Why Does God Allow Evil?

When people ask “why does God allow evil?”, I simply answer “because of His love for us”. He has given mankind freewill. And that allows man to reject Him. If man rejects God (it’s in his nature), then he lives in a manner contrary to God’s ways (evil). If God removed all evil from the earth then there would be no one left, for we are all sinners. If you don’t believe that, ask yourself when was the last time you lied, stolen, used God’s name in vain, looked with lust? If you did it just once (for it only takes one time), then you are a sinner. So what does God do? He allows the weeds (evil) to grow along side the wheat (forgiven sinners). As it states, pulling weeds “will uproot the wheat”, so they must grow together, eventually to be separated at harvest (judgement day). When people tell me God is evil or a dictator because He allows evil, they obviously don’t know the truth about Him, do they? The better question to ask is why does humanity choose evil over good, self over God?

24 Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. 25 But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away.26 When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.27 “The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’28 “ ‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.“ ‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.29 “ ‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do.30 Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’ ” Matthew 13:24-30

Why Some People “Get” The Bible…

I’ve always wondered why some people “get” the Bible, while others don’t. The answer all boils down to this one truth: those who are willing to listen to Jesus are given understanding versus those who do not listen have knowledge taken away. You either live by truth, or you live by something else. You either love the truth, or you love something else more. Where is your heart? Is it constantly pursuing God, seeking His will? Or is it caught up and occupied with “self” and the worries and distractions of this world?

11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. 13 That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see.They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. 14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say,you will not understand.When you see what I do,you will not comprehend.15 For the hearts of these people are hardened,and their ears cannot hear,and they have closed their eyes–so their eyes cannot see,and their ears cannot hear,and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to Meand let Me heal them.’ 16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.17 I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. Matthew 13:11-17

37 Pilate said, “So You are a king?”Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37

A Nation Divided….

These are the words of Jesus, not mine. If He is God, and He is truth, then America (and the World) needs to take His words seriously. The only hope America has is if we start listening to truth and stop suppressing it. A nation divided will not stand. Good versus evil, good must prevail. The Church must rise up, pray for this country, and unite in spreading the Gospel. As Princess Leia said in Star Wars, “it’s our only hope”.

25 Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. Matthew 12:25

When “Me” Takes Up Most Of My Thought Processes…

Loving your neighbor isn’t New Testament theology. It’s been around since God existed (forever), for its Who He is, part of His character. When we don’t help those in need, or delay the help, it only shows us what’s in our heart. When “me” takes up most of my thought processes, withholding good from others becomes a habit that’s hard to break. This selfishness reveals which stage we are in, in the sanctification process (child stage). We haven’t learned that helping others is a sign of spiritual maturity. Ultimately, we are the ones who miss out on the true blessing (better to give than receive). Rotate your eyes 180 degrees forward, that way they will be facing outward, and you’ll be able to see others in need. Now go out and do the good God commands, and love your neighbor as yourself, while you still have the ability to help them.

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.” 29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,for those who live nearby trust you.30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,when no one has done you harm. Proverbs 3:27-30

Peace In The Midst Of The Storm….

God will never abandon a heart that seeks after Him. He is a refuge in times of trouble; a shelter for the oppressed. He is a calm (peace) in the midst of a storm. A light in a dark tunnel. He is security in an insecure world. He is confidence in times of mistrust. He is hope in times of despair. He is the Anchor of the soul. God honors those that honor Him. Never lose sight of these truths.

7 But the Lord reigns forever,executing judgment from His throne.8 He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.9 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.10 Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You. Psalms 9:7-10

Letting Go Of Our Troubles….

Common sense and discernment go hand in hand. Is it possible to have one and not the other? I’m not quite sure. Common sense without discernment can happen, but discernment without common sense isn’t possible. In today’s day, we need both, because we have to use discernment when hearing any news from any source. Common sense alerts us about an issue and discernment proves it’s legitimacy. People believe what they hear because they never take time to research the topic. And the reason they don’t research the topic is because they most likely are to wrapped up in their own little world. Being distracted only complicates things for the worse. Our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter, and more people are not wanting to think deeply because it’s too much work. Without God, people will never be able to discern truth from falsehood. For it’s God Who grants wisdom. Common sense may no longer be common, but even if we possess it, it doesn’t guarantee we will be able to discern the lies that the world wants us to believe. Common sense only allows us to be closer to the truth, not guaranteeing us the proper use of it. God is our security, the Giver of discernment. Without Him, we are left in the dark to feel our way around, making the best sense of it we can. Part of the peace that the Bible talks about is the ability to live above fear, and the ability to sleep soundly at night. Our relationship with God grants us understanding and the trust that develops from that allows us to let go of our troubles, letting God take care of them. Common sense and discernment, don’t leave home without them.

