This morning I began to study the word “praise” and I began in Exodus just after the parting of the Red Sea. God had delivered the Israelite people from the hand of Pharaoh, drowning them in the sea after making it possible for Moses and the people to cross on dry ground. The people then sang praise to the LORD.

“¹Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, ‘I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. ²The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.’” — Exodus 15:1-2 (ESV)

This was certainly a time to sing praise to God for the work He had done. But, it got me to thinking of the times when I sing praise to God. I have written in the margin of my bible the following: “Praise Salvation always, not just when delivered from the big things.” What a reminder to not only praise God and His Salvation when big things are done, but always, even when things seem insignificant. When they may go unnoticed.

I have to remember to be on the lookout at all times for those things that are praiseworthy of God. Really, on the lookout is not really needed as all things are praiseworthy of God. But I think what I mean here is that I have to be always praising God. All of me and all of my time and all of what I am and will be are praiseworthy of God. I am not to just praise Him when there is a significant victory where it may have been in question, that is the natural and expected time to praise Him. It is in those times we take for granted that I have to remember as well. The car started this morning, the rain came to water the grass, there was electricity which allowed me to post my blog this morning, I have the time in the morning to study God’s word. All of these may sound insignificant, but they all are praiseworthy of God for allowing them to happen.

I find myself praising God when the powerful things happen that all can see. But what about the little things. What about those things that led up to the big powerful things. All of life is granted by God and therefor should be praised.

When are you praising God? Are you praising Him in the big things, or all things? What if you just heaped praise on Him for all things, even those that lead up to the big things?

It is too easy to allow and commit deceit. As a human in this world, I want to ensure that I am not harmed. Sometimes telling a “little white lie” will aid in that avoidance. That cannot be a bad thing, can it.

“²²He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.” — 1 Peter 1:22 (ESV)

Yes it can. It is not a good idea to exhibit any deceit at all. Christ did not deceive even when he was being led to His death in a sham for a trial and conviction. He could have said and done anything to keep Himself from harm yet He maintained the truth even to His own death on the cross.

“²¹For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ²³When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” — 1 Peter 1:21 & 23 (ESV)

Christ was run through it all and suffered mightily for something that I did, yet He remained true. He provide that truth living as an example for me that I might find strength in remaining true.

I have, as I have noted before, created a “Mission and Values” to live by. The first of my values is to “Be the Example: Demonstrate what right looks like in any and all situations. Following the example provided by Christ Jesus.” His example is on full display for me to demonstrate in the verses above. I have to remember that deceit is not the answer to making it through. I have to be true in all to live as the example. I have to not have deceit in my repertoire. I have to be true to not only myself but to those around me so as not to cause another to stumble in their walk with Christ or at all.

What has gone on in your life that may have led you to deceit? Was the long term result a picture of the example of Christ? What if you removed deceit from your actions and lived a life as an example of Christ Jesus?

Wow that sounds so harsh when I write it down. I thought that God does not give up on people as He wants all to inherit His kingdom. Well, there is a caveat to God giving up. When we know and knowingly turn away, God may give up.

“²¹For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened…²⁴Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, ²⁵because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” — Romans 1:21 & 24-25 (ESV)

When we know better and still do it, that indicates a choice. That choice God has given to us creating for us free will. We can choose to follow Him or not. As with all choice, there are consequences to our choices, some good and some not so good. Choosing not to follow God and the principles He has for us will result in not so good consequences. God is not giving up on me, He is just allowing me to move forward with my choice and He will not support me in that endeavor.

“²⁸And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. ²⁹They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, ³⁰slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, ³¹foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” — Romans 1:28-31 (ESV)

The unrighteous are filled with many things that turn them away from God. With those we have to recognize the consequence and know that God will allow us to choose those unrighteous things.

God may give us up to those unrighteous things, however that is not the end. We have the chance, always, to turn back to Him and devote our lives to Him once again. We are never forgotten. We are all God’s children and have the chance to come to Him at any time. When we do, He will welcome us with open and comforting arms.

What unrighteous things are you taking part in? Are you expecting that God will just stop you? What if you chose to honor God as opposed to being against Him, would you not avoid God’s giving you up to those unrighteous things?

“²⁰And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him.” — Mark 7:20 (ESV)

And who is “he”, Jesus! It is not what enters into a person that makes them less than the righteous person they can be. It is what comes from within and is expressed outwardly. I wrote before after being led to this same passage in Mark. I covered the same as I was looking at the word “envy”. It is what is inside of us that creates the negativity in our lives, not that which enters our bodies.

