Three Responses to the Gospel...

There are three common responses to the Gospel: repentance and conversion, rebellion and resistance, and apathy. The first response, repentance and conversion, comes to those who are honest with themselves. They examine the evidence, and are touched by God’s power. Their attitude toward truth is one of acceptance, for they know there’s nothing higher, and resistance just brings trouble for those that resist. The next response, rebellion and resistance, comes from those who either blame God for their position in life, or just flat out refuse to believe Him. The protocol behavior for these responders is typically violence, name-calling, and flat out hatred towards those that faithfully follow Jesus. Lastly, for those that are apathetic to the Gospel, they’re attitude stems from not caring. The reason they don’t care typically stems from their lack of care for themselves. Their low self-esteem contributes from either an absent father or parent, and the way to cope is to not get too high or too low in life. This apathy is their defense mechanism for allowing them to not get too close to another person, thus reducing their chances of being hurt. We see two of these responses here in Acts chapter 6. Some of the Jewish religious leaders were converted, because they knew the truth and were honest enough with themselves that God’s calling didn’t fall on deaf ears. We also see some of the rebellious ones become violent and make up lies to discredit an honest, wise, and Holy-Spirit filled man. Their arguments couldn’t stand up against the truth. Have you witnessed these three types of responses to the Gospel? Maybe you responded in one of these ways? Whatever the case, when you’re confronted now, how do you respond?

7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Acts 6:7

But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. 10 None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.11 So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” 12 This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council. Acts 6:9-12

One Way to Deal with Depression...

One way to deal with depression (the non-clinical diagnosed type) is to focus on what God has done for you. Focusing on His goodness will help you take the emphasis off yourself (the cause of it) and help hope arise and open the door to rescue. When we focus on God’s goodness, it gives us a clearer picture of what He’s about, and it shifts our thinking from despair to trust. Faith is simply trusting God to do what He does. This reduces anxiety and puts fear on the back burner. Knowing God, seeing His goodness, and trusting Him to do good, is the surest way I know how to pull myself out of the doldrums of modern day life. Train yourself to seek God daily. Make pursuing Him a life-long duty. When the desire to focus on yourself comes (and it will come), depression won’t have a welcome sign waiting for it. And for some reason it does, focus on the One Who never changes, and always does what He says He’ll do. He’s got the condition of your heart at the center of His agenda. And He will do whatever it takes to make it close to His.

And I said, “This is my fate;the Most High has turned His hand against me.”11 But then I recall all You have done, O Lord;I remember Your wonderful deeds of long ago.12 They are constantly in my thoughts.I cannot stop thinking about Your mighty works. 13 O God, Your ways are holy.Is there any god as mighty as You?14 You are the God of great wonders!You demonstrate Your awesome power among the nations.15 By Your strong arm, You redeemed Your people,the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Psalms 77:10-15

You Can’t Fool God At All...

I can’t stress enough how important it is to be honest with yourself. You can lie to others and sometimes get away with it, but you have to live with the guilt of knowing what you did. As the saying goes, “you can fool some people all the time, and you can fool all people some of the time, but you can’t fool all people all of the time”. And you definitely can’t fool God at all. Pretending to be someone you’re not, or making people think you are better than who you really are doesn’t float with God. Ananias and Sapphira learned it the hard way. Fear gripped those all around because they knew God expects us to be honest with ourselves and with Him. We all struggle with this concept; social media tends to bring out the full tug of this “glorify self” grandisement. “Fakebook”, as I call it, promotes this more than any other platform that I know of. What you see posted on it, rarely matches up with what you see in person. The world would be a much better place if we all decided to pursue God and let honesty reign in our hearts. Humility begins with knowing you’re a broken vessel. Once there, you know where to go for help. It’s exactly the attitude God wants us to have. Never forget Ananias’ and Sapphira’s example of not being honest with yourself. Allow it to be a reminder of the ultimate consequence of lying to God (trying to be someone you’re not). God wants our sincerity, not our perfection or large egos. There’s only room for One God, step aside, humble yourself, and let Him Run His show.

1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?”“Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. Acts 5:1-11

It Might Just Cost You Your Life....

When you fight against God long enough, it just might cost you your life.

Many of the Hagrites were killed in the battle because God was fighting against them. 1 Chronicles 5:22a

One Way to Earn Respect....

Here’s a for sure way to earn respect. It may take time, but it will make a statement to those honestly watching. Control your temper, and gracefully overlook certain wrongs done by others (I’m not talking about egregious sins). This will make a place in the respect hall of fame of others. Remember, you are forgiven, pass it on.

