Real Life...

God’s word is life. It’s so much more than people think. It’s not mystical. It’s not a guarantee of prosperity (in the material sense). God’s word is confidence. It’s trust. It’s motivation and hope for today and tomorrow. It security in our future. It’s knowing that no matter what happens to us in this life, having God by our side, guarantees we won’t walk alone. We won’t die alone. And most importantly, we won’t spend eternity without Him. Now that is real life.

45 When Moses had finished reciting all these words to the people of Israel, 46 he added: “Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. 47 These instructions are not empty words–they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.” Deuteronomy 32:45-47

Betrayal....

The closest thing we can ever experience that gives us a glimpse of how God truly feels is when we are betrayed. And there is no more trying experience than that of a child’s rebellion against his own parents. Parenting isn’t for cowards. Some are great at it, while others lack. But one thing is for sure; when a child rebels, his parents get a deeper insight into what God feels when we betray Him.

4 He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect.Everything He does is just and fair.He is a faithful God who does no wrong;how just and upright He is! 5 “But they have acted corruptly toward Him;when they act so perversely,are they really His children?They are a deceitful and twisted generation.6 Is this the way you repay the Lord,you foolish and senseless people?Isn’t He your Father who created you?Has He not made you and established you? Deuteronomy 32:4-6

18 You neglected the Rock who had fathered you;you forgot the God who had given you birth. Deuteronomy 32:18

By Our Side for Life...

What if, when you were born, one or both of your parents made a life-long, totally guaranteed commitment to be by your side for your entire life. They would be there to feed, clothe, and care for you as a child. They would help celebrate your birthdays, be there for support for times of testing, and help you through the growing pains of life. They would watch you graduate, give speeches at your wedding, and give their wisdom and time in helping raise your own children. They would be there when the word cancer becomes personal, help you cope with loss, and celebrate the milestones of life. They would even be there to hold your hand to usher you into eternity. Would that make your life more secure? Would it give you confidence to soar? Would it help decrease stress and worry? Some would invite this into their lives without hesitation. While others might recoil at the thought (especially during those dreaded teenage years). But all would accept it as a child. We all won’t be given this promise by our parents, but we all have been given this promise by God. That is if we repent and trust in Jesus. God has given us two parents, that hopefully represent our view of Him. Even if they fall short, He won’t. His promises are forever. And He has told us (those that love Him) numerous times, He will never leave us or forsake us. He knows what lies ahead, and goes there to prepare our way. Start living your life knowing that God’s promise to those that believe is valid and is worthy of our trust.

6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Fulfilling Your End of the Bargain...

I was watching a video the other day where a man was interviewing college-aged students. His show was called “change my view”. This particular episode was to try to convince him that there are more than two genders. He was very cordial, allowing the person seated next to him to express their views and try to convince him to change his mind. Anyway, after a long and one-sided conversation, he stood up, thanked the person, and stuck out his hand in a neighborly manner. The person refused to shake his hand. The only thing he did was raise questions about their stance on the issue. This is exactly what happened here. You have those that heard Jesus’ words and believed. Then you have those that heard Jesus’ words and refused to believe. They rejected God’s plan for them, for they didn’t want to believe to begin with. That’s the same reaction we get today. Some believe and some don’t. The saddest part is that those who don’t believe reject God not for lack of evidence. They refuse to believe, because they flat out don’t want to, regardless of the evidence. The good news for us is that we don’t know who those rejectors are, so we go into every situation with the intent of leading them into truth. We present the Gospel, and God does the rest. I’m so glad my results aren’t based on the outcome. My participation only involves presenting the Gospel, period. That’s such a relief to know. No pressure Gospel presentation. I do my best, God does the rest. My significance is not dependent on the results. So the next time you are in a conversation that is going no where; the other person in the conversation is clearly showing signs of this Prideful rejection, smile, quote John 3:16, extend your hand in non-threatening manner, thank them for meeting with you, and walk away. You fulfilled your end of the bargain, and your significance is secure.

