Substituted In...

Search for God with all of your heart. That's what He wants. In Christ, living to please God frees us from comparing how we don't live up to His law. That is the point. In Christ we don't have to, He already did (lived a perfect life), and we are substituted in and on His behalf. His grace sets us free to live for Him without fear or restraint, and empowers us to be effective witnesses to the world. We thank God by the way we live.

1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.2 Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. 3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths. 4 You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully. 5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with Your commands.7 As I learn Your righteous regulations, I will thank You by living as I should! 8 I will obey Your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! Psalms 119:1-8

Fire in Your Bones...

When you know God, and have experienced His presence, you can't help but want to tell others. You want to shout His glorious deeds from every rooftop. When someone comes to you talking about their problems, you always have an answer, Jesus. When people tell you to stop, you feel oppressed because you can't keep it inside. You can't stay silent. You feel like you'll explode if it's not released. As Jeremiah says here, "It's like fire in my bones", you'll burn up if it's not allowed to flow out of you. The Truth does this to true God-seekers. I can verify this, for I have experienced it.

9 But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His name,His word burns in my heart like a fire.It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! Jeremiah 20:9

Child-Like Faith...

Have you ever wondered about the greatest in the Kingdom of God? They are the honest, sincere, child-like people. I have a great-niece that is the sweetest, most honest and authentic person I know. She talks from a humble heart and has a “seems to know her place” disposition. Her genuineness and pure heart stand out in her behavior. When you tell her a story and she doesn’t quite understand, she asks questions, not out of frustration, but in a way that is inviting, like a fresh clean sheet of paper waiting for someone's masterpiece to be written on. It’s like someone discovering something for the first time. The excitement and joy that exudes from her is captivating. It’s like driving out in the countryside and seeing a newborn calf jumping up and down, twisting it’s body in unnatural positions, all in the name of joyful wonder, as if to say, “I do it because I can and it brings me joy”. In the movie “Goodbye Christopher Robbins”, author A. A. Milne rediscovers the joy in life after experiencing being a soldier in WWl and living with PTSD, by spending time with his son, whom he calls Billy Moon. His son’s childlike faith, imagination, and wonder, help transport Milne into a world where there’s hope, something the real world had little of after the "war to end all wars". Spending time with his son helped Milne see the good in the world, instead of the realities of war and all of its consequences. In one instance, Billy Moon rescues his father from an episode of PTSD by reminding him that bees make honey. They love to make honey, not be a nuisance. It inspired Milne so much that he created “Winnie the Pooh”, the most beloved childhood book of all-time. Milne didn’t want to make people laugh anymore (for He was a playwright), he wanted them to “SEE”. In all of his attempts in his writings to promote peace, he failed. It wasn’t until his son showed him the goodness in the world that Milne finally accomplished his goal. But instead of making the world "see", he gave them a much greater gift, HOPE. It was his son’s child-like faith that turned his sadness into his redemption. It wasn’t until last Summer, I got to spend some time with my great-niece, that this passage has come to life. Child-like faith isn’t impossible to regain (most adults seem to lose), for we serve the God of the impossible. Child-like faith, like that of my great-niece, is simply knowing your place in this world. Knowing Who we are accountable to. Knowing we are blessed. Knowing that being honest with yourself helps embrace the truth (for we can’t change truth anyway). Knowing that everything happens for a reason. Knowing that no matter how old we get, salvation/forgiveness is the greatest gift God can ever give us to show how much He loves us, and we should cherish it everyday. And finally, knowing that whatever happens God is in control, we are safest in His will, and that He’s got our back no matter what. This is the child-like faith Jesus describes here. It’s no wonder when God says He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble, I now have a face to put on that “Humble” concept. Thank you Ava, for giving me a glimpse into your world, and greater depth into the truth of this passage.

1 About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”2 Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. 3 Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf is welcoming Me.6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.

10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of My heavenly Father. Matthew 18:1-7 & 10

Stumbling in the Dark...

A life without God is like stumbling around in the dark, never seeing a clear path, always trying to find your own way. Stumbling through life unaware there is another, better way, leaves you with a lot of unnecessary stubbed toes. God is a lamp to our feet, sometimes being just enough light to take the next step. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a little bit of light than total darkness.

12 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:12

Who’s really in control?

Ultimately God is in control. When we think we are in control, we are only fooling ourselves. God is the Potter and we are the clay. He does as He pleases. When He allows circumstances to happen in order to reshape us, it's His prerogative. We might think this is unfair, but God is fair and just (Who do we think we are, the ultimate judge?). He always keeps His promises. And He loves us enough to always give us a choice. And when we choose to follow Him in obedience, we fulfill our ultimate purpose. The reward is immeasurable.

