“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:32-35 NIV).

The scrumptious fruit-bearing fig tree undergoes a remarkable rate of seasonal change. Like other deciduous trees, the fig tree loses its leaves each year. During the late fall and early winter, its plush green leaves fade to yellow and drift to the ground. Come early spring, the leaves reemerge, and the tree shimmers green again. As summer rolls in, so does the tear-shaped brownish-purple fruit of the tree. The delicious fig, in the Northern Hemisphere, is in season from late summer to early fall. This versatile fruit can be eaten or prepared in various ways—enjoyed fresh or dried or processed into jam, rolls, biscuits, and other desserts. As fall ends, the enchanting seasonal cycle of the fig tree repeats itself.

In Matthew 24, Jesus describes the annual coming out of the fig tree’s fruit as a sign. Just as the tree’s tender fruit serves as a sign that summer is here, so will many signs presage Jesus’ Second Coming. While the precise day and hour of Christ’s Return remain unknown (v. 36), He encourages the disciples to be alert and stand guard. Before Jesus’ glorious return, there will be an escalation of war, famine, earthquakes, persecution, false messiahs, and false prophets (vv. 7, 9–11, 24). God’s people today still await the culmination of history. We ready ourselves for adversity of many kinds and guard ourselves and those we love against those seeking to lead us astray.

Alongside Jesus’ warning, however, are words of profound consolation. Although the events of history—even heaven and earth—come and go, Jesus’ teachings and promises will “never pass away” (v. 35). The permanency of Jesus’ words harkens to His eternal and unchanging character. The One whom we await is Himself the God of history. Everyone in heaven and earth, and under the earth, will one day bow at His name (Philippians 2:10). Jesus’ everlasting Word propels our mission on earth forward. Indeed, He describes another sign of the end as the global, all-encompassing reach of the Gospel:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).

Jesus’ use of the fig tree analogy is even more impressive when one considers the tree’s seasonal nature and the incredible amount of change it undergoes. The signs of the times, like the fig tree, serve a purpose. Yet, as with everything else, they come and go, bud and fade, linger and “pass away.” However, those who have placed their faith in Christ can confront adversity and change with the confidence that His guiding words remain a beacon to see us through.

Lord, we treasure Your abiding words, for every one of them will endure. No matter what lies ahead, we thank You for, and place our trust in, the words of Scripture that promise Your victory and ever guide us onward as we await that day.

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3 NIV).

It is the ultimate question: “When is Jesus coming back?” Over 2,000 years ago, the disciples asked the same question we do today. One thing I love most about God is that His truth is timeless. How nice would it have been if Jesus said, “I will be back on X date, at X time, and this is exactly how, when and where.” But instead, He gave the disciples (and us) just what we needed to know. Do you think the disciples felt satisfied with Jesus’ explanation? If they were anything like me, they would have felt like His coming back was as clear as mud. I used to tell God I wanted details so I could plan and know what to expect, but God said, “I don’t need your plan; I just want your trust.”

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1).

God has taught me how to trust Him over the past 13 years. (Yes, it’s been a journey, friends!) He used the miracle of life to open my eyes to this scary concept of letting go and surrendering my control. You have this tiny human in your body for nine months and feel so close, yet you have no idea of their size, hair color (or if they have hair), and sometimes whether it’s a boy or girl. Even with modern technology, you must trust that they are growing the way they should. And then comes the due date … and nothing happens… Yet another moment that I have zero control over.

Ten days past the due date, and it’s finally “go” time. The original birth plan was thrown out the window the second a real contraction hit—and all of a sudden, the reality of becoming a mother was upon me. “What am I doing? I am only 21. Can I be a good mom? What if I fail?” This was before I knew God and hadn’t invited Jesus into my life yet, but God was faithful even when I wasn’t. He used a kind nurse who could see the look of terror on a young mother’s face, and she said, “It’s going to be okay, just trust me and listen to my voice and we’ll do it together.” There was peace; I could take my eyes off my lack and put my trust in this confident, equipped woman. Hours later, my sweet little boy made his appearance, and what a moment it was! I finally laid eyes on him and could kiss his beautiful face, and I realized it was worth the wait.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The moment Jesus returns, it will all make sense and be worth the wait. The joy that I felt seeing my son’s face for the first time will be nothing compared to seeing Jesus face to face. Just think of being able to kiss the face of the King who died so we could live. It cannot be described. It would be easier to know the exact time, but learning to trust our Father and His timing will not only build our faith but will be a light to those that don’t even know His heart yet. Let’s be people who surrender our control and place our trust in a heavenly Father who orchestrated our lives long before the world was created, for He is timeless.