21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.Hang on to them,22 for they will refresh your soul.They are like jewels on a necklace.23 They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. 24 You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. 25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26 for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:21-26

Are You Absolutely Sure?

In modern times you hear more commonly that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Fortunately for believers, the Bible tells us there is. Truth is objective; meaning it applies to all people, all the time. Truth is not subjective; meaning it only applies to certain people and certain circumstances. Here in Genesis chapter 34 we read of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, being raped by Shechem. The very words “something that should never be done” (referring to rape) tells us that it’s an absolute (objective) truth. It means rape is wrong, all the time, never having a single reason to justify it. Imagine if America understand that there is absolute truth; abortion, same-sex marriage, transgenderism, euthanasia, legal drug use, and the list goes on and on, wouldn’t be legal because we all know it’s a sin. Truth matters. It matters regardless if we believe it’s objective or not. And the consequences are blind to prejudice, favoritism, or any thing else we can label it. The truth sets us free when we accept the fact that it’s objective and it’s God’s way of doing things. And by the way, when someone says, “there’s no such thing as absolute truth”, respond by asking, “are you absolutely sure”? 😉

1 One day Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, went to visit some of the young women who lived in the area. 2 But when the local prince, Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, saw Dinah, he seized her and raped her. 3 But then he fell in love with her, and he tried to win her affection with tender words. 4 He said to his father, Hamor, “Get me this young girl. I want to marry her.”5 Soon Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter, Dinah. But since his sons were out in the fields herding his livestock, he said nothing until they returned. 6 Hamor, Shechem’s father, came to discuss the matter with Jacob. 7 Meanwhile, Jacob’s sons had come in from the field as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious that their sister had been raped. Shechem had done a disgraceful thing against Jacob’s family, something that should never be done. Genesis 34:1-7

Learn To Manage Our Selfishness…

Salvation, Christianity, and Faith all have one thing in common, our response/attitude to God’s calling matters. If we respond with humility and gratitude, we will receive it and flourish. If we reject it, we will not only suffer eternally, but live a meaningless life here on earth as well. We have to learn to manage our selfishness in order to serve Jesus. And that’s only possible when we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives empowers us to make that change. Without Him, it’s not possible to manage our selfish desires, for we see no need for it. Jim Elliot once said (in regards to this topic), “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose”. Are you worthy? Then take up your cross, deny yourself, and follow Jesus.

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love Me, you are not worthy of being Mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than Me, you are not worthy of being Mine.38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine.39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it. Matthew 10:37-39

If You Truly Love Someone….

If you truly love someone, you will correct them. You don’t let them continue to sin. Remember (as I’ve said before), Jesus dined with sinners, He didn’t sin with sinners. And He never left an encounter without painting a clear picture of how God designed us to live. If you really care for another human being’s soul, you will love them enough to show them the truth. Authentic relationships mutually look out for each other, always having each other’s best interest at heart, no matter what the consequences may be. God’s loves us too much to let us destroy ourselves. And He will do whatever it takes to show us. He just won’t do it with force (against our will). Anyone that has a loving father knows this. If you don’t know what a loving father is like, realize you have One waiting for you to respond, to start the relationship you need more than any other. Never leave an encounter with sinful behavior unaddressed.

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you.12 For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12

The Pit They Dig…

The one thing that evil people making trouble never realize is the pit they dig to trap others will become the pit in which they fall into themselves. Their schemes backfire and their violence falls on their own heads. No one gets through life unscathed. When people conceive evil, their belly grows with trouble, eventually bursting with lies. Evil may reign for a short time, but God will not allow it to prosper. God is angry at the wicked, and He will use their own scheme to bring them down. If revenge or retaliation ever crosses your mind, remember this truth, for it will be a picture of how you will fall if you actually carry it out.