11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11

Everything We Need....

God has given us everything we need for life; it’s just a matter of redistributing it. One person may need and not have, while another person may have and not need. Imagine when their paths cross, divine intervention. It’s not a coincidence. Give that some deep thought today. If by the end of the day, you’re not thanking Him, you probably haven’t gone deep enough.

32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:32-37

Smarter Than God....

For those who think they are smarter than God, think again. God uses all things for His glory. Even if it rebels against Him. He will use you with or without your consent to help further His kingdom.

Human defiance only enhances Your glory, for You use it as a weapon. Psalms 76:10

The Prayer of Jabez...

You’ve heard about the prayer of Jabez. It was a very popular book a number of years ago. The reason for its popularity is the request for a pain-free and trouble-free life. It matches up perfectly with the “American way”. I’m not sure who wrote the most recent book, and I’m not even sure what it’s about, but I know that this prayer (by Jabez) isn’t for everyone. The scripture verses tell us that Jabez sounds like the Hebrew word for distress or pain. His mother named him this, probably due to her experience with him before and during birth. The only thing we know about him is that he was more honorable than any of his brothers. Maybe he had Down’s syndrome, or some abnormality that kept him close to and dependent on his mother. Whatever the reason, Jabez was special; special enough to God to answer his specific prayer. God has a way of protecting those that need it. He knows their hearts and provides everything necessary for them to live. We are not told of the details or the outcome of Jabez’s life, so I can’t fully comment on that. However, I do want to mention that adversity builds character. Pain gets our attention and helps get our priorities back on track. Jabez’s character must’ve been set in advance (probably from the start), because without adversity, there’s not much to promote character development. Pain and trouble have a place in life. It takes pressure to make a diamond, and irritation to produce pearls. A life free of trouble and pain sounds like Heaven, not here on earth, and wouldn’t be very beneficial to those of us with a sinful, rebellious nature. Whatever the case, Jabez’s prayer is one we should examine, and realize, regardless of its content, it’s God Who is the important One; worthy of our focus, attention, and Recipient of our prayers.

9 There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. 10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Offended By the Name of Jesus....

I always think it’s bizarre when people are offended by mentioning the name of Jesus. If they don’t believe in Him, why are they so offended? If they don’t believe He is the only way to God, why the adamant response? If someone were to come to me and say in the name of “HockieJobie” you must be saved, it wouldn’t offend me. I don’t even know who that is. I’d kindly respond with respectfully questioning who this was and how they came to that conclusion. My reaction wouldn’t be violent or vulgar. This just goes to show that the truth only offends people when they oppose what they subconsciously know to be true. The violent, angry response is the oppressiveness being released from all those years of stuffing it deep down inside. Do you need a release? Do you need to confront the truth and be honest with yourself? God won’t be offended with your honest response to truth. It may hurt, but it’s the only path you can take to be redeemed. God is all about redemption. It’s the theme of His book.

5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejectedhas now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. 15 So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves.16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than Him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”21 The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God 22 for this miraculous sign–the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. Acts 4:5-22

Prevarication....

Lying never pays; it will never be without consequences. Even if it seems harmless, once done, it will continue to haunt you for the rest of your life, because it constantly needs to be fed.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape. Proverbs 19:5

Stepping Into the Role of Judge...

God deals with people in His own timing, in His own justice. We just have to trust Him with it. We get into trouble, especially in our thinking, when we decide on what should be done. We step into the role of God when we do this, and cross the line into inappropriate behavior that God opposes. Then we wonder why this or that is happening. We need to take on the mindset of King David; one that does attack or abuse God’s anointed. Align your heart with God, and you’ll find yourself less and less, stepping into the role of Judge.

2 God says, “At the time I have planned,I will bring justice against the wicked.3 When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,I am the One who keeps its foundations firm.Interlude 4 “I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists!5 Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavensor speak with such arrogance.’ ”6 For no one on earth–from east or west,or even from the wilderness–should raise a defiant fist.7 It is God alone who judges;He decides who will rise and who will fall. Psalms 75:2-7

What Shall We Do?

What is the honest response to the Gospel by those who have never heard it? WHAT SHALL WE DO? Any other response proves their resistance.

36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles–all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day–about 3 ,000 in all. Acts 2:36-41

God is the Excuse....