28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”29 When they heard this, all the people–even the tax collectors–agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism. Luke 7:28-30

Power Over Death....

God has the power to take life and give life. Here in Luke chapter 7, we see Jesus giving life back to the dead widow’s only son during the funeral procession. Can you imagine, mourning the loss of your only son, on your way to his burial site with the body, and all of the sudden your son sits up from his coffin, and begins to speak? That just totally blows my mind. I would certainly take Jesus seriously for that reason only. There wouldn’t be a doubt in my mind that He was God. I certainly wouldn’t want to crucify Him for it. How could you still have doubt about Who He is? I would love to have been there to witness this event. I’m sure it would’ve changed my entire perspective on life. If Jesus has the power over death, and He is for us, what do we have to fear? Why don’t we trust Him more?

11 Soon afterward Jesus went with His disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed Him. 12 A funeral procession was coming out as He approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” He said. 14 Then He walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” He said, “I tell you, get up.” 15 Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.16 Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited His people today.” 17 And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside. Luke 7:11-17

Honoring God....

When we trust God with our lives and believe He will do what He promises to do, it amazes Him. Our life, lived out in faith, honors God. And in return, He honors us.

1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, He returned to Capernaum. 2 At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death. 3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his slave. 4 So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. “If anyone deserves Your help, he does,” they said, 5 “for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”6 So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. 7 I am not even worthy to come and meet You. Just say the word from where You are, and my servant will be healed. 8 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” Luke 7:1-8

Anchor of the Soul....

In a day and age of opinions trumping truth, it’s so refreshing to read about God giving us a new song to sing. When He sets our feet on solid ground it’s easier to stand and walk in the mist of turbulent times. When God is your focus, and truth is your conviction, it’s much easier to live in a world full of distractions; opinions, comments, and agendas trying to upend truth and undermine God. Those that trust God with their lives have hope, the anchor of the soul. He is there to help in difficult times. He’s there to celebrate in good times. And most importantly, He’s there all the time to receive our praise and gratitude for all He has done. He is the Recipient of all that is good, honorable, and deserving. Where do unbelievers go with their gratitude, gratefulness, and praise? The only place they can, a mirror. Over time, what they see fails in comparison.

1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,and He turned to me and heard my cry.2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,out of the mud and the mire.He set my feet on solid groundand steadied me as I walked along.3 He has given me a new song to sing,a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see what He has done and be amazed.They will put their trust in the Lord. 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,who have no confidence in the proudor in those who worship idols. Psalms 40:1-4

A Matter of Life or Death....

We are all accountable to God. Regardless if we spend our entire lives running from Him or serving Him, we are all responsible to Him. Whenever, Nature reveals to us that there must be a Creator (as Romans 1 says), we are under His authority. Whether the Bible tells us, or someone else reveals God to us, we all have a conscience that makes us accountable to Him. If we choose to follow Him, He changes are hearts. Not only our hearts but the hearts of our children as well. These changes give us the ability to truly live, not under the curse anymore. Every human being on earth, when they reach a certain age must choose between Life and Death. If we choose life we reap God’s blessings. If we choose death we live with the consequences that come from living blindly in rebellion, trying to figure it out on our own. What we choose, Life or Death, is the key to your life. I think every soul on earth knows which choice God wants. Do you know which you will choose? It is a life or death matter.

29 “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that He has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions. Deuteronomy 29:29

6 “The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love Him with all your heart and soul and so you may live! Deuteronomy 30:6

11 “This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. 12 It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ 13 It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ 14 No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. 16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.17 “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Time Will Tell....

I’ve always believed that time is the best indicator of true character. People may say things, or promise things, but time is the only way to know if they are a man/woman of their word. Time will reveal how a man handles his mistakes, if he truly repents and makes good on his word. Time reveals if a person acting good, really is legitimate or a great pretender. The only true way to know someone is to spend time with them. And what they say flows from their heart. A Good heart produces good things, and a bad heart produces evil things. Make your heart right with God, and good things will flow from it. You will know a tree by the fruit it bears, and that takes time.

