Our Next Breath...

Unbelievers never bring up the fact that God gives us everything, including our next breath. Here in Ezekiel, God tells Israel the story of how He rescued them from death as they were an infant abandoned in a field. He gave them the best of everything, food, clothes, and adornments. But Israel thought its fame and beauty were its own. They forgot God and prostituted themselves to other gods. They even sacrificed their own children to these gods. Their behavior was so bad, God called them “opposite of other prostitutes”, because they didn’t accept pay for their adulterous behavior, rather they paid others to be able to perform the act. If you take in a stray dog and it bites you while you are feeding it, or adopt a child and they burn your house down, how is that grateful behavior? How can a man hate the very One Who gave him life? How can a man abandon the One Who gives him his very next breath? It just goes to show the flesh is opposed to God. It’s desperately wicked, who can truly know it? That’s why believers, in their life-long walk with the Lord, come to know the importance of the Holy Spirit’s role in their life: to keep us grounded, constantly reminding us of our absolute necessary dependence upon God for our souls to find significance, peace, and rest.

6 “But I came by and saw you there, helplessly kicking about in your own blood. As you lay there, I said, ‘Live!’ 7 And I helped you to thrive like a plant in the field. You grew up and became a beautiful jewel. Your breasts became full, and your body hair grew, but you were still naked. 8 And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped My cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared My marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign Lord, and you became Mine.9 “Then I bathed you and washed off your blood, and I rubbed fragrant oils into your skin. 10 I gave you expensive clothing of fine linen and silk, beautifully embroidered, and sandals made of fine goatskin leather. 11 I gave you lovely jewelry, bracelets, beautiful necklaces, 12 a ring for your nose, earrings for your ears, and a lovely crown for your head. 13 And so you were adorned with gold and silver. Your clothes were made of fine linen and were beautifully embroidered. You ate the finest foods–choice flour, honey, and olive oil–and became more beautiful than ever. You looked like a queen, and so you were! 14 Your fame soon spread throughout the world because of your beauty. I dressed you in My splendor and perfected your beauty, says the Sovereign Lord. 15 “But you thought your fame and beauty were your own. So you gave yourself as a prostitute to every man who came along. Your beauty was theirs for the asking. 16 You used the lovely things I gave you to make shrines for idols, where you played the prostitute. Unbelievable! How could such a thing ever happen? 17 You took the very jewels and gold and silver ornaments I had given you and made statues of men and worshiped them. This is adultery against Me! 18 You used the beautifully embroidered clothes I gave you to dress your idols. Then you used My special oil and My incense to worship them. 19 Imagine it! You set before them as a sacrifice the choice flour, olive oil, and honey I had given you, says the Sovereign Lord.20 “Then you took your sons and daughters–the children you had borne to Me–and sacrificed them to your gods. Was your prostitution not enough? 21 Must you also slaughter My children by sacrificing them to idols? 22 In all your years of adultery and detestable sin, you have not once remembered the days long ago when you lay naked in a field, kicking about in your own blood.23 “What sorrow awaits you, says the Sovereign Lord. In addition to all your other wickedness, 24 you built a pagan shrine and put altars to idols in every town square. 25 On every street corner you defiled your beauty, offering your body to every passerby in an endless stream of prostitution. 26 Then you added lustful Egypt to your lovers, provoking My anger with your increasing promiscuity. 27 That is why I struck you with My fist and reduced your boundaries. I handed you over to your enemies, the Philistines, and even they were shocked by your lewd conduct. 28 You have prostituted yourself with the Assyrians, too. It seems you can never find enough new lovers! And after your prostitution there, you still were not satisfied. 29 You added to your lovers by embracing Babylonia,[V] the land of merchants, but you still weren’t satisfied.30 “What a sick heart you have, says the Sovereign Lord, to do such things as these, acting like a shameless prostitute. 31 You build your pagan shrines on every street corner and your altars to idols in every square. In fact, you have been worse than a prostitute, so eager for sin that you have not even demanded payment. 32 Yes, you are an adulterous wife who takes in strangers instead of her own husband. 33 Prostitutes charge for their services–but not you! You give gifts to your lovers, bribing them to come and have sex with you. 34 So you are the opposite of other prostitutes. You pay your lovers instead of their paying you! Ezekiel 16:6-34

Useful or Useless...