“²¹For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, ²²coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. ²³All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” — Mark 7:21-23 (ESV)

Looking again at this list is eye opening and the fact that they all come from the heart is something certainly to take in as I study. I think of how did it all get there. What caused me to have all of this inside and why would I let it out if it would indeed harm another, not to mention bring negative attention to me. Well the answer lies in the evil one. He has created the opportunities for us to display these evil things and when we do, we are playing right into his hands.

I have to remember that which is inside me and what they are doing there. I have to remember to bring only to others that which will lift them up and leave the negative, evil things inside and allow God to deal with them in my life as I cover them with what is righteous and good.

“⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

Paul identifies what is righteous and good that I should be filling my life with and allowing to be displayed for others to see. When taking action with these things, I am able to experience the peace that only God can provide. I am able to have joy in my life and bring that same peace and joy to those I am in contact with.

Deceit is one of those evil things that is inside and I have to lean on those things that are righteous and good to weed it out of my life. I have to know when the evil one is presenting opportunities to display the evil from within me and instead exhibit that which Paul identifies above.

What things of deceit are you allowing to escape your heart? Are you not taking the opportunity to identify those opportunities presented by the evil one? What if you did and then worked to exhibit the good and righteous things Paul identifies as opposed to the deceit and other evil things that are inside us all?

I see people with big smiles on their faces each and every day, and all the while they are experiencing difficulty in their lives and are only putting on a facade. How many do I know that are sharing beautiful scenes and things on social media and yet their own lives are in complete disarray. I believe that we have a problem in this world with deceit and lying and it is causing strife that will only be resolved with truth.

“¹⁹Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. ²⁰Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.” — Proverbs 12:19-20 (ESV)

This morning reading in Proverbs I was brought again to a passage I have studied before and was hit in the face with reminders. How many lies lead to more lies and then to more? Why would we not just strive for peace and joy instead and avoid all of the deceit that is only pleasing in the moment.

I will admit that lately I have not been seeking peace and joy. I have not necessarily been deceitful and untruthful to others, but I have been with myself. Thinking that everything is fine and that all will be well is not really dealing with what is going on. I have to remember to be truthful and take the hard look at what is and understand that it may not be great on one hand, but dealing with it will allow for things to be resolved. I have to remember to seek truth and peace at every turn and that will ultimately bring joy in my life that I will be able to spread to others as I do the work of God.

What deceit and untruths are you harboring in your life? Are you using them to bring you momentary satisfaction and likely at the expense of another? What if you just set out to deal in truth and seek peace to carve out for the joy in your life?

“⁷No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” — Psalm 101:7 (ESV)

What a statement by David as to those that are in your life. I was reminded of what Ghandi said: “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet”. I know, quoting Ghandi with David may not work in your way of thinking, but what I am referring to here is the idea that I will not allow myself to associate with those that will corrupt or be bad for me and my circle.

I remember many years ago when my boys were young and we would sit down and play games with them. Being competitive, the boys would certainly work hard to win, so much so that one of them would not exactly play by the rules (cheater, cheater). When it was found out that he was cheating, we would stop playing and explain to him that cheating would not be tolerated and that we would not play with cheaters. David is referencing the same here. He is stating that when found out, deceit will not be tolerated, and all will cease with that individual or group based solely on the inability to be truthful.

Call it what you will and defend it if that is what you would like to do, however, I will not actively associate with those that practice deceit, when I find it out. Honesty is the best policy and where there may be consequences to that approach (some do not like it and one may call themselves out for something done or not done), ultimately one is able to sleep well at night and it is over and done. I personally have done some things to which I was questioned. When asked if I had done what I was accused, I simply said, “yes, and the reason I did is…”. To which the questioner asked, “your not going to deny it” as if in shock that would not try to make an excuse. Well the incidents were resolved at that moment with a statement of, “well, be more careful in the future”.

Speaking the truth leads to resolution. When we find ourselves deceiving others, we have to “keep up the lies” indefinitely so as not to be found out. And that leads to a lifestyle of deceit that is sorely frowned upon. By keeping not engaging in deceit, I demonstrate that it is not tolerated and therefore have the leg to stand on when not allowing deceit to be around me. It leads me to the reality of, do as I say and do. I will not allow known deceit in my world.

What deceit are you aware of in your life? Are you taking the approach to weed it out of your life or are you allowing it to stay? What if you took on the approach of do as I say and do, and not allowing deceit in your world?

Won’t be harmed, yes. I know that seems to be something of fantasy. Just for enduring I won’t come into harm? Maybe not in the sense we are thinking.

“¹⁰If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.” — Revelation 13:10 (ESV)

Those that are against us will certainly harm us, see the above verse from Revelation. But what you don’t see is spiritual harm. The harm above is only in the physical. There will be plenty of physical harm that will come in our work for Christ. But, just because I am physically harmed, I will still have the spirit in me that will lift me up.

