Make a Sign as a Reminder....

Make a sign of this and post it on your bathroom mirror. Read it every day. It’ll do you good. It’ll help keep things in proper perspective.

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 1 John 5:21

A Simple, Relevant Answer...

A simple explanation you need to keep in mind when you watch the news. One you can give anyone in need of an answer.

19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

Calling God a Liar...

A simple concept, written by God through the Apostle John: if you don’t believe the Gospel, Jesus’ crucifixtion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven, which by faith brings salvation, then you are calling God a liar.

10 All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about His Son.11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. 1 John 5:10-12

Soul Searching...

You hear people say, “Do some soul searching. Find yourself. Look within”. The key to finding yourself is actually losing yourself for Jesus’ sake. What I mean by that is looking inside yourself will only bring disappointment, because what you’ll find in a sinful, unpredictable, selfish nature. Buts it’s where you must start in order to find God. You see, once you realize your hopeless state, your need for a Savior becomes the utmost importance. God now makes sense. Then you start pursuing Him. The one Who knows you better than you know yourself. That’s when you truly start to live and know your “why”. You learn more about your self by knowing the One Who knows you best. The deeper relationship you form with our Maker, the more life makes sense. It’s not easy to accept sometimes, but it makes sense. The true way to know yourself is to look through the eyes (like a microscope) of God, the One Who created us for our purpose. Only then can you move forward and grow and serve your divine destiny.

1 O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me.2 You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.You know everything I do.4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.5 You go before me and follow me.You place Your hand of blessing on my head.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand! Psalms 139:1-6

Start Living This Way....

Sin: it keeps us on a rollercoaster ride, not for our pleasure, as some would say, but to keep us from coming close to God. Our sinful nature will be with us until our departure from this life. But we don’t have to settle for accepting it and doing nothing about it. We must fight daily to keep it from dominating our lives. We do it by asking God to empower us with His Spirit. We do it by honoring Him with the way we live. We do it by repenting when we mess up. We do it by not pretending to be better than what we are. Sadly, most don’t have this concept on their radar. Life gets too distracting when your sole focus is on yourself. That’s why when calamity, or strife comes our way, we run to God, or some blame Him. If we only tried to live as God designed us to live, maybe trouble wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe we would see bad times as necessary to help us grow, to refocus, to repent, to suffer for the sake of someone else. God wants us to pursue Him, to know Him, to walk with Him daily, depending on Him for our every need. He created us for His pleasure. Why don’t we start living that way? It’s our purpose isn’t it?

15 Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and turn to Me. For as soon as trouble comes,they will earnestly search for Me.” Hosea 5:15

3 Oh, that we might know the Lord!Let us press on to know Him.He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:3

Fearlessly Loving...

How many believers live their lives fearlessly loving others? For perfect love drives our fear. Why then do we stay silent when issues come up that we know are detrimental to its speakers? Is it because we fear man more than God? If true, perfect love, the kind only God can give (for He is the Source), casts out fear, why don’t we experience it? Why is it so hard to tell another that their lifestyle is eventually gonna kill them and hurt many of their closest family members and friends? If perfect love drives our fear, why then do we have such a hard time with it? Maybe it’s because we are not pursuing God like we should. Maybe it’s because we don’t understand Who He is. Maybe it’s because we are practicing a lifestyle ourselves that is contrary to His commands. Maybe our affections are directed to worldly things? Didn’t Paul remind Timothy in his letter to him that God didn’t give us a spirit of fear and timidity? One cannot experience this kind of love when you’re not connected to its SOURCE. You can’t give what you don’t possess.

7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.9 God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. 10 This is real love–not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.13 And God has given us His Spirit as proof that we live in Him and He in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love.God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. 19 We love each other[T] because He loved us first.20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister,[U] that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And He has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters. 1 John 4:7-21

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Legit or Not.....

How do you know if a Christian is legit or not? According to 1 John chapter 4, if that person claims that Jesus came in a real body, they speak truth and are a true believer. Jesus is God in human flesh. If they are a real Christian they will listen to you, if they aren’t legit, they won’t listen.

2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. 1 John 4:2

6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. 1 John 4:6

True Freedom...

Refusing to accept advice or instruction from wise people or God Himself, makes the rebel run wild. People mistake wild for free. You are never truly free when you run from the truth. It may appear to be freedom, but in actuality, you are a slave to whatever you allow to control you. True freedom and joy happens when you live within the parameters God has placed into the world. We are designed for it. It’s our purpose to live within these parameters. When we do we experience true joy. When we don’t, what we experience is lostness, even though it may bring temporary pleasure.

18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Proverbs 29:18

Sin Pays the Bills...