There’s one thing I would never want to be or wish it upon anyone else either: TO BE USELESS. Think about how many people live a life based on this principle. How many people live and act on the premise of being useless? Fatherless homes, foster children, gang members, the gay community, the members in the prison system-to name a few. They struggle to find their identity. Searching for significance. Seeking acceptance, to belong. What kind of behavior do they display? Is it caring, kind, or considerate? Or is it unrestrained, selfish, and rude? The useless person takes risks, doesn’t have the well-being of others in mind, and is reckless in their actions. Think about all the crimes that are committed by people who have this mindset? Without a purpose to exist, unrestrained living is the common reaction to feeling useless. This kind of living only burdens society and fills up the evening news with undesirable content. Only God can define our identity, revealing how purposeful we are. Once we realize that significance buries uselessness in its wake, can we truly begin to really live. Life with God = usefulness.

6 “And this is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Jerusalem are like grapevines growing among the trees of the forest. Since they are useless, I have thrown them on the fire to be burned. 7 And I will see to it that if they escape from one fire, they will fall into another. When I turn against them, you will know that I am the Lord. 8 And I will make the land desolate because My people have been unfaithful to Me. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!” Ezekiel 15:6-8

Wickedness Upclose...

Sometimes you have to see wickedness up close to understand God’s judgement.

22 Yet there will be survivors, and they will come here to join you as exiles in Babylon. You will see with your own eyes how wicked they are, and then you will feel better about what I have done to Jerusalem. 23 When you meet them and see their behavior, you will understand that these things are not being done to Israel without cause. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!” Ezekiel 14:22-23

The Relevance of Repentance...

The message of repentance has been told from the beginning of time. It’s still being told today because of its absolute relevance. Why do we need to repent? So we will no longer be polluting ourselves with sin. So that we no longer stray away from God. So we can be God’s people. So we can experience God’s best. So God can capture our hearts and minds. Bottom line: God wants our hearts and minds to be for Him. When we set up idols in our hearts, we become lost. We seek truth from any and everyone, only to be mislead deeper into a life of sinful behavior. God wants our best. He knows when we focus on Him and live according to His ways, we experience His best. His best is our best.

3 “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests? 4 Tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Israel have set up idols in their hearts and fallen into sin, and then they go to a prophet asking for a message. So I, the Lord, will give them the kind of answer their great idolatry deserves. 5 I will do this to capture the minds and hearts of all My people who have turned from Me to worship their detestable idols.’6 “Therefore, tell the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent and turn away from your idols, and stop all your detestable sins. 7 I, the Lord, will answer all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject Me and set up idols in their hearts and so fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for My advice. 8 I will turn against such people and make a terrible example of them, eliminating them from among My people. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 14:3-8

False Prophets...

False teachers and prophets infiltrate the world today. Look at how many tv and radio shows have psychics and mediums that are popular. How many people read and believe horoscopes (I’ve always laughed at the name “horror scopes”). They lead people away from truth and make it extremely difficult to come close to God. They follow their own imaginations, while claiming they received messages from God. They actually believe their messages will come true, but God says otherwise. Why do you think God despises these false prophets, when they try to give hope to hurting people? Simply because what they tell others isn’t from Him. How can a message bring real hope when it doesn’t come from the Author of our hope and the Source of truth? God says He hates lying lips. Why would God condone untruth that leads people into false hope; hope that leads them away from knowing and trusting Him? God doesn’t want us to be sad, and sad is the end result of hoping for something that will never happen. God hates people to be misled, so much so, He says He will blot out the names of those false prophets from history. Wow!!!