9 End the evil of those who are wicked,and defend the righteous.For You look deep within the mind and heart,O righteous God. 10 God is my shield,saving those whose hearts are true and right.11 God is an honest judge.He is angry with the wicked every day. 12 If a person does not repent,God will sharpen His sword;He will bend and string His bow.13 He will prepare His deadly weaponsand shoot His flaming arrows. 14 The wicked conceive evil;they are pregnant with troubleand give birth to lies.15 They dig a deep pit to trap others,then fall into it themselves.16 The trouble they make for others backfires on them.The violence they plan falls on their own heads. 17 I will thank the Lord because He is just;I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalms 7:9-17

How Spiritual Sight Works….

For most of the people who witnessed Jesus’ miraculous healings of infirmities, it wasn’t until they saw with their eyes that they believed. What is it about actually seeing something right before our eyes that makes us believe? God works in a way that’s contrary to this type of believing. God wants us to believe in Him without having to physically witness a miraculous event. Didn’t Jesus tell Thomas that in John 20:29? God wants us to believe in Him simply because He is God. We don’t need miracles to believe. Understand this: to people, seeing is believing; to God, believing is seeing. It’s how spiritual sight works.

18 As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before Him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but You can bring her back to life again if You just come and lay Your hand on her.”19 So Jesus and His disciples got up and went with Him. 20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind Him. She touched the fringe of His robe, 21 for she thought, “If I can just touch His robe, I will be healed.”22 Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, He saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. 24 “Get out!” He told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at Him. 25 After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26 The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside. Matthew 9:18-26

Where Hypocrisy Originates….

Hypocrisy runs deep within the human mind, so deep, it blinds us from seeing where hypocrisy originates (our own heart). No one gives hypocrisy away. One of the surest signs of hypocrisy is when someone asks a question directed at another person, at the same time they themselves are right there doing the exact same thing. The Pharisees questioned Jesus’ choice of company at a dinner party, in which they attended themselves. The fastest way to cure hypocrisy is to use the same standard you use to judge others, to be the standard you use to judge yourself. It’s called the righteousness of Christ. Jesus dined with sinners, He didn’t sin with sinners.

9 As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow Me and be My disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him.10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and His disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”12 When Jesus heard this, He said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do.” 13 Then He added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:9-13

Tangible Evidence That Our Faith Is Real…

Do you ever pray specific, to the point, measurable prayers? When God answers them what do you do? Do you document them? Do you thank Him with heartfelt gratitude? Do you smile and then move on to your next request? I’m guilty of the later. Sometimes not even acknowledging it. But then sometimes when God does answer a specific, detailed prayer, I never forget it. I thank Him and make resolve to always tell others about it. We aren’t supposed to put God to the test, meaning demanding a sign just to prove He’s there. But we are to have an intimate relationship with Him. It’s why Jesus died, to open up the ability to commune with Him. If we don’t pray with detailed, specifics, how are we to ever know God is working in and through us? Abraham’s servant asked God specifically to have a woman come, give him a drink, then water his camels. When she did all these things, he realized she was the one he prayed for. Our prayer life is simple, it’s just not easy do with our complex pride. If we keep our prayers simple, asking specific, detailed requests, it’s easy to see the hand of God working in our lives. The purpose of the details is to reveal to us what we should already know. God answers prayers. It’s one of the ways to deepen our faith. The problem is not with God. The problem is with us. Start today. Start asking God specific, detailed prayers. He’s not afraid to grant your requests, for He knows what we need before we ask Him. Faith is made real through prayer. Specific answered prayer is tangible evidence that our faith is real. How do you respond to answered prayer?

