The law was our guardian (tutor) and teacher to lead us until Christ came. So now, through faith in Christ, we are made right with God. Galatians 3:24 NLT
Tutoring isn’t usually initiated by students. It wasn’t in my case.
Parents who observed their children struggling approached me about giving their child extra help. Tutoring comes in several varieties. Some children need remedial tutoring. They haven’t grasped concepts learned in an earlier grade, making it difficult or impossible for them to keep up in their current grade. Others just need extra help understanding current concepts. A little one-on-one time with a tutor is all many children need to scale the hump. And then there’s the rare occasion when a student wants to get ahead of the class. This tutoring involves introducing concepts that would normally be introduced later in the year or even the next year. On whatever level of tutoring a child is, teaching and understanding are the goals.
Paul considered God’s Old Testament law a tutor. God’s law was designed to guard or tutor until it was fulfilled in Christ. The sacrificial system tutored the people about the concept of the innocent being sacrificed for the guilty. Animals were slain during the Old Testament period, but Christ was slain in the New.
Now that Christ has fulfilled the law, the new tutor is God’s Spirit. Jesus said if He went away He would send a Comforter, the Holy Spirit. He is my tutor who guides, teaches, encourages, and comforts me. All traits of a good tutor.
God’s Spirit tutors the lost by introducing them to the way of salvation. He often uses people as the means to do that. After I’ve trusted Christ as my Savior, I’m to tutor others in the way of salvation. This tutoring can be accomplished by praying for the lost, being prepared to witness when the opportunity arises, taking training courses in how to witness, and by being sensitive to witnessing opportunities.
God’s Spirit tutors believers by guiding them to understand God’s truth as revealed in His Word, by teaching them how to apply that Word to everyday situations and circumstances, by encouraging them to pick themselves up and try again when they fail, and by comforting them in times of failure, sorrow, and grief.
Tutors have been trained in the material they teach. Believers have been tutored by God so they might become tutors as well.
Are you tutoring those God sends your way?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the tutoring of Your Spirit. May we take what we learn and use it to tutor others.
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I was once one so I can imagine how he felt…unappreciated, hated, scorned, threatened, and misunderstood.
For five years, I worked at a county tax office where vehicle and property taxes were collected. And where property was sold and driver’s licenses suspended for those refusing to pay. My responsibility was suspending driver’s licenses. Most assumed the dealer paid their initial taxes…a misconception some dealers cultivated. When I attempted to collect, I was cursed at repeatedly, threatened occasionally, and hung up on regularly. It wasn’t the most fulfilling job, but someone had to do it…and the boss selected me. Read more...
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I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. Ephesians 1:18 NLT
My world came crashing down, but it was too dark for me to see it.
On one of the first few camping trips my brother and I and my two children took, we discovered the need for a good tent. I had purchased two small tents—one dome shaped and the other military style. My son and I slept in the military style.
During the night, our tent came tumbling down. I fumbled for my flashlight, and after turning on the light understood why. My son had dislodged one of the poles. Not only had the pole collapsed but the tie out line had unhooked from the stake. Luckily, I located the stake, re-attached the line, and re-erected our tent. But only because I had light.
The light Paul wanted early Christians to be flooded with didn’t come from a flashlight—or in his time an oil lamp. Rather, it would come from understanding the wonderful present and future they had because of God’s light of salvation.
When God’s light shines into my life, it will enable me to understand Him. While the process of fully understanding God is never complete—His ways and thoughts are higher than mine—knowing Him as my Lord gives me a fuller understanding of who He is. He’s not just a far-off deity who really doesn’t care about the affairs in my life. He’s a close-up friend and Savior who has my best interests at heart.
God’s light helps me comprehend His plan. He has a unique plan for each one of His followers. We don’t have to aimlessly wander around pondering what we’re supposed to do. I can know God’s desire for me and join Him in fleshing it out.
God’s light shining into my life allows me to see a bright future. Life on earth can be abundant, but life in the future will be more so. Regardless of what I have or don’t have on earth, or regardless of how I’m treated, I will be loved for eternity by the One who gave His life for my sins.
When God’s light of understanding pours into my life, I’ll see the matchless inheritance I’ve been given. Everything that belongs to God’s Son belongs to me. I am a joint heir with Christ.
It’s amazing what a little light can do. Are you experiencing God’s light?
Prayer: Father, flood our heart with light so we might understand all You have in store for us.
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We praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. Ephesians 1:6 NLT
Complaints and questions rolled off my tongue like water cascading over a waterfall.
Wasn’t I working a full-time job? Wasn’t I taking every opportunity that presented itself to make extra money? Wasn’t my wife doing all she could to sell items on Facebook? Why then were the freezer empty and our cupboard bare? Why was the bank account sitting on empty just like the gas needle in our car? Why did I have to worry about whether our insurance company was going to cancel our renter’s insurance?
“I put a little surprise in your car,” I heard a church member and friend whisper. When I looked in the bag after church, I discovered several things we were out of. Since we hadn’t shared this information with her, I figured God must have.