3 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: What sorrow awaits the false prophets who are following their own imaginations and have seen nothing at all!’ Ezekiel 13:3

7 Can your visions be anything but false if you claim, ‘This message is from the Lord,’ when I have not even spoken to you? Ezekiel 13:7

9 I will raise My fist against all the prophets who see false visions and make lying predictions, and they will be banished from the community of Israel. I will blot their names from Israel’s record books, and they will never again set foot in their own land. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord. Ezekiel 13:9

18 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: What sorrow awaits you women who are ensnaring the souls of My people, young and old alike. You tie magic charms on their wrists and furnish them with magic veils. Do you think you can trap others without bringing destruction on yourselves? 19 You bring shame on Me among My people for a few handfuls of barley or a piece of bread. By lying to My people who love to listen to lies, you kill those who should not die, and you promise life to those who should not live. Ezekiel 13:18-19

22 You have discouraged the righteous with your lies, but I didn’t want them to be sad. And you have encouraged the wicked by promising them life, even though they continue in their sins. 23 Because of all this, you will no longer talk of seeing visions that you never saw, nor will you make predictions. For I will rescue My people from your grasp. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 13:22-23

Believe it or Not...

You either believe this, or you don’t. There’s no sitting on the fence. It doesn’t matter if your are an unbeliever or a believer. Your trust and faith in, and view of God is weighed in your answer to His statement. Take Him at His word and make His Hope the anthem of your soul.

25 For I am the Lord! If I say it, it will happen. Ezekiel 12:25a

18 So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:18-20

The Work of the Conscience...

The one certain process, that happens to all people when they sin, that doesn’t get talked about in mainstream society, is the work of the human conscience. Suicide rates are astronomically higher in those that lead a sinful lifestyle. Yet proponents of these sinful behaviors want to blame surface issues for the tragic outcomes of these lost, hurting souls. No one should be bullied for any reason. But one thing is crystal clear, we must be honest with ourselves and use discernment to determine what’s bullying and what’s genuine truth showing itself through loving actions when addressing these issues. Many of the recipients of this “name calling”, are people who speak God’s truth about issues that the conscience is already convicting its practitioner.

17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.Don’t protect him! Proverbs 28:17

A Changed Heart...

The one consistent, determining act I see that solidifies my belief and trust in God’s sovereignty is a changed heart in those who believe. What the world cannot see (mainly because it doesn’t want too see) is the crystal clear evidence of a changed life. I’m not saying a perfect life, just one that clearly demonstrates transformation, is proof enough that God exists. He uses people to carry out His will, and only He can transform a stony heart into one that demonstrates true, authentic love. All people want to receive that kind of love, but are not able to give it, due to their stony heart. Worldly love is a one-way, self-demanding kind of practice. True love is a self-giving, two-way relationship that seeks the best for its recipient. True love can only come from its Source, and only from a fully functioning heart of flesh.

19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart,20 so they will obey My decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be My people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19-20

Your Sanctuary...

Here’s something that God does that reveals His character that few see due to their lack of insight, too focused on themselves and their problems. When trials come, and they will come, God is always a sanctuary for us in times of exile. He is our hiding place. Our Peace, our refuge. God never takes us to a place, or allows us to go through a trial, without equipping us with the ability to endure and get through it. And that usually means His presence is the constant factor. Remember, the safest place you could ever be is right in the middle of God’s will.

16 “Therefore, tell the exiles, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I have scattered you in the countries of the world, I will be a sanctuary to you during your time in exile. Ezekiel 11:16

What Sets Christ Apart....

I do it. You do it. We all do it. It doesn’t mean I like it when I do it. When I take God for granted, it just seems wrong. When I take for granted the things that are supposed to make me grateful and I act in opposition, I wonder why He allows it to happen. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to experience what it was like to be human. To experience the range of emotions and weaknesses we are accustomed to. And though He was subjected to these emotions, He humbled Himself, and without sinning, He was able to deal gently with wayward and ignorant people. He prayed to the One Who could rescue Him from death. Oh, that we could be like that. Humbling ourselves, remembering our weaknesses, dealing gently with wayward and ignorant people (by remembering we were the same once), praying to God, Who rescues us from death. And most importantly, having a deep reverence for our Maker. The fact that we recognize this, is certainly a step in the right direction. Oh, the greatness of our Lord. He deserves ALL the glory.

2 And He is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because He Himself is subject to the same weaknesses. Hebrews 5:2

7 While Jesus was here on earth, He offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the One who could rescue Him from death. And God heard His prayers because of His deep reverence for God. Hebrews 5:7

Missing Out....