5 Then the Lord gave me this message: 6 “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand. 7 If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, 8 but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. 9 And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, 10 but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey Me, I will not bless it as I said I would. Jeremiah 18:5-10

God’s Exchange...

It's very humbling to know how deceitful and untrustworthy our hearts really are. And scary to think God knows our hearts, and exercises justice based on our actions. Maybe that's why so many people stay away from God; they fear His deserved justice. The one thing those same people miss out because they don't know the heart of our Creator, is the fact that Jesus makes us right with God. He exchanges our stony hearts and replaces it with a heart of flesh, fully capable of loving and living without the debilitating fear of failure. Jesus is so great, He erases the penalty of our sins and grants us mercy; immunity from its deteriorating effects. Being disgraced by someone is one thing, but abandoning the Fountain of Living Water and being disgraced by God is beyond my imagination. Ask God today to help etch this concept into your heart and empower you to go out and tell and show the world the real Truth about our Maker.

9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards,according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9-10

Where you place your trust...

When you strip away all the non-essentials in life, all the busyness and time-wasting frivolous activities; you will either trust God or trust people.  Trusting God requires responsibility, something that’s less and less popular and desirable in today's society. Trusting people doesn't have the same accountability because if they disappoint you, you can walk away and find someone else to put your trust in. You can't do that with God, He's irreplaceable.  If you walk away from Him, you've sealed your eternal fate.  But when you do trust in God, you gain a confidence that doesn't disintegrate when undesirable circumstances or hardships develop.  Being connected to the Source of life gives you the ability to never stop producing fruit.  And with that fruit comes eternal rewards with immediate significance.  

This is what the Lord says:“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert,with no hope for the future.They will live in the barren wilderness,in an uninhabited salty land. 7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.Their leaves stay green,and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:5-8 

One of the Greatest Rewards...

One of the greatest rewards we will get to experience in Heaven, is seeing the people we influenced with our witness of the Gospel (by God's power) when we get there.  The souls of people are the most precious and priceless commodity here on earth.  The two things that are eternal that we have access to to make a difference in this world, are God's word and the souls of people.  Let's become a commodity trader when it comes to speaking truth into the lives of people. Let's exchange our selfish pursuits (fame, riches, power, and pleasure) for the value of people's lives.  Then one day, we will reap the successes in Heaven for the work done here on earth. 

19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when He returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy. 1 Thessalonians ‪2:19-20‬ 

Opposing God....

Those that oppose God, and do everything in their power to stop the preaching of the Gospel are guaranteed of achieving one thing; making God angry. Opposition to the Gospel equals a very angry God.

Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last. 1 Thessalonians 2:15b-16

Pressing on...

One thing I constantly pray for and strive for in my existence is to live a life worthy of God's calling. Even when I fail, I keep pressing on to achieve this goal.

12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For He called you to share in His Kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

When You Give...

You can give your money, efforts, and possessions to people and make an impact. But when you give the only three things that are eternal to others, truth, your love, and your time (giving of yourself), it does more than impact them, it changes them forever. Why, you ask? Because you put eternity into perspective for them. You give them a "piece of forever".

8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Popularity...

The one thing about popularity that people often miss is that it doesn't last. People seek it out thinking it will satisfy something deep down inside, and when that popularity comes, it proves its deception in that it doesn't deliver what's expected. It doesn't deliver "the goods". Instead we should be seeking God's acceptance, His approval, His praise. Our goal is to be popular with God. It delivers what it's supposed to. And we get more from it than we ever could've imagined.

6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. 1 Thessalonians 2:6

Opposition...

Here's a truth every believer must except: where ever you go and preach the gospel, there will always be opposition. Guaranteed.

2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare His Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 1 Thessalonians 2:2

A Reason Behind God’s Discipline...

When people ask why does God punish or discipline people? You can truthfully tell them because He loves them enough to punish them for their deliberate and omissive sin. And even more so, their unrepentant hearts. It’s easy to confuse sin’s consequences with God’s discipline, it all begins with examining your own heart.

10 “When you tell the people all these things, they will ask, ‘Why has the Lord decreed such terrible things against us? What have we done to deserve such treatment? What is our sin against the Lord our God?’11 “Then you will give them the Lord’s reply: ‘It is because your ancestors were unfaithful to Me. They worshiped other gods and served them. They abandoned Me and did not obey My word. 12 And you are even worse than your ancestors! You stubbornly follow your own evil desires and refuse to listen to Me. 13 So I will throw you out of this land and send you into a foreign land where you and your ancestors have never been. There you can worship idols day and night–and I will grant you no favors!’ Jeremiah 16:10-13

A Heart for God...