43 “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.44 A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes.45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:43-45

Me First....

As Christians, we are to always apply God’s principles and commands to ourselves first. When we read the Bible, we are to always ask “how does this apply to me?” We should ask, “what is God trying to tell me?” By applying it to ourselves first, it serves its purpose. Then, we can share with others how it can help them. Jesus clearly makes this point in this passage. The Bible was never meant to be used as a weapon to criticize others or use against them when we see fit. It’s a letter written to you by God that applies first to you, then others.

39 Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? 40 Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.41 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?42 How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Luke 6:39-42

The Problem with Welfare....

Here’s a principle that seems less and less important in America today. It’s a shame that this universally known fact is almost forgotten today. The Welfare system in our country has done more harm than good. It’s taught people to depend on the government and not God for provision. It’s taught people that laziness is rewarded. Yes, there is a place for helping people who “can’t help themselves”, but it shouldn’t provide for those who “can help themselves”. That just enables poor behavior. Families and churches are there to provide for these needy people, not the government. The Bible is clear on providing for the needy, but it also is clear on those that “can”. Those that don’t work, don’t eat.

4 Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Proverbs 13:4

Honesty and Respect....

Cheating others is wrong. Using false testimonies or inaccurate scales or measures is hated by God. Think about it, if you have to deceive or cheat someone to get what you want, or worse yet, get more than you want, it truly shows where your heart is (in the wrong place). If getting what you want means taking advantage of another human being, it should clearly show you it’s not worth having. Our selfish nature means we will always have cheaters in this life, but you don’t have to be one of them. The most important things in this life are not things, it’s people. Things don’t last, people do. Think about it, the souls of people live forever, when you treat another human being the right way you’re affecting eternity. It matters to God how you treat them. It starts with honesty and respect.

16 All who cheat with dishonest weights and measures are detestable to the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 25:16

Looking Back, Moving Forward...

The problem most people have in living the Christian life, is always looking back. When you live looking backwards, you’re guaranteed to stumble moving forward. I tend to do this. There are times when holding on to the past keeps me from fully committing to something moving forward. It’s until I let go of the past, that I start making larger strides moving forward. I think this is paramount for anyone stuck in a rut. As the apostle Paul said, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:13-14). Letting go of the past, your shame and guilt (the things that Satan used to distract, deceive, and disrupt our lives), frees us up to focus on what’s ahead. A clear vision prevents stumbling on a rough road. Looking back only guarantees us to stumble. The only reason the past has importance is to remind us of where we came from, and Who rescued us and changed us forever. The difference is this: remembering the past is vastly different from continuing to live in it.

36 Then Jesus gave them this illustration: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn’t even match the old garment.37 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins.38 New wine must be stored in new wineskins.39 But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.” Luke 5:36-39

The Reason Behind the Offense....

Why do people get so offended when Christians talk about Jesus being God? He either is or isn’t. What’s more intriguing is the fact that their anger and vile response to Christians isn’t based on their knowledge of their own sin, for they are blind to it. Jesus Himself said that He didn’t come for those who think they are righteous. That in and of itself should diffuse the anger and opposition non-believers have for Him. Jesus didn’t come for God-haters. So what He’s here for doesn’t concern them. Why should they be offended? Unless of course, deep down inside, they know they are sinners, and have no remedy for their guilt. They know one day they will have to stand before God without an excuse. Knowing that would put a kink in their “nobody tells me how to live my life” attitude. Pride is the killer of all men. It leaves no room for God. The only difference is how we deal with it. Repent and give it up to God, you will live (eternally). Refuse to repent, allow your pride to grow, and eventually you will pay the ultimate price; eternally living without God in a place the Bible calls eternal torment. If you are honest with yourself, we all need the Great Physician, because we are all sinners. That’s exactly Jesus’ point, He came for all of us. It’s only those that respond to His call that will get healed of our sickness, consistently shown throughout the Gospels. It starts with recognition and acknowledgement of our sin. Who’s talking about that now-a-days?