Here’s a thought that rarely crosses the minds of people these days: the reason sin is so rampant is because it feeds those who’s business is centered around it. Why do certain organizations support illicit behavior? Because it feeds them. It pays their bills. It sends their kids off to college. It pays for their vacations. They may not agree that it’s right, but it sustains their lifestyle, so that they choose to obey it rather than do the right thing. Planned parenthood, PETA, Susan G Komen foundation to name a few. They sacrifice doing what’s right, for a lie that costs others their lives. It’s a sad day when people feed themselves with food sacrificed to idols.

6 My people are being destroyed because they don’t know Me.Since you priests refuse to know Me,I refuse to recognize you as My priests.Since you have forgotten the laws of your God,I will forget to bless your children.7 The more priests there are,the more they sin against Me.They have exchanged the glory of God for the shame of idols.[R] 8 “When the people bring their sin offerings, the priests get fed.So the priests are glad when the people sin! Hosea 4:6-8

God is Greater than Our Feelings...

I always tell people, “Feelings are real, but they’re often over-rated”. Now I know where it came from. We need to go with what we know to be true and rely less on our feelings. Think about this: our feelings change over time, sometimes even minute by minute. When you base your significance on something that is transient, and not on something that stands the rest of time (God’s Word), you’ll spend many a moment chasing what doesn’t last. You’ll base your life and decision-making on things that might not matter in the next 5 minutes. You’ll be living your life (as the Bible calls in) on “sinking sand”. Feelings are often wrong. Have you ever based your decision on your feelings and been wrong? Have you ever based your feelings on a person, only to find out later that you were wrong? And most importantly, you’ll be living your life not based on truth. The perfect example of this is love. Love is not a feeling. It’s a volitional choice we make make every day to put aside ourselves and serve others. And it comes straight from its only source, God. If it were a feeling, what would we have to live for when that feeling dies. True love is extending grace and forgiveness to someone even when you’re not “feeling it”. It’s a selfless act. It’s a shame that some people see it that way. “FEELINGS ARE REAL, BUT THEY’RE OFTEN OVERRATED”. God is greater than our feelings.

20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20

Will There Be a Difference?

Knowing Christ will return one day should be a motivating factor in our lives. Being like Him should drive our purpose well into every day we live. When He returns will He find you striving to be like Him; being a doer of the Word, being a lover of souls, serving others, and being humble? Or will He even be able to find any difference in you that He sees in the world?

2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3

Humility, Where It Comes From...

Humility is a character quality we must all possess. We must strive to have the right attitude before God and man. Yet fame tempts people to look to self, which makes us compare our importance with others. Once done, it’s difficult to go back. Fame is the humility killer among men. When people adore you, it leads to prideful thinking. It makes you think you are more important than others. Very few if any can handle fame. Think about how many famous people are truly humble? I once heard a man say for every 100 people that handle adversity, there’s only one that can handle prosperity. I take it even further when it comes to fame. For every billion people who are truly humble, there may be just one that can handle fame. I might be exaggerating on that too. The reason fame is the humility killer is because without God, true humility doesn’t exist. As it says in the today’s scripture, God cares for the humble, yet distances Himself from the proud. Fame makes us proud, and pride distances us from God. The farther away God is in our lives, the less we think we are accountable to Him. Without that accountability to Him, it’s impossible to be humble (for there’s no reason to be). I’ve always said, “Humble yourself, so others won’t have to humble you”. The only way that is possible is to draw near to God, it’s a healthy side effect of being close to Him.

6 Though the Lord is great, He cares for the humble, but He keeps His distance from the proud. Psalms 138:6

The Love of Passing Things...

Worldliness is the love for passing things. It’s when we set our affections on worldly things. The human heart can never find happiness or satisfaction with things. The flesh is antagonistic to the spirit. The world is a system that man has set up to make himself happy without Christ. Christ is not welcomed here. Without Christ, worldliness is temporary, and will soon fade away. Loving possessions, means the most important part of your life is wasted pursuing decaying things that won’t make it into eternity. Why not focus our time on things that will last forever? God’s word and the souls of people should be our focus, they are eternal.

15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17

The Sheep and the Goats...

No matter how bad things get. No matter what negative news comes your way. No matter how life’s narrow path looks, or death stares you in the face; in the end, the sheep and goats will be separated. The sheep will be rewarded with eternal life, and the goats with shame and everlasting disgrace. God is just, and His justice will prevail. In the mean time, see your endurance as proof of your steady commitment to following God. For when it’s all said and done, your endurance will be the difference.

But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. 2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Daniel 12:1c-2

The Security of a Sincere Heart...

Daniel was completely sold out to God. He devoted his life to pursuing God at all costs. He suffered many times as he served under several rulers in Babylon. He even stayed one night in a den of lions for his faith. In chapters 9-10, three times the angel Gabriel tells him, he is precious to God. When we truly worship Him, He reveals more of Himself to us. Daniel had been pleading with God, confessing his sins for a three week period when God sent Gabriel to Him. If you want to hear from God, humble yourself, and ask Him. He is faithful to those with sincere hearts.

