LifeLink Devotions

Thursday, September 9, 2021

We are beginning an adventure that will help us become people of wisdom. How did you do with yesterday’s assignment? I hope you were disciplined and diligent to get it done. If not, go there now and start. It’s really important. We should strive to reach the point in our spiritual lives that the pursuit of wisdom transcends the pursuit of all else.

If you are ready to move forward, let’s focus on one passage of Scripture in Proverbs 22:17-21.

^“ Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, ¹⁸   for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. ¹⁹   So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you. ²⁰   Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, ²¹   teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?”

If the pursuit of wisdom is going to transcend all other pursuits in life, then we need to let wisdom be transmitted to us. Proverbs 22:17 says Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach.  

Sixteen times in the book of Proverbs we are told by Solomon to “listen”. I think you will agree with me that not listening is a problem in our lives. It is such a problem that it is destroying relationships and dividing churches. Consider these various levels of listening:

1. We simply don’t hear what another person has said so we have to ask them to repeat it.
2. We don’t hear what another person is saying and we don’t care to hear it so we don’t ask them to repeat it.
3. We hear with our ears what another person is saying, and we may even give assent to it, but only to be polite. It does not really mean anything to us.
4. We hear with our ears what another person is saying, but because we did not invite their input we ignore it.
5. We ask for input from another person, we hear what they have to say, but we weigh its value by what we have predetermined to be our preferred outcome.
6. We ask for input from another person, hear what they have to say, and agree to its value, but that agreement is simply to avoid hurting their feelings, and we do not intend to apply what they said to our lives.
7. We ask for input from another person, but filter what they are saying through our misperceptions of the person or circumstances, leading us to misinterpret what was said and then blame that person for the outcome.
8. We ask for input from another person, but don’t listen to the whole context of what they are saying, leading us to apply it out of context, and then blame that person for the outcome.
9. We ask for input from another person, listen to it carefully, but break the confidence in which it was shared by telling it to someone else, and then blame the giver of the advice for the consequences.
10. We ask for input from another person, listen carefully to what they are saying, then seek to apply any and all elements of wisdom to our lives so that it changes us.

As you can see, and have maybe experienced, listening strategies # 2 – 9 cause serious, sometimes irreparable damage to relationships and churches.  

Friends, let wisdom be transmitted to you. Learn to listen with your heart, and let it modify your will. Otherwise, Satan will diminish the glory of God in you, in your relationships, and in Christ’s church.

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

The world is an unstable place. Wisdom is in short supply. The reason is because most people are focused on the wisdom that comes from mankind. What we need is a super dose of God’s wisdom. For the next forty days, let’s seek the Lord for the Wisdom that He promises in James 1:5-8.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

 Here are some foundational truths upon which we will base this study.

1. Wisdom is the application of knowledge so that it affects our actions.
2. Wisdom begins with the knowledge of God – Prov. 9:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
3. The knowledge of God goes much deeper than just a knowledge of His actions, but to an understanding of His heart. We do not simply change our behavior so that it matches what we think God would do, but rather we allow God’s nature and character to change our heart so our actions are a loving response to God’s power in us.
4. For this to happen, wisdom must be more important than anything else to our hearts – it must transcend all else.

I suggest that as we begin this study, that you read the first four chapters of Proverbs. As you read, have two different colored highlighters available. With one color, highlight all the verses that describe the consequences of not pursuing wisdom. With the other color highlight all the verses that describe the benefits of pursuing wisdom. Then consider which way you want to live. Don’t just assume you know the answer right now – do the exercise to gain the growth. This will touch deeply into your heart, so that more than your mind is involved. Your decision will be an act of your will, and it will transform your heart so that Godly action results. Then you will have gained wisdom.

Nothing in your life is more important than this development of character because it is the only part of our personal being that will stand in the presence of God someday.

