Being Connected Means...

The bottom line in Christianity is this, if you’re connected to God, plugged in, you think about Him moment by moment, noticing what He is doing. If His Spirit lives in you (as the Bible says happens when you repent and exchange His life for yours), how can you not acknowledge His presence? He is continually working in you, seeking to save the lost. He is constantly at work in you to sanctify and refine you. This is how He works. If you’re ignoring or not noticing Him, maybe you’re not one of His (not saved). Knowing God’s Will might be difficult at times, but knowing God personally isn’t. Constantly pursuing Him, through prayer, by reading His Word, and connecting with other believers (Church), is how believers get and stay connected. When you’re connected, you notice what He does. You see Him moving in your life. Knowing and acknowledging God is part of “being saved”, it’s what He wants. If you don’t think about God and notice what He’s doing in your life, you might want to re-evaluate your priorities, and readjust your spiritual senses. He is there, working in and through you, it’s just a matter of recognizing it.

but they never think about the Lord or notice what He is doing. 13 So My people will go into exile far away because they do not know Me. Isaiah 5:12c-13a

Our Faith Isn’t Only for this Life...

Never forget, our faith isn’t only for this life, it’s for the life to come. We will be given a new life, a perfect and pleasing life. Never allow yourself to lose hope. Jesus is our hope, He’s the One we can count on. Always.

19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another Man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 1 Corinthians 15:19-22

American Christianity....

American Christianity has falsely accepted the world’s view on judgement. People say, “don’t judge me”. Then they go on to tell you “Jesus said don’t judge”. Most professing Christians don’t read their Bibles, so they have no rebuttal. Here’s the Bible’s view on judging. If the person is not a believer, tell them the truth, share the gospel, and move on. If they claim to be a believer, share the truth, point out their sinful behavior, and wait for their response. If they repent, celebrate. If they don’t, follow the steps outlined in today’s passage. The problem with judging others is knowing the difference between condemning someone versus knowing what standard to use to bring them back to a right relationship with God. The world doesn’t want us to judge because their standard varies, and is subjective. Sin runs rampant, and thus God’s standard poses a threat to the sin practioner’s temporary pleasure. God’s standard is objective, fair, and just. When we use it appropriately, it accomplishes His will by either convicting a repentant willing heart back to Him, or condemns an unrepentant soul by exposing their sin, and reminding them of their eternal destination. Using God’s standard equalizes the playing field. It’s just a shame that all people don’t realize this. They cry for equality, but refuse the One that can grant their request. We need to move on from the Americanized version of Christianity, and get back to the eternal (good for all times) Word of God. It’s not judging people that’s the problem, it’s the standard we use, and the condition of our hearts that matter most. When we are in a right standing with God, we know where we stand. The view from there if full of grace and love. It has a way of reminding us that God loves us in spite of our not deserving it. Never forget this.

15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, My Father in heaven will do it for you.20 For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:15-20

Genuine Faith vs Positive Thinking...

How is real, genuine faith different from positive-thinking? The object of our faith, no matter it’s size, is God. And the object of our confidence is God as well. The Source and Object of our faith is always God. When we lose sight of this, we lose sight of God’s will, and thus we lose connection with Him. Once that happens, we get confused where our confidence goes, and start putting it back into ourselves. If we do not ask God to reveal His will to us, our faith loses its effectiveness. We can’t do miracles without God. The perfect example of this is here in today’s passage. The disciples lost the power to heal because they lost sight of Who it was actually doing the healing. Faith and confidence always starts and ends with God. Anything else is just positive-thinking.

14 At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”17 Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.” 18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.19 Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.21 ” Matthew 17:14-21

Signs....

Do you ever think God gets tired of us asking for signs? He gives us signs every single day. Instead, Maybe we should start asking for the ability to see the signs He has already given us.

1 One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that He show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove His authority.2 He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; 3 red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! 4 Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away. Matthew 16:1-4

It’s Not As Though It Seems....