1 Abraham was now a very old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh. 3 Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 4 Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”5 The servant asked, “But what if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?”6 “No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there. 7 For the Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants. He will send His angel ahead of you, and He will see to it that you find a wife there for my son. 8 If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath of mine. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there.”9 So the servant took an oath by putting his hand under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore to follow Abraham’s instructions. 10 Then he loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with all kinds of expensive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant Aram-naharaim. There he went to the town where Abraham’s brother Nahor had settled. 11 He made the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town. It was evening, and the women were coming out to draw water.12 “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham. 13 See, I am standing here beside this spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water. 14 This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’–let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah. 16 Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. 17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. 19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.21 The servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the Lord had given him success in his mission. 22 Then at last, when the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists.23 “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “And please tell me, would your father have any room to put us up for the night?”24 “I am the daughter of Bethuel,” she replied. “My grandparents are Nahor and Milcah. 25 Yes, we have plenty of straw and feed for the camels, and we have room for guests.”26 The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. 27 “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.” Genesis 24:1-27

Loved Their Lifestyle More Than God….

Why would a group of people ask Jesus to leave their presence (town) after witnessing a miracle? They knew of the demon possessed men. They knew the circumstances of walking through the cemetery. They clearly saw that these men were now in their right mind. Simply put, they rejected Jesus because they loved their lifestyle more than God. Sound familiar?

28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met Him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area.29 They began screaming at Him, “Why are You interfering with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. 31 So the demons begged, “If You cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged Him to go away and leave them alone. Matthew 8:28-34

Nothing To Fear….

Living life guarantees we will experience storms. These storms may last 5 minutes or 5 weeks (or longer). Our faith will determine how we deal with them. The most important aspect of our faith isn’t how much or little we have, it’s where we place it that matters most. If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Jesus is worthy of our faith, for He is the Author and Perfecter of it. When we walk with God through life, we really have nothing to fear.

23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey Him!” Matthew 8:23-27

Heartfelt Tears Are Never Wasted….

If God answers the prayers of an Egyptian slave woman, and He cares about sparrows, He certainly will take care of a believer when they reach out in prayer. Hagar was desperate. She didn’t want to watch her son die. Her tears weren’t wasted. God rescued both her and her son. And her son, Ishmael, became a large nation. There are no small things for God. His omniscience reaches to the ends of the universe. There are no voices faint enough, or tears small enough that God doesn’t recognize and respond to. Sometimes it takes desperate situations to get our attention, to genuinely cry out to God. Genuine, God-directed, heartfelt tears are never wasted.

8 When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. 9 But Sarah saw Ishmael–the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar–making fun of her son, Isaac. 10 So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!”11 This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. 12 But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. 13 But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.”14 So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.15 When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. 16 Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die,” she said, as she burst into tears.17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18 Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”19 Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink.20 And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, 21 and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt. Genesis 21:8-21

The Deep, Underlying Root Of Evil…..

When it comes to evil, wicked behavior, pay close attention to the threat you will receive if you oppose it. The deep, underlying root of evil is selfishness and pride. If you truly want to call it what it really is, it’s hatred of God. Lot experienced this in Sodom. The two angelic men came to Lot’s house because Lot knew it wasn’t safe in the town square at night. Regardless, the town’s men came to Lot’s house and demanded Lot to bring out the two angelic men in order to have sex with them. Lot, not knowing what to do, offered his two virgin daughters up for their sexual perversion (which doesn’t say much for Lot’s integrity). Anyway, the town’s mens’ response is the main idea in today’s passage. The town’s mens’ response, “this fellow came to town as an outsider, and now he’s acting like our judge. We will treat you far worse than those other men.” Translation “how dare you tell us what to do”. No matter how you spin the homosexual agenda, it will always be about selfishness and pride. Abortion is the same way. It’s not about a clump of tissue, rather it’s about you not telling me what to do when it comes to sex (my body, my rights). The sad part about this argument isn’t about a woman’s body, it’s about pregnancy, and another person’s body (the natural consequence of having sex). The irony about this is the consequences of both topics speak for themselves. The worst part is how people are treated when they don’t agree. Tell someone a behavior is a sin, and they want to punish you for it, as they did to Lot here. Look around, does this type of behavior still happen today? The sin nature that drives this behavior is in all of us. You can learn a great deal from reading the Bible. And even though this was written about an event that happen thousands of years ago, it still speaks volumes of how the Bible understands and explains human behavior (without God, it doesn’t change). If God wrote this book in order for us to know Him, why don’t more people make it a priority to read it daily? Answer, people don’t want to be told what to do.