God is the excuse and scapegoat for man’s downfall. Or it’s least that’s what Satan wants us to believe. When man screws up, the only real excuse he can make to justify his poor decision-making and behavior is to say, “God made me this way”. Then he decides to hate God for it. It’s the easy way out of living out your responsibility to God. In the end, it will all be in vain. And the consequences will be eternal. Being honest with yourself may be painful now, but in the long run, it won’t compare to the alternative. Live your life by being honest with yourself; it’s the only way you can start being real with God.

3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. Proverbs 19:3

Turning to the Lord, Whole-Heartedly....

When man removes God from his heart, it opens up room for all kinds of evil and sorcery to infiltrate this once clean, uncomplicated place. Mediums, psychics, witches, and many other evil, anti-God entities invade and corrupt what was once a pure and simple area. I was reading comments on an article recently where a practicing witch called all the readers that were witches to cast a good spell on someone because they committed suicide. I watched a tv commercial where you can talk with a psychic for only $1 per minute and get a personal reading to benefit your life. I don’t even have to mention anything about evil people practicing their evil ways, just watch one tv news broadcast and you’ll see for yourself what I’m talking about. We as a society have abandoned God, and have opened up ourselves to all kinds of evil. And the worst part isn’t the destruction of our morality (a natural consequence), it’s the fact that God is angry with us because of it. Here in 2 Kings 23, we read of Josiah doing something about this very issue. He rid Judah of all the anti-God practices going on. And God blesses him, by not allowing Judah to go into captivity until after Josiah’s life was over. We need to follow Josiah’s example of Godly behavior by honoring God as he did. For God said, “Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.” We need to be like him, and start a new group of people who are like those who turn to the Lord whole-heartedly. Are you willing and ready to start today?

24 Josiah also got rid of the mediums and psychics, the household gods, the idols, and every other kind of detestable practice, both in Jerusalem and throughout the land of Judah. He did this in obedience to the laws written in the scroll that Hilkiah the priest had found in the Lord’s Temple. 25 Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since. 2 Kings 23:24-25

No Barriers....

God’s word can reach every corner of the world. There are no barriers to His message. Not even a language barrier (which He created).

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are–Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” Peter Preaches to the Crowd 14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days,’ God says,‘I will pour out My Spirit upon all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy.Your young men will see visions,and your old men will dream dreams.18 In those days I will pour out My Spiriteven on My servants–men and women alike–and they will prophesy.19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens aboveand signs on the earth below–blood and fire and clouds of smoke.20 The sun will become dark,and the moon will turn blood redbefore that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lordwill be saved.’ Acts 2:1-21

Serving Single-Mindedly....

Hezekiah prayed this prayer; an openly, honest prayer when he lay sick, knowing he was about to die. Do you serve God single-mindedly? What exactly does that mean? I think you can apply the often repeated command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength as a start. It’s being transformed in the way you think (Rom12:2). It’s seeing the world from God’s perspective (the best we can). It’s weighing all things on God’s accurate scales. Its making judgements with truth instead of opinions. It’s applying His principles to every situation. And it’s loving people despite their sinful behavior. This is what being faithful to God and serving Him single-mindedly means. The peace and joy it brings helps us get through the mundane, stressful, and sometimes hopeless events in life. It’s what gives us hope to caring on, and the strength to push through life’s most difficult times. It’s God’s way of living. To think we know how to really live without God, is only fooling ourselves. Ask Him today to help you focus, to be faithful, and serve Him single-mindedly. You won’t regret it.

1 About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: “This is what the Lord says: Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.”2 When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to You and have served You single-mindedly, always doing what pleases You.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.4 But before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, this message came to him from the Lord: 5 “Go back to Hezekiah, the leader of My people. Tell him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you, and three days from now you will get out of bed and go to the Temple of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My own honor and for the sake of My servant David.’ ” 2 Kings 20:1-6

God’s Sovereignty in the OT....

