Dale Sutherland | The Undercover Pastor Blog

From Drug Dealer to Disciple: How Jesus is Changing Lives

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:52:41 GMT

Jesus is changing lives and redeeming the broken.

It's a classic story right out of a movie script—the drug dealer who finds Jesus and turns his life around. This time, though, it’s real life, and it’s happening more than you might think. Many drug dealers are discovering that the power of Jesus can transform even the darkest of lives and lead them down a path of righteousness. Let's take a look at how Jesus is changing the lives of drug dealers All over the country.

The Power of Prayer

One of the most powerful tools for transformation available to us is prayer. When we pray, we open ourselves up to God's grace and mercy, allowing Him to fill us with His love and peace. For many drug dealers, prayer has been an essential part of their journey out of addiction and into sobriety. By praying for strength and guidance, they have been able to overcome their addictions and find hope in Christ.

A Support Network

It's important to remember that transformation doesn't happen in a vacuum; it takes community support as well. That's why so many churches have become involved in helping former drug dealers turn their lives around. By providing support groups, mentorship programs, employment assistance, and other resources, churches have become vital parts of these individuals' recovery process. With help from local churches, these former drug dealers can finally begin to rebuild their lives without fear or shame.

A New Life in Christ

Ultimately, what sets Jesus apart from any other way out of addiction is His unconditional love and acceptance. While other religions may demand strict adherence to rules or tenets, Christianity welcomes all people, no matter how broken, with open arms. And that message resonates with many former drug dealers who are looking for something more than empty promises or harsh punishments; they want real hope for lasting change in their lives, and that's exactly what Jesus offers them.

For many former drug dealers, Jesus provides not only hope but also an entirely new life free from addiction and violence. Through prayer and community involvement, these transformed men and women are discovering what it truly means to live in faith—to rely on God’s grace instead of relying on themselves alone. It’s a powerful story that speaks volumes about the power of faith in transforming even the darkest souls into saints. Will you join me in praying for more and more transformation, even through this ministry, as we share the gospel with this demographic? If you haven't, will you consider joining us financially to make this dream more and more a reality in the lives of former drug dealers? You can do so through https://www.theundercoverpastor.com/give .

How to Listen to Jesus When Life Gets Loud

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:45:09 GMT

“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” —Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)

We all face noise in our lives. Whether it's from the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day activities, or from the media bombarding us with information, it's hard for us to quiet our minds and listen to the voice of Jesus in His Word. So how do we do it? How do we find time to tune out the noise and focus on what He has to say? Here are some tips on how to make time for Jesus amidst life's daily distractions that I pray will help you as they have helped me.

Create a “Quiet Time” Schedule

One way to make sure that you are reserving some time every day for Jesus is by creating a "quiet time" schedule. This can be as simple as setting aside 10 minutes each day where you sit in silence and read your Bible or pray. It could also mean scheduling an hour each week where you attend church services or attend special prayer meetings. Whatever works best for your lifestyle, set aside specific times that are devoted only to connecting with God, and keep these times sacrosanct no matter what comes up during your day.

Bring Jesus into Every Moment

Another way that we can stay connected with Jesus even when life gets busy is by bringing Him into every moment of our lives. That could mean saying a quick prayer before starting a project at work, or thanking Him for His blessings throughout the day. It could also mean singing praises to Him while doing mundane tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry—anything that keeps Him close at heart in whatever we may be doing.

Limit Distractions

Finally, one way to make sure that you are hearing Jesus' voice above all others is by limiting distractions as much as possible when trying to connect with Him. That means turning off any devices such as cell phones or tablets during your "quiet time" schedule so that you can focus your attention solely on God without any outside interference. Additionally, if necessary, take some time away from social media apps so that you won't be tempted by their constant notifications and news updates during times when you should be focusing on God instead.