Social media is the premier outlet for how we express ourselves, and in this digital age, there is so much emphasis on our outward appearance. Typically, when posting on social media, I am guilty of this as well. We use the picture with the best angle and the best lighting—and the aesthetics matter so much today that it can be difficult to be authentic. Plus, we may also prefer things that seem to be pure rather than what is actually pure, holy, and acceptable to the Lord.

In Matthew 23, we find that Jesus was concerned, and even confrontational, about whether or not a person was being authentic. He admonished His followers in those days, as He does today, to hear, practice, and obey what the church leaders taught regarding Scripture, but to not follow their showy practices.

“Everything they do is done for people to see,” Jesus said (Matthew 23:5 NIV).

Jesus warns us that the Pharisees, scribes, and religious people loved the look and feel of being holy and righteous—yet in their hearts, they were filled with pride. This upset Jesus greatly. He referred to people like that as blind and foolish and commanded them to clean up their matters of the heart. He wants us to address what is on the inside, too, so that what is seen on the outside will be a reflection of Him.

What Jesus was teaching wasn’t a new doctrine. In essence, He was showing us the reason why the Lord accepts our obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). In the Old Testament, Exodus 39 and 40, the Lord instructed Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the new year. He then gave instructions on where to place each item. Not only was each item to be placed in a special way, though, certain items for consecration had very specific instructions on how to do so. As Moses followed the Lord’s instruction, and even as he consecrated Aaron, his obedience resulted in God’s glory filling the tabernacle.

In the New Testament, the body is depicted as a tabernacle wherein the Holy Spirit may dwell. Now we see why Jesus was so passionate about the intents and motives of our hearts. It is because without holiness, we would not be able to see God’s glory in our lives. It is not lip service that pleases the Lord, but rather the willingness and obedience of our heart to invoke the presence of God.

Let us commit to letting the Lord’s instruction through His Holy Word shape our view of what is pure and what is holy. Let us follow the example of Jesus Christ and be His ambassador. And as we allow the Word of God to transform us, the inner workings of our heart will align with our outward expression and cause the Lord to smile on us and His presence to dwell with us.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11).

While living for the Lord may not always be trendy or cause your media posts to go viral, you will certainly have the audience of our Father in Heaven—and His approval is worth it all!

Today’s Devotions

I stared at the computer, waiting for the words to come. But nothing.

What was happening? What had once come to me so easily seemed to flee from my grasp.

This was not just writer’s block—that might last for a few hours or days and then pass. This was a struggle to even link coherent thoughts.

Depression gripped my life, making even the simplest tasks seem impossible.

In college, I was a journalist. Writing was my vocation. So, to struggle putting words together was devastating. It would be like a builder who could not nail boards together.

Yet I could recall enjoying writing since I was in middle school. In sixth grade, I was reading my essay to my class, when I looked up from my paper to find that my classmates were all turned in their chairs and listening to every word. I paused for a moment—shocked to have such a captive audience. Then my teacher instructed me to continue reading, saying, “This is good.”

I suppose when we discover something in our lives that seems like a gift, it’s easy to feel like it is ours to do with as we please—and not give God the credit or ask for His direction. It’s easy to feel like it is all about us. But after that bout with depression in college, I realized that any gift that I had would require God’s help—if I wished for it to flourish and accomplish anything that was of eternal value.

In Exodus 36:1-2, the Bible shares the names of Bezalel and Oholiab, two skilled artisans whom God had gifted with the ability to work skillfully with their hands.

Moses summoned them, and others, to participate in a highly significant building project.

Men like Bezalel—whose name, in Hebrew, meant “in the shadow (protection) of God”—were the earthly hands that would not only help build the Tabernacle of God, but also the sacred pieces that went inside it, like the Ark of the Covenant.

I truly cannot imagine how that would feel to carve and then cover, with gold, such a sacred shrine. Once the Ark was completed and inhabited by the Spirit of God, no one was allowed to touch it or they would die.

