Archives by: Gary Hoag

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Acts 10:1-4

“The fear of the Christian is not servile, but filial. There is a great difference between fearing God, and being afraid of God. The godly fear God, as a dutiful and loving son fears his father; but the wicked are afraid of him, as a prisoner is of his judge.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 51.

I have left the cosmopolitan confines of Islamabad and am ministering in Jhelum today.

Got here late and turned in even later and let’s just say the Muslim call to prayer threw me out of bed shortly after 5:00 AM through the thin walls of the home of my host. How they have learned to sleep through it (I can hear snoring on the other side of the walls), I will never know!

In an islamic setting the relationship with God is define by servile rules rather than filial love. If the difference remains unclear to you, read the post again.

This shapes generosity because any acts done linked to what one feels they like have to do, not because of what they get to do as a dutiful and loving child of God. People in Islam or Christians stuck in Old Testament thinking would both reflect this. To all of them, I say, God does not need your money, he wants your heart.

Conversely, Cornelius appears as a devout living, faithful praying, generous giving, and God-fearing person. This marks the way to life that God sees as memorable before Him.

Father. help us and our families by your Holy Spirit to live like Cornelius regardless of what everyone else is doing around us because of our filial relationship with you through your son, Jesus. Amen.

And Cornelius is on my mind today, because today is my Father’s 86th birthday.

Like the faith and life of Cornelius shaped his family, my dad’s God-fearing life shaped my brother, sister, and me to see devout living, faithful praying, and generous giving. Happy Birthday Dad!

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:7-10

“Faith is the key that unlocks the cabinet of the promises, and empties out their treasures into the soul. Faith overcomes all the allurements of the world, all the riches of the world, and all the delights of the world; and it does this by showing the soul” the land that is afar off;” it carries the believer to the Mount of Transfiguration, and confidently assures of “a better country” — “a land that floweth with milk and honey.””

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 50.

This trip is stretching me.

I have had to get out the key to the cabinet. Can you think of a time that you needed to saturate yourself in all the promises of God to sustain and support you?

They are perfect, trustworthy, simple, and right. They bring joy and light. They are reliable and priceless. They are sweeter than any honey.

And we never know their value until we rely on them. We never figure it out until we live it out.

So far the ministry in Islamabad has exceeded all expectations. The receptivity to accountability teaching and generosity training has been like watching people drink a cup of water in a thirsty land.

What do I mean? They have demonstrated vulnerability, admitting to absolute and pervasive brokenness, and expressed a desire to make a new start with courage like I have never heard.

I am emptying myself in service to them. I woke weary today.

But then I read this reading and decided to sit and soak in God’s promises for more time than I had to give. It was worth it. I am ready now to go facilitate a training. My soul is full of the boundless riches of God.

I’ve got this. I am transfigured. So do you. Get the key to the cabinet.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16

“Faith shows the believer better things than the world can show: it gives a sight of Christ and glory; it gives a prospect of heaven. As the mariner, in a dark night, climbs to the top of the mast, and cries out — ” I see a star! ” so faith climbs up above sense and reason into heaven, and sees Christ, that bright Morning Star.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 45.

As I serve in an Islamic Republic for the next two weeks, I often see the crescent and star symbol.

Today’s quote from Watson brings into view the aim of the generous service of our team over two weeks. We want people to see the bright Morning Star, Jesus.

Many may note that another star, a morning star referring to Lucifer or the devil appears in this text.

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! Isaiah 14:12

Scholars note that only Jesus is the “bright” Morning Star, which may imply his Sovereignty over all other gods. That’s where our team places our trust.

Pray for us that service will give a sight of Christ and glory; it give a prospect of heaven to the people here.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12

“God decrees salvation in a way of working. One of the Fathers, when disputing with another on fate and destiny, thus
argues: One gave counsel to his friend, who was sick, not to send for a physician, because, said he, it is appointed by destiny whether thou shalt recover or not : if it be thy destiny to recover, thou needest not the physician; if it be not thy destiny, he will do thee no good.”

This is an argument fetched out of the devil’s tactics; because God decrees the end in the use of means. God decreed that Hezekiah should recover out of his sickness; but then he was to lay a fig to his boil. Although it is “the blessing of the Lord which maketh rich,” yet it is also true that the hand of the diligent maketh rich. God’s decreeing is carried on by our
working.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 39.

Whether Paul was with the Philippians or not, he wanted them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. In plain terms, they would figure it out as they worked it out with humility, diligence, and obedience.

I feel like the Paul, the traveling apostle with his comment “not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence.” Likewise, whether I am with you in the USA or absent from you, I hope you do the same thing.

I am safely in Pakistan. See the view of Margalla Hills from my hotel room in Islamabad.

And one of the blessings that happens with faithful service and hard work is material wealth. “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:4

But wealth can lead us to the opposite of humility, diligence, and obedience. It tempts us toward pride, laziness, and disobedience. How do we avoid this? As God blesses us, we grow our generosity.

And notice that God’s decreeing is carried on by our working. Another way to say this would be God’s ways like today’s Scripture or the the proverb above are proved true by our working (or lack of work).

In a sense, our work “saves us” from ourselves and from our human, sinful ways. This is not about earning eternal life. It’s about understanding that people with authentic faith work. And God blesses them to bless others.

So, get to work and give generously. In so doing, you work out your salvation.

The Lord hears the needy and does not despise His captive people. Psalm 69:33

“The Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.” — There is nothing lost by waiting: we send out the golden fleet of prayer to heaven — the longer the voyage, the greater the cargo brought back in return.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 38.