31 Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:31-32

Respect and Self-Restraint....

A symptom of a Godless society is how parents are being treated. When respect for authority, specifically parental authority, is undermined, disrespect for all authority will follow. Along side disrespect, rides it’s brother, self-restraint. The lack of self-restraint, the inability to keep your mouth shut 🤐, leads to conflict. This ultimately leads to ruin. Liberty and responsibility, the two pillars of the “American Way”, will collapse if both are not in proper balance. Abuse one, the other grows. Creating an unfixable problem. Neglect the other, society eventually collapses. Do you see a disrespect for authority in America today? Do you see a lack of self-restraint? The balance is shifting towards the Liberty side of the “American Way” equation. Soon it will be past the point of restoration. What’s the fix? What will bring back respect for authority? What will balance out liberty and responsibility? There’s only one answer: the proper view of God. He is the One to Whom we are ultimately responsible. Until we do something about that, our liberties will continue to fight it out in the courts until we implode with anarchy.

1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;a mocker refuses to listen to correction. Proverbs 13:1

3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3

Our Time is Brief....

Our time on earth is brief. We are to do our best to speak truth, and hold our tongues whenever necessary. That’s hard to do, especially when you are around ungodly people. When we see our life from God’s point of view, it sets our priorities. It shows us that what we think is important, really isn’t. All of our busyness and rushing around ends in nothing, just distracting us enough to neglect our real priorities. Our pursuit of wealth, is really about who will end up spending it when we are gone. Our hope is dispersed in many different places, when it only belongs in one; in God alone. Today, ask God to rescue you from this rebellion, this wasting of time. Ask Him to reset your priorities, placing them on eternal things that honor Him, investments that will be experienced by us in Heaven. When God’s agenda is your priority, distractions and interruptions are not so disrupting to your day. They may even be Divine appointments. Don’t miss out.

 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.”2 But as I stood there in silence–not even speaking of good things–the turmoil within me grew worse.3 The more I thought about it,the hotter I got,igniting a fire of words:4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.Remind me that my days are numbered–how fleeting my life is.5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.My entire lifetime is just a moment to You;at best, each of us is but a breath.”Interlude 6 We are merely moving shadows,and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.We heap up wealth,not knowing who will spend it.7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?My only hope is in You.8 Rescue me from my rebellion.Do not let fools mock me. Psalms 39:1-8

Lost, Redeemed, and a Graceful Attitude....

Reading through Deuteronomy, you can’t help but see God’s heart on display. He carefully instructs the Israelites to always leave provisions for the widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. They are not to charge interest on loans to fellow Israelites, and not keep clothing as collateral for more than the daylight hours. God tells them to always remember that they were once slaves in Egypt, and were rescued by Him. This one command by God is the theme of the entire Bible. “You were once lost, now redeemed by God, so have the attitude of gratefulness, and treat others with the Grace God gave you”. Without remembering our past, we can easily forget who we are; undeserved redeemed souls. That’s the common thread that unites all Christians forming an unbreakable bond. God knows what He’s doing, and no one can separate what God has put together. We are conduits of His Grace, we must carry out His Will by extending His Grace to all, even the most undeserved; for we were once undeserved ourselves. Never forget that.

17 “True justice must be given to foreigners living among you and to orphans, and you must never accept a widow’s garment as security for her debt. 18 Always remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God redeemed you from your slavery. That is why I have given you this command.19 “When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all you do. 20 When you beat the olives from your olive trees, don’t go over the boughs twice. Leave the remaining olives for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. 21 When you gather the grapes in your vineyard, don’t glean the vines after they are picked. Leave the remaining grapes for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. 22 Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt. That is why I am giving you this command. Deuteronomy 24:17-22

Encountering God...