Making space in our lives for Jesus doesn't have to be complicated; it just takes a bit of planning and dedication! By creating a "quiet time" schedule, bringing Him into every moment of our days, and limiting distractions whenever possible, we can ensure that we are tuning out the noise of life and listening closely for His voice instead--even when things get hectic. Here's another helpful resource on how to have alone time with Jesus I found on Desiring God. I pray it helps you to stay focused on Jesus in the midst of increasingly noisy times in our lives.

How to Share Your Christian Testimony at Work Without Making it Awkward

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:36:19 GMT

You can share your faith effectively without damaging the relationship.

We all know the importance of sharing our faith with others. However, it can be hard to find the right words and natural opportunities to do so. When you're in a professional setting, it can feel even more challenging. But don't worry; there are still plenty of ways to share your Christian testimony at work. To get started, read through these tips I've kept in mind over the years on how to naturally bring up your Christianity in a work environment.

Be Confident & Positive

When talking about your faith with co-workers, you want to come off as confident and positive. Don't be afraid to talk about your beliefs openly and without apology; that will make it easier for people to approach you without feeling like they're stepping onto shaky ground. Remember, people will draw their own conclusions about your faith based on how you present yourself and interact with them—so make sure you always put forth an air of confidence and positivity when talking about Jesus at work.

Incorporate Your Beliefs into Your Job

One great way to share your Christian testimony is by incorporating it into your job duties. People are watching how you conduct yourself and you don't want them to be surprised when you do tell them you're a follower of Jesus. If you're in a leadership role, make sure that any decisions or policies you implement reflect the ethics and values of of your faith. Doing this shows that you take your faith seriously and can be a great opportunity for others around you to see what being a Christian looks like in action.

Be Open & Engage Others

Finally, one of the best things you can do is simply be open and engaging when talking about your faith with co-workers. Ask questions instead of giving orders; engage with people's ideas rather than shutting them down; show interest in learning more instead of dictating what's right or wrong. By taking time to listen as well as speak, it's much easier for others around you to understand where you are coming from and feel comfortable discussing their own beliefs (or lack thereof).

Sharing your Christian testimony at work doesn’t have to be awkward or forced – if done correctly, it can actually create meaningful connections between yourself and those around you who may not necessarily share the same beliefs as you. So next time someone asks about your faith at work, don’t panic – just remember these tips on how to naturally bring up the topic, and before long, conversations about Christianity may start happening organically. With practice comes progress – so keep sharing what inspires and motivates you most. If you're struggling with methods of sharing the gospel, check out this crash course from a friend and ministry partner named Greg Stier with Dare 2 Share Ministries.

Memorizing Scripture to Combat Anxiety

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:20:40 GMT

“The Bible in the memory is better than the Bible in the book case.” Charles Spurgeon

Whether it’s a big presentation at work, or a scary medical procedure, we all face situations that can bring on anxious feelings. Thankfully, God has provided us with some powerful tools to help in these times—namely, his Word and the promises he makes to us. So why not arm yourself with some of the best verses for dealing with anxiety? Here are four of my favorite Bible verses for handling anxiety-inducing moments.

Philippians 4:6-7

This is perhaps the most popular verse when it comes to dealing with anxiety. It reminds us that we can take our concerns directly to God through prayer and petition and then trust him to take care of us. This is a great one to memorize when you’re feeling overwhelmed by worry and fear, as it will help you remember to turn your focus back onto God instead of the problem at hand.

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge in times of trouble; He always has been and always will be. These verses remind us that no matter how dire the situation may seem, God is there in the midst of it all. When we remember this truth, it helps put things into perspective and grants us peace even in difficult times.

Isaiah 41:10

Anxiety often comes from feelings of insecurity or inadequacy; we feel like we don’t have what it takes or that we are alone in facing whatever issue is at hand. But this verse reminds us that even if everyone else around us abandons or fails us, God never will; He remains faithful throughout all our troubles and gives strength where needed. Memorize this verse when you find yourself succumbing to fear!

2 Timothy 1:7

Anxiety can often be linked to fear—fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of missing out on something better…the list goes on! But this verse reminds us that perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18) because Jesus has already won the victory over death itself! We can trust Him to give us strength and courage even when faced with seemingly impossible tasks ahead.

