"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

Prayer & Obedience: A Lesson From the Life of David

By Shane Kastler

(Note: This article is scheduled to appear in the September 16 edition of the Linn County News.)

In the Old Testament, Israel’s King David was described as a “man after God’s own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14) David was not perfect. A study of his life shows that there were times when he fell into horrendous sin. Yet over the entire course of his life, you can also see an undying devotion to his Lord.

One of the traits that made David so holy was his prayer life. Before he became King, he was a valiant warrior. And before he entered into any battle, he would seek the Lord’s will as to whether or not it was a fight he should undertake. In 1 Chronicles 14, we read: “Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. David inquired of God, saying, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will You give them into my hand?’ Then the LORD said to him, ‘Go up, for I will give them into your hand.” (1 Chronicles 14:9-10 NASB)

Not only did David seek the Lord’s will, but he also acted promptly once he knew it. Like David, you and I must be committed to seeking the Lord’s will in all things. And once we know what the Lord would have us do…we must do it. But once we know God’s will and do God’s will, we must remember that our relationship with God through prayer is not over. And when God blesses us, we must remember that it is He, not us who deserves the glory.

After David defeated the Philistines, the Bible tells us: “So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there; and David said, ‘God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like the breakthrough of waters.’ Therefore they named that place Baal -perazim.  They abandoned their gods there; so David gave the order and they were burned with fire.” (1 Chronicles 14:11-12 NASB)

Not only did David give God the glory for the victory. He saw to it that the idols of the Philistines were destroyed. David wasn’t interested in the one, true God sharing attention with false idols. Through his prayer life and obedience, David brought glory to God. Can the same be said for you?

The Role of “Good Works” In a Christian’s Life

(Note: This article is scheduled to appear in the July 15 edition of the Linn County News.)

 

“For the love of Christ controls us." (2 Corinthians 5:14)

It's probably not a surprise to anyone that God expects us to live holy lives. He calls all sinners to turn from their sin in repentance and follow Jesus Christ as Lord. The result of this initial commitment to Christ is a lifetime of "good works" which give evidence of our Christianity. "Good works" cannot earn our way to Heaven, but "good works" can show that a genuine change has come to our hearts.

One of the ways a Christian can gain assurance of salvation is by examining their life to see if there are "good works." But "good works" alone doesn't prove someone is a Christian. You must go deeper and examine the motivation that drives the good works. A non-Christian is capable of doing good works. Furthermore, a lot of people in this world do many good works in an attempt to gain God's favor, all the while they are still perishing in their sins because they haven't turned to Christ as Lord.

Our motivation for good works must not be merely a sense of duty. Nor should it be a begrudging attitude of trying to placate God. Our motivation should be out of a deep love for our Lord who died for us and a desire to consequently live for Him. Our motivation should be a love for other people and a desire to see them love and know Christ as Lord. Duty must not be a paramount motivation. Love must be.

The Apostle Paul wrote of this when he said: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:1-2 NASB)

If a person is truly a Christian, then good works will exist...but so will love. Examine your life and see if the good works are there, but make sure the motivation behind them is just as honoring to God as the works themselves.

Would You Defy the King?

Learning to live under authority is a part of life. From the time we’re born, we have someone in authority over us. We are taught how to talk, act, and live as we should. Even as adults, we usually have authority figures in the workplace and in the world in which we live.

We are a nation of laws on local, state, and federal levels. And as such, we have government officials who have the job of seeing that laws are upheld and obeyed. In fact, Romans 13 says that government is an institution ordained by God for the purpose of seeing justice served. But what would you do, if the government was corrupt and began making laws contrary to God’s Word? Or what would you do if the government attempted to ban you from doing some of the very things God commands us to do?

Christians are called to be witnesses to the world. And in order to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with sinners, we must at times define sin. Increasingly, some in our society, and even our own government, have begun to try and dictate to the people what sin is and is not. So called “hate crimes” legislation is seen by many as the beginning of government’s attempt to prevent Christians from speaking out against sins such as homosexuality and abortion. Some political leaders in our nation have even said that they would like to monitor and punish Christians who would say things against these depraved practices.

