Brenda Williams

Appearing Before Him

As we watch the news and observe the lawlessness in the world today, wars and rumors of wars, I believe we also see a great awakening rising in churches and colleges around the nation, with thousands being saved and baptized.

I feel the awakenings and revivals we are beginning to see signal something greater on the horizon. Many Scriptures provide details of the end times leading up to Christ’s return. When we study these, we see we are told to be aware, prepared, and dressed in readiness.

What does readiness mean to you? To me, it covers too many areas for one devotional, but in general, I believe it means to be living as Jesus Christ has shown us to live. I have proven to myself that I can do nothing on my own, and the Lord reminds me that He is working in me.

Here are a few foundational Scriptures I find helpful to guide me along the way:

Ready and Expecting Jesus’ Return

Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. (Luke 12:35-36 NASB1995)

Be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God. (2 Peter 3:11-12)

Living in Peace

Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless. (2 Peter 3:14)

Priorities in Place

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you. (Colossians 3:16)

Close Relationship With the Lord

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

I am discovering, and I hope you are too, that abiding in Christ, keeping His word in my heart and being diligent to obey Him allows the Holy Spirit to produce the character of godliness and the Shalom peace of Christ. Like all of us, I rely on the work of the Holy Spirit in me to develop “holy conduct and godliness.” We can be holy because of Christ, the Holy One living in us.

For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

Lord, with expectant hearts we submit ourselves to You today. Give us the hunger to diligently seek You first and hide Your word in our hearts. Through your compassion and grace we ask You to make us people of holy conduct and godliness. We want to be found in peace at Your blessed return.”

~

Let No One Keep You From the Prize

As I press on in my relationship with Christ, I learn that obedience is a big thing to God. Very big. Plus, obedience brings incredible rewards (see Deuteronomy 11:26-28). Being in Christ is the most peaceful, secure, and protected place anyone could ever be—a place of complete satisfaction and contentment to the heart. I’m choosing to obey out of my love for God so that nothing interferes with being in this most awesome, sacred place.

The Lord planned our days long before time began (Psalms 139:16) . Sometimes, He calls us to tasks we feel incapable of, and without Him, it can be impossible. But praise God, He moves within us to empower and provide abilities we don’t possess in our own strength (Philippians 2:13).

Many years ago, in my dream, my supervisor asked me to write articles for publication. I was happy for the assignment, but I froze when I sat down to write. In my mind, I thought, I can’t do this!

When I shared the dream with a friend, I was discouraged by the cold silence that followed my news. But the Lord’s encouragement came swiftly as He led me to this verse:

“Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize.” (Colossians 2:18 NASB1995)

As I reflected on this, I thought about several things: first, the enemy’s goal is to destroy me. He will stir up negative thoughts and may use people whose voices and opinions could derail me. Secondly, I have misplaced trust, as I tend to put my trust in myself rather than the ability of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Christ resides in me, so if He wants me to write articles, He’ll provide the needed skills and opportunities (Galatians 2:20).

I remembered heroes of the Bible who didn’t think they could accomplish what God called them to do either. When God called Gideon to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites, he wondered how he could do such a thing and made excuses. But he was willing, and God empowered him (Judges 6-8). When God called Moses to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, he told God he couldn’t even talk to people, much less lead them. Yet, he, too, was willing, and God empowered him (Exodus 4:10-17). When God called David to be a king, his own family thought it an unlikely choice, but with a heart so full of love for God, he willingly obeyed, and the all-powerful, living God empowered him (1 Samuel 13:14).

Another prime example is the uneducated fishermen and other followers who were changed into such mighty men of God that they became apostles (fulfilling the call to start and lead churches), performed miracles, and wrote several New Testament books of the Bible we live by today. They were willing and obedient, and God empowered them mightily.

Are you like me and some of the men of God who delayed obedience because of doubt in our ability or lack of the encouragement we hoped for? In Colossians 2:15, Paul informs us that Christ “disarmed the rulers and authorities,” so these forces are defeated foes. Moreover, we have the greatest force of all time with us. Almighty God can enable us to fulfill every assignment He calls us to.