The next time your heart starts racing due to an impending stressful situation, try taking a few deep breaths while reciting these four Bible verses aloud as a reminder that you have nothing to fear because God is right there beside you every step of the way. If you need help memorizing scripture, here's a helpful resource I've used over the years by John Piper. No matter how anxious you are feeling right now, His peace will guard your heart and mind so that you can face any challenge head-on. (Philippians 4:7)

How to Stay Focused on Jesus When the Going Gets Tough

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:13:07 GMT

Even when we're overwhelmed with stress, Jesus is there.

We all have those weeks when everything seems to be going wrong. Life throws us curveballs, and it's easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of Jesus in the midst of our struggles. But don't worry – we've got some tips for how to stay focused on Jesus even during the most stressful times! Read on for a few simple steps that will help you keep your mind and heart on Christ during difficult times.

Prayer is Key

The first and most obvious step is prayer. Prayer is essential for keeping our focus on Jesus, especially when life gets tough. We can use prayer to pour out our worries and needs to God so that we can find peace in Him. The Bible tells us that He hears us when we pray (1 John 5:14), so let’s take comfort in knowing that He’s listening.

Read Scripture Regularly

Another great way to keep our focus on Jesus is by reading scripture regularly. Reading His Word every day will remind us of His love, grace, mercy, and power. It will bring peace to our hearts and minds as we meditate on His promises and truths found in scriptures such as Philippians 4:6-7 which says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." So let’s remember these words of truth when life gets hard!

Surround Yourself With Friends Who Lift You Up

Finally, surround yourself with friends who lift you up spiritually. Having a support system of like-minded believers who can encourage you through prayer or scripture reflections can be very helpful in staying focused on Jesus during tough times. Proverbs 17:17 says “A friend loves at all times” so don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it! It's important to remember that no one is meant to go through difficult times alone – having supportive Christian friends can make all the difference!

Staying focused on Jesus during stressful times doesn't have to be a struggle – there are simple ways we can do this each day! Prayer is an essential part of this process – talking with God allows us to pour out our worries and trust Him with them; reading scripture helps renew our hope; and surrounding ourselves with friends who lift us up spiritually provides us with extra encouragement from people who understand what we're going through. Let's remember these steps when life gets tough so that we can stay close to Christ even during difficulty!

The Power of the Gospel: Changing the Lives of Prostitutes in America

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 18:57:53 GMT

The gospel has a unique ability to transform lives in some of the darkest places.

The gospel has a unique ability to transform lives. This is certainly true for those who have been involved in prostitution and the sex trade, as they are now beginning to feel the effects of the power of the gospel. It's incredibly inspiring to hear these stories and to learn how Jesus is using His love and mercy to bring light into dark places.

A Living Testimony

Many women involved in prostitution have had life-changing experiences when they encounter the power of Christ's love. One such woman, a former prostitute named Kendra, was able to leave her old lifestyle behind and become an active member of a local church. She credits her newfound faith with helping her find a new purpose in life, saying that it “filled [her] up with so much joy that [she] didn't even know existed”. Can you take a moment to pause and praise God for this transformation with me?

The Impact of Faith on Prostitution Rates

The power of faith has also had an impact on prostitution rates in some areas. In New Orleans, for example, there has been a noticeable decrease in prostitution activity since churches began partnering with local law enforcement agencies. Churches have been instrumental in providing resources and support for women looking to leave their previous lifestyle behind, which has resulted in fewer women turning to prostitution as an income source.

The Role of Churches

Churches have an incredibly important role to play when it comes to changing lives through the power of the gospel. They can provide spiritual guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance that can make all the difference for those who are looking for freedom from their current situation. By creating safe spaces where people can come together and share their stories without fear or judgement, churches can help create positive environments where people can grow spiritually and experience true transformation through Christ's love.