“She also gave us this card,” my wife whispered. I slithered my finger under the flap and removed the card. After reading the outside, I opened it to peruse the inside but first had to remove the fifty dollar bill. There was the remainder of what we needed to pay our renter’s insurance.
The above episode was topped by another the next day. As my wife was checking our bank account balance to make sure we still had the same four dollars we had the last time she checked, she discovered a twenty dollar deposit had been made. Calling the bank to check on this mysterious deposit, my wife was informed she had made the deposit. But she hadn’t. Now we could gas up the car.
Suddenly, my complaints seemed very selfish. I had forgotten I served a big God. Paul reminded first-century believers of the same.
God’s kindness is worth thanking Him for. He has poured out His love through the sacrifice of His Son. I can have all the earthly goods I desire and never have to worry about some of the above things I’ve mentioned, but if my sins remain, my account is still in the negative.
God offers freedom from the debt I owe for my sins if I simply ask for forgiveness. Along with forgiveness, He gives wisdom and understanding so I can make sense out of life. And even when it appears senseless, I can thank Him because I know He understands it when I don’t.
What do you have to thank God for?
Prayer: Father, we thank You for the many gifts You give us, but most of all for allowing Your Son to pay our sin debt.
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Donned in clothes belonging to another, I could be anything I wanted…at least temporarily.
Playing dress up was a popular kid’s game when I was growing up. After all, the techies hadn’t invented the distractions that currently occupy kids’ attention and often steal their imagination. With an adult’s clothes--along with accompanying implements found around the various houses, the list of our futures was as endless as our mind’s eyes. Teachers, preachers, housewives, nurses, doctors, princesses, kings, and queens. We were dressed for success and frequently believed we could be these people when we reached adulthood. Read more...
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I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe in him. Ephesians 1:19 NLT
Almost without exception, it happened every time we backpacked.
From my late thirties to early forties, my brother, daughter, and I observed a regular routine of backpacking. Several times a year, we would trudge the mountains of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee. We planned our trips meticulously and looked forward to each one. With one exception—the uphills.
Camping spots were almost always in a valley which meant an uphill climb was the first thing we faced the next morning. But the strenuous climbs were always worth it. Reaching the tops provided us with vistas never before witnessed.
Though Paul wasn’t describing a hiking trek or a higher plain, he could have been. Obviously, many of the first-century believers didn’t understand the power they had in Christ. They were dwelling in the valley of satisfaction when there was a higher plain to reach. Understanding the power they had in Christ would propel them to these high peaks.
Living on a higher plain of understanding allows me to use the power God gives to witness. Sharing my faith can be a frightening thing. I never know how people will react, and I sometimes don’t know the right words to say. Some may just walk away while others might berate or physically attack me. Though I may fumble my words and risk harm to my person, God’s power to witness will enable me to overcome both possibilities.
Life on a higher plain entails trusting God’s power for life’s trials. No temptation will be greater than His power to help me endure and overcome, nor will any terrible situation be so unbearable that He can’t walk me through it.
On the higher plain, God also gives me the capacity to touch others in His name. Loving them as I do myself is the second greatest command according to Jesus. God will provide the opportunities and resources if I merely ask.
When living on a higher plain, I’ll experience God’s ability to help me endure to the end. Jesus said the one who does so will be saved. Life can throw some terrible curves that might tempt me to give up, but the Spirit’s power in me is greater than anything the enemy can lob my way.
Are you living in the valley…or on the higher plain?
Prayer: Father, help us realize the power You give that enables us to live on the higher plain.
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For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:13 NLT
Donned in my walking attire, I looked at my wife and said, “Anyone who can wear this is secure in themselves.”
Lately, I’ve been trying to walk off the extra pounds. On this particular day, I dressed in the clothes I intended to wear while walking. My wife took one look and said, “That’s a hot mess.” My pants had stripes, and my jacket had checks. I topped off my outfit with a striped Fedora hat. I really didn’t care what anyone else thought about my outfit—but that hasn’t always been true.
When I was a young lad, my appearance caused me great insecurity. Somewhere along the line, I stopped caring what others thought and became secure in whom I was.
Paul had many reasons to be insecure after choosing to follow Christ. He was hounded frequently by unbelievers who would have loved nothing better than to destroy his ministry. The multiple trials he faced also added to his precarious situation. But he was confident.
As a follower of Christ, I can be secure in my identity. The Bible calls me a “saint.” The last time I checked, I was far from sainthood, but in Christ that’s my position. When I trusted Christ as my Savior and received His forgiveness for all my sins, I traded in the label of “sinner.”
Though I still sin, it’s not the pattern of my life, nor does it have to be. The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit gives me the power to live above sin on a regular basis.
As a believer, I can be secure in my life situation. Paul experienced good times and bad times. He established many churches and witnessed thousands trust Christ as their Savior, but he also experienced patience-trying and life-threatening situations. Yet he was secure.
In another place, Paul wrote, I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. Learning that lesson isn’t easy or quick, but when I’ve mastered it, unpleasant situations won’t cause me to feel insecure.
As God’s child, I can also be secure in my gifts. God gives all believers at least one gift of the Spirit, but most have more. My responsibility is to use it (or them) wisely, faithfully, and in ways that honor the God who gave them.