Pastor John

https://anchor.fm/pastor-john-van-gorkom/episodes/WHAT-ARE-YOU-LOOKING-AT-e16qear

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotions

Thursday, September 2, 2021

As I sit in my living room this morning I cannot see anything outside.  It is dark. Inside I have lights on and I can see all the things in the room.  Each item functions to either provide convenience, personal comfort, or visual gratification. Some, like the recliner I’m sitting in, do all three. But in the end, everything in this room, except for the Bible on my lap, is worthless. As I type I am constantly turning my head to the left to look out the window, waiting for the first glimpse of the contrast between the trees and the sky, which will be followed by soft tones of pink, purple, or orange. The sun will soon rise, and even though I am surrounded by things that have earthly value, my heart is fixed on seeing signs of the eternal. That’s where my real treasure is.

“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”  Psalm 119:36-37

Where is your heart focused? What are you inclined to pursue? Will it really bring you life? Fix your heart and your eyes on Jesus.  The Son will soon rise.

Pastor John

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotions

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

For the past eight days I have been able to spend some time being refreshed in my spirit. I played some golf, went camping with my family, went fishing, and spent many quiet hours reflecting on what the Lord Jesus Christ has planned for me in the time left before His return. Through it all, the Holy Spirit used one passage of Scripture to encourage and strengthen me. In all the transitions of this current season of my life, the words of Psalm 16 have provided hope and stability. May the Holy Spirit do the same for you.

“Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 16:1-11

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotional

Thursday, August 19, 2021

I’ve tried lots of techniques, but none of them work. I’ve read dozens of articles and applied the principles they teach, but none of them alleviate the problems. I’ve spent countless hours in self-training to overcome the mental anguish caused by the circumstances of life, but it has been a waste of time because the circumstances of life don’t change. I am like the sons of Korah who wrote, “My soul is cast down within me. Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” 

There are days when we can all relate to these feelings of oppression and hopelessness. Yet the sons of Korah knew the answer.  “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Psalm 42:5.

I confess that seems trite.  Try telling a hopeless person to hope again and see how they respond. Hope is meaningless unless it is based on a guarantee. God is our guarantee. His promises never fail.  This morning I came across one of those promises that helped me to refocus. It encouraged me to endure. It’s found in Psalm 119, verse 123.

“My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.”

My very first thought as I read that verse was this…I want Jesus to return. My heart longs for the day when King Jesus puts everything under His feet. My soul cries out for every knee to bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. But until that day comes, I will bow and I will confess that He is my salvation. No matter how the circumstances of life stack up against me, I will keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. No matter how my emotions try to convince me to respond to what people say and do, I will put my hope in God rather than in people. Instead of wallowing in pity I will worship and praise.

Jesus is coming. Circumstances and people cannot stop it, but the contrast they create enhances the splendor of His arrival.

Pastor John

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotional

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

I was encouraged this morning with news of a person for whom I have prayed for years who has decided to become a follower of Jesus.  I am excited to meet and hear the story of her move from sin and self to salvation. My heart overflowed with joy as I read the message. I opened the Bible and read Psalm 138 as an expression of my thanks to God.

“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.” They’ll sing of what you’ve done: “How great the glory of God!” And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us. When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, With your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.”

Psalm 138:1-8 From The Message

Give thanks to the Lord. Great is His faithfulness and unfailing love.

Pastor John

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotional

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2

My heart is burdened for people who are hurting and need encouragement.  The failures have piled up in a heap so large it blocks the view of the future. Hope has been erased. 

This may describe you today, and you’re wondering if anyone cares. Will someone please say something encouraging?

Recently I found something that was written by a man to a friend who was in need of encouragement. I share it with you because it was just what that person needed.  Maybe it will help you also.

“I thought I would write to try to provide more encouragement and let you know that I am praying specially for you tonight and tomorrow to be filled with the Spirit and full of encouragement.  I know you are weighed down by the things we discussed tonight.  You may not know what to pray, but the Spirit is interceding on your behalf and the Lord will give you strength.  Take comfort in the words of Paul from 2 Corinthians 4 which says, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”  In our weakness, God’s glory shines through. 

Spurgeon put it like this, “Our infirmities become the black velvet on which the diamond of God’s love glitters all the more brightly. Thank God I can suffer, thank God I can be made the object of shame and contempt; for, in this way, God shall be glorified.”  

We all fail and have weaknesses which cause us to fall short of God, but praise be to God that He has Providentially ordained for our failings to still bring Him glory and He still uses us in spite of our shortcomings/humanness.  Jesus, too, was misunderstood and rejected by many, and we as disciples are not greater than our master, so we can patiently endure criticism knowing our Lord endured worse and that when rightly criticized, He paid our wages already.  