The God of peace ... equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:21-22)

Dear friends, what is the assignment the Lord is calling you to? The Lord will be faithful in empowering us if we are willing and obedient. The prize is waiting, let’s go for it!

~

Mystery and Hidden Wisdom

My favorite books are biographies of men and women of God. I’m often captivated by the life and character of the author or person of interest. Their lives are a mystery, and I am intrigued by their values and beliefs, the circumstances they encountered, how God moved heaven and earth to aid them in their trials, and how they responded to them. In reading about these saints, my own faith is encouraged. I gained applicable wisdom for my own life, and in some small way, I felt like I got to know them.

The Bible is my ultimate favorite. I love learning about the character of the Lord and the truths revealed in His Word, which we are all called to live by. While some Scriptures are mysteries to me, I love the adventure of searching for their meanings to gain a better understanding. Proverbs 25:2, NASB states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” Fortunately, the Holy Spirit is our teacher and will provide understanding.

Our God is massive, powerful, gentle, loving; He is total wisdom. I believe He designed us for such a close relationship with Him that He becomes closer than a best friend. But, like our earthly relationships, which develop over time, we only reveal our true selves, deepest thoughts, and secrets with people we are the closest to and trust. I am discovering that God is the same way—as our relationship deepens, He increasingly reveals His thoughts, plans, and secrets about who He is and what He has in store for us.

God wants us to know Him, and we shall come to know Him as we diligently seek Him. Several times in the Epistles, Paul talks about “the mystery.” The mystery of Christ, the mystery of the Gospel, and in 1 Corinthians 2:7, he states, “we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom ...”. There is hunger in me, and in most of us, for the mysteries and the hidden wisdom God wants to share. It is not earthly wisdom, but a heavenly wisdom revealed by His Spirit to ours.

When Jesus said to seek the kingdom first, I believe He was inviting us to know Him and His Kingdom. I praise God that we can know Him. He is not a God who is far off, but near (See Jeremiah 23:23-24). Plus, there is so much He wants to show us about who He is!

but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

In reading God’s Word, we learn so much about His character, His nature, and His plan for our lives. For example, Psalm 103 refers to the lovingkindness and compassion of God four times (see Psalm 103:4, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 103:11, Psalm 103:17). These words reveal several aspects of the character of our God, whom we love and serve. Daily, I need His lovingkindness, which is always available. In fact, I rely on it. The closer I get and the more I learn of the Lord, I find myself in total awe of Him. Do you feel that way, too?

~

Acts of Kindness

I was with my sister-in-law in a hospital waiting room while my brother was having surgery. That day I saw God’s love in action as she talked to each person in the waiting room. When the magazines in one older lady’s lap fell to the ground, Linda promptly picked them up, neatly arranged them. and gave them back to her. She seemed surprised that a stranger would help her like that. Afterward, it was like they were old friends. Later another lady needed a drink, so Linda got up and brought back a Coke for her. Seeing someone display God’s love and kindness to one person after another was a refreshing lesson, now etched in my mind.

It’s amazing how being an example of God’s love and kindness can make a greater impact on people than many words that may be forgotten.

I’m reminded of Jackie DeShannon’s song in 1965 “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” I believe this is truer today than ever. “God is love,” says 1 John 4:16 (NET), and one of the best ways to show this is by random acts of kindness.

We are all kind to those we know and will go the extra mile for them, but what about those we don’t know?

The apostle John exhorts us to “walk as Jesus walked” (1 John 2:6).

In describing the ministry of Jesus, Paul shows us how God anointed Christ as “He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38).

One of my friends at work intentionally notices the people at her church that no one has spoken to, and strikes up a conversation. When I heard this, I marveled over this kind and loving gesture. I can relate to and know how good it feels to be acknowledged and have someone befriend us.

Paul tells us that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them” (Ephesians 2:10).

God already has our activities planned. We can all ask Him to direct our steps in order to fulfill His plan for our day so we may please Him and later receive heavenly rewards. Our acts of kindness go a long way in showing people that God sees them and loves them. If we find ourselves at home a lot, praying for others is one of the kindest ways to bless people.