23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision. Daniel 9:23

11 And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. Daniel 10:11-12

19 “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel 10:19

Fooling Ourselves...

I remember having a conversation with an older man (I was in my late twenties at the time), that was a leader in his church. The conversation came to the issue of sin. He told me that he doesn’t sin anymore. I’m sure I directed him to what the Bible says about this, and he got angry and left. I never saw him again. I don’t remember what church he belonged to, but clearly he didn’t read this passage out of 1 John. If anyone claims not to be a sinner, they are in essence calling God a liar, and have no need of rescue (so they think). How foolish.

8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that His word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:8-10

Confusing Absence with Patience...

When people mock God, and say “if God is real, let Him strike me dead”, they unknowingly mistake this perceived absence or non-existence with God’s patience. Our timeline is not God’s timeline. Our impatience doesn’t negate His patience. We must be clear on this, or we, as believers, will get caught up in this confusion, and act according to our limited view. God’s patience shows His love and concern for our well-being. What we don’t see is God granting salvation to some, because He doesn’t want anyone to perish. It’s just on His timeline, not ours.

8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:8-9

15 And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. 2 Peter 3:15a

Never Take Sin Lightly...

Here’s a truth to base your life on: never take sin lightly. It’s so serious, someone has to die for it to be forgiven. Fortunately for believers, that Someone was Jesus.

4 For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. 2 Peter 2:4

10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority.These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling. 11 But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings. 2 Peter 2:10-11

For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 2 Peter 2:19b

God Wrote the Bible...

If these words came from any other person from a time before Christ walked on the earth or after, you may question their validity. Since it was Peter writing them, an eyewitness for 3 years serving Christ, there should be little doubt in these words being true. God wrote the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit, written by men. It’s infallible, true, and relevant to all lives regardless of what you think. Those that embrace it, live. Those that don’t, wonder around in darkness, always questioning their validity in life, trying to measure up. What they don’t realize is, you can’t accurately measure up if you’re not using the correct form of measurement. And ultimately, pay the ultimate price with their life.

16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw His majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when He received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to Him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”[F] 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place–until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines[G] in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,[H] 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:16-21

Walking with Integrity....

When you walk in integrity, and are right with God, you never have to worry about your character. People may accuse you of something, but they will have to make up false stories because they won’t be able to find any real, convicting evidence against you. Daniel’s story is one proof of this truth. God honored his integrity-filled walk with Him.

4 Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” Daniel 6:4-5

Truth Matters....Regardless

Isn’t it ironic how unbelievers shun away biblically wise people when all is well in their lives, yet desperately seek out their wisdom in times of trouble. Just goes to show truth matters. Maybe not during good times for the unbelievers, but it certainly matters in times of chaos and confusion. Truth is important regardless what state you’re in. Unfortunately, it’s only sought after, by most people, in times of trouble. When people seek truth out all the time, maybe they won’t be so distraught when calamity comes their way. Maybe calamity comes to them because they ignored the truth to begin with.

12 He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.” Daniel 5:12

22 “But you, Belshazzar, his son,[Q] have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. 23 Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Daniel 5:22-23

Proud or Humble?

It’s amazing God does what He says. When God chooses to use evil people to accomplish His will, He temporarily or permanently humbles proud people. If They don’t submit to His will, their participation in the divine plan is short lived. Throughout scripture God is consistent in His attitude toward the “Proud”. Jesus, in the NT was always consistent when He conversed with proud people. He showed compassion with all, but handled proud people different from humble folks. Here, Nebuchadnezzar, after being humbled by God by spending time in the fields like an animal, praises God. He rightly gives God glory. He sets aside his pride and does the right thing, honors God. This speech would be brushed aside to the average Christian, but when you realize who’s giving it, it proves God’s power, His sovereignty, and most importantly, the consistency of His character. Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s just thinking of yourself less. It has to have a proper reverence for God for it to be real.

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion;his kingdom endures from generation to generation.35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” 36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:34-37

Faith: In the Heat of the Moment...

There are only two instances (that I’m aware of) in the Bible that faith is displayed in speech right before or during a trial. Here, and in the book of Job (Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him Job 13:15a). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego state their faith in God is greater than succumbing to Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to worship him. This is one of the two greatest declarations of faith in all of scripture. I wonder if I was in that situation would I have been able to proclaim it? Probably not. This gives me more motivation to pursue God. And one day, l might be able to say, “But even if He doesn’t.....”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

The Key to the Church....