1 That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground. 2 “My lords,” he said, “come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again.”“Oh no,” they replied. “We’ll just spend the night out here in the city square.”3 But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate. 4 But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house. 5 They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!”6 So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him. 7 “Please, my brothers,” he begged, “don’t do such a wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection.”9 “Stand back!” they shouted. “This fellow came to town as an outsider, and now he’s acting like our judge! We’ll treat you far worse than those other men!” And they lunged toward Lot to break down the door.10 But the two angels reached out, pulled Lot into the house, and bolted the door. 11 Then they blinded all the men, young and old, who were at the door of the house, so they gave up trying to get inside.12 Meanwhile, the angels questioned Lot. “Do you have any other relatives here in the city?” they asked. “Get them out of this place–your sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else. 13 For we are about to destroy this city completely. The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the Lord, and He has sent us to destroy it.”14 So Lot rushed out to tell his daughters’ fiancés, “Quick, get out of the city! The Lord is about to destroy it.” But the young men thought he was only joking.15 At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!” Genesis 19:1-15

What We Treasure Matters….

The secret to contentment isn’t a secret. Contentment is found in what we treasure. If we view Jesus as our treasure, and trust that He will provide for our needs, while we seek to do as He instructs us to do, contentment will follow. Jesus is the only “Thing” worthy of our pursuits. Everything else will eventually perish. Jesus is the Answer to the world. In more ways than we could ever imagine. What we treasure matters.

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.22 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life–whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:19-34

Common Sense Isn’t Common Anymore…

The older I get the more I find myself saying, “common sense isn’t common anymore”. People seemed to have dumbed down. I mean preachers saying, “amen and awoman” at the end of prayers. Not being able to call people “he or she”. Being told to call a boy a girl’s name because he identifies himself as a girl, even though his name is a still a boy’s name on the roster. This is a no-brained, common sense issue, but yet we are prejudiced or bigoted, if we respond with common sense. The reason people have sunken to this level is because they’ve decided to abandon God in their lives. It’s only through God that common sense and wisdom are given. Without Him, common sense isn’t so common.

For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.8 He guards the paths of the justand protects those who are faithful to Him. 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,and you will find the right way to go.10 For wisdom will enter your heart,and knowledge will fill you with joy.11 Wise choices will watch over you.Understanding will keep you safe. 12 Wisdom will save you from evil people,from those whose words are twisted. Proverbs 2:6-12

Why We Pray….

It’s not where or how we pray that matters, it’s why we pray. It’s to acknowledge our need and dependence on God. And to communicate with Him on a moment by moment basis. If this is why you pray, then your prayers will not go unanswered.

5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven,may Your name be kept holy.10 May Your Kingdom come soon.May Your will be done on earth,as it is in heaven.11 Give us today the food we need,12 and forgive us our sins,as we have forgiven those who sin against us.13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,but rescue us from the evil one. 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:5-18

Who We Are To Pray To…..

It’s always bothered me when I hear people pray to saints, or other gods. I’m not exactly sure how God sees it, but in this Psalm David states that he prays only to God and no one else. If David was a “man after God’s own heart” designated by God Himself, then this passage in the Psalms must tell us something. Is it possible that we are not supposed to pray to saints or through saints, for they aren’t the channel in which we are saved. Asking someone to tell God for us, means we don’t have confidence in Jesus, Who is the One that made our salvation possible. Praying to saints or other gods, only shows our lack of understanding. It means we don’t know or trust the One Who grants us eternal life. It might just be a false piety, “I’m not worthy to pray because I’m a sinner, but praying to a forgiven sinner (a saint) is how God hears my prayer” seems sacrilegious, doesn’t it?We are to pray to God, and God alone. He is the One that hears and answers prayers. Why was the curtain torn in the temple when Jesus died on the cross? Because it was God’s way of showing us that the way to Him is now open to all that call on His name. It no longer required one designated person, once a year, to go into the temple to make the atoning sacrifice for everyone. Jesus did it once and for all. “There is no other name, given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus, God Himself, and the Holy Spirit are One. So that’s is Who we are to pray to and pray through. Anything else is idolatrous.