Have you ever noticed the common thread among people when they encounter God? Fear, trembling, awe, humility, and the utmost respect. How does God respond to that kind of reverence? He says, “Don’t be afraid”, or “do not fear”. There’s something about God’s presence that humbles us like nothing else on earth can. God’s presence brings out truth and honesty in us, because we can’t compare to Him. His holiness exposes our unholiness. His righteousness exposes our unrighteousness. His perfection exposes our imperfection and sinfulness. And a His worthiness reveals our unworthiness. When we are in this state of forced humility by comparison, we are totally helpless, vulnerable to His power. God could easily give us what we deserve, but instead, He knows the proper response to His presence is fear and trembling, so He responds to us with Grace, as only He can. “Don’t be afraid”, is one of the greatest examples of God’s love for us. It shows that He recognizes the state of our heart (humility), so He responds with Grace. If only people understood this, if only they could experience it for themselves. They wouldn’t hate God and think negatively about Him. The remedy for man’s sinfulness is God’s presence. His Grace is sufficient. As Romans 2:4 states, it’s God’s kindness that turns people from their sin.

1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on Him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So He sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.4 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if You say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me–I’m too much of a sinner to be around You.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:1-11

Opposed for Doing Good....

By no means am I perfect, or think I’m better than anyone. Yes, I do fight those thoughts, but I know my place; where God sees me. This verse in Psalm 38, has deep meaning for me. I’ve lived it, many times. There have been numerous times in my life where people opposed me for doing the right thing or just doing “my thing”. I’ve been made fun of, not just as a kid, but as an adult, for just being me; for standing up for what’s right. I’ve been shunned out. I’ve been coerced to give into demands that were illegal (which I didn’t give into). And I’ve lost income because I took a stand to do the “right thing”. So when I read this section of scripture, it has deep meaning for me. It’s personal, because I lived it.

19 I have many aggressive enemies;they hate me without reason.20 They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good. Psalms 38:19-20

Courtesy and Reverence....

Whatever happened to good-old-fashion courtesy and respect for our neighbor? It seems in today’s society, it’s every man for himself. Back in the day, at least for country folk, people looked out for each other. When cattle got loose, someone put them back in the fenced property. If someone’s child was out and needed something or was in trouble, someone lended a helping hand to get them back home. I remember as a little kid, we used to walk to the community pool during the Summer. One day, I was feeling adventurous, so I stuck out my thumb to hitch a ride. A car stopped, a complete stranger, and gave us 3 a ride to the pool. There’s no way that would happen today. I wouldn’t want my children doing that. I just wish we could go back in time when God was more revered. People would be more responsible and respectful. I guess that’s what Heaven will be like: free rides to the pool, a hitch-hiker paradise.

1 “If you see your neighbor’s ox or sheep or goat wandering away, don’t ignore your responsibility. Take it back to its owner. 2 If its owner does not live nearby or you don’t know who the owner is, take it to your place and keep it until the owner comes looking for it. Then you must return it. 3 Do the same if you find your neighbor’s donkey, clothing, or anything else your neighbor loses. Don’t ignore your responsibility.4 “If you see that your neighbor’s donkey or ox has collapsed on the road, do not look the other way. Go and help your neighbor get it back on its feet! Deuteronomy 22:1-4

Why People Don’t Believe...

This is a perfect example of why people don’t believe Jesus is the Son of God. They don’t want to. When you strip away all the pretense and prejudice people have when it comes to God, they simple refuse to believe. This is the very sin that Jesus talked about when He talked about the “unpardonable sin”. God will not forgive you if you don’t repent and ask for forgiveness. Why should He? After Jesus performed these miracles, after He displayed His power and authority, and after He showed them “the Way”, there’s no reason not to believe. Yet many still refused to believe Him to be the Son of God. And even worse, many followed Him in order to gain something from Him. “What can I get out of this?”, was their motto. Their hearts weren’t truly in the right standing with God. If I saw a demon come out of a man because Jesus commanded it to leave, I’d be loyal to Him and do everything He asked me to do. Wouldn’t you?