Remember, “He will reward each one according to his works” (Romans 2:6).

Recently, I talked with my nurse at the doctor’s office and complimented her on the excellent way she put on her makeup. By her response, you would have thought I had given her $1,000! This was in God’s plan for my day. One encouraging word enabled her to feel comfortable enough to confide in me and it provided the right opportunity to share God’s love and pray for her. I left the office with a big smile and a hug from her.

The 1960s Gospel song “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” by Friar Peter Scholtes, speaks volumes. We aren’t all called to be preachers or evangelists, but we are called to display His love though simple acts of kindness. These acts of kindness are in God’s Book waiting for us to fulfill, so each day, let’s make ourselves available to be used by Him.

Father, please direct our day so it conforms to Your plan. Enable us to find ways to touch others with Your love through acts of kindness designed by You.

~

How Great Is His Love!

The last words someone speaks on earth are a legacy for those left behind. They depict their last thoughts.

We are often intrigued to know the last words of famous people. In a 2018 interview with Raleigh, NC WRAL News, Billy Graham’s daughter, Ann Graham Lotz, said his last words were in response to his 11-year-old granddaughter who said she loved him. Billy responded, “I love you too.” I’ve always loved his sermons. When Billy declared “God loves you!” it was always with such conviction that the words seemed to go right into me.

Before His death, Jesus told His disciples He was going to be with the Father and that He would give them the Holy Spirit to live inside them and lead them into all truth (John 14:12-17). These were important words to take to heart.

I love the truth of Christ’s words in John 17: 23:

“You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me” (NASB1995)

It’s worth it to meditate on this a bit and take it to heart—Father God loves you as much as He loves His very own Son, Jesus Christ. Friends, that is BIG love and amazing love which I believe He wants going from our head to our heart!

Some of us may have not experienced the kind of love we preferred from a mother or father, a spouse, children, or friends. At least I didn’t and know it can create doubt and the challenge of knowing and receiving His love. But the Living God loves you! As God is love, please know, He loves you so very much! His love for us is pure, sincere, and everlasting. Romans 8:38-39 tells us that nothing will ever separate us from God’s love. That is such wonderful news!

May God give us His grace to grab hold of it! One pastor I heard painted an incredible picture by saying: “He loves you more than all the stars of the sky or the sands of the sea.”

Someone may be thinking, Well, I don’t feel His love. Perhaps our feelings are not always accurate. God is who He says He is and does what He says He will do. I’m learning to tell my heart that God’s love is perfect, and I can trust it. I pray that each of us will receive this most precious and magnificent gift today.

In John 6:38, Jesus said:

“I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

When I read this, I understood that as proof of His love, Jesus left heaven, His home with Father God, for us. Perfect love was manifested.

To receive God’s love as a personal reality, the Lord impressed upon me to verbally thank Him for His love. So, I say, “Father God, thank You for loving me.” The more I say it, the more real this fact becomes. I encourage you to try it. God Loves you today and every day.

In John 17:26, giving insight to his followers before He would be crucified, Christ said:

“I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Lord, thank You for loving us and guiding us into truth with Your Word. Any place where our hearts have doubted Your love, please open the eyes of our hearts so Your love becomes real to us and established in us. Flood our hearts with Your love so we may love You and love others.

~

A Warning and an Instruction

Soon after moving, I learned some unexpected inconveniences of living in the country. Without warning, we can have a blackout and no electricity. So now I keep candles, flashlights, and lanterns with extra batteries on hand. If I have light, I can survive. I am so grateful to have been born in this era, as I do not know how I would have made it in the 1800s!

It is wonderful how the Lord uses events of our daily lives to teach us Scriptural truth. The 12^th chapter of Luke carries both a warning and an instruction:

“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.” (v.35 NASB1995)

“For the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” (v. 40)

Lamps must have oil to provide light. I believe that the lamps represent us, and the oil represents our relationship with the Lord. Our level of intimacy with Him produces either an abundance of oil with a high flame or a low flame, both of which identify how much of Christ is really living in us.