2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,for I pray to no one but You.3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly. Psalms 5:2-3

What’s Your Motive For Doing Good?

What’s your motive for doing good? Man’s approval, or God’s approval? Your answer determines everything. If it’s for public notice, it’ll be your only reward. True love is selfless. Your answer will also expose what truly lies in your heart, revealing to you the authenticity of your faith.

1 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do–blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4

It Wouldn’t Really Be Fair….

Seeking the Lord is our priority and greatest reward. The problem lies in our ability to recognize it, then doing something about it. The world tells us, “put it off, seek self-pleasure, it can wait”, but when acted upon, we realize the pleasure lasts but a moment. Pursuing God lasts a lifetime, and beyond (eternally). If we could compare the two paths, side by side, it wouldn’t really be fair. Pursuits that are eternal show us how small the desires of this world really are. Do you seek God like a hidden treasure? Is your desire to truly know Him?

1 My child, listen to what I say,and treasure my commands.2 Tune your ears to wisdom,and concentrate on understanding.3 Cry out for insight,and ask for understanding.4 Search for them as you would for silver;seek them like hidden treasures.5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,and you will gain knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5

Knowing His Place…

Abram (later named Abraham) wasn’t selfish. He didn’t abuse his status, his seniority, or use his wealth to get his way. When it came to choosing land in which to live, he gave his nephew Lot first choice. When it came to plunder (after rescuing Lot from invaders), Abram chose to give the spoils to the king of Salem, and the rest to the men who fought to get his nephew back. Abram was smart, tough, humble, and not selfish. His relationship with God is what sustained him. He wasn’t perfect, for he did some bone-headed things, but it was knowing his place in this world, belonging to the Lord, that made him who he was. His character was defined by his faith. God was all he needed. And since he was walking with God, the world didn’t have the influence on him, that it has on most people. Make God your life, your refuge, and your home, and you’ll find your desire for the things of this world diminish like sand sifting through your fingers. Jesus is enough. He supplies all our needs, and fulfills our greatest desire (even if we don’t realize it yet).

8 Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! 9 The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.”10 Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. 12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. 13 But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.14 After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction–north and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”18 So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the Lord. Genesis 13:8-18

17 After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High,Creator of heaven and earth.20 And blessed be God Most High,who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies–Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.” Genesis 14:17-24

Real Love Does The Hard Things…

If you love someone, you’ll love them enough to tell them the truth. Jesus did this very thing. In the sermon on the mount, the aspect of adultery was addressed. The men of that day had twisted Moses concession (God’s allowance) on divorce to mean it was perfectly acceptable for any reason. Jesus set them straight. Adultery and divorce were not seen in its proper light. Jesus set the record straight, then took it up a notch. He warned of the consequences of Hell. He told them that losing an eye or hand doesn’t even compare to what you’ll suffer in Hell. It was better to live a handicapped life here on earth than live a life seeking pleasure for yourself, ignoring God. Ask yourself, how many people tell me the truth these days? I’m not talking about “their truth”, I’m talking “the truth”. How many people present consequences for sinful actions? We live in a day where “don’t judge me” and “how dare you tell me what to do” reign in the minds of every person, never allowing truth to be told. We live in a day where sin is exalted and righteousness is prejudice, racist, and hateful. We live in a day where consequences for sinful behavior is lobbied away through legislation, or made out to be excused because someone didn’t react in a way that’s acceptable to the sinner. Jesus warned us about Hell. He knew of its intolerable consequences. If you truly love someone, you’ll love them enough to tell them the truth, willing to accept whatever consequences that come from the conversation. Real love does the hard things. Jesus’ example here should solidify our resolve to follow Him, by being like Him. Don’t live by the world’s standards; it’s not really living, just existing.

27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 So if your eye–even your good eye–causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 And if your hand–even your stronger hand–causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  31 “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.  Matthew 5:27-32

When We Give Our Whole Heart…

A simple principle stated throughout scripture: the desires of our heart determine the pathway in which we walk. Ignore it and pay the ultimate, eternal price. Follow it and reap a lifetime of security, immeasurable strength, and ultimate peace, independent of circumstances. It’s only when we give our whole heart to God, that He gives more of Himself to us. You’ll never find God if you don’t seek Him out. No one has ever stumbled upon God. He will not allow people to know Him if they have little desire to do so. As a matter of fact, He will make sure people never find Him if they chose to never seek Him out. In a world full of distractions, this truth is of the utmost importance. Don’t neglect it.