When I read the story of the Gentile woman coming to beg Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter, I can see His reaction disturbing people. His initial reaction was very harsh, elitist, and even rude. Is this the same Jesus that everyone praises about His love and non-judgemental attitude? Is this the compassionate, loving, defender of the weak and helpless? How can Jesus respond so coldly to this desperate woman’s plea for help? His reaction, though as harsh as it may seem, was a test. This test was to see how genuine this woman’s request was. Jesus was brought all kinds of people to be healed. And as we read about the story of the ten lepers, about how only one came back to thank Him, we must realize more and more people were using Jesus to be healed and not because they loved Him, and wanted to be saved. Didn’t Jesus have plenty of people around Him that we’re disingenuous? They wanted to follow Him because they wanted Him to overthrow the government? Those that wanted Him to heal the sick without thanking Him? Those that wanted to trap Him, so they could eventually kill Him? They wanted something from Him, not Him. His methods whittled away the false believers from the true believers. Yes, some of them (unbelievers) got healed, but it was the ones that expressed their true faith in Him that really got the full blessing, healing and salvation. I’ll finish with a story that will help illustrate my point. In Russia, during the Cold War, many Christians were persecuted under the communist regime. One particular church continued to hold services, but were very discreet about it. One late night during the service, several Russian KGB agents burst into the church. They told every one that denounced their faith could leave. After more than half the church people left, they locked the doors and told the pastor to continue his sermon. You see they were Christians too, and the only way they could attend services is if they weeded out all the pretenders, for the true followers of Christ would not rat them out. This is exactly what Jesus did here. He purposely (in a harsh way) told the woman, you are not as important as the Jews, so stop asking me to heal your daughter. The woman proved her faith in Him by telling Him (my paraphrase), “if you are God, then You care about all people, so please care about me”. Jesus’ response proves this to be true. Sometimes we need to be prodded, offended, or persecuted to prove our faith is authentic and real to ourselves, and that it is the most important thing to us in our lives (where our true loyalty lies). The only way to bring it out is through adversity. God’s ways are above our ways. And He knows us better than we know ourselves. Do you believe this?

21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to Him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then His disciples urged Him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep–the people of Israel.”25 But she came and worshiped Him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. Matthew 15:21-28

Never buy Into the Message....

Never buy into the message of the wicked. Even though they seem to flourish, gleaming at the break of day, turn away and keep moving. Wickedness and violence follow them wherever they go. They cannot rest until they spewed their venom on unsuspecting souls. If it seems odd when an apparent decent person speaks, and it raises question inside you, it’s because your conscience is doing it’s job. Any time I hear or see of a movement, protest, or demonstration, I immediately look into it to see what it’s really about, not what it tries to promote. Each time I find evidence that reveals its true motives. Not every thing out there is wickedly bad, but without discernment, it’s almost impossible to discern the difference. Ask God to reveal the truth to you. Then use it to uncover the motives of that group. You’ll never find friendship with people that eat the food of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

14 Don’t do as the wicked do,and don’t follow the path of evildoers.15 Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.Turn away and keep moving.16 For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.17 They eat the food of wickednessand drink the wine of violence! Proverbs 4:14-17

Salvation Will Never Arrive on Air Force One...

In a time of transition of our country’s leadership, with policies reverting back to previous tenures of leadership that promote ungodly behaviors disguised under the veil of “being progressive”, we have to remember it is God Who is in control. Instead of asking "why", we're better off asking "Who"? Salvation will never arrive on Air Force One.

I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me,“Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed.What can the righteous do?” 4 But the Lord is in His holy Temple;the Lord still rules from heaven.He watches everyone closely,examining every person on earth.5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked.He hates those who love violence.6 He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,punishing them with scorching winds.7 For the righteous Lord loves justice.The virtuous will see His face. Psalms 11:1-7

It Is God Who Speaks Through Us....

We must always remember it is God Who speaks through us, and uses us to accomplish His will. The scripture below are words to live by and repeat every time pride raises its ugly head. We can never take credit for doing the will of God, it’s His doing in and through us that gets things done. We are to be grateful to Him for choosing us to take part in these Divine interactions.

10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favor on me–and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by His grace. 1 Corinthians 15:10

An Honest Answer....

Integrity matters in relationships. People may say it doesn’t, but only until they’re lied to, then it becomes paramount. The reason people lie is because they do not trust God with the outcome. They want to protect themselves, or preserve their way of life. What they don’t realize is, this selfish act comes at a price, usually hurting the recipient of the lie. Stripping the relationship of trust, which is the basis of any human connection. Remember, integrity has no holidays. Truth matters, we must always speak it. We must trust God’s process, and do it with gentleness and respect (as Peter says). In the end, when we stand before God, the only thing that will matter is that we were obedient to Him. Truth matters, regardless of what people say. Speak it boldly, and with confidence, trusting the process, allowing it to accomplish God’s will. Those that honor God will receive it like a kiss of friendship.

26 An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. Proverbs 24:26

How Bad Does it Have To Get?