31 Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. 32 There, too, the people were amazed at His teaching, for He spoke with authority.33 Once when He was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon–an evil spirit–began shouting at Jesus, 34 “Go away! Why are You interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are–the Holy One sent from God!”35 Jesus cut him short. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” He ordered. At that, the demon threw the man to the floor as the crowd watched; then it came out of him without hurting him further.36 Amazed, the people exclaimed, “What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey Him, and they flee at His command!” 37 The news about Jesus spread through every village in the entire region. Luke 4:31-37

Do Something Today....

If you want to do something today that will make the world a better place, find a hurting, worried soul, and encourage them. It will not only help infuse them with hope to carry on, it will show you that you can make a difference by letting go of your own agenda.

25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25

Sending Out a Warning....

Sending out a warning before destroying/capturing a city or country was a common practice during war among many nations over the centuries. America did this very thing before they dropped the atomic bombs on Japan. Obviously Japan didn’t listen. It’s an extension of God’s grace. Why do people forget this, because they want to. God-haters will always refuse to accept the truth about God’s true character. It’s the reason most wars are started.

10 “As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace. 11 If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor. 12 But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town. 13 When the Lord your God hands the town over to you, use your swords to kill every man in the town. 14 But you may keep for yourselves all the women, children, livestock, and other plunder. You may enjoy the plunder from your enemies that the Lord your God has given you. Deuteronomy 20:10-14

Temptation...

Have you ever thought deeply about temptation? How often, on a daily basis, are we tempted to do something (or not do something)? Do we give in and do it? Do we really even know we are being tempted? God says He never tempts anyone. However, Satan is constantly trying to tempt us away from God. Here in Luke chapter 4, we read of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Jesus is tempted 3 times. I’m sure He was tempted many more times than that, but this is the only account specifically mentioned in the Bible. Upon close examination we learn Satan is the great tempter. He uses our physical needs to lure us into sinful thoughts or actions. He uses the accumulation of possessions to appeal to our greed and selfishness. He even uses our faith in God to appeal to our pride to test God to see if He will do what He says He will do. If Satan was allowed to tempt Jesus, then we are certain to be tempted through out our lifetime. What are we to do? Flee from it. If we don’t, we will eventually give into to it, even though the mind is willing, the flesh is weak. Ask God to fill your mind, heart, and soul with His Spirit, so that when temptation comes, we will be able to resist the Devil by standing in the power of Christ.

1 Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.3 Then the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”5 Then the devil took Him up and revealed to Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 “I will give You the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. 7 I will give it all to You if You will worship me.”8 Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your Godand serve only Him.’” 9 Then the devil took Him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If You are the Son of God, jump off! 10 For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order His angels to protect and guard you.11 And they will hold you up with their handsso you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” 12 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”13 When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left Him until the next opportunity came. Luke 4:1-13

Never Worrying About What You Said....

Another plain, clear, and simple truth stated in the Bible. It reveals God’s character, and His desire for us as well. If God delights in us telling the truth, why wouldn’t we want to please Him? It’s not hard. Is “saving face” more important? When you speak truth, you never have to worry about what you said.

22 The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22

How to Know a Prophet....

How do you know if a someone is a prophet of God? If what he/she predicts comes true, 100% of the time, then they are from God, and are legitimate. It’s that simple. Anything less tells you they are not from God.

21 “But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ 22 If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without My authority and need not be feared. Deuteronomy 18:21-22

Forbidden Practices....

One of the reasons God drove out the inhabitants of the “promised land” was because their practices were detestable to Him. Fortune telling and psychics we’re practices forbidden by God. Here in America people read horoscopes and consult mediums and psychics on a daily basis. It’s getting to the point where God may drive us out of our own land, all because of our blatant disregard for His word. We would rather put our trust in someone siding with Satan and be deceived than come clean by being honest with our Creator. Just because someone can tell us things about ourselves (basing it on our body language and background history) doesn’t earn them the right of our devotion. Only God, Who truly knows us, has that right. Why not give Him what He rightly deserves? It just may be the answer you’ve been looking for all along.