Humanly speaking, the key to the Church is based on the content of its members hearts. When the heart is eager to serve God, the Church flourishes in its ability to meet the needs of the world. When it’s looking to get something out of it for selfish reasons, it binds itself and stagnates, affecting all of its members. Set the example, be eager to serve God, and watch the Church accomplish miraculous things only God could orchestrate. He will be glorified and you will radiate from His glory like Moses did after returning from the mountain of God.

2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly–not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 1 Peter 5:2-4

Discipline...

I’ve seen this happen. I’ve seen the consequences when discipline isn’t a priority in the home. A good mixture of love is needed along with discipline, but love without discipline isn’t really love. What stops a parent from disciplining their children? Selfishness, laziness, apathy? Whatever the reason, it’s a growing epidemic in America today, and unless it stops, there will be more and more disgraced mothers wondering why it’s happening to them.

15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. Proverbs 29:15

Our Reverence...

When our reverence for God keeps us humble, God uses us to show even our enemies how great and awesome God is. They even praise Him with their own mouths. Wow!!!

27 Daniel replied, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. 28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed. Daniel 2:27-28

30 And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart. Daniel 2:30

The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.”48 Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. 49 At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court. Daniel 2:47-49

Dying to Self....

I never thought about this “dying to self” attitude in this way before. When you have an attitude that is ready to suffer for Christ’s sake, it shows you that the power of those sinful desires that most people spend their entire lives chasing, has lost its heavy influence over you. It shows you that God’s will has a renewed influence on you and you are more concerned and anxious to do His will more than follow your own desires. You have experienced the lack of fulfillment that the fleshly desires have on people and are willing to give them up to serve God. Yes, those desires are still there, but they lack the appeal they once had. This change in attitude has a direct effect on your behavior, so those that know your past are astonished at the lack of desire you have in continuing in those patterns. This transparency is what is needed in society today. The lack of fear in sharing your weaknesses and struggles, clearly paints the picture of a transformed life. What a witness! Yes, you will lose some friends, but you will lose them in pursuit of the truth. And what kind of friends are they if they don’t accept the truth? Which is life-generating and soul-satisfying. Who can say that about what they do? It’s all about the willingness to take responsibility and accept the persecution of suffering for Christ’s sake. Are you willing?

1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. 2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy–their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:1-5

Do You have an Answer?

Do you understand your belief system? If someone came to you and asked what it was about you, the hope you have inside that doesn’t waver, that makes you endure hardships, that helps explain events that you witness, that answers some of the toughest questions life has, what would you say? Could you answer with gentleness and respect? Do people even see this hope you have inside you? If not, why not? If so, are you prepared to give an answer?

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.[U] Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:13-17

The Conundrum of Humanity...

A simple thought: if God is greater than all of us, and if He does as He pleases, wouldn’t it be logical to be on His side? Wouldn’t it make the most sense to surrender to Him and work for Him? It doesn’t make sense to rebel and fight against His ways and His people, does it? When you learn about Him in the Bible, you learn What He wants from us: to love mercy, to do justice, and to walk humbly with Him. This means there is a way to live and He has written it out for us to know. Why is that so hard? Why do people have such a hard time with this? I guess, it’s not about being on the winning team and doing the right thing, rather it’s more about playing time and getting your way!!!! If God is omnipotent and sovereign, why fight a losing battle, especially when He has our best interest closest to His heart. Oh, the conundrum of humanity.

 Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord!Praise Him, you who serve the Lord,2 you who serve in the house of the Lord,in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;celebrate His lovely name with music.4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself,Israel for His own special treasure. 5 I know the greatness of the Lord–that our Lord is greater than any other god.6 The Lord does whatever pleases Him throughout all heaven and earth,and on the seas and in their depths.7 He causes the clouds to rise over the whole earth.He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from His storehouses. Psalms 135:1-7

Effective Witnesses...

You have heard me say many times, “our fleshly nature is at war with our spirit”. For us to be effective witnesses for Christ, we must discipline ourselves inwardly. We must use discernment when it comes to giving our affections to worldly things. We must see God as the first great “Cause” of everything. We must live live properly among our unbelieving neighbors. What we say, how we act, and what we prioritize, makes a huge and lasting impression on all those watching; especially those watching and waiting for us to mess up. We must recognize sin and respond appropriately. We must pursue knowing God and truth. And we must constantly survey God’s blessings in our lives. The world’s ways are in direct opposition with God’s ways. If we don’t keep that in the forefront of our minds, we will slowly assimilate into the status quo and no longer be an effective witness; salt that loses its flavor is only good for throwing out. But if we do insulate ourselves with God’s truth, and not allow ourselves to be heavily influenced by the world, then when people accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior and give honor to God. It all starts with staying focused and keeping your affections in the heavenly realm.

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world. 1 Peter 2:11-12