In Matthew 25, the Lord tells a parable of 10 virgins (believers). Five were prepared and ready and five were not. The lives of those who carried extra oil proved their readiness through their close relationship with the Lord. It was their life's priority and enabled them to be prepared for the bridegroom's coming.

When my cousin got married, for months she made meticulous preparations, being certain everything needed was perfectly in place when the moment came to say “Yes” to her bridegroom.

In like manner, the return of Christ for His bride is imminent, and it is soon. While there is much darkness on the earth, as prophesied, it is the church’s finest hour to draw ever nearer to Him, secure our commitment, and shine His light.

In Luke 18:8 Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

As I read this, I began to examine my own faith. What does the Lord see in my life and the lives of His church? Does He see godly, faith-filled lives? A committed people choosing to make themselves ready for His return? From His first day of ministry, Jesus was completely committed to His Father and in His death, He was committed to us. When He comes again, He is looking for people committed to loving Him and living for Him with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).

The question that comes to mind is how do we get ready? How can we have this oil and this light? 1 John 1:7 gives us a key: “Walk in the light as He Himself is in the light.” James 4:8 tells us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Romans 12:2 says we are to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Knowing the Lord and bearing the fullness of His light is the process that makes us ready. Let’s all renew our commitment to be people of faith, people of prayer, with His Word written on our hearts and minds so that He increases in us, and we shine with His likeness, for this is the will of God.

The Lord knows us through and through. Any area where we fall short of His will, if we ask, He will help us become strong in Him to prepare for His coming. I am confident in Philippians 1:6:

“He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

~

Our Sure Foundation

Growing up in the ’60s and ’70s was a memorable but unsettling time. Like today, there were culture wars, political upheaval, and war. Times were uncertain, and people were looking to find love, significance, truth, and security. Rock-n-Roll music hit the airwaves and people began rebelling and doing things their own way in their desire for fulfillment. We were looking for something solid to believe in and hold onto.

I believe the Lord was answering the cry of people’s hearts as the worldwide Jesus movement rose in those days. Many young people radically committed their lives to Christ. They found the truth and their significance in Christ. Some of them went into ministry and brought millions to Christ. And, praise God, this is happening again today!

It took me a while to discover significance as I fell into the trap of thinking it was in the church I went to, my activities, or my job. Later, the Lord helped me realize that having Christ within and living for Him is a person’s significance as He is our identity and the only One we can all hold onto. As Hebrews 6:19 says, He is the “anchor of the soul.”

Although chaos exists in the world, we have inner peace by trusting in God’s truth and the wisdom of His Word. God is more brilliant than any earthly genius and wiser than any earthly wisdom. I’m learning to stop relying on my own human reasoning and be confident in the Holy Spirit, who Jesus said “will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit will direct our steps each day, just as He directed the disciples and led Israel on their journey from Egypt to Canaan. We can always trust God’s divine wisdom and direction.

Recently, I dreamed about an elder in the church who asked me “Do you know the Word?” Then he emphatically stated, “You must know the Word!” Shortly thereafter, a visiting minister shared that “you must never underestimate the power of the Word of God.” The Word of God is powerful, and it stands forever!

“Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life.” (Deuteronomy 32:46-47 NASB1995)

I praise God for His Word and that He has given me a love for it. God desires that His Word be written in our hearts and on our minds. His Word provides us with daily wisdom and direction so we can confidently live by it. It is our comfort when there are hurts, it is the revelation of Christ, who is our friend and our sure foundation.

Proverbs 4:22 says the Word is “life to those who find them and health to all their body.”

Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89)

That is powerful my friends!

In Deuteronomy 33:12, 27 Moses said,

“May the beloved of the LORD dwell in security by Him... The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

I encourage you to meditate on this for a while. We are secure in Him.

Lord, You are our dwelling place. In You, we are secure and have life. Give us a love and understanding of Your Word, and help us lean on Your everlasting arms each day, for You are all we need.

~

Seek Treasure in Heaven

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.

~

Brenda

Williams

Contributing Writer

More from Brenda Williams

More from Brenda Williams