The power of faith is undeniable when it comes to transforming lives - particularly those involved with sex trafficking. The impact this transformation has on individuals is profound; not only does it give them hope for life after their former lifestyle but it also reduces crime rates in areas where churches are actively involved in providing resources for people looking for help. It's incredible what God can do when we open our hearts and minds up to His grace! We should all take a moment today to thank Him for His provision and never forget how powerful his love truly is! If you'd like to learn more about an organization I'm working with to fight sex trafficking in the metro Washington DC area, you can visit https://fast-dc.org/

How to Stay Faithful to Jesus During Your Busy Times

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 16:32:33 GMT

Living for Jesus during the crazy busy times is possible.

I get it- life can be busy and hectic. Work, school, family, and other obligations can easily take up all our time. However, it is important not to neglect our spiritual life during these times of fast-paced activity. Here are some tips on how to remain faithful in your quiet times with God even when you’re busy.

Make it a Priority

The first step in staying connected to God is making Him a priority in your day. The Bible says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). That means that we need to make sure that God comes before anything else in our lives; if He does, the rest will fall into place. It may seem impossible at first, but by scheduling prayer time and scripture reflection into your daily routine, you will start to see the results of having God as the number one priority in your life.

Be Flexible

Sometimes our plans don’t always work out; traffic gets bad so we are late for an appointment or an unexpected task pops up out of nowhere needing to be completed right away. These things happen and they can derail us from our planned quiet time with God. What do you do then? Have faith that He hears you no matter where you are or what you are doing - prayer doesn't have to be silent or formalized every time! Even if it's just a quick conversation in the car on your way somewhere, talk with Him about what's going on and He'll still listen and respond!

Stay Grounded

When life gets hectic it can be easy to forget about what matters most—God and His promises for us. In order for us to stay true during our busy times, we need to remember who is in control—God is! When we keep this truth at the forefront of our minds, we will remain steadfast even when life becomes overwhelming. Take some time each day to meditate on Scripture—even just a few verses! This will help keep you grounded and remind you of His goodness throughout the craziness of everyday life.

Staying faithful during busy times isn't easy but with dedication and perseverance, it is possible! Make sure that God remains top priority in your day-to-day activities, stay flexible when unexpected tasks arise, and remember that He is always with you - no matter how hectic your schedule may be. By following these steps and being intentional about spending quality time with Him each day, you will find yourself growing closer than ever before. With a little effort and lots of faithfulness, staying close with God during your busiest moments won't be difficult after all.

Living for Jesus in the Secular Workplace: How to go from Surviving to Thriving.

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:17:46 GMT

By God's grace, He can use you to make a difference and eternal impact.

Living for Jesus in a secular workplace might seem like an impossible task. After all, it’s tempting to think that you have to choose between being a successful professional and following God. But that’s not true! In fact, it’s possible to live for Jesus in your secular workplace—and it’s easier than you think. Here are some tips for living for Jesus even in the most trying of circumstances.

Stay Focused on Your Faith

Even when you’re working alongside people who don’t share your faith, it’s important to stay focused on your own commitment to Christianity. You can do this by reading the Bible or other Christian literature while at work, or praying before meetings or presentations. This will help keep you grounded and remind you of why you believe what you believe—even if those around you don't understand or agree with it.

Be an Example

It can be difficult when those around us don't share our values and beliefs, but that doesn't mean we should give up hope! Instead of shying away from conversations about faith or avoiding discussions of morality, use this as an opportunity to be a light in the darkness. By being a good example and speaking out when necessary, you can show those around you how powerful and life-changing faith is—without having to preach at them or push them away.

Set Boundaries

As hard as it may be, setting boundaries is one of the best ways to live out your faith at work without compromising your values. For example, if someone asks you to do something unethical or immoral, politely decline and explain why this decision goes against your faith-based values. This will show respect for both yourself and the other person involved—while also standing up for what you believe in!

Living out our Christian values in a secular workplace doesn't have to be difficult—in fact, it can be quite rewarding. I wasn't always perfect at doing this in my police career but, by God's grace, I was able to minister to many coworkers during this time. By staying focused on our faith, being an example for others, and setting boundaries when necessary, we can ensure that our beliefs remain intact even in challenging environments. So go forth boldly into the secular world—with God's grace guiding each step along the way!