Jeremiah always had a heart for God. Even when testing and loneliness came, he always cried out to God. Some might see this as a weakness, or lack of strength, but it is exactly what God wants from us. It shows Him we trust Him, or at least believe He does what He says He'll do. It's the very thing our nature fights against. It's the only thing that will grant us peace in times of chaos. God is a God of His word. We need to be people of faith, and take Jeremiah's example of desperate prayer to God, and make it our consistent routine in times of distress.

15 Then I said, “Lord, You know what’s happening to me.Please step in and help me. Punish my persecutors!Please give me time; don’t let me die young.It’s for Your sake that I am suffering.16 When I discovered Your words, I devoured them.They are my joy and my heart’s delight,for I bear Your name,O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.17 I never joined the people in their merry feasts.I sat alone because Your hand was on me.I was filled with indignation at their sins.18 Why then does my suffering continue?Why is my wound so incurable?Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook,like a spring that has gone dry.” 19 This is how the Lord responds: “If you return to Me, I will restore youso you can continue to serve Me.If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,you will be My spokesman.You must influence them;do not let them influence you!20 They will fight against you like an attacking army,but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze.They will not conquer you,for I am with you to protect and rescue you.I, the Lord, have spoken!21 Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men.I will rescue you from their cruel hands.” Jeremiah 15:-21

Unrepentant Hearts...

Unrepentant hearts. This is the greatest tragedy in life. The soul who refuses to apologize and make right a wrong done out of pure selfishness cannot have peace with God. Our rebelliousness toward Him grows in our pride, never allowing us to truly see that He is a forgiving and loving God. Satan feeds our pride to the point of delusion and trickery. He gets us believing "God will never forgive me for this, so why bother confessing it in repentance?" The truth is: God does and will forgive, if we ask with a truthful, sincere heart (1John 1:9). Shame, fear, and guilt are all part of what Satan uses to stimulate our pride to influence us away from God. The very thing that saves us (faith in Jesus, and repentance towards God), is the very thing Satan fights to keep from us. The very thing we run from, God, is the very thing we need (peace, love, salvation, and significance). An unrepentant heart is the most tragic thing on earth in this life. God will not forgive an unrepentant heart, it's what destines a person for captivity (a life controlled by sin, self, and Satan) while on earth, and guarantees them permanent eternal punishment in the life to come. If only people knew the truth, it would set them free!

Then the Lord said to me, “Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me pleading for these people, I wouldn’t help them. Away with them! Get them out of My sight! 2 And if they say to you, ‘But where can we go?’ tell them, ‘This is what the Lord says: “ ‘Those who are destined for death, to death;those who are destined for war, to war;those who are destined for famine, to famine;those who are destined for captivity, to captivity.’ Jeremiah 15:1-2

Close Friendship....

Never underestimate the value of a close friendship.

9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. 10 Never abandon a friend–either yours or your father’s.When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. Proverbs 27:9-10a

Deception and Discernment...

People in America need to wake up. All the promises of a bright future and reconciliation are coming from false prophets. Know your Bible, and know your God. The sinful behavior of collective America will not go unpunished. Stop believing the lie the media and mainstream churches are trying to feed you. I don't know what's in store for America's future, but I do know that the way it's behaving isn't pleasing to God. His patience won't last forever (as some think). Stop being so naive. Learn to discern... Truth from falsehood. It's the only way out of this descending path.

11 Then the Lord said to me, “Do not pray for these people anymore. 12 When they fast, I will pay no attention. When they present their burnt offerings and grain offerings to Me, I will not accept them. Instead, I will devour them with war, famine, and disease.”13 Then I said, “O Sovereign Lord, their prophets are telling them, ‘All is well–no war or famine will come. The Lord will surely send you peace.’ ”14 Then the Lord said, “These prophets are telling lies in My name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts. 15 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: I will punish these lying prophets, for they have spoken in My name even though I never sent them. They say that no war or famine will come, but they themselves will die by war and famine! Jeremiah 14:11-15

Wandering off the path...

Man's tendency to wander away from God has consequences, far beyond his imagination. We wander off, eventually finding ourselves with no restraint, then wonder why we are in such a mess. It's like hiking in the dark. When your flashlight goes out, you turn back, instead of continuing to move forward. You don't know what lies out in front of you that could harm or even send you to an early grave. Yet our pride spurs us forward, unaware and unconcerned with what lies ahead. When we do this with God, expect unpleasantries.

10 So this is what the Lord says to His people:“You love to wander far from Me and do not restrain yourselves.Therefore, I will no longer accept you as My people.Now I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins.” Jeremiah 14:10

Is God a Stranger?