I don’t watch the news. I don’t even know what’s going on in the world right now. When I tell people that, they must think I live under a rock. One of the reasons is there’s not much positive being reported. When I hear all the bad behaviors going on; how people mistreat others or abuse their power, I tend to think, “how bad does it have to get?” I think we live in a depraved society, that’s only getting worse. Then I read scripture to find out, it’s always been this way. There’s nothing that happens today that hasn’t happened before, only the details change. Here in Isaiah chapter 3, we see Isaiah warning the people about what’s going to happen to Jerusalem. Young people insulting their elders, and vulgar people abusing the righteous. This sounds like modern day America. Leaders misleading the people. This has happened before, and it will happen again. I don’t have to watch the news to see this playing out, the Bible shows me. And what it also shows me is that God is in control. His justice prevails. He takes care of those who are devoted to Him. Those that are obedient (how we show our love for Him) have something that others don’t have, HOPE, the anchor of the soul. The next time you watch the news and see something that disturbs you, go to God in prayer, ask Him to remind you of Who’s in charge. Whatever it was will fail in comparison to knowing the One Who made all things, and Who determined our significance before we were born.

5 People will oppress each other–man against man,neighbor against neighbor. Young people will insult their elders,and vulgar people will sneer at the honorable. Isaiah 3:5

The very look on their faces gives them away.They display their sin like the people of Sodom and don’t even try to hide it. They are doomed!They have brought destruction upon themselves. 10 Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned!11 But the wicked are doomed,for they will get exactly what they deserve. 12 Childish leaders oppress My people,and women rule over them.O My people, your leaders mislead you;they send you down the wrong road. Isaiah 3:9-12

The Bible is a Record...

The Bible is a record of God doing His Will. It’s a book that allows us to know Who He is. It’s a book that teaches us to seek Him continually. It’s a record of History from God’s perspective. It’s His way of communicating with us (not the only way, but the #1 way). We should pattern our lives after this book. We should document everything God does for us on a daily basis (right it down in your own book: answered prayers, times of comfort, times in which He met a need). Not to add to the Bible, but be a reminder to us personally all that He has done for me (individually). So when the tough times come (and they will come), we can look back, and gain confidence, to move forward with hope. Hope that only God can grant us. How long do we seek out God? Continually.

4 Search for the Lord and for His strength;continually seek Him. Psalms 105:4

As Frail as Breath....

We are to put our trust in God, not mere humans. We are all weak, fragile, and insecure. Why would we put our trust in something that is as frail as one human breath? Yes, we all have worth, but it because God gives us that worth. We treat each other with dignity and respect, but we don’t place our trust in each other above our trust is in God. We are wanted, chosen, and loved by God. Start seeing it today, and watch how it changes your perspective on life.

22 Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they? Isaiah 2:22

God Hates Pride....

Here’s one truth that is consistently written about throughout scripture: God hates pride, selfishness or being self-centered. If it’s mentioned more than once, then it must be really important to God. Here in Isaiah chapter 2 it’s mentioned more than once in the same chapter. There’s no way to sugar coat it. It’s something God only tolerates for so long. It won’t last; it can’t. God won’t allow it. There’s not enough time in all eternity for God’s Glory to be shared with our pride. They can’t and won’t coexist.

11 Human pride will be brought down, and human arrogance will be humbled. Only the Lord will be exalted on that day of judgment. Isaiah 2:11

17 Human pride will be humbled, and human arrogance will be brought down. Only the Lord will be exalted on that day of judgment. Isaiah 2:17

The Right Side of the Door....

When God opens a door, no one can close it. When God closes a door, no one can open it. I want to be on God’s side because I want to be on the right side of the door when it opens or closes. Imagine a fire igniting in your home, and not having the ability to extinguish it. You’ll lose everything; everything near and dear to your heart. When we think we are strong, and can get along without God, we are really helpless, which eventually leads to hopeless.

30 You will be like a great tree with withered leaves, like a garden without water.31 The strongest among you will disappear like straw; their evil deeds will be the spark that sets it on fire. They and their evil works will burn up together, and no one will be able to put out the fire. Isaiah 1:30-31

Beating Around the Bush...

The difference between religion and truly being a Christ follower is this: love for God, to the point of obedience, even if it cost you your reputation. It’s a selfless act. You either love God more than yourself, or you love yourself more than God. There no “beating around the bush” on this one.

“What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the Lord.“I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.12 When you come to worship Me, who asked you to parade through My courts with all your ceremony?13 Stop bringing Me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts Me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting–they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings.14 I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to Me. I cannot stand them!15 When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.16 Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of My sight. Give up your evil ways.17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:11-17

Knowing Their Master....

Collective America has turned its back on God. It’s no different from Israel’s history, or other countries or tribes. The pattern usually follows: God shows a group of people His Grace, they begin to serve Him joyfully, they get complacent, drift away, rebel, God sends a prophet to warn them, something bad happens, they repent, and the cycle starts all over again. How many cycles occur until apathy sets in and there’s no more rescue? America is at this point. The saddest thing about all of this is even animals know their master. They treat their owners better than we treat God. I guess the deep-seeded problem is more and more people don’t know their Master. If they did, we wouldn’t be in this predicament, would we?