28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer.Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.29 For they hated knowledgeand chose not to fear the Lord.30 They rejected my adviceand paid no attention when I corrected them.31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,choking on their own schemes.32 For simpletons turn away from me–to death.Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,untroubled by fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:28-33

The Death Penalty…

The death penalty is ordained by God. If someone murders another person, they forfeit their own life. I’m not talking about killing, war, etc... these are outlined in Deuteronomy. Murder is the taking of life for selfish reasons. It’s wrong because man was created in God’s image. When life is taken through murder it desecrates God’s image. When this is done, the blood of the murderer is then demanded as restitution. The death penalty is a deterrent to those who believe they can take the life of another human being. It makes them think twice before doing it. So when they go ahead and murder, they know when they are caught, their own life will be demanded. So if you really think about it, a murderer knows the consequences of their actions beforehand, so they have no legitimate excuse. When people argue against the death penalty, they are clearly disagreeing with God. The funny thing is that most people who argue and stand against the death penalty are the very same ones who promote and stand for abortion. You can’t be for one and not the other, or vice versa. You either believe God, or you don’t. There is no middle ground when it comes to God. You may not like or agree with some of His ways, but you have to accept them. He is in control not us. The death penalty is 100% God’s idea and plan, regardless of what we want to think or believe. It serves a purpose well beyond our rational minds.

5 “And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. 6 If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in His own image. Genesis 9:5-6

Freewill Is A Gift…

It’s not until we make Jesus Lord that our freewill actually benefits us and leads us down the right path. Until then, our lives are bent towards evil thoughts and actions. Freewill is a gift from God. It’s proof of His immense love for us. It shows where his priorities are, and that His desire for us is to reciprocate love back to Him. If our tendency is bent towards evil, but God grants us freewill, what does that tell you about His character?

20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. 21 And the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Genesis 8:20-22

Estrangement From God’s Presence…

Cain was the first to experience estrangement from God’s presence, even though his parents got kicked out of Eden, God was still with them. He murdered his brother Abel, so God banished him from the land and His presence. Cain’s very words give us a glimpse into the mindset of what Hell will be like, “my punishment is too great for me to bear”. And just as God punished Cain, giving him the ability to endure it, so will all those who choose to live life without God. They will experience pain and suffering, but have no way to end it. Then when death comes, they will forever experience Hell with no way to end it, but have the ability endure with no relief. Now that’s scary. Something I would never wish on anyone. And yet so many choose it without blinking an eye. Pray for the world, that God would open the eyes of those who have the slightest inclination of an honest heart. Pray for receptivity of the Gospel. Then go out and live it out.

1 Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel.When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift–the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but He did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from Your presence; You have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!”15 The Lord replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. 16 So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Genesis 4:1-16

Confusion, Doubt, and Self-Exultation….

Here’s a thought I bet most people have never run through their minds: Satan tempts us by creating doubt or offering self-exaltation. In the Garden of Eden Adam was told (before Eve existed) that he could eat from every tree except from one, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. So when Eve came along, Adam must have told her about the rule. I’m basing this theory on what scripture says, and it may not be accurate, because God may have told Eve about the tree, but since it’s not mentioned, I continue with this theory. Satan (the serpent) began a conversation with Eve. Why not tempt Adam? I don’t know, but maybe because Eve had only heard about the rule from Adam and not God Himself, that would make her more vulnerable than Adam. Anyway, Satan manipulates Eve by twisting the words of this mandate. Notice his words, “Did God really say...”. He gets Eve thinking in a certain way, then hits her with the temptation that she didn’t see coming. Satan then tells Eve that she won’t die if she eats from the tree. Then he drops the A-bomb (self-exaltation) of temptations, “you will be like God”. Temptations are all the same, confusion, doubt, and finally self-exaltation (or pleasure). They just might be disguised in different clothing. Just because we have never had a face to face conversation with God doesn’t mean what we’ve been taught by other believers, by scripture itself, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or by life’s circumstances doesn’t mean we should allow temptation to create a mindset that makes us vulnerable to doubt, confusion, and self-exaltation. Staying plugged into to Jesus (the Vine) guarantees us spiritual discernment when it comes to temptation. It’s just one more reason to continue pursuing God. When we stumble, we need to get up and continue down the path God has laid out for us. If we don’t, we might just experience what Adam and Eve did, getting kicked out of the garden forever. Just think all the problems of the world started because of one couple’s decision to give into temptation. My question is was it worth it?