Perhaps if we had a commissioning to do such an obviously sacred work, we might take added care to listen to God’s every instruction. We would not wish to omit or alter one request. We would realize our efforts were important.

Yet, we all have a Great Commission to share the Gospel and make disciples, according to Matthew 28:16-20.

Still, other Scripture reminds us that it is not through our own strength and giftings that we do these things.

2 Corinthians 4:7 says,

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves (NLT) .

The strong one driven out by a stronger one

By: Charles Spurgeon

‘When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he … divideth his spoils … When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man…’ Luke 11:21–24

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1–10

So long as you are content with the world, and with the prince who governs it, you will go on, on, on, to your own destruction. Satan does with men as the sirens are fabled to have done with mariners; they sat upon the rocks and chanted lays so harmonious that no mariner, who once caught the sound, could ever resist the impulse to steer his ship towards them, so each vessel voyaging that way was wrecked upon the rocks through their disastrous, but enchanting strain. Such is Satan’s voice; he lures to eternal ruin with the sweetest strains of infernal minstrelsy. This is the dulcet note ‘Peace, peace.’ O sinner, if you were not a fool, you would stop your ears to this treacherous lay. For ever blessed be that sovereign grace which has saved us from the enchantments of this destroyer. The tenant of the heart is called ‘an unclean spirit.’ He is unclean, notwithstanding all the peace he gives you. Flatter not yourself to the contrary. He is ever the same, unchanged, unchangeable. Perhaps you tell me that you are not subject to any uncleanness; you do not drink, nor swear, nor lie; but remember, it is unclean not to be reconciled to God; it is unclean to be a stranger to Christ; it is unclean to disobey God who created you; and above all it is unclean not to love the Redeemer, whose most precious blood has delivered his people from their sins. At his best the devil is no better than a devil, and the heart in which he dwells is no better than a den for a traitor to hide in.

For meditation: Sin affects every part of our being; even what we regard as our good points are unclean in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6). We remain unclean until we trust in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

Healthy Wisdom

From: Today Devotions

 SCRIPTURE READING — PROVERBS 3:7-8

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

—  Proverbs 3:7-8

We tend to believe that we will be the most happy—physically and spiritually—when we have everything under control. We want a wisdom that tells us how successful we will be, how much money we’ll make, where we’ll be in five or ten years, and what our retirement will look like.

When everything feels controlled, we feel happy and content. So we try to do whatever we can to control our circumstances, or else stress will overwhelm us, and our mental and physical health will suffer.

These verses in Proverbs teach us otherwise. Trying to be wise in our own eyes is actually not what is best for us. To help our bodies flourish, we need to surrender ourselves to the Lord.

Gaining wisdom from God and seeking to be wise in God’s eyes will bring health to our bodies. The book of James instructs us this way: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously . . . and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

God wants to give us his wisdom because he knows it will enable us to flourish. In his love for us, God knows that this true wisdom will release us from worry and allow us to surrender our lives to him—that we may live fully, as he intends for us.

God of all wisdom, help me to be wise in your eyes. By your Holy Spirit, keep me from seeking control and running after worldly ideas about wisdom so that I can focus my attention on you. Amen.

After God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, He told Moses to have the people build a tabernacle for Him. Until then, the Jews had only built altars with unhewn stones to make sacrifices to the Lord. Yet now they were to build and furnish a tabernacle in the wilderness—a wasteland with no resources—and it had to be portable.

The people had been in slavery, making bricks out of mud and straw. How could they build a magnificent sanctuary for the Lord?

The answer is found in Exodus 31:1-5, where God tells Moses,

“See, I have called by name Bezalel… And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship” (NKJV).

I used to do woodworking as a hobby but never became really good at it. I can’t imagine working in gold, silver, and bronze, or cutting jewels. And here Bezalel gets a download from the Holy Spirit that enables him to do all of this.

The same Holy Spirit who filled him is in us. And He can give us the same wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all manner of workmanship. He will equip us with everything we need to know for the task that He has assigned us to do.

As Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us,

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

A good prayer to pray is, “I have no idea what I’m doing, but You know everything, and You can show me.”

God promises in Jeremiah 33:3,

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

We need wisdom. We need understanding. We need discernment. We need to know the way to go. We need the inspiration of the Holy Spirit breathing through everything we do. And we need to consecrate ourselves daily to do the work of the Lord.