To all those who say God’s word is boring, dull, archaic, or irrelevant in today’s world, I say to you, “you don’t know What you’re missing, because you don’t take the time to read His word and try to know Him, you truly are missing out”. It’s the most powerful, life-transforming, change agent you’ll ever have access to. It’s the answer to the world’s problems. It’s the “WHY” of all the “why’s” (even though I still don’t understand many of the “why’s”, I still trust the “WHY”). It’s comfort for the broken hearted. It teaches us how to live, while showing us who we are (our identity), and gives us purpose for existing. It exposes untruth, and shines light into dark areas of our own lives, leaving us with the decision to fight or flight. It’s the compass to our lostness, the thermostat that regulates our spiritual well-being, our speedometer that tells us to speed up or slow down, and the guard rails on the PCH that keep us safe while driving, allowing us to take in the beautiful views. This is only 1/2 of 1% of what God’s word is and does. So when people tell you God’s word is...... (negative comment), remember, they are blowing nothing but hot air into an arctic blizzard.

12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the One to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13

The True Source of Peace and Rest...

True peace and rest come from God. Those that are living under His grace have it. While those who live “of the world”, cannot ever obtain the real, authentic rest they crave. It’s a simple concept: God gives rest to the faithful, and keeps it from the unfaithful (giving them unrest).

2 For this good news–that God has prepared this rest–has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. 3 For only we who believe can enter His rest. As for the others, God said, “In My anger I took an oath:‘They will never enter My place of rest,’ ”even though this rest has been ready since He made the world. Hebrews 4:2-3

A Daily Walk...

I know it sounds like I’m preaching to the choir, but the choir needs to be reminded everyday as well. I can’t stress this enough, being a Christian is a daily, moment by moment walk. It’s not a sprint, win, then quit training kind of process. Believers think, “I’m saved, so I can do as I please”. Unbelievers think, “if this God that Christians speak about is real, then I can come to Him when I’m ready”. Oh, how both are so wrong. Faith is an individual thing. God wants each of us to know Him. We must daily be aware of sin and it deception. Stay focused. Stay close to other believers. Stay in the word. Continue to pursue God with a passion that only you can give. You will be rewarded, when you hear His voice and respond. There’s a big difference between having doubts and having disbelief. Having doubts is part of having faith, it makes faith more real (they co-exist). Disbelief cannot entertain faith, for it opposes everything faith stands for.

That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear His voice,8 don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested Me in the wilderness.9 There your ancestors tested and tried My patience,even though they saw My miracles for forty years.10 So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their hearts always turn away from Me.They refuse to do what I tell them.’11 So in My anger I took an oath:‘They will never enter My place of rest.’ ”[U] 12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters.[V] Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 15 Remember what it says: “Today when you hear His voice,don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.”[W] 16 And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard His voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? 18 And to whom was God speaking when He took an oath that they would never enter His rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed Him? 19 So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter His rest. Hebrews 3:7-19

Times Change, But People...

Has America lost its fear of doing wrong? Are we heading for serious trouble? Taken from a wise man written about 3000 years ago. Times change. Do people really change? With God, yes. Without God.....?

14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. Proverbs 28:14

Short Term Memory...

Human beings have such a short term memory. How often do we forget how God works in our lives? How often do we forget answered prayer? How can we forget tragedy and calamity when it falls on people or even countries? Here in Ezekiel, God is warning the Israelites about His judgement. We, as believers, must not forget the judgements God placed on His people for their idolatry. We must never allow ourselves to get “too big for our britches”. The reason we forget is because we drift away from God. We allow things to come between us. We don’t write down answered prayer, or blessings and we soon forget. Some people even purposely tear down statues and change the names of schools, thinking it will make things better. But the reality is, if we forget the past, we guarantee ourselves to repeat it, due to ignorance and forgetfulness (it may take time, but it’s a guarantee to happen). Never forget, God is a righteous judge. He will always judge rightly by giving each according to what they deserve. Thank God for Jesus, for He took the punishment that I deserve. May I live my life in gratitude and never forget this.