One of the main differences in reading the Old Testament vs the New Testament is the crystal clear examples of God’s sovereignty. Sure, you see it in the New Testament miracles performed and the words of Jesus, but the majority of the examples lie in the Old Testament. The New Testament makes more complete sense when you have knowledge of the OT. With this knowledge the promises in the NT have more meaning and depth. I’m not saying one is more important than the other (both are equally important in understanding the Bible), but I want to emphasize God’s sovereignty is more easily and often seen in the OT. It’s like the OT is painting us a clear picture of Who God is, and the NT is letting us see Him in humanly form. The OT tells us about Him, and the NT lets us meet Him face to face. Here in 2 Kings chapter 19 we get a crystal clear glimpse of God’s sovereignty when Isaiah tells King Hezekiah about the powerful Assyrian Army and their king. Everything, I mean everything is under God’s control. A sparrow doesn’t fall to the ground without God’s knowledge beforehand. Think about it for a second! The Creator of the universe, the Maker of all things, the One Who holds all things together, the Giver of your next breath, knows you. He cares about you. He gives you the opportunity to know Him. And most importantly, He loves you and forgives you when you ask to be forgiven. Wow!!!! All the money, fame, power, relationships, prestige, and significance in the world can’t compare to the blessing of knowing God and having a relationship with Him. The benefits and the beauty of calling God your father, engulf all the things the world could ever offer (they fail in comparison). Knowing He’s in control and His love for us is a priority to Him, is enough for me to fully put my trust and faith in Him. Is it enough for you?

“But have you not heard?I decided this long ago.Long ago I planned it,and now I am making it happen.I planned for you to crush fortified citiesinto heaps of rubble.26 That is why their people have so little powerand are so frightened and confused.They are as weak as grass,as easily trampled as tender green shoots.They are like grass sprouting on a housetop,scorched before it can grow lush and tall. 27 “But I know you well–where you stayand when you come and go.I know the way you have raged against Me.28 And because of your raging against Meand your arrogance, which I have heard for Myself,I will put My hook in your noseand My bit in your mouth.I will make you returnby the same road on which you came”. 2 Kings 19:25-28

35 That night the angel of the Lord went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185 ,000 Assyrian soldiers. When the surviving Assyrians woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere. 36 Then King Sennacherib of Assyria broke camp and returned to his own land. He went home to his capital of Nineveh and stayed there.37 One day while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with their swords. They then escaped to the land of Ararat, and another son, Esarhaddon, became the next king of Assyria. 2 Kings 19:35-37

Never Ending Movie....

Can you imagine if you could watch a movie that demonstrated every single thing God has done? It would have no end.

25 Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25

Careful in Interpreting.....

We need to always be careful in interpreting scripture. We can be accurate in our interpretation, and we can be wrong. We always need to evaluate scripture with scripture. If a passage is the only place in the entire Bible that states something that seems to be inconsistent with God’s character, we probably need to seek out help with its true meaning. The first place we need to go is to God, Himself. He will lead you into understanding by either opening up your mind, or sending you to someone with the correct answer. Never take God’s word lightly.

20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved–the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray You?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” John 21:20-23

Words....

Life is in our words: blessings or curses, life or death. You will never know the impact your words will have on someone. Choose them wisely.

21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21

What God Says, He Does....

There are some guarantees in life. We will die one day. The sun will rise tomorrow (it just might not be for us). There will always be evil in this world (until God fulfills His promise). These are just some that happen or will happen. And here’s the most important one: what God promises will ALWAYS come to pass. Here in 2 Kings chapter 15 we read about God’s declaration to Jehu that his reign as king will only last 4 generations. It will then be given to someone else, not related. God does what He says He will do. You can count on that. It’s the same as the sun rising, the day we die, or anything else that happens on a consistent basis that we know to be true. We need to base our life on the fact that God is in control, and He’s worthy of our trust. When we do this, it changes everything. It gives us hope. It gives us confidence in God, knowing He has our back. It helps us move forward when things seem dark and dreary. It gives us reason to get out of bed each day. And most importantly, it gives us an excuse to override our feelings with the truth because even though our feelings are legitimate, they are often overrated.

10 Then Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, assassinated him in public, and became the next king.11 The rest of the events in Zechariah’s reign are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel. 12 So the Lord’s message to Jehu came true: “Your descendants will be kings of Israel down to the fourth generation.” 2 Kings 15:10-12

Belief Without Seeing....

Faith is believing without seeing. We can experience God in many ways, not just through our senses. Here Jesus tells Thomas that believing without seeing is a great blessing. That’s exactly what faith is; our believing Jesus existed. Believing He did what He did. And repenting because it’s what He commands. This is exactly what faith is about. Thomas asked Jesus to show him the way, and Jesus did just that. It it was Thomas who helped spread the Gospel to the rest of the world, because of his faith. Do you have faith? Do you believe what you’ve never seen? Do you act on things God commands? It’s an adventure I’m willing to take. Are you ready for the journey?

26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” He said. 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at My hands. Put your hand into the wound in My side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me.” John 20:26-29

Our Most Precious Resource....