In all honesty, we shouldn’t be too surprised at the moral weakness of our government. As Christians, this world is not our home; and as Americans we are beginning to see that truth more and more clearly each day. My question for you is this: would you be willing to defy the King, if obedience to your Lord was at stake? In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronted David over his adultery with Bathsheba. And in so doing he literally risked his own neck. But the Bible says: 

"Then the LORD sent Nathan to David." 2 Samuel 12:1 (NASB) 

In other words, his defiance and confrontation of the king was an act of obedience to God.  And King or no King, Nathan was called to speak the truth, and he faithfully did it regardless of the consequences. Would you do the same? 

The time may come in your life in which you’ll have to choose between God and man. Between right and wrong. Between freedom and tyranny. Between this present world, and God’s eternal one. Which will you choose? Like Nathan, will you choose to do right and accept the consequences of your integrity? Or will you cower and go along like sheep to the slaughter? The good will always suffer in a bad world. Are you willing to embrace that suffering for the cause of Christ or will you instead choose to bow to an earthly king and a godless government?

Daily Discipleship

(NOTE: This article is scheduled to appear in the April 15, 2009 edition of the Linn County News.)

“And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.’” (Luke 9:23 NASB)

Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? To answer that question, some may point to a specific time in their life when they made a “decision” to become a Christian. Others might point to the fact that they are members of a particular church. Still others might cling to a past event, such as baptism, to prove their Christianity. Making a decision, becoming a church member, and getting baptized are all good things that people should do. But the ultimate test of whether or not you are truly a follower of Christ is to examine your heart and to look at your daily life. The Bible says to: “make your calling and election sure.” (2 Peter 1:10 KJV) And the only way to do this is to honestly examine yourself and be willing to accept what your life says about you.

Jesus never called sinners to make a one-time “decision” for Him. Nor did He ever call sinners to repeat a “sinner’s prayer” after Him. Too many people try to downsize Christianity into a one-time event. When in fact, Jesus called sinners to make a lifetime commitment to Him. Jesus called sinners to deny themselves and to take up their cross “daily” and follow Him.

When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, He doesn’t mean that we are to try and earn our way to Heaven by paying for our own sins. His cross paid for our sins. By taking up our cross daily, we are identifying ourselves with Him. We are telling the world that He is our Lord and Master. And we are living lives whereby the world can see that Jesus is more important to us than anything the world has to offer.

So are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Are you really a follower of His? Search the Scriptures. Seek the Lord. Examine your life. And see where the evidence leads you.

Grandma's Bible

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God shall stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

There’s an old expression that says: “People who have Bibles that are falling apart, usually have lives that aren’t.” The message of this saying is that when people are devoted to reading, studying, and living what the Scriptures say, then their lives show the rewards of it. Though they face trials like everyone else, their relationship with the Lord, and their reliance upon His Word carries them through everything.

We have a Bible in our house that belonged to my wife’s grandmother. Frequently, I will use this Bible when I’m doing a devotional, or preparing a sermon; and I’ve always been amazed at how many notes she wrote in it. All sixty-six books of the Bible have hand written notes in the margins, underlines, and highlights. In fact, almost every page of every book shows evidence of deep study. What’s even more remarkable about this Bible, and its obvious use is that when you open to the front, you see that she received this Bible as a gift in 1982. She died of a brain tumor in 1985. In three short years, she had devoured this copy of the Scriptures. Reading, studying, and taking comfort from the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

In the front of the Bible, she had written another saying: “Dust on the Bible, means a Drought in the Heart.” As evidenced by how worn out her 3-year old Bible was, she truly believed and lived this maxim. She wasn’t blessed with a long and healthy life. She died in her mid-50’s. But when her time came, she was ready to go. She faced death without fear, because she knew what awaited her on the other side. Because her well worn Bible was falling apart, her life never did. Can you say the same?

God’s Word shows us God’s grace through the gospel. As sinners in need of forgiveness, we are called to turn in repentance from our sin, and place our faith in Jesus as Lord of our life. As committed followers, we are to look to Him daily for direction, comfort, and protection. And the best way to do that is by spending time in God’s Word. Is your life falling apart? Is there a drought in your heart? If so, then turn to the Lord and find comfort, rest, and salvation in His perfect and glorious Word.