15 You will become an object of mockery and taunting and horror. You will be a warning to all the nations around you. They will see what happens when the Lord punishes a nation in anger and rebukes it, says the Lord. Ezekiel 5:15

Your Best Advocate...

Never forget this: when you are going through a trial that seems almost unbearable, and no one seems to understand or want to help, remember, you have an Advocate, that knows exactly how you feel, and will be there to walk with you to the other side.

18 Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:18

Choose Wisely...

Two thoughts come to mind when I read this passage in Hebrews Chapter 2. First, believing in God, trusting Him with our life, is a daily, moment by moment process. It involves action on our part. Staying in the “vine” as Jesus said, takes effort. Reading His word, praying, participating in the divine, is a daily practice. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers and speaking truth into the lives of others is necessary for constant growth. You can’t expect to know God by putting your Bible under your pillow at night and waking up closer to Him. You have to be connected. And that takes effort. Not effort to win God’s favor, rather effort to express your love and devotion to Him only (and no one else). Secondly, God knows everything we do. It’s absurd to think we can do things behind His back. Unfortunately, many people believe they can hide their behavior from Him, or justify their behavior by denying His existence. Justice will be served, it always has been, and always will. God is eternally consistent in dealing with human beings. It’s just Who He is. You can always count on Him to judge rightly. Grace, mercy, and judgement are all there waiting for you. Which will you choose? The way you live your life will be a clear indicator in what direction you are going.

1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose. Hebrews 2:1-4

Fear of Death...

We all have a fear of dying. Whether it be the thought of never seeing a loved one again, or missing living here on earth; the thought of death brings an uncertainty that leads our brains into a place of the unknown. We all deal with this fear of the unknown in many ways. Some refer to drugs or alcohol to take away the inability to deal with it. Others try all kinds of relationships thinking the love of another human being can erase the fear. Some even act like ostriches, burying their heads in the sand, pretending like it’s not real. Only a few, go to the source of truth, the Bible, to confront their fears, to see what it says about this all-consuming fear of death. Here’s what it says, the power of death is subject to God’s will. Jesus tasted death for everyone. Jesus conquered death when He was resurrected. Death has lost its sting. We need not fear death, because Jesus has paved the way through this transition, eliminating Satan’s power to control our thoughts by using fear of death to control us, to render us useless or powerless to spread the Good News of the Gospel. Jesus has made the journey from life to death to life. And He’s invited us to follow in His proven footsteps. Death is just a portal or doorway into a new world. For those who follow God, a life of pain free, sorrow free, and pure satisfaction “living” awaits. For those who reject God, well, you know what awaits them. Praise God for doing such a great thing for those who believe. That’s why it’s called Good News.

14 Because God’s children are human beings–made of flesh and blood–the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:14-15

The only True Source...

Although the world fights against God, doing anything and everything to discourage or punish those who believe in Him, it doesn’t realize the only true peace anyone will ever have, comes from being right with The One with Whom they are in rebellion with. Oh, the irony. The world would rather stumble around in search of pseudo-peace, then side with the One from Whom true peace can only be obtained. Peace isn’t a free gift, it costs you your pride. Only when you decide peace is more valuable than being self-centered, then pursuing God will be possible, and you may begin to experience true peace.

165 Those who love Your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. Psalms 119:165

Obedience Requires...

The ultimate test of obedience to God is doing what He commands regardless of what you think the outcome will be. Dying to self, giving up your personal thoughts on the outcome in order to do what God wants, unsure of the results, is exactly what trust is all about. Here, God tells Ezekiel to go and tell captive Israel that they need to repent. He tells Ezekiel regardless if they listen, he needs to tell them the truth. If he doesn’t tell them, they will die and he will be held responsible for their death. If he does tell them the truth, they will still die (because they won’t listen), but he will not be responsible for their deaths. Obedience is doing what God commands even if you don’t think it matters. “The just shall live by faith” is part of what that means.

16 After seven days the Lord gave me a message. He said, 17 “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from Me, warn people immediately. 18 If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 19 If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed Me.20 “If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. And if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 21 But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself, too.” Ezekiel 3:16-21

Following God is an Individual Journey...