This post seemed fitting as I will travel the entire day from Newark to Dubai to Islamabad, Pakistan.

I’d appreciate your prayers as I have a rigorous schedule over the next two weeks in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. Reply if you want a copy of my prayer schedule.

I find that when I go to places with tremendous need, and where God’s people experience oppression and opposition, that I tend to rely more on God, pray without ceasing, and see Him work in power beyond imagination.

Perhaps this brings the greater cargo into view. We receive the generous rewards that come from complete dependence and waiting on God. If you missed my 30-day devotional, Waiting, download it freely here.

Thanks again for your prayers…”the longer the voyage, the greater the cargo brought back in return.”

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

“The Christian finds that to serve God is to enjoy God. His precepts are not burdens, but privileges — not fetters, but ornaments; and thus “His yoke is easy and His burden is light.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 36.

The best part about serving God is that we get to enjoy God. It’s like getting a front row seat to watch Him work.

The generous life is the same way. It’s not a burden or fetter, like an expectation to pay taxes. It’s a joy-filled privilege to bless others through our connection to the source of all blessing. We discover both rest and reward through our service and God’s support.

I depart today, Denver to Newark, then Newark to Dubai, then Dubai to Islamabad, Pakistan. Pray for safe and uneventful travel and for God to watch over my wife and family whilst I am away.

The travel gives me the gift of time for writing on the airplane. Pray for productive writing time with God in the peace and quiet of airplanes. The best part about long plane rides is time to enjoy God.

When or where do feel like you get to serve and enjoy God the most?

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

“God’s Church is the apple of his eye, and the eyelid of His providence doth daily cover and defend it.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 23.

Today’s Scripture fills us with peace and confidence of God’s care. The whole chapter does. Listen to how it concludes with a bookend to the same idea.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

I am packing for Pakistan. I am heading out tomorrow morning. I will see up close how the providence of God cares for, covers, and defends God’s church there.

The good news is that His providence and care look after his church everywhere, including right where you are. Got burdens? Share them with Jesus. Have troubles? Set them at His feet. Need provision? Let Him know.

Like an eyelid covers an eye, God covers and defends us. Believe in Him and let not your heart be troubled or afraid.

The LORD their God will save His people on that day as a shepherd saves His flock. They will sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown. Zechariah 9:16

“The godly in this life are like scattered pearls; they lie distant from each other, and are dispersed into several regions; but there is a day coming, when God will gather His saints unto Him as one places his pearls on a string.” In the day that he makes up his jewels.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 22.

I am enjoying this book. Today’s saying reminds me of the people I have the privilege of serving around the world. They are precious jewels to God.

You likely have the same thought in the circles where you serve locally, regionally, or globally. They are scattered pearls God will someday gather.

As we lean into the idea of examine this year and we think about how that relates to our stewardship, we are God’s scattered jewels in the world.

He wants us to make known His ways through our living, giving, serving, and loving where He places us but our presence in those localities is temporary.

Someday He will gather us to our eternal home. Are we living for that or are we living for this life in how we live, give, serve, and love?

I wonder. Will how we live our lives shape our sparkle? I don’t know. I will leave that up to Him and try to reflect His light and life in all I do.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

“The world, to a man of God, is but a beautiful prison; nor can he love his fetters, which detain him there, although they be made of gold. He sends his heart to heaven before his body is set free.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 21-22.

Someone asked me recently how many nights I spend in someone’s home or a hotel over the year. To get his attention, I answered, all of them, 365. He looked at me in shock and said, “Really? You are never at home?” I answered reciting the first verse from the classic hymn, “This World Is Not My Home” by Jim Reeves.

This world is not my home
I’m just a-passing through
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore

Then I told him that I travel about 200 nights a year and my wife is with me about 50 of those. He said that it was a lot. But I reminded him that time is short.

God could choose to release me from this beautiful prison today or many years from now. Since I don’t know how much time I have, I will live each day to the fullest.

And I was talking with another friend who is 67 years old and has lived in the same house for over 30+ years. He said he was dreading simplifying. They may be attached to it.

He lives in, as Watson would say, a cell in this beautiful prison. We all do. This life is temporary so we must not get too attached or leave our stewardship responsibilities to others.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

“We are bid to commit our way unto the Lord. It is our work to cast care, and it is God’s work to take care. Immoderate care is a spiritual canker that doth waste and dispirit; We may sooner, by our care, add a furlong to our grief than a cubit to our comfort. Care when it is either distrustful or distracting is very dishonorable to God: it denies his providence, as if he sat in heaven and minded not what became of things below.”

Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 14.

Notice that taking care instead of casting care leaves a person denying providence. Don’t let that be you. But let’s see the test. Do you trust in yourself or do you trust in God’s providence to sustain you?

I trusted in myself for years. The world tells us to do it. I remember when I was in a time of transition in 2009, I said I trusted God, but my trust was in the wealth I had stored up. Only when I stored that up in heaven did I know what it meant to trust in God.

That’s when life began for me and my family. I’ve posted Daily Meditations for 15+ years since that time. Part of what drives me is a passion to spread the word, to point people to life.

Most chose immoderate care which results in spiritual canker. Don’t let that be you.

Generosity is not becoming uber wealthy so you can give a lot. Generosity is serving as a conduit of material and spiritual blessing with whatever you’ve got. Any other way of thinking improperly takes care.

Generous people cast their cares on God knowing that He has our eternity sorted, and we aim at maximizing our role here.

Happy Valentine’s day everyone. Revel in the love of God who cares for us more and better than we could ever imagine caring for ourselves.