Author: pastortoney

In a world where appearances often take precedence over substance, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hypocrisy. We present one face to the world while hiding another, forgetting that nothing is truly hidden from God’s sight. This disconnect between our public and private selves is a dangerous path, one that leads us away from authentic faith and genuine relationship with God.

The Bible warns us about this very danger, cautioning against “the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). Just as a small amount of yeast can permeate an entire loaf of bread, hypocrisy can infiltrate and corrupt our entire spiritual life. It’s a sobering reminder that attending church or claiming to know Jesus isn’t enough – what matters is whether Jesus knows us.

We often worry about what others think of us, carefully curating our image to gain approval. But Jesus challenges this mindset, urging us to fear God rather than man. “Don’t fear those who can kill the body and after that can do nothing more,” He says, “but I will show you the one to fear. Fear him who has the authority to throw people into hell after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the one to fear” (Luke 12:4-5).

This perspective shift is crucial. While human judgment may feel immediate and pressing, it’s ultimately limited. God’s judgment, on the other hand, has eternal consequences. When we truly grasp this, it changes how we live. We stop worrying about fitting in or avoiding criticism and start focusing on living authentically before God.

Jesus assures us that God sees everything – even the things we think are hidden. “There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered, nothing hidden that won’t be made known” (Luke 12:2). This can be both comforting and convicting. On one hand, it means our secret acts of kindness and private prayers are noticed and valued by God. On the other, it means we can’t hide our sins or pretend to be something we’re not.

This truth should motivate us to live with integrity, aligning our private actions with our public proclamations. It’s a call to examine our hearts and ask ourselves hard questions. Are we the same person at work that we are at church? Do we treat strangers with the same kindness we show our friends? Are we living out our faith, or just talking about it?

The power of authentic faith is illustrated in a story about a mall encounter. A group of teenagers claimed to know Jesus, but their actions didn’t reflect that knowledge. It’s a stark reminder that simply knowing about Jesus isn’t enough – He must know us. As Jesus warns, many will claim to know Him, only to hear the devastating words, “I never knew you; depart from me” (Matthew 7:23).

This encounter highlights the importance of planting seeds of faith wherever we go. We may not always see immediate results, but every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment of vulnerability where we share our faith can make a difference. God calls us to be faithful in sharing His love, trusting Him with the results.

Living authentically also means embracing who God created us to be, rather than trying to conform to others’ expectations. Just as every person is unique, every believer has a distinct calling and purpose. We shouldn’t try to force our children or ourselves into molds that don’t fit. Instead, we should encourage each other to develop the gifts and personalities God has given us, always with the goal of glorifying Him.

Fear of man often holds us back from sharing our faith. We worry about what others will think or say if we speak up about Jesus. But Jesus promises that when we’re called to testify about our faith, “the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said” (Luke 12:12). This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare or study God’s Word, but it does assure us that God will give us the words we need when we step out in faith.

The stakes are high. Jesus says, “Anyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8). This acknowledgment before the angels implies Jesus standing up for us before God the Father, defending us against the accusations of the enemy. It’s a powerful image of Christ’s advocacy on our behalf.

Conversely, remaining silent when we should speak up for Christ is a form of denial. It’s choosing the approval of men over the approval of God. We’re called to be bold witnesses, not cowering in fear but trusting in God’s power and presence.

As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves to live more authentically. Are we fearing God more than man? Are we sharing our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable? Are we living the same way in private as we do in public?

Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about direction. God knows we’ll stumble and fall, but He’s looking for hearts that are genuinely seeking Him. He’s looking for followers who are willing to acknowledge Him before others, who trust Him enough to be vulnerable and real.

Let’s strive to be people who are known by Jesus, not just people who claim to know Him. Let’s live in such a way that our actions speak louder than our words, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in our lives. As we do, we’ll find that the fear of man loses its grip, replaced by a reverent awe of God that empowers us to live boldly and authentically for Him.

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns that often leave us wondering why we face such difficulties. But what if these challenges serve a greater purpose? What if our struggles are actually shaping us into who we’re meant to be?

The book of Romans offers profound insights into this very question. It reminds us that we have been “declared righteous by faith” and now have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This righteousness isn’t earned through our own efforts, but freely given when we place our trust in Jesus. It’s a gift that transforms our relationship with God from one of enmity to one of peace.

But this gift of righteousness doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. In fact, the Bible encourages us to “rejoice in our afflictions.” At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Who rejoices in suffering? Yet there’s a profound reason behind this seemingly paradoxical advice:

“We know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.”

This progression reveals the hidden purpose behind our trials. Each difficulty we face has the potential to strengthen us, building our spiritual and emotional muscles. Just as a runner trains for a marathon, our struggles prepare us for the long journey of life.

Consider the story of Buddy McCormick, a man who exemplified this truth. Shot in the face during World War II at just 18 years old, Buddy endured a lifetime of physical challenges. Yet even in his final years, confined to a nursing home bed, he constantly thanked God for his sufferings. Why? Because he recognized that through his trials, God had found him faithful and was using his life to touch others.

Buddy’s story challenges us to shift our perspective on hardship. Instead of asking “Why me?” we can begin to ask, “What is this teaching me? How can God use this for good?”

This doesn’t mean we should seek out suffering or minimize the very real pain we experience. Rather, it invites us to look beyond the immediate circumstances to the bigger picture God is painting with our lives.

The Bible assures us that this hope “will not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” The presence of the Holy Spirit within believers serves as a down payment, a guarantee of God’s promises. Just as you might put a down payment on a car, fully intending to return and claim it, God has placed His Spirit within us as a pledge of His commitment to us.

This hope becomes our anchor in life’s storms. It reminds us that our current struggles are not the end of the story. There’s something greater waiting for us, a future where God will make all things new.