Following God is a individual journey. There’s no excuses you can make, trying to blame someone else. You can’t say, “what about so-and-so”? Or “how come they didn’t”? We must live our lives out by ourselves. We are ultimately responsible to God first, then others. Even if the world says “it’s okay”, we are not to participate if God says it’s not. This concept applies to us in every area of our lives. None more so than God’s word. When we read scripture or hear a sermon, our initial response is to ask ourselves, “how does this apply to me, or what is God trying to tell me”? We must fight the notion to apply it to others first, without considering applying it to ourselves first. When we do this we will start to see the significance and relevancy of God’s word. We will also start to see spiritual maturity develop in the sanctification process as we journey through this thing called life.

10 Then He added, “Son of man, let all My words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. 11 Then go to your people in exile and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Do this whether they listen to you or not.” Ezekiel 3:10-11

Know Jesus...

If you want to know God, then know Jesus, for He radiates God’s true character.

The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 4 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave Him is greater than their names. Hebrews 1:3-4

When Believers Succeed...

Why is it important for a believer to succeed? When he does, every one around him benefits from it. Unlike when unbelievers succeed, few benefit from it.

12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. Proverbs 28:12

The Effect of Righteous Living...

Nothing is more transformative than a rescued soul living a righteous life. Our behavior attracts people towards or away from the gospel. Your words have power, but never more so, when they are backed up with consistent, biblical living. God allows others (through your actions) to get a glimpse of Himself. A righteous life means being right with God, so when you live by the truth, no one can legitimately criticize you (even though they will try). You never have to worry about what you say (when it’s guided by the Holy Spirit).

1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.4 But–“When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, 5 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of His grace He declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees[I] or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. Titus 3:1-11

The Irony of Plotting Evil...

The irony of life for the unbeliever is like a boomerang. What they plan for evil, God uses for good. What they plan for the destruction of their hatred of good, turns out to be a trap for themselves. A great example of this would be Haman in the book of Esther. The very gallows he built to execute Mordecai, ended up being his own executioner. This is consistent throughout scripture.

10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. Proverbs 28:10

You Can Always Count on This...

There is really only one thing that is for sure and can be trusted in this life: God’s word. It’s true. It’s been tested. His promises always come true. You can count on that.

140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. Psalms 119:140

Truth Convicts....

The difference between telling someone what they want to hear vs telling them the truth is this: truth convicts, promoting action, while flattery continually reinforces your focus to be on yourself. Truth exposes areas in people’s lives that need attention. Truth either encourages someone to continue pursuing righteousness, or convicts them of the need to change. Flattery or lies only allows the hearer to continue in their unrighteousness, sinful, or selfish behavior. Any time someone tries to justify sin, you know one thing is for sure, there’s very little truth in it. Truth always sides with justice, righteousness, mercy, and grace. Always!!!

14 Your prophets have said so many foolish things, false to the core. They did not save you from exile by pointing out your sins. Instead, they painted false pictures, filling you with false hope. Lamentations 2:14

Picking up the Book with purpose...

When you truly seek God, and are willing to except His truth, He grants us understanding. As we grow closer, we understand Him better. The complex grows simpler, and our confusion begins to fade when we pursue God to the point of not giving up until we have an answer. This shows Him our devotion is real and is not going away. Love demands action. It’s the only effective way to show how real it is. When you truly know someone, understanding them becomes an easier task. People don’t understand God, because they don’t pursue knowing Him. It’s like wanting to understand quantum physics, but never picking up a book to learn about it.

130 The teaching of Your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. Psalms 119:130

Authentic Living....

“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.”

16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good. Titus 1:16

Peace or No Peace...

You wonder why anxiety and depression are so rampant in the world today. Why suicide is among the top 5 causes of death. Why we remove statues that remind us of our tainted past. Why drug and alcohol abuse is still soaring. Why people want to be something or someone they are not. Why? It is because they have no peace, no rest. People need and crave it, but are unwilling to do the very thing that brings true peace (repent and trust in Jesus). As the famous church sign reads, “know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace”

34 But the One who redeems them is strong.His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel. But for the people of Babylon there will be no rest! Jeremiah 50:34