9 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there. 10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you. 13 But you must be blameless before the Lord your God. 14 The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things.” Deuteronomy 18:9-14

Daily Reading Equals Daily Pursuit....

Here’s one passage in the Bible that shows the significance and necessity of reading scripture daily. It prevents us from becoming proud. It stops us from thinking we are “above” others. It helps us see the importance of God’s word and keeps us close to the practice of reading daily, thus preventing us from drifting away. If only people would get their focus off themselves and get it on truth and pursuing God. Things would be so different, if every human being read scripture on a daily basis. But we know that’s not going to happen here on this earth now. But you can start, and be one that pleases God by following His commands. When others see the change and conviction in your life, it will point others to Jesus. It all starts with making a commitment to reading God’s word on a daily, consistent basis. You can’t know the mind of god, if your not pursuing Him, and allowing Him to speak His mind to you.

18 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. 20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20

Accountability...

The biggest problem in society today is the lack of accountability. When we behave badly, who are we accountable to? No one. Not too long ago, people feared God. This kept them honest, respectful, and accountable for their behavior. Now that God has been taken out of schools, public arenas, and the like, there’s no one to be accountable to. Even my generation growing up had the fear of “when I get home, I’m gonna get 10x’s worse than here” mentality. It kept us accountable for our behavior. Here is Deuteronomy chapter 17, we read of the punishment for those who ignore the judgements made concerning violations of God’s covenant. Those who are “arrogant enough” to ignore it, should be put to death. Here in America, the respect for God used to be a huge deterrent to crime. The death penalty certainly served its purpose. Unfortunately, the liberal media, and absence of God, has brought about an arrogance that needs to be readdressed.

11 After they have interpreted the law and declared their verdict, the sentence they impose must be fully executed; do not modify it in any way. 12 Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents the Lord your God must die. In this way you will purge the evil from Israel. 13 Then everyone else will hear about it and be afraid to act so arrogantly. Deuteronomy 17:11-13

Be a Sermon....

You’ve heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words”. Here in Luke chapter three, John the Baptist spells out what your actions prove; your faith being real or not. We live in a world where pretending is seen as real. But when push comes to shove, those underlying convictions of the pretender are simply like wet toilet paper (good for nothing). When we think more highly of ourselves, and not admitting our daily need of God’s indwelling Spirit, we allow ourselves to buy into Satan’s lie of self-reliance. Self-reliance is what God opposes. It tricks us into believing we don’t need God’s guidance. Since we already received Salvation, some think, “now we just need to get through life as best we can”, or so they say. This isn’t how it should be. Our money gives us the notion to say , “NO” to God. Our good health tricks us not to rely on the Great Physician. Our knowledge and access to the internet tells us that we have the world right at our finger tips. All of this leads us away from God. John the Baptist tells us to live out our faith; show the world what God has done for you. Help other people in need, be content with your pay, don’t grumble, and do the right thing. This not only shows God how much you love Him, but it also doesn’t give the world an excuse not to follow God because of your contradictory lifestyle. People listen to consistency. When people day-in and day-out live a blameless life, people take notice. Christians do it because they don’t want God to look bad to others. And that starts with me.

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

8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?”11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers.John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am–so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be His slave and untie the straps of His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with His winnowing fork. Then He will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into His barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people. Luke 3:8-18

A Safe and Secure Place....

This proverb is self-explanatory. Yet fewer and fewer people put it into practice, then wonder why their lives are such a mess. The one thing people don’t know about lies is the fact that you have to keep feeding a lie in order for it to survive. It’s not self-sufficient. That takes work. And when you are willing to work to keep a lie alive it will grow and take over your life. Truth stands on its own. It doesn’t need you to feed it. It too will grow and take over your life as well. The difference is it will protect rather than expose. It will lead you home, to a safe and secure place.

19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Proverbs 12:19