Is your life hounded by insecurities? God can empower you to overcome them.
Prayer: Father, we give our insecurities to you, believing You are able to help us conquer each one.
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Comfort zone. A behavioral state that doesn’t fabricate anxiety because I’m using patterns I’ve learned will deliver my expected level of performance without risk. But at present, I wasn’t in mine.
Having recently graduated from Bible college and been summoned to pastor my first church, my excitement level was intense. But one responsibility the committee failed to share was delivering grief…leading the congregational singing. To say I have a Barney Fife voice is putting it mildly. He couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket; I can’t even carry the tune. And to stand before 50 people and attempt it was nerve shattering. After five years my singing was still deplorable, but my nervousness eventually subsided. Read more...
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So because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you from being king. 1 Samuel 15:23 NLT
Rejection is never pleasant, and Robert knew all about it.
Robert was a member of the first church I pastored. He and his family were faithful members as well as hard workers. But he faced the daily pain of rejection. His brother lived next door but rarely spoke to him. Years before, a family dispute had disrupted their relationship.
When their father died, Robert received most of the family estate—but only because he paid for it. His brother didn’t believe that, however. All he could see was favoritism. He took out his anger through acts of rejection. One was by rarely speaking to his brother. The other was by building a fence between their houses.
Although it was his own fault, King Saul of Israel knew the pain of rejection—and from a higher source. Saul had a habit of disobeying God’s commands. Finally, God had enough and took the kingship from him.
God isn’t in the business of rejection. Had Saul repented, God would have restored His relationship with him—even though the consequence of losing the kingdom would have held. Once we enter God’s family, we’re there for good. He’ll never turn or throw us away unless we simply choose not to believe in Him. Unfortunately, others don’t always act as God does.
Regardless of whom rejection comes from, it hurts. By its very nature, rejection is painful. God rejected Saul because of disobedience, but the reasons others might reject us are numerous. Rejection might come because of our appearance, our intelligence, or what we have or don’t have. Or because we hurt someone, because we don’t fit in, because of our education, or because they found someone else.
Trusting God for peace when we’ve experienced rejection is always wise. No one or thing can give peace as He can. Even though someone has broken my trust, it’s also important that I don’t stop trusting everyone just because of what I’ve experienced with one. Not everyone will reject me.
I can also find comfort by reading God’s Word and other Christian material and by spending time in prayer. In times of rejection, having a good group of Christian friends is equally important. Because they have experienced Christian love, they know how to support and comfort me.
How do you deal with the pains of rejection?
Prayer: Father, we thank You that we can run to Your arms of security and comfort when others reject us.
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God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing wonderful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. Acts 2:22 NLT
Relationships involve a proving factor.
When I began dating my wife, I had to prove I loved her. Though I loved her from the very beginning, saying that wasn’t sufficient initially. Actions were required—actions that included telling her I loved her as well as showing her in various ways. We went on dates, I bought her presents, and I showed her affectionate acts. I tried not to get angry with her.
If I offended her, I apologized. Though she loved me from the beginning, she didn’t completely trust me. Through actions and words that proved my love for her, I also proved she could trust me—a necessary ingredient in any lasting relationship. By the time we married, she trusted and loved me completely. But marriage didn’t stop the need to prove my love. I continue to say and do things that let her know I love her.
As Peter preached to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, he reminded them how God had proven that Jesus was the Messiah of the world. God allowed Him to perform miracles and other wonders that no ordinary human being could do. During His short three-year ministry, Jesus continually did things that proved His identity and His love for humanity.
While I am saved by God’s grace and through my faith in Him, I must prove my faith to others. Proof doesn’t come through an arrogant attitude. Parading around as if I’m better than those who don’t follow Jesus Christ proves nothing. The light I shine shouldn’t say, “I’m better than you.” Such an attitude isn’t attractive, nor does it draw anyone to Christ.
Good works prove my faith. Because I have the love of Christ in my heart, I desire to share that with others through various means. The ways I can show good works are myriad. God will give me opportunities as well as the wisdom to respond to them if I only ask.
Consistency is also crucial where good works are concerned. A spurt of love every now and again won’t suffice. God expects me to do godly things for others on a regular basis. He also expects love to be the motivating factor behind those good works, not a guilty conscience or any other undesirable characteristic.
How are you proving your faith to others?
Prayer: Father, we ask for opportunities to show others the love You have shown us as well as the love You have for them.
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Visits with requests for assistance were a common occurrence. And no wonder. Our driveway joined the church’s parking lot making our identity a dead giveaway.
One petition stands out. My wife and I were sitting under our carport when we heard, “Hey, is anyone home?” I thought it a little strange, but we answered back. Two young adult ladies sauntered up carrying their prepared beforehand story. I listened carefully, informed them about our policies, and sent them on their way. Upon investigation, their story didn’t appear legitimate. We declined their request and were soon glad we did. A few weeks later I was purchasing gas at one of our local convenience stores when who should I see but this same young lady purchasing lottery tickets. We could have helped, but it wouldn’t have been wisely. Read more...
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