways of God. He helps us understand by providing a comprehensive list of evil things sinful hearts do, saying they are “…filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” (Romans 1:29-31)

How does God respond to this evil in our hearts? By being both merciful and just. When we persist in going our own way, in a display of divine grace, God patiently and mercifully speaks the truth to warn us. He does it through His Spirit and human messengers. God cautions us about what will happen if we refuse, just like He did in the beginning with Adam and Eve, history’s first man and woman. God said to Adam, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17)

What is God to do when like a parent, He lovingly lays down rules for the good of His children, but they blatantly defy Him with high handed rebellion? God will respond with equitable justice. He will act impartially, and come against every thought, word or deed that violates His glory, honor and holiness. The Scripture says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

Is there a purpose for divine judgment or is God just an angry God? When we experience the internal conviction of things we have done wrong, the negative consequences of our own actions or some form of divine discipline, it is all meant to help us. God’s judgment is a supernatural-sent spiritual alarm, to wake us up to the condition of our life and where it is headed, unless we change course.

The Scripture says that God, “…is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Right now, Jesus is waiting for you with arms stretched open wide. Stop. Sin no more, and receive His forgiveness. Trust in Jesus and be gloriously saved forever this very hour.

A prayer for you - Lord God, I praise you for your mercy and justice. You are a God without partiality and a wise judge. Let us walk in reverent fear before you because of your mighty power. Help us to turn from our ways and find salvation for our soul in Jesus alone. In His name. Amen.

You Were Created for Work and not Entertainment

The culture of entertainment we live in is not what we were made for. God made us for something greater. - Clint Decker

The Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC has an exhibit, “Entertainment Nation.” It explores America’s transformation into an entertainment and leisure focused country. Today, Americans spend nearly five hours a day being entertained through their phones, tablets, video games, computers, TVs, other games, sports, leisure and recreational activities. Budgets reflect this as people spend over $300 a month or $3,600 a year on entertainment related items. And even in hard times Americans are still determined to have lots of fun no matter their financial situation. (Image by unsplash)

Is this what we were created for – to be in constant pursuit of entertainment, pleasure, recreation, and leisure?

Our Creator had a different mindset. The Bible says about Him, “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” (Genesis 2:1-2) The work God did took place before evil ever entered the world. Work was part of God’s utopia, the perfect place He created for mankind to live. And He purposed them to labor like Him, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” (Gen. 2:15) All mankind was created in the image of God, so since God worked, He created mankind to do the same.

What does it mean to work? It means to create, build or produce something. Just like God did with the heavens and the earth. Jesus, who is the physical image of the invisible God, reflects this. He once said, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” (John 5:17) He worked constantly at doing signs, wonders, miracles, teaching and preaching to bring the Kingdom of God to earth and build His church. Then near the end, before His death and resurrection, he said, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” (Jn. 17:4)

The culture of entertainment we live in is not what we were made for. God made us for something greater. He made us so that we might create and build things for His glory, and for the good of other people, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

When we give ourselves to work, we are the benefactors. When we work at our job with excellence we might get promoted or a pay raise. When we work at building a company, we provide beneficial products and services to people and give others a place of employment to provide for their family. When we work on our marriage, we can have a strong and healthy relationship with our spouse. When we work at raising godly children, we provide them a foundation for a successful future. When we work at maintaining our home and property we provide something that will last and can be used to be a blessing for others.

We have a moral obligation to work, so we can provide for ourselves without relying upon others. We also have an obligation to teach our children and grandchildren to work so they too can provide for themselves. God tell us to, “Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6) Training a child is more than just teaching him to tie his shoes, ride a bike or go to school and learn to read and write. Training also involves teaching our children how to work. That is what we are doing when we assign them simple chores like making their bed, feeding the dog, taking the trash out, cleaning off the table and other things. They are learning invaluable skills to prepare them to make it on their own.