How Jesus is Transforming Lives in Prisons Across America

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:04:09 GMT

Jesus is at work in the lives of inmates across America.

It’s no secret that prison life can be difficult. But something miraculous has been happening in jails across the United States, and it’s all due to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The power of faith has been transforming inmates' lives for the better and bringing hope to those who need it most. Let's explore how the good news of Jesus is making a difference within our nation's prisons.

Finding Freedom in Faith

The gospel of Jesus Christ offers prisoners something they often can't find on their own—true freedom. When inmates accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they gain access to a realm of peace and hope that was previously unknown to them. This newfound sense of joy brings with it healing and restoration, as prisoners are able to let go of guilt and shame and start living life anew.

The Power of Community

In addition to this spiritual transformation, churches have also been providing much-needed community support for inmates through things like Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and even worship services inside prisons. These programs help provide an opportunity for fellowship among inmates by allowing them to share their stories, pray with each other, and build relationships with those who understand what they're going through. Furthermore, many churches also offer post-release support by helping ex-convicts adjust back into society after leaving prison.

Healing Through Service

Finally, one way that inmates have found healing through faith is by serving others who are still behind bars or in need outside of prison walls. Through service projects such as writing letters to incarcerated individuals or packaging toiletries for homeless shelters, inmates get a sense of purpose while doing something meaningful at the same time. By putting others before themselves in these ways, prisoners are able to experience healing on multiple levels—both physically and spiritually—and put their newfound faith into action through service.

The power of faith truly knows no bounds when it comes to transforming lives—even within prisons! As we've seen here today, the gospel of Jesus Christ has been making a huge difference in jails across America by providing true freedom through faith in Christ alone along with much-needed community support from local churches and opportunities for healing through service projects. It's amazing what happens when we put our trust in God!

How to Reach Your Kids for Christ

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:26:52 GMT

Scripture references: Isa. 40:28-31, Heb. 11:6, Jas. 2:17, Eph. 6:4, John 15:9, Eph. 5:15-16

When I was a policeman and a pastor, I worked long hours. I spent nights on the street buying drugs and my weekends working with families and kids at our church. My wife and I were raising three daughters who weren’t always doing exactly what I wanted them to do – but I had big dreams for them spiritually.

But my dreams didn’t always come to fruition when they were growing up. We even had a really tough time with one of our kids…

Trying to juggle jobs and schedules and kids is something I understand. Although I didn’t always do a good job at it, I did my best to raise my daughters in a godly way that helped them learn how to walk with the Lord. I want to share with you some of the “dos” and “don’ts” of parenting that I’ve learned for raising kids in a wicked culture – when you often don’t have enough time to think!

First, I want to point out that no family is exactly the same. Second, I want to emphasize that God is very gracious and He can make up for any of our failures as parents!

How to Reach Your Kids for Christ: Do

Enjoy your kids wherever they are spiritually.

Children are more likely to be open with and listen to a concerned friend than an angry or disappointed parent.

Be an encouraging voice.

Remember that you cannot constantly beat up their friends, their culture, their music, etc. They have no control over their age, their peers, or the rotten society they live in. Don’t be too critical or harsh with them over things that aren’t that significant.

Be patient and rely on God’s sovereign work.

Understand that certain things are a part of your role as a parent and other things fall outside your role as a parent. For example, when you’re a part of a union, you’re trained to do only your job and to know your role. Similarly, when you’re trying to reach your kids, there are some things you do and there are other things God does. Although it can be hard and tiring to wait on the Lord to move in the life of your kid, you have to have patience and understand that some things are only the Lord’s work – and the Lord never grows weary in his work! He is at work and, if you lean on Him, He will renew your strength as well (Isa. 40:28-31).

Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become tired or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who has no might He increases power. Even youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, but those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired” (AMP).