The same wisdom God used to create the heavens is the wisdom He used to create you. And in His eyes, you are greater than the heavens.

If you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember this. We can do great things for God because He has called us, equipped us, and anointed us to do His work. God bless you.

Streams in the Desert – February 3

• 20233 Feb

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness (Mark 1:12).

It seemed a strange proof of Divine favor. “Immediately.” Immediately after what? After the opened heavens and the dove-like peace and the voice of the Father’s blessing, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” It is no abnormal experience.

Thou, too, hast passed through it, O my soul. Are not the times of thy deepest depression just the moments that follow thy loftiest flight? Yesterday thou wert soaring far in the firmament, and singing in the radiance of the morn; today thy wings are folded and thy song silent. At noon thou wert basking in the sunshine of a Father’s smile; at eve thou art saying in the wilderness, “My way is hid from the Lord.”

Nay, but, my soul, the very suddenness of the change is a proof that it is not revolutionary. Hast thou weighed the comfort of that word “immediately”? Why does it come so soon after the blessing? Just to show that it is the sequel to the blessing. God shines on thee to make thee fit for life’s desert-places–for  its Gethsemanes, for its Calvaries. He lifts thee up that He may give thee strength to go further down; He illuminates thee that He may send thee into the night, that He may make thee a help to the helpless.

Not at all times art thou worthy of the wilderness; thou art only worthy of the wilderness after the splendors of Jordan. Nothing but the Son’s vision can fit thee for the Spirit’s burden; only the glory of the baptism can support the hunger of the desert.
—George Matheson

After benediction comes battle.

The time of testing that marks and mightily enriches a soul’s spiritual career is no ordinary one, but a period when all hell seems let loose, a period when we realize our souls are brought into a net, when we know that God is permitting us to be in the devil’s hand. But it is a period which always ends in certain triumph for those who have committed the keeping of their souls to Him, a period of marvelous “nevertheless afterward” of abundant usefulness, the sixty-fold that surely follows.
—Aphra White

Matthew 19:26 (NASB) says “with God all things are possible.”

Jesus spoke these words after a young man asked Him how to have eternal life. The man said he had kept the ten commandments, honored his parents, and loved his neighbor as himself. But he asked if he needed something else. In response, Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor and invited him to “come, follow Me” and have “treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21). Sadly, the young man loved his riches so much it caused him to deny Christ’s offer for eternal life.

Then, Jesus told His disciples:

“Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24).

The Bible does not condemn prosperity but cautions us to have the proper perspective. Scripture reveals that Abraham, David, Solomon, and others were wealthy, yet it didn’t interfere with their relationship with God. They loved God more than their possessions. Oftentimes, our priorities need to be rearranged to be in alignment with God’s purpose.

Wealthy or not, we can have possessions, but guard our hearts so they do not have us. 1 John 2:15 says:

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

This doesn’t mean we can’t have things, but we shouldn’t love them, or anything more than we love the Lord. This young man thought the way many of us have at one time — reject the gospel to live for ourselves. An unbalanced love for worldly things hinders our relationship with Christ, and we don’t want that because we love Him! For me, with God’s help, this change in priorities has been a humbling and rewarding process.

I used to be wrapped up in my possessions: the big house, nice car, designer clothes, Dolby sound, the people I knew, and parties I gave. But deep inside, something was missing. I lacked the joy and peace I wanted. Through a series of events, it all went along the wayside. Presently, my income is less, I live in a small apartment, and the Lord has me getting rid of my collection of possessions. Anything unused in the last three or four years isn’t needed, and I gladly give it away. Now my most valuable possession is my relationship with Christ and His life in me, prioritizing living in a manner that’s pleasing to Him. I can finally say I’ve found true love, true joy, true peace, and a heart satisfaction unmatched by any worldly possession. I discovered that if we let Him, the Lord will transform our minds, our priorities, and our desires to match His. The rewards are priceless!

Part of God’s plan and purpose for us is to draw ever closer to Him. May we surrender everything to Him and withhold nothing. May we possess a greater hunger and sincere love for the Lord with the desire to honor and please Him above all else. How can this be? By asking Him. Ask for help and grace, His amazing grace, which He supplies freely and abundantly — grace that enables us to love Him more than possessions.

Today’s Devotions