A prayer for you – Lord God, help us to realize the blessing you have provided to create and build things through working. Help us to be an example to the next generation of the value and joy of labor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When We Are Living a Lie

Some profess to know God but contradict that in how they live. What they say on Sunday and how they live does not match up. This gives ample reason to question the genuineness of their faith. - Clint Decker

Your spouse says they love you, but you find intimate text messages to another person. Your business partner says the company is extremely profitable and doing well, but you discover unapproved bank transfers going into an offshore account of theirs. Your church’s youth pastor says very biblical things and is an excellent youth leader, but you learn about his abusiveness toward his wife and children at home. (Image by pexels)

When someone says one thing, but does another, it can be a crushing discovery. The Bible speaks about this regarding a situation with some church leaders, “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:16)

This strong, but accurate statement, hits on a theme of the Bible. It springs from a problem in the human heart that causes one’s words and actions not to align with each other. This type of living is a lie. It is deceptive and manipulative, leading to a lack of personal trust and integrity. It is spiritually dangerous, potentially causing the damnation of one’s personal soul.

Jesus addressed this when He asked a rhetorical question to His listeners, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46) In other word’s Jesus is asking, “Why do you say you believe in me, but do not obey my commands?” This was also dealt with hundreds of years before Jesus, as God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, “Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely…then come and stand before me…?” (Jeremiah 7:9-10)

It is a life of contradictions. On one hand, people profess to know God through their words or Christian activities but contradict that in how they live. What they say on Sunday and how they live the rest of the week does not match up. This gives ample reasons for someone to question the genuineness of their faith, and if they have truly been saved.

They say with confidence, “I pray”, “I believe”, or even “I have asked Jesus to forgive my sins.” Yet, their life is a walking illustration of a religious lie when sins like drunkenness, sexual immorality, anger, bitterness, profanity or others mark their life. How can this be? They may respond with, “No one is perfect.” Yes, but it is not a justification for continuing to do what one knows is wrong. In a situation like this, the person has become a “hypocrite”, otherwise known as, a religious actor. It is written, “Therefore you have no excuse, O man…” (Romans 2:1)

This is a widespread problem. Many have chosen to live this way because there is no cost to it. It is a vain attempt to have two kingdoms. God’s and theirs. It provides the benefits of religion where one can pray, believe in God, experience His blessings, or even enjoy worship and take the Lord’s Supper. And in return, they have created a false sense of peace and seared their conscience as they justify living however they choose.

Those who teach or believe this, are embracing a dangerous lie. For God strongly condemns this and will not be deceived or mocked. Jesus will one day say to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23)

To enter into God’s Kingdom, you must walk away from your kingdom, and into His. There might be relationships that need to end, places you need to stop going and habits that need to be broken. This is repentance and is costly when you turn from self and toward Jesus by faith.

If God were to examine your life, what would He see? Just empty religion or a life that is sold out to Christ?

A prayer for you – Lord God, examine my life. Help me to see what you see. If I have been living for two kingdoms, show me. From this day forward help me to live fully for Christ, the One who suffered, died and rose again that I might truly live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Come Into The Beautiful

There is one thing that is good, beautiful and sacred in this world, which has not been touched by all the perversion it, however, it is not of this world. - Clint Decker  

Is there anything left in our world that is good, beautiful and sacred or has all become lost? We live in a world of perverted and disgusting things. The profanity laced rants people go on are disgusting. The acts done upon innocent children are repulsive. Those who prey upon our elderly are sickening. The types of sexual behaviors that have become normalized are appalling. 

However...there is one beautiful thing that has not been touched by all the distressing things around us, but it is not of this world, “Lift up your eyes to the heavens,” the Bible says. (Isaiah 51:6). Then while looking to the heavens Isaiah the prophet once wrote, “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.” Isaiah then described angels he saw, “Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.” Isaiah recorded how the angels spoke in response to what they saw, “And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’ Immediately, Isaiah felt something move beneath his feet, “And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.” Isaiah never experienced anything like this. It was a supernatural occurrence. Incredibly, He was staring at Almighty God on His throne in heaven while being enveloped in the majesty of God’s incomprehensible holiness. Isaiah humbled himself before the wonder of it all and spoke, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Is. 6:2-5)

This extraordinary experience from Isaiah tells us that in the middle of all the uncleanness in which we dwell, there remains something that is good, beautiful and sacred. The holiness of God.