Seeking God In Times of Trial

“My voice rises to God, and I will cry aloud; My voice rises to God, and He will hear me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord.” (Psalm 77:1-2 NASB)

Trials and tribulations are a part of living in this world. No one escapes them, though we do everything within our power to try. Hard times come for various reasons. Sometimes they come as a test of faith to see if we will trust in the Lord, or our own devices. Sometimes they come to strengthen us for even greater trials that will occur down the road. And sometimes, the trial itself is God’s way of drawing someone to Himself, and forever changing their life for the good.

Many people today, who are Christians, became Christians during a severe trial in their life. Whatever the trial might have been, it was a God-ordained moment in which the person didn’t know where else to turn…and so they turned to God. If you have experienced a trial like this, then you can attest to the fact that though the trial was hard…it was also infinitely glorious because it drove you to the Lord and His salvation. Or maybe you haven’t experienced that in your life…but are going through a fierce trial right now. If so, then heed the Psalmist’s counsel and seek the Lord in your “day of trouble.”

Jesus Christ came to save sinners. Not only from daily troubles, but more importantly from eternal judgment. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and gone astray. Therefore all need a Savior. And according to Scripture, the only One who can save is Jesus Christ the Lord. Do you belong to Him? If not, then you can trust in Him today and find eternal salvation. Scripture call on us to repent, or turn from our life of sin. And believe, or place our faith in Jesus as Lord of our life. A lifetime commitment to Christ is called for. And a lifetime relationship with God is given. But it’s not given to everyone. The hard-hearted, unrepentant, and arrogant will not find salvation. But the humble and broken sinner, who truly seeks the Lord…will always find Jesus awaiting them with open arms. He alone will deliver. He alone will protect. And He alone will save. Trust in Him during your trial. And find in Him the strength you need to endure it.

The God-Inspired Word

I once heard a pastor say that he liked the Apostle Paul, but he disagreed with some of Paul’s opinions given in the Bible.  While Paul was a man who could make mistakes like anyone, we must understand that when Paul and others wrote Scripture, no mistakes were made.  The reason for this is because Paul wasn’t simply writing his “opinions” – he was writing God’s eternal Word.  The Bible says:  “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (1 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB)  The word for “inspired” is a word that literally means “God-breathed” and since God is perfect we can rest assured that Scripture is as well.  After all, God doesn’t breathe errors.

            In a world like ours, where there are so many different viewpoints and so much information to sift through; it’s comforting to know that there is a source of truth that is reliable.  Yet sadly, many people reject, distort, and malign Scripture because parts of it conflict with their chosen way of life.  But as Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation said:  “God’s truth abideth still.”  In this world of confusion, we have a moral compass to point us in the right direction.  And that moral compass is the Bible.

            So pick up God’s book and start reading it.  Study it.  Pray though it.  And go to a church where it is faithfully taught and preached.  The power of God’s Word to change lives is infinite.  For in His Word you will find direction, wisdom, comfort, strength, peace, and the way to eternal salvation.  Let the world scoff if they like; but trust in the Bible and the God who inspired every word of it.  As Jesus said:  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)

Are You Proud of Your Humility?

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

One of the greatest enemies of the Christian life is pride.  In fact, some have said that pride is the root sin from which all other sins sprout.  It was pride that got Adam and Eve kicked out of the Garden of Eden.  And it was pride that got Satan kicked out of Heaven.  Pride is to be avoided, and humility is to be sought after for the Christian.  But pride is often a very sneaky sin to diagnose in the human heart.

            A humble heart is one that doesn’t think too highly of itself.  But eventually, the humble heart is in danger of becoming impressed with how “humble” it is, thus leading to pride over its humility.  As ironic as it sounds, we can be guilty of being too proud of how humble we are.  Though we may not say it aloud, we can secretly wish that others would be more like us.  We can do charitable deeds, all the while longing for others to notice us.  We can become privately impressed with out own piety, while secretly sneering at the rest of the world for failing to be as godly as we are.  In short, we can become proud of our humility.