1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’ ”4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”10 He replied, “I heard You walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”12 The man replied, “It was the woman You gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”“The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursedmore than all animals, domestic and wild.You will crawl on your belly,groveling in the dust as long as you live.15 And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,and between your offspring and her Offspring.He will strike your head,and you will strike His heel.” 16 Then He said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy,and in pain you will give birth.And you will desire to control your husband,but he will rule over you.” 17 And to the man He said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the treewhose fruit I commanded you not to eat,the ground is cursed because of you.All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you,though you will eat of its grains.19 By the sweat of your browwill you have food to eatuntil you return to the groundfrom which you were made.For you were made from dust,and to dust you will return.” Paradise Lost: God’s Judgment 20 Then the man–Adam–named his wife Eve, because she would be the mother of all who live. 21 And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.22 Then the Lord God said, “Look, the human beings have become like Us, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever!” 23 So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and He sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. 24 After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And He placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:1-24

Why Do People Get So Offended By Jesus?

As I begin my annual journey through the Bible I can’t help but think as I read Matthew chapter 1 the dilemma Jesus brings to those who have made their pride their most prized possession (which is all of us). When the angel of the Lord was speaking to Joseph, explaining what was happening, it’s very clear to see God’s intentions for humanity. First, Joseph was to name the baby Jesus, which means “the Lord (God) Saves”. Secondly, Joseph was told the baby would fulfill the prophecy God made through His prophet, and that He would be called “Immanuel”, which means “God with us”. If God’s intention was to save us from our sins, and walk with us, then why do people get so offended by Jesus? Why do people oppose Jesus so much? Why do people hate God and blame Him for everything? The simple answer is PRIDE. We, as human beings, don’t want to be told what to do. We don’t want to have to live within boundaries. We don’t want people doing things for us, and not be able to take the credit for it. But all of this wouldn’t even be possible if God didn’t give us “free will”. That means the very freedom God gives us, out of his immense love for us, is also the very thing when not received in the proper manner, turns us against Him. Gods loves us so much that He was willing to risk being hated, by giving us the ability to not respond to His love, His grace, and His mercy. Think about that for a minute. If God was like those that accuse Him of all kinds of evil, then why give us “free will”? Wouldn’t we be better off as robots, doing everything He wishes? The rewards that come from people who respond properly to this gift of “free will” cannot be matched. Knowing that people truly appreciate you for what you do and who you are with no strings attached, is the greatest gift anyone could possibly receive. God gives us this gift with that same attitude (while we were still sinners Christ died for us), so that proves His genuineness in His love for us. The funny thing about pride is that it’s selective. Think about it. Our welfare system has lasted decades. We have professional beggars on street corners in our largest towns. People rat out illegal deals to save themselves from punishment. Pride is selective, yet it’s the number one excuse people use to reject God’s love for us. If you really want to paint the picture crystal clear, there really is no excuse for rejecting God’s grace. It’s an abuse of our “free will”. It’s taking something meant for our good, and twisting it into something that ultimately hurts ourselves. It’s listening to the very first person, Satan (Lucifer), who rebelled against God. And it’s being an ungrateful, irresponsible, and taker-of-advantage of the Greatest Giver of Grace there will ever be. Pride guarantees one thing: the longer we give into it the more misery we will experience. Ultimately, it will be forever. Jesus’s purpose is to rescue us from this self-inflicted misery, called sin. How we respond to Jesus’ calling, reveals what kind of person we truly are. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through His prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!She will give birth to a son,and they will call Him Immanuel,which means ‘God is with us.’ ” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named Him Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25