What is holy or holiness? It is primarily a religious world that means separation. Separation from what? All that is depraved, immoral and filthy.

Read what is written about heaven, “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false.” (Revelation 21:27). Heaven is God’s holy dwelling place, and He will not allow anyone who is sinful to come into His holy presence because He must separate Himself from such things. Why?

The root of His holiness is His moral perfection. In His eternal existence He has never once been immoral, prideful or selfish. Never! It is not that He chooses not to, like us. No. He does not, because He cannot. He is perfect. He is holy. And this holiness is what makes God beautiful.

When Jesus was transfigured on a mountain before His disciples the Scriptures say about Him, “…the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white…” (Luke. 9:29)

What were the disciples seeing? The beauty of the holiness of God in Jesus.

The holiness of God also manifests itself with a blazing purity and an unrivaled power, and one day, like Isaiah, all of us will stand before this holy God, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians. 5:10).

What shall we do? Come into the beautiful! Follow Isaiah’s example, and humble yourself, then believe by faith, that through Jesus, He can make you holy, as He is holy, “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us all our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will lift our eyes above all the filth of this world to see the beauty of your holiness. Then search us, to see if there be any uncleanness within us that we might be made holy as you are. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

5 Ways Jesus Valued Women

The life and teachings of Christ and the Bible laid the foundations for the advancement and ethical treatment of women across the globe today. - Clint Decker

Long before Mother Theresa, was Mother Cabrini. She built 67 hospitals, schools and orphanages in the United States and around the world while facing immense obstacles. She was a small of stature Italian immigrant Catholic nun that turned the world upside down, and one of those obstacles was being a woman. One church leader questioned whether she was able to lead a mission and urged her to go home. Another pointed out that missionaries were typically men, to which Cabrini responded, “If the mission of announcing the Lord’s resurrection to his apostles had been entrusted to Mary Magdalene, it would seem a very good thing to confide to other women an evangelizing mission.” (Image by magnific)

Though challenges still exist for woman, much has changed for the better. Who is the cause for many of these positive changes? Jesus. The life and teachings of Christ and the Bible laid the foundations for the advancement and ethical treatment of women across the globe today. We see that in Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. (John 4) Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery. (John 8) The women Jesus invited to follow Him. (Mark 15) The women He ministered to. (Luke 8) And the women who ministered to Him. (Jn. 11-2)

Here are five ways in which Jesus gave value and purpose to all women.

1. Defense. Jesus had celebrity status gathering crowds in the thousands around Him. They hung on His every word. Through His platform of influence, He defended women when society tried to demean and dismiss them.

2. Challenging the status quo. Jesus put His life and reputation on the line challenging the unjust ways in which women were treated during His day. Though knowingly opposing cultural rules He became a voice for the voiceless.

3. Equality. Jesus demonstrated that women were as equally valuable as men. He saw no difference in a man’s worth over a woman. Both were created in God’s image.

4. Compassion. Jesus showed kindness toward women of all ranks in society - upper, middle and lower classes. He offered peace, hope and freedom to all women who would choose to believe in Him with all their heart.

5. Accountability. Even though Jesus offered promise to women, He also called them to repentance. He realized true freedom is not just found in changing laws or cultural ideals in how women are treated. He provided the liberation of the soul through forgiveness of sin. When women are delivered from their sin, they receive a new mind and heart and a new future that lasts for eternity.

Jesus and those who follow His example offer a message to women around the world. Those in abusive relationships, oppressive cultures and feeling on the fringe of society, can find worth in Christ. While publicly standing against one woman’s accusers Jesus said to her “‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’” (John 8:10-11) That day, the unknown woman discovered her value in Christ. She was so valuable, that He died and rose again that she might be free from her greatest enemy, not men or systems, but her inward sin.

A prayer for a woman – Lord God, You created every woman in Your image. We are all beautiful in your sight. May we find our worth in You and forgiveness through Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.