What This Evil Act Causes…

When I read about the rape of Tamar by her half brother Amnon, her response to him after his suggestive advances, shows her mindset and reveals her character. “Where would I go in my shame? And you would be be called one of the greatest fools in Israel.” She not only thinks about herself but also her brother’s reputation. It shows that she knows society’s view of rape and it’s victims. She knew, well in advance, the repercussions of what this evil acts causes. She even tried to stop it by telling Amnon that if he asked their father David, he would allow him to marry her. Tamar must’ve known God, because she knew all of these things. Sadly, Amnon didn’t listen, and it eventually cost him his life. And so it goes with all who have his same mindset when it comes to sexual behavior. God places boundaries for reasons; our protection is one of them.

10 Then he said to Tamar, “Now bring the food into my bedroom and feed it to me here.” So Tamar took his favorite dish to him. 11 But as she was feeding him, he grabbed her and demanded, “Come to bed with me, my darling sister.”12 “No, my brother!” she cried. “Don’t be foolish! Don’t do this to me! Such wicked things aren’t done in Israel. 13 Where could I go in my shame? And you would be called one of the greatest fools in Israel. Please, just speak to the king about it, and he will let you marry me.”14 But Amnon wouldn’t listen to her, and since he was stronger than she was, he raped her. 15 Then suddenly Amnon’s love turned to hate, and he hated her even more than he had loved her. “Get out of here!” he snarled at her.16 “No, no!” Tamar cried. “Sending me away now is worse than what you’ve already done to me.”But Amnon wouldn’t listen to her. 17 He shouted for his servant and demanded, “Throw this woman out, and lock the door behind her!”18 So the servant put her out and locked the door behind her. She was wearing a long, beautiful robe, as was the custom in those days for the king’s virgin daughters. 19 But now Tamar tore her robe and put ashes on her head. And then, with her face in her hands, she went away crying. 2 Samuel 13:10-19

Listening Is A Lost Skill..

Listening is a lost skill in America today. It’s no wonder why we are where we are today. Taking the time to actually listen, to take in what others are saying, forces us to get our attention off of ourselves. When we do that, we are able to witness God moving.

20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. Proverbs 16:20

The Answer To Life’s Problems…

True Christians have the answer to life’s problems. It’s Jesus. He is the answer people long for. He is the hope in this life. Why not share this truth with others, for that’s what we are commanded to do (the great commission). Infuse someone with hope today, tell them about Jesus. It’s not hard, we just have to set ourselves aside and share what we know to be True.

5 You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. Psalms 65:5

The Peace And Significance You Long For…

For all those that long for freedom, for acceptance, for unfailing love, look no further. Jesus is right here waiting, wanting to give you the peace and significance you long for. What the world craves, it cannot produce, so it simulates it, drawing people in. In offers spam instead of steak, powdered milk instead of whole milk, infatuation instead of real, enduring love. In Jesus, we will never be condemned. In Jesus, we will receive eternal life. In Jesus comes the acceptance (from day one) that all religions hope for at the end of their journey. We pass from death to life, through a corridor where a small sting replaces the horrific effects death truly has on human beings. If only the world could see and know this.... we wouldn’t have so many longing for but embracing a lifestyle that delivers the exact opposite.

24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24

What Got Lucifer Kicked Out Of Heaven…

Pride is what got Lucifer kicked out of Heaven. And it’s what sends many into Hell. Pride says, “I’ll do it myself”, “I’ll do a better job”, and “I don’t need your input or help”. There was a song back in the day that could summarize the concept of pride, it was called “My Way”. You see pride is selfishness. Selfishness is the opposite of Love. If God is Love, then pride opposes God. The second biggest thing pride does is blinds us to the truth. It makes us feel we can do things on our own. The reason pride goes before destruction or a big fall, is because it makes us believe in ourselves, leaving God out of the picture. Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing”. So in recap, Pride makes us believe in ourselves and not God. When we make plans to do this or that without God, it may seem to work for a short while, but it won’t last. There’s more to the picture then what is seen. Human pride is always opposed by God. It leads to embarrassment, humiliation, and a very big fall. Ultimately, that very big fall bottoms out in Hell. Is our selfishness really worth the journey down there? Lucifer is a prime example of this concept. Choose today Whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

18 Pride goes before destruction,and haughtiness before a fall. 19 Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:18-19

It’s What Makes Us Holy….

Virtue, integrity, and love all lead us away from evil. They also protect us from condemnation, for they are above the law. When the Holy Spirit resides in you, and you follow His direction, peace, contentment, significance, and purpose surround us, protecting us from all sides. Serving God, being obedient, and allowing faith to guide us, is what sets us apart from others in this world. It’s God’s gift to those who truly love Him. It’s what makes us Holy.

17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. Proverbs 16:17

Trusting In God Alone…

Money, power, and fame have an appeal that attracts many in this life. Money deceives. Power corrupts. Fame is fleeting, like chasing the wind. We shouldn’t make any of these the focus of our life. God is the One in control not us. He determines our steps. Those who plan and promote evil will have that evil be repaid in full, usually by their own doing. Trusting in God alone is what we are to do. He is the refuge and salvation we need. Our victory comes from Him. Seek Him out today.

5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,for my hope is in Him.6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,my fortress where I will not be shaken.7 My victory and honor come from God alone.He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.8 O my people, trust in Him at all times.Pour out your heart to Him,for God is our refuge. 9 Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,and the powerful are not what they appear to be.If you weigh them on the scales,together they are lighter than a breath of air. 10 Don’t make your living by extortionor put your hope in stealing.And if your wealth increases,don’t make it the center of your life. 11 God has spoken plainly,and I have heard it many times:Power, O God, belongs to You;12 unfailing love, O Lord, is Yours.Surely You repay all peopleaccording to what they have done. Psalms 62:5-12