Here is a Psalm (words we all need to hear) that we all need to take in. Its words are comforting, and yet convicting. They tell us to not compare ourselves with others. They tell us God needs to be the center of our life. They tell us the right attitude determines the quality of our life. And it tells us that pursuing God, draws Him near, which is the best thing we could ever ask for. Why, you ask? Because God’s nearness to us changes everything. It prioritizes our lives. It tells us what the most important things are in our lives, which determines how and where we spend our most precious resource we have, our time. We only have a fixed amount, spend it wisely, in the right manner.

1 Truly God is good to Israel,to those whose hearts are pure.2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing.My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.3 For I envied the proudwhen I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.4 They seem to live such painless lives;their bodies are so healthy and strong.5 They don’t have troubles like other people;they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklaceand clothe themselves with cruelty.7 These fat cats have everythingtheir hearts could ever wish for!8 They scoff and speak only evil;in their pride they seek to crush others.9 They boast against the very heavens,and their words strut throughout the earth.10 And so the people are dismayed and confused,drinking in all their words.11 “What does God know?” they ask.“Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”12 Look at these wicked people–enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. 13 Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?14 I get nothing but trouble all day long;every morning brings me pain. 15 If I had really spoken this way to others,I would have been a traitor to Your people.16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.But what a difficult task it is!17 Then I went into Your sanctuary, O God,and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.18 Truly, You put them on a slippery pathand send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.19 In an instant they are destroyed,completely swept away by terrors.20 When You arise, O Lord,You will laugh at their silly ideasas a person laughs at dreams in the morning. 21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter,and I was all torn up inside.22 I was so foolish and ignorant–I must have seemed like a senseless animal to You.23 Yet I still belong to You;You hold my right hand.24 You guide me with Your counsel,leading me to a glorious destiny.25 Whom have I in heaven but You?I desire You more than anything on earth.26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,but God remains the strength of my heart;He is mine forever. 27 Those who desert Him will perish,for You destroy those who abandon You.28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do. Psalms 73

Age of Accountability...

We are all individually responsible to God. In the end there will be no excuses, or alibis we will be able to use as we stand before God to give an account. Nothing our parents did or didn’t do will be excusable. Nothing we suffered from at the cause of another will be made acceptable for a pardon. We all live life through our own lens, and thus are only responsible for ourselves. Even parents who raised their children right, will not be responsible for how they turn out. In modern times, I’ve heard some preachers talk about the age in which a person reaches where he/she becomes fully accountable for themselves. Some call it the “age of accountability.” Regardless if it’s actually in the Bible or not, there are plenty of scripture verses that tell us about our own responsibility to God for our behavior. Here is an example of it being used in regards to king not killing the children of those who assassinated his father. Amaziah killed the assassins, but left their children alive, because he followed Deuteronomy 24:16. Here in America, we have gotten away from Biblical principles. We have forgotten Who we are responsible to. Our founding fathers knew who we are responsible to; it’s what our constitution was built on (it wasn’t written out because it was accepted, common knowledge, it didn’t have to). We need to start accepting the fact that we are all accountable to God, and stop blaming everyone else for our problems. It’s called having integrity. Someone is always watching. And someday, we will have to answer Him for how we lived our life. Are you ready to give your answer?

When Amaziah was well established as king, he executed the officials who had assassinated his father. 6 However, he did not kill the children of the assassins, for he obeyed the command of the Lord as written by Moses in the Book of the Law: “Parents must not be put to death for the sins of their children, nor children for the sins of their parents. Those deserving to die must be put to death for their own crimes.” 2 Kings 14:5-6

The Chick-fil-A Standard......

Chick-fil-A has been scrutinized for their business policies and religious convictions. They aren’t open on Sundays. They don’t support Planned Parenthood or same-sex marriage. They have been lambasted by the political left so many times I’ve lost count. Even through all of this, they still remain successful, to the point that other fast food chains are copying their business practices. I once photographed the daughter of a retired military officer who had recently been awarded a franchise here in town. He told me that Chick-fil-A doesn’t grant franchises to just any one. They want to know that their companies are going to be run by trusted men or women who walk in integrity. The new franchise owner told me that they flew him to Atlanta 22 times during the interviewing process. They even flew his wife out 4 separate times. Chick-fil-A holds integrity and responsibility high in their list of character qualities they look for in the people they grant franchises to. If only more places of business would have higher standards, we wouldn’t have such a selfish society seeking their own pleasure. Are you an employee that has integrity? Are your standards set high? If Chick-Fil-A offered you a franchise, would you pass the test?