When you treat God like a stranger, He eventually becomes one.

The people say, “Our wickedness has caught up with us, Lord,but help us for the sake of Your own reputation.We have turned away from You And sinned against You again and again.8 O Hope of Israel, our Savior in times of trouble, why are You like a stranger to us?Why are You like a traveler passing through the land, stopping only for the night? Jeremiah 14:7-8

Closeness to God... Wear It Well.

The visual of this analogy of a loin cloth is unpleasant when you literally think about it, but put into the right perspective it's really about being close to God.  A loin cloth covers our most intimate parts, the ones any normal human being keeps covered. As Paul puts it in 1 Cor 12, “And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen”. It’s covered to protect our dignity, while protecting it physically as well. God wants us to cling to Him, to treat Him with great care. When we take care of our relationship with God, He will cover us, protecting our dignity.  Rightfully so, what other response do we have for what He constantly provides for us?  Don't you want to be God's pride and joy?  Why do we take it for granted or rebel out of selfish pursuits?

11 As a loincloth clings to a man’s waist, so I created Judah and Israel to cling to Me, says the Lord. They were to be My people, My pride, My glory–an honor to My name. But they would not listen to Me. Jeremiah 13:11 

The Essence of an Effective Witness...

I once heard a poem read by a man who understood what it meant to be an effective witness.

“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather you walk with me than merely lead the way. The eye is a more ready pupil (student) than ever was the ear. Good advice is often confusing, but example is always clear.

Pauls words here couldn't be more simple, with no need of explanation. Live out your salvation!!!

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

Fashioning by trial...

Believer's often forget the purpose of our trials is to fashion and shape us for future situations. We think, "this is so hard", and we don't see the outcome or benefits. Every single trial, hardship, or sorrowful event, is shaping us, preparing us for a bigger, more valuable event in the future. It's like when Jesus told the people, "He who has been forgiven little, loves little, and he who has been forgiven much, loves much". And if you are not responsible with little, how can you be expected to responsible with much more (parable of the talents)? Trials prepare us for bigger and better things. Learn to take them as teaching points in your life. Allow them to fashion you into a person of Godly character. So when the time comes of greater testing, you will come out as pure gold.

5 “If racing against mere men makes you tired,how will you race against horses?If you stumble and fall on open ground,what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan? Jeremiah 12:5

Writing Your Own Psalms...

Have you ever thought about writing your own psalms? I don't mean trying to add to the Bible, I just mean your own personal song(s) to God. What a treasure that would be for your children, and your children's children. It doesn't have to compete with the Psalms of the Bible, just let it come from your heart. The next time you're in the car singing praise songs to God, or watching a beautiful sunset, or even having one of those "I feel so grateful today" moments, write it down. Don’t forget your pleas, moments of despair, and “nobody understands me” moments. Those are the times that stretch us to the limits in order for us to grow. It’s what the Psalms were all about. If nothing else comes from this but you writing out your spiritual and mental states to God, when you look back on this it with be a reference and learning tool that will deepen your relationship with God, providing solid evidence of His invisible hand tangibly positioned in your life guiding you along. Document your praise, your pleas, your desperation, and reverence for God. It'll be your very own book of psalms.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. 2 Let all Israel repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”3 Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat:“His faithful love endures forever.”4 Let all who fear the Lord repeat:“His faithful love endures forever.” 5 In my distress I prayed to the Lord,and the Lord answered me and set me free.6 The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.What can mere people do to me?7 Yes, the Lord is for me; He will help me.I will look in triumph at those who hate me.8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalms 118:1-9

Sincerity.... Six extra letters that make a world of difference

Sincerity, six more letters added onto the word sin. Those six letters change what's unacceptable to God, into exactly what He wants from us. Sin holds us in slavery to our behavior. Sincerity frees us from pretense, deceit, and hypocrisy. How do we add those letters to our behavior to become sincere? Simply by receiving the free gift of God's grace. It changes your attitude about yourself. It allows you to be honest with yourself, place truth above self-sufficiency. Allow God to be your standard. When you mess up, confess and make it right. Don't pretend to be better than what you are. And don't seek praise from man, you'll end up compromising in doing what's right. Be more concerned with what God says more so than what man thinks. The reward differs greatly. If you live for man your greatest reward will be the temporary praise you get from them (emphasis on temporary). When your priority is on pleasing God, His rewards are eternal. Jesus made this crystal clear. Practicing religion is for man, pursuing God is real, right, and rewarding. Sincerity goes much further with God, than pretending does with man; God cannot be fooled. The only person you'll be fooling is yourself. Don't be religious, be real.

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 6:2-4

"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! Matthew 6:7-9a

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 6:16-18