Finish your race strong brother.  Keep looking to Christ.  We, as fellow runners of the race, will try to be there to keep pointing you to Christ and help you along the way (hopefully in the same way Hopeful was there to remind Christian of the truth when they were captured by the Giant Despair).  Love you dearly and praying for you.”

That’s what bearing another person’s burdens looks like. Love is the fulfilling of the law of Christ.

Pastor John

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotional

Monday, August 16, 2021

Yesterday I was privileged to preach the ordination sermon for a good friend and former Elder at my church. It was an amazing blessing to be at the church he leads and see the visible work of the Holy Spirit. Two years ago there were only a few families that attended. Today the church was packed, with people also sitting in the overflow area. My friend will be the first to tell you it’s not because of him, but it’s because of the faithful preaching of the truth of Scripture and the practical applications of those truths to everyday life.

As I prepared my message that would challenge my friend and the congregation, I was reminded of the fundamentals that need to be reinforced in all of our hearts. May I present to you the following summary of what I think are non-negotiables for church health.

First, the church exists

• To the glory of God,
• for the equipping of the saints,
• for the salvation of souls.

The church does not exist to follow our preferences or to affirm our identity apart from Christ. The church does not exist to build great programs but to build great saints. The church does not exist to make us comfortable with our sin or to conform to our culture or political opinions. The Church of Jesus Christ exists for the glory of Jesus Christ and to equip His disciples to bring others to Jesus Christ. Period.

Second, Jesus tells us three non-negotiables following His question to the disciples of who they thought He was. (Matthew 16:16-18)

“Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said the church is built on the truth of Who He is, not what culture says and especially not the latest progressive interpretations. There can never be a compromise of the truth that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, He is the Savior of the world, and He is the soon coming King. We must never diminish Christ for the sake of exalting or enabling man.

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,” Jesus said the Church is His…not mine…not yours. He alone determines the purpose, authors the vision, and provides the resources. We may have innovative ideas, but they mean nothing without verification that they came from Jesus Christ. The church does not depend on our ideas or our way of doing things. Ideas don’t build churches. Jesus does.

“and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus said that nothing is stronger than the church that is built on truth. There is no power on earth or over the earth that can stop the purpose of God in a church that stays true to the Gospel.

It will be good for you to review these words of Jesus and make sure whatever church you attend agrees with them…or leave and find one that does.

Pastor John

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotions

Thursday, August 12, 2021

The race of Life is filled with hurdles. Galatians 5:7 says, “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” We are tempted by multiple influences to change course.  People seek to influence us to see things from their perspective rather than God’s.  Government seeks to influence us to conform to their will and not God’s. We give circumstances the right to influence our decisions. We allow emotions to dictate our choices.  Life is filled with hindrances to running a faithful life with our eyes set firmly on the goal of faithfulness to Jesus and loving others.

There is a solution to the problem of hurdles. Stop looking at them.  Successful hurdle jumpers do not focus on the hurdle, but rather they keep their focus on the finish line. This morning I have been enjoying the sight of the finish line as I studied the forty-eighth Psalm.  It is a glorious picture of the power and protection of God against all enemies. With our eyes fixed on Him, we can conquer the hurdles and keep running the race marked out for us by Jesus Christ.    

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress. For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments! Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.”  Psalm 48:1-14 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotional

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Galatians 5:6  “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”

Faith working through love.

That phrase has been piercing my heart for several days now. I cannot predict the total impact it will have on me, but I can share with you what it means right now.

• God is love – 1 John 4:7-8
• God demonstrated His love for us when while we were in our sin Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
• From His love, God gave us the gift of faith. Ephesians 2:8-9
• By faith we are delivered from sin. Colossians 1:13

Now, here’s where I am at today. My hands are actually shaking as I type because my spirit is leaping for joy.

Faith works because of God’s love.

Faith works to increase my love for God.

Faith works to increase my expression of God’s love to others.

Since faith is given in love, then love will be the expression of faith.

Today, I have the opportunity to show that faith works by how I love others.

So do you.

Pastor John