            The potential for sinful pride is always existent in the human heart.  Which is why we have to daily be on guard against it.  Not only must we live a life pleasing to God…we also have to check the motivation of our heart and make sure that it is love and not pride that drives us in our actions.  We must live our lives for God’s approval and be largely unconcerned with what people think of us.  We must search our hearts for pride, and destroy it when we find it.  And when we find ourselves needing a model for such living, we must look to our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it was said:  “although He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but He emptied Himself taking the form of a slave.”  (Philippians 2:6-7)

            Are you proud, or are you humble?  Or worse, are you proud of how humble you are?  The sin of pride is sneaky.  Watch out for it!  Avoid it!  Destroy it!  Then humbly give all the glory in your life to God.

Anxiety vs. Peace

Life can be full of anxiety.  Anyone who has lived very long is aware of that.  Pressures can come upon a person from scores of different sources including family problems, trouble at work, poor health, and finances.  In fact life contains so much anxiety that one might be tempted to think that there’s nothing you can do about it.  Some may think a life of nervousness is simply the destiny of all.  But God gives us another option.

            The Bible says:  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 NASB)  Are you dealing with a tense situation?  Take it to the Lord in prayer. 

If Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, then you are given several amazing gifts.  Not only are you eternally forgiven of your sins, you also have a relationship with the Sovereign God of all the earth.  And He invites you to approach Him with your prayers and petitions.  When you stop and really think about this, it’s kind of breathtaking.  The One who spoke the sun, moon, and stars into existence allows us to speak to Him.  And when we do, notice what He promises:  “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)  We are given a “peace” that surpasses all understanding.  In other words, you can face situations in which there is no way to imagine having peace….and yet, still have peace.  You can face horrendous trials.…and yet, still have peace.  You can face anxieties that would cripple most people….and yet, still have peace.  Does this peace sound like a good thing to have?  You can only have it through Jesus Christ.

            Jesus, who was God in the flesh, came and lived a perfect life and then died an atoning, sacrificial death.  Only by repenting of your sin and placing your faith in Him as Supreme Lord of your life can you find forgiveness, salvation, and peace.  Have you trusted Him with your life?  Are you trusting Him with your daily anxieties? Leave the life of restless nerves behind…and enjoy the peace that surpasses all understanding.

The Spiritual Examination

“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?”  --2 Corinthians 13:5 (NASB)

There are some things in life that we prefer to remain blissfully ignorant about.  As you watch the world news, at times you’re tempted to turn it off because there seems to be nothing but bad news to report.  It’s easier to simply avoid the information than to deal with it.  Unfortunately, some people take the same approach to their spiritual life.  Time keeps marching past them, while they refuse to stop and truly examine their life to see if they are really children of God.

            The Bible teaches us quite clearly, that apart from faith in Jesus Christ, we are all doomed to perish.  Our eternal punishment doesn’t come about because God is mean, but rather because we are sinful and by our very nature we choose our own selfish desires over God’s perfect plan.  Yet, in spite of our selfishness, God shows us grace.  Jesus Christ, God’s only son, came and lived a perfect life, then died a sacrificial death to pay the eternal price for those who would turn to Him in repentance and faith.  But faith in Christ is not simply a one time “decision” that you make and then forget.  Faith in Christ involves committing your entire life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  You turn from sin…and choose Jesus to be your lifelong King and Master.  Most people are unwilling to do that, and therefore most people will ultimately perish.  Jesus said: “Narrow is the road that leads to life and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:14)

            I encourage you to be different than the world.  Follow Jesus as Lord, and be saved.  Don’t live in blissful ignorance.  Examine you heart and your life.  Do you really love Jesus?  Are you truly committed to following Him everyday?  Do you have a love for other people?  Do you have a desire to share the gospel of Christ with those who don’t know Him?  These are the kinds of questions you must ask yourself in the spiritual self-examination process.  Your eternal future is too important to ignore.  Is Jesus Lord of your life?  Are you eternally saved?  Blissful ignorance won’t work on this issue because ignorance won’t get you into Heaven, but knowing Jesus as Lord will.  Examine yourself.  Make the changes that need to be made.  And then look forward to the true bliss that comes from knowing that eternity in Heaven with Jesus Christ awaits you.