Louis Palau, a great evangelist, prayed for his kids constantly. He wanted to see all of them place their faith in Christ, but one of his sons rejected Christianity for years… until he was 27 years old. It was only after 27 years of hearing the same message over and over again that his son, Andrew, finally came to Christ ( Luis Palau identifies key to bringing wayward children back to Christ, The Christian Post )!

There are no guarantees that every one of our kids will turn their life around, but as a parent, we must be patient and never give up hope in God’s ability to move!

Invest your time in learning God’s word and doing God’s work.

This may seem ineffective, but it matters! Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him” (AMP). God promises that He will reward you for seeking Him, and this also reflects a posture of putting your trust in God – which breeds even more trust in Him as well.

Spend time with your kids doing things they enjoy.

This is very practical! Parents often default to spending time with their kids while doing things that the parent enjoys or has already planned on doing. It’s important to make room for doing things with your kids that they enjoy. While my daughters were growing up, I had to learn to try to do things a 7th grade girl liked doing! For example, one time I took my daughter to an NSYNC concert – not a place I would normally go – and she still remembers it. Let me tell you, it is something I will never forget either!

Help them join in activities with fellow believers participating in the supernatural work for the Lord, like going on a mission trips.

This kind of experience can yield a powerful return in the lives of your kids as they see first-hand in different ways how the Lord is at work. I have had the privilege of taking tons of students – including my daughters – on mission trips while working as a youth pastor. There is nothing quite like it!

Allow your kids to go to camps with good student ministry groups.

A high percentage of Christians get saved through camps. They can get away from everyday life and experience and learn about the Lord in a new way.

Be strategic about reaching your kids.

Treat raising your kids like graduate school or planning for your career. Weirdly enough, there are no courses required to become a parent – but it is the most important job you have! You should work on excelling as a parent with the same effort and planning you put into excelling in your career.

How to Reach Your Kids for Christ: Don't

Don’t be an ostrich.

Sometimes it’s easy to assume that your kid is doing fine because you like them, but it’s important to remember not to stick your head in the sand. It can be dangerous to have confidence that your children are all doing OK without checking in on them. It’s not always a sure thing, so it’s best to keep your head out of the sand and stay involved regularly.

Don’t settle for the “decision” for your kids to give their lives to the Lord.

Although you should pray that their decision is real. Continue to walk with them and encourage them to pursue God and His plan for their life above other worldly things. James 2:17 says, “So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective]” (AMP). It’s too easy to act like their decision to follow Jesus is just a box to check when we should continue watching their lives as they grow in their faith.

Don’t think that you will hurt their spiritual lives by advocating for Christ.

One of Satan’s main methods for trying to keep parents from talking about Christ is to discourage them in this way, by making them think that it will somehow have a negative impact on their kids. You’ve got to remember that loving, kind truth is always valuable for your children.

Don’t let your kids see too much disappointment.

If they feel that you are disappointed in them too often, they will eventually give up trying to please you. Humans naturally give up trying to satisfy someone who is never happy with them, no matter what they do.” This goes along with Ephesians 6:4, which says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Don’t make education, sports, or church attendance the barometer for your love for your kids.

Love them as Christ loves you. Jesus said in John 15:9, “I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you].” Isn’t that amazing that Jesus’ love for us is like the Father’s love for him with all his holiness and perfection? Jesus’ love for you is not based on your performance. It is perfect and unfailing love.

So those are some of the tips for parenting that have helped me in raising my daughters over the years. But lastly, I also want to leave you with a couple of bonus bits of advice from a wise Christian friend of mine, Joe Henriques.

First, it’s a good thing to informally share what happened in your day with your kids. Let them know how God helped you, what you were praying for, what struggles you faced, and how you’re choosing to trust God. Kids like authenticity and will respond to it.

Second, when you share with your kids is as important as how you share or what you’re hoping to accomplish by sharing. What I mean by this is that there are no guarantees for how much time you’ll have with your kids to make a spiritual impact on their lives.

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.”

Redeem the opportunities God gives you when you see them – because they’re rare and they won’t always be there. Sense the Spirit’s leading and make the most of every opportunity!