I have to remember that this body and life here in this world is just that, in this world. My home is in heaven and there I cannot be harmed. I have the opportunity to be there now in spirit and know that I cannot be harmed there.

It is my endurance given to me by Christ that will get me through the difficulty and challenges here in this world. I must have the patience and know that Christ is the way and the way is great and rewarding. I will suffer defeat, but defeat in this world is not the end. I have been given eternal life and is for that life that I must endure.

So yes, I will suffer at the hands of others in this world. I will be persecuted and beat down. I will have to overcome and endure. I will make it through.

I have God on my side and He provides courage, strength, and comfort through it all. I must remember that damage to this body is not the end. I have been given eternal life in heaven and physical harm in this world is something that is only in this world. Harm to my spirit is protected by the grace of God.

What physical harm are you experiencing? Are you counting that harm as fully defeating? What if you were to endure the physical, knowing that your spirit is protected through the gift given you by Christ?

Jesus will ensure that those that follow Him faithfully and completely will be lifted up. Yes, we will have trials and we will have difficulties and we will have challenges in our work to bring glory to Him. Those challenges will make us stronger and rest assured that God is right there with us during those trials and difficulties and challenges. He is providing the strength to endure and make it through. And when we have endured…

“⁹Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. ¹⁰Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.” — Revelation 3:9-10 (ESV)

This morning as I am reading, I felt Jesus speaking directly to me. I have these trials and struggles. I work to control what I can and do my best to set aside those thing that are out of my control. Even in that work, what I can control is directly affected by that which I cannot and that makes it difficult to make it through. This passage of Jesus’ letter to the church in Philadelphia spoke volumes to me about that very subject.

You see, I may not be able to control all, but I can endure all. God provides the strength I need to endure and as noted in verse 10 above, it is patience endurance that I am rewarded for. Those that are against God will bow down to those that are for Him. Those that do the work of God for Him will be rewarded with deliverance from the suffering that will come in the end. I have the strength to continue to endure and make it through. I have to remember to lean on God for that strength and know that He is there and providing the way through and I will be lifted up for the work done.

What things are in your life that are preventing you from moving on? Are you dwelling on the lack of support from others to do your work? What if you leaned on God for your strength, demonstrated patient endurance and collected your reward from God as He lifts you up in the end?

I wonder sometimes if all the work that I do is even noticed, whether at work, at home, in public, or in the name of God. I have to admit that I do not always see or feel as though it is seen or acknowledged or appreciated. Well this morning, I was reminded that God knows.

“²I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. ³I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.” — Revelation 1:2-3 (ESV)

Jesus knows all the work done. He knows how I think of others before myself. He knows how I function and who I am. He knows and acknowledges the work done and all of the difficulties and challenges I face. And most of all, He knows and provides for my endurance through it all.

I may not see or feel that what I am doing is being noticed, but Christ is right there with me. He not only sees what I am doing, it is most certain that He is helping me. Whether doing the lifting for me, or just providing me the strength to make it through, He is there to guide and protect me that I might finish the work done for and in His name. He knows and He appreciates it all.

I am, you are not alone in this world left to do the work. Christ is right there with you. When the work is for and in His name, He will assist. We may not have Him cheering for us on the sidelines because He is on the field with us doing the work and providing for our strength and endurance to completion. He knows the work and rewards that work.

What is it that you are working on that you may not feel is being acknowledged? Are you looking for some “pat on the back”? What if you just did the work, knowing that it is acknowledged by God as He is right there with you, helping to complete the work?

“¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” — Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

I know that it is easy to say endure without actually experiencing challenges that require it. I have to know that I will have the strength to do so as provided by Christ. As I study the word “endurance” I am brought to the passage in Hebrews you see above. Here it is proclaimed that we should continue with endurance, and then we are given the example of Jesus enduring.

Jesus endured torture and death on the cross only to make it through to the “joy that was set before him”. His endurance was for way more than that of all but a very few. We are called to endure the challenges we face and work to bring glory to God and complete the tasks that He has for us. Jesus did the same, only His endurance was through death even as He knew of the persecution and sure death He was to come upon.

I have an example of what right looks like as is related to endurance. I have to endure all that comes my way here in this world and approach the challenges head on in my work to bring glory to God at every step. Jesus endured far more than I will and with Him as my example, I have the road map to how to go about the work of the Lord. Jesus endured death on the cross for me and therefor I can surely endure some difficulties of name calling and jeers from others.

What things have you been challenged with that you feel are too much to endure? Are you even remembering the endurance that Jesus showed in the face of His persecution and death on the cross? What if you were to remember that display similar endurance in what difficulties you experience in spreading the gospel?