It was paid to the workmen, who used it for the Temple repairs. 15 No accounting of this money was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and trustworthy men 2 Kings 12:14-15

Rooted in His Truth....

We must always remember that God is in control. If we are participating in His will, then nothing can stop it from happening. When we are willing to do whatever it takes to see it through, even sacrifice our own life, then we truly become invincible. Here, Pilate thought he was in control, so he told Jesus that he had the power to free Him. Unknowingly, he was just a rebellious pawn God chose to carry out His Master Plan. Pilate was just a pawn. Humility is what God seeks out in all of us. And its roots are grounded in knowing and accepting the truth about His sovereignty. Are you rooted in His truth?

8 When Pilate heard this, He was more frightened than ever. 9 He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked Him, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave no answer. 10 “Why don’t You talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t You realize that I have the power to release You or crucify You?”11 Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over Me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.”12 Then Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.” John 19:8-12

Mind Over Matter....

You’ve heard the saying, “mind over matter”, well here it is in Biblical form. The body is our house. It’s the residing place of our spirit. Our body is given to us for a fixed number of years. It can endure many hardships, much abuse, and still continue to serve its purpose. We should take care of it the best we can. However, what lives inside, our spirit, needs greater tending to. When the body is sick, it usually heals itself. But when the spirit is crushed, every part of us suffers, which will always lead to physical breakdowns. Prioritize your life. Nurture your spirit, ask God to train you to see spiritually. Maximize your spiritual growth, so when it comes time to move on from this “earthly tent” (as Paul called it), it will be a glorious transition. Oh, the riches and glory God has prepared for those that know and love Him.

14 The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? Proverbs 18:14

The Key to Christianity....

The key to Christianity is this: those that love truth, know God is real and are willing to play their role in His sovereign reign. Those that hate truth, or better yet, love themselves more than truth, will never know God, because no matter the evidence, they will deny the truth to preserve themselves. God blinds those who deny the truth, even if they know it to be real. This is why faith plays such an important role in life.

37 Pilate said, “So You are a king?”Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37

Haughtiness....

If only this message could be portrayed in such a way to penetrate the hearts of all human beings? Just imagine if people could see their future? Do you think it would stop them from being prideful? Maybe some... Life is all about the right attitude. Choose the wrong one and destruction follows. That’s a guarantee.

12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. Proverbs 18:12

Spouting Off...

Here’s a proverb that is much needed in today’s society. The News organizations should put this into their code of conduct, as should we all. This truth is directly tied to the Golden rule: Love your neighbor as yourself. If we did, gossip probably wouldn’t exist, and we wouldn’t have those terrible tabloids at the checkouts in our grocery stores.

13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. Proverbs 18:13

The Sovereignty of God....

The sovereignty of God, who can explain it? It’s depths cannot be reached by the human mind, but it can be experienced. Sometimes we just need to let go of any kind of attempt to harness full understanding and just appreciate it, allowing it to increase our faith and confidence in God. Whenever God has a plan to help someone, there’s no stopping it, even if we think it’s impossible. Here we truly see the preciseness of how God’s plan works out. If the Shunem woman would’ve come before or after Gehazi’s speech to the king, this woman’s plea would’ve fallen on deaf ears. Have you ever experienced something like this? Something that was very precise? Something that, if it happened at any other moment, wouldn’t have happened? I have. Praise God for His sovereignty. That He works out things for our good, even if we think it’s impossible. Knowing God can do all things is one of the greatest benefits of the Christian faith. It’s part of the peace and security our faith in God brings. It’s something the world can’t replicate, no matter how hard it tries. God honors those that honor Him. Sometimes in ways we can’t believe.

1 Elisha had told the woman whose son he had brought back to life, “Take your family and move to some other place, for the Lord has called for a famine on Israel that will last for seven years.” 2 So the woman did as the man of God instructed. She took her family and settled in the land of the Philistines for seven years.3 After the famine ended she returned from the land of the Philistines, and she went to see the king about getting back her house and land. 4 As she came in, the king was talking with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God. The king had just said, “Tell me some stories about the great things Elisha has done.” 5 And Gehazi was telling the king about the time Elisha had brought a boy back to life. At that very moment, the mother of the boy walked in to make her appeal to the king about her house and land.“Look, my lord the king!” Gehazi exclaimed. “Here is the woman now, and this is her son–the very one Elisha brought back to life!”6 “Is this true?” the king asked her. And she told him the story. So he directed one of his officials to see that everything she had lost was restored to her, including the value of any crops that had been harvested during her absence. 2 Kings 8:1-6