Remember that only you have the unique and significant role in the life of your child as their mom or dad. No one else holds that position in the life of your kid. So be confident, be patient, and be calm. Be truthful and speak the truth with a loving demeanor. Be the priest of your family and pray as you’ve never prayed before – all throughout the day – at specific times of the day for God to be at work in you and the life of your family as you raise the children that the Lord has entrusted you with.

How to Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 22:18:08 GMT

Scripture references: Rev. 20:11-15, Heb. 4:15-16

I once made a mistake that got me in a lot of trouble. I had arrested a juvenile for robbery and was due in court several weeks later. The day came for the court case and I overslept! I woke up when I was called by the Robbery Detective. He told me to get to court right away or the judge was going to hold me in contempt of court. That feeling of walking into court with an angry judge will never leave me. He didn’t end up putting me in jail for contempt but he really screamed and yelled at me so much that I didn’t ever want to cross an angry judge again.

Bringing our failures before the Lord is not like this story. The Lord encourages us to come before Him with our failures. Even though everything around us tells us that our failures are embarrassing and something to hide, it’s not that way with God. He doesn’t see our failures and say, “I don’t want anything to do with you!” He tells us to bring them with us when we approach His throne.

Hebrew 4:15-16 says, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]” (AMP).

So, based on this passage in Hebrews, how do Christians go to the throne of God?

With Privilege

We don’t have to wait for an appointment with the Lord. We don’t have to get in line and wait for our turn to talk to Him. We can approach Him anytime! What a privilege that we get to go straight to the front of the line whenever we need Him.

With Confidence

This is a huge deal considering what the Bible tells us about being judged before God’s throne. Going before a human judge is nerve-wracking enough – but look at what the Bible says about the final judgment scene for all humanity:

Revelation 20:11-15, “And I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them [for this heaven and earth are passing away]. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life; and the dead were judged according to what they had done as written in the books [that is, everything done while on earth]. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and death and Hades (the realm of the dead) surrendered the dead who were in them; and they were judged and sentenced, every one according to their deeds. Then death and Hades [the realm of the dead] were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire [the eternal separation from God]. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire” (AMP).

After reading Revelation 20, you’ve got to appreciate how amazing it is that believers can approach the Lord’s throne with confidence – because who would ever think that it was possible to go before that throne with confidence?

Without Fear

The Lord knows how to handle our sins and failures, so we can go to Him without fear about how He’ll react. Hebrews 4 tells us that Jesus can sympathize with and understand our weaknesses and temptations because He has been through the same things (yet did not sin).

John MacArthur explains that Jesus’ experience of temptation must have been ten times worse than ours because He never gave in to sin. Have you ever wondered how bad temptation would get if we didn’t give in to it? Man wouldn’t know because we always give in before we find out how bad it would get – but Jesus’ experienced it more intensely and still never gave in.

MacArthur also explains how Jesus can fully know our sin while never having sinned himself. He uses the analogy of how a surgeon can know all about a disease and know how to perform an operation to remove the disease without ever having had the disease himself. A person could be riddled with an illness or infection and not know how to remove it themself – but the surgeon is an expert on the illness because he has dealt with it a million times! Likewise, God knows about sin because he’s dealt with it a million times. We can go to Him for help without fear because He fully understands the human condition and knows what to do about it.

What Will We Get?

Back up for a minute and remember the contrast we see between Hebrews 4 and Revelation 20. What we get depends on the throne we go to. Going before the throne of God is a different experience for those who are recipients of God’s grace than it is for those who don’t know Him. One who brings his failures to God now gets grace, but the one who won’t acknowledge his failures and won’t go to God now will get judgment later.

So, clearly, it is better to bring our failures to God now! He wants us to – and the most dangerous thing a person can do is to try and believe they are strong enough to handle temptation and sin on their own. But if we come to Him, we get amazing grace , mercy , help , and appropriate blessing . And by appropriate blessing, I mean that His mercy and help come right in our time of need. It may not come at the time we want it, but He knows our time of need and He chooses just the right moment to provide all that we need!