But this hope isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. Our journey through affliction to endurance to character to hope becomes a powerful testimony. It’s a “gospel message” in itself, showing others the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Think about your own life story. What challenges have you faced? How have they shaped you? Your experiences, both the triumphs and the trials, have uniquely equipped you to encourage others. God wants to use you – yes, you – to share hope with a hurting world.

This truth applies regardless of age or circumstances. From the youngest child to the oldest senior, God has a purpose for each life. The question is: are we willing to let Him use us?

It’s easy to disqualify ourselves, thinking we’re not good enough, holy enough, or knowledgeable enough to be used by God. But remember, it’s not about our qualifications. It’s about our willingness to say “yes” when God calls.

The Bible encourages us to “be prepared to give an explanation for the hope that you have.” This doesn’t mean having all the answers or being able to win theological debates. It simply means being ready to share your story – how you’ve experienced God’s love and faithfulness in your own life.

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “But I don’t feel very hopeful right now.” That’s okay. Hope isn’t always a feeling; sometimes it’s a choice. It’s deciding to trust God even when we can’t see the way forward. It’s remembering His faithfulness in the past and choosing to believe He’ll be faithful again.

As we cultivate this hope, something beautiful happens. We begin to see our lives differently. Instead of random events or cruel twists of fate, we recognize God’s hand shaping us. We realize that nothing in our past is wasted – every experience, good or bad, has contributed to who we are today.

This doesn’t mean we have to be glad about every painful thing that’s happened to us. But it does mean we can trust that God is able to bring good even out of our deepest hurts. He is the master artist, weaving together the dark and light threads of our lives into a tapestry of grace.

So today, whatever you’re facing, remember: your story isn’t over. God is still at work, using every challenge to build endurance, shape your character, and ultimately, produce a hope that will not disappoint. And as you hold onto that hope, be open to the ways God might want to use you to bring hope to others.

Your life is a message of hope waiting to be shared. Will you let God use you today?

In a world that often celebrates education, training, and credentials, it’s easy to feel unqualified or unprepared for the great calling God has placed on our lives. Yet, throughout history, God has consistently chosen the most unlikely individuals to carry out His extraordinary plans. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Peter and John in Acts chapter 4.

These two men, described as “uneducated and untrained,” stood before the religious elite of their day with a boldness that left their accusers amazed. What was the secret to their confidence? The text tells us plainly: “they recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

This powerful encounter reminds us that our effectiveness in God’s kingdom isn’t determined by our resume or our intellect, but by our intimacy with Jesus. Peter and John didn’t have degrees or formal training, but they had something far more valuable – they had spent time with the Savior.

Consider for a moment the implications of this truth in your own life. How often do we disqualify ourselves from serving God because we feel inadequate? We might say, “I’m not educated enough,” “I don’t know enough Bible verses,” or “I’m not trained for ministry.” But God isn’t looking for the most qualified; He’s looking for the most willing.

The early church was built on the foundation of ordinary people who said “yes” to an extraordinary God. These weren’t scholars or religious professionals – they were fishermen, tax collectors, and other common folk. Yet, through their obedience and faith, they turned the world upside down for Christ.

This should challenge us to reconsider our excuses. Are we too busy? Too scared? Too comfortable? The reality is, if God is calling you to something, He will equip you for it. Your job is simply to say “yes” and take that first step of faith.

Remember Abraham, who left his homeland on nothing more than a promise from God. Or consider Zacharias and Elizabeth, who in their old age believed God for a child when it seemed impossible. These stories remind us that God’s ways often defy human logic, but His plans are always perfect.

It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t about self-reliance or personal achievement. The power that worked through Peter and John wasn’t their own – it was the power of the Holy Spirit. They had been transformed by their time with Jesus, and it showed in everything they did.

This brings us to a vital point: the importance of spending time with Jesus. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to neglect our spiritual lives. We might show up to church on Sunday, but are we truly cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Christ? Are we allowing Him to transform us from the inside out?

The example of the early church in Acts is convicting. They didn’t just meet once a week – they gathered daily, breaking bread together, praying, and encouraging one another. Their faith wasn’t compartmentalized; it was the central focus of their lives.

How different would our communities look if we adopted this same passion and commitment? What if, instead of being busy just for the sake of being busy, we prioritized our relationship with God and with fellow believers?

It’s also worth noting that Peter and John weren’t lone rangers in their ministry. Throughout the book of Acts, we see the disciples working together, supporting one another, and sharing in both the joys and challenges of following Christ. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Christian community and fellowship.

As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves to step out in faith. Maybe God is calling you to reach out to a neighbor, start a Bible study, or even embark on a new career path. Whatever it is, remember that your adequacy comes from Christ, not from your own abilities.

Moreover, let’s commit to deepening our relationship with Jesus. This means more than just attending church or reading the Bible occasionally. It means pursuing Him wholeheartedly, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives.

Finally, let’s embrace the power of Christian community. Seek out opportunities to connect with other believers, to pray together, to study God’s Word together, and to encourage one another in faith.

The world desperately needs to see the transforming power of Christ. And just like in the early church, God wants to use ordinary people – people like you and me – to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

So today, will you say “yes” to whatever God is calling you to do? Will you trust that He can use you, regardless of your background or qualifications? Will you commit to spending time with Jesus, allowing His presence to embolden and equip you?

Remember, it’s not about having all the answers or being perfectly prepared. It’s about being willing to step out in faith, trusting that the same God who used fishermen to change the world can use you too.

In the words of the apostle Paul, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). You are that jar of clay, and within you resides the incredible power of the Holy Spirit.

So go forth with confidence, not in yourself, but in the God who calls you. Be bold in sharing the love of Christ. And above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For it is in Him, and Him alone, that we find the strength, wisdom, and courage to live out our calling.