3 Even an ox knows its owner,and a donkey recognizes its master’s care–but Israel doesn’t know its Master.My people don’t recognize My care for them.”4 Oh, what a sinful nation they are–loaded down with a burden of guilt.They are evil people,corrupt children who have rejected the Lord.They have despised the Holy One of Israeland turned their backs on Him. 5 Why do you continue to invite punishment?Must you rebel forever?Your head is injured,and your heart is sick. Isaiah 1:3-5

9 If the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had not spared a few of us,we would have been wiped out like Sodom,destroyed like Gomorrah. Isaiah 1:9

“Love is Love”, Right?

Is this the kind of love that is being talked about and demonstrated when it comes to accepting a certain lifestyle, being tolerant of a certain types of behavior? “Love is Love” isn’t the kind of love talked about here in the Bible. It’s a warped view, redefined to suit the needs of its possessors. It’s a shame that we Christians don’t do a better job of showing the world what true love really is. Pray today that God will use you in showing His love to a needy and hurting soul.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Let love be your highest goal! 1 Corinthians 14:1a

Real Love...

Here’s a riddle: What is greater than God and more evil than the devil. The poor have it, the rich need it and if you eat it you’ll die. What is it? Nothing. Imagine if you could speak all the languages in the world. What would you do with it? You would be in high demand. Would you work for the government or some private company? What if you made millions of dollars from this, and you became a philanthropist. What charities or causes would you distribute the donations? What if, because of your riches, fame, and ability, you were able to learn all of God’s secrets and knowledge? What would you do with it? If you knew everything God knows you’d have the faith to move mountains, right? What would you move first? Heal the sick? Feed the hungry? Rescue the homeless? Cure cancer? Here’s another riddle: what does God do that the devil can’t, it’s easier for the poor to do than the rich, it doesn’t cost anything, but when it’s taken away it costs everything, and joy comes more from it when you give it away than when you try to take it? LOVE. It says in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 that if you can do all the things mentioned above, and yet not love, your life is wasted. It would be nothing, just a lot of noise signifying nothing. You would have gained nothing. Of all the virtues in the world, Love is the greatest. In English the concept of love has one word, but in the Greek language it has 4 translations. A Godly love, a brotherly love, a parental love, and a tender affectionate love. Did you know that God designed the family, a mom and dad with children to incorporate all of these. It’s the only institution that fulfills His design. When you take God out of this equation, all the definitions fall apart. They can’t stand on their own. It changes the meaning. Love is what holds all things together. It’s the essence of God. When I read the definition of love from the Bible, I get the sense that it’s just like the 10 Commandments. It shows us how short we fall when it comes to really loving others. It shows us that we need to plug into God in order to get the love only He can give, so we can give to others what we don’t possess on our own. It shows us how far we still need to strive in order to love life Jesus lives us. As I look at the world and see its many definitions of love, I begin to wonder where they get their ideas from. If people only knew the One in which true love resides, there wouldn’t be so much confusion. Little children confused over why their parents divorced. Certain segments of society confusing love with acceptance. People constantly saying, “love is love”. Love is not a feeling or emotion. It’s not something that always comes at first sight. It’s not even a heart-shaped box filled with chocolates. Love is a choice. It’s an action. It’s an act of the will regardless of the cost. Love is God. And God gave us His One and Only Son, to atone for our sin. And when we receive it by faith, we are given the ability to truly love. Why? Because we learn what true love really is. We learn from its Origin. We are plugged into its Source. It teaches, instructs, and empowers us with the ability to look beyond ourselves and see the needs of others, then gives us the gumption to carry that plan out. Without God, we don’t have the ability to truly love the way we are intended to. One last thing Love does for us; it drives out fear. It overcomes and conquers fear, temporarily or permanently. The next time you think of the concept of love, and you leave God out of the equation, you’re not talking about real love. You’re talking about a feeling or emotion that lacks love’s true source. If nothing is greater than God, and God is love, and Love is the greatest of all, what should we be pursuing? What should we base our lives on? What should we be doing to our neighbor? Three things will last forever, faith, hope, and love. But the greatest is love. I think this makes our priorities loud and clear. Is it in you?

1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.13 Three things will last forever–faith, hope, and love–and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Every Breath....

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. It’s starts with each breath. From the very first breath we take to the very last we need not to forget that life is a gift given to us through grace. God provides for our every need and protects us from harm. When harm does come our way, His hand is there allowing just enough to accomplish His will. Withholding more than enough that would be detrimental to His will. He creates life with every breath. Today as you breath in right now, realize your taking in and exhaling the very breath God gave you.

29 But if You turn away from them, they panic. When You take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust.30 When You give them Your breath, life is created, and You renew the face of the earth. Psalms 104:29-30

Each Member is Important..

Socialism is not the answer. The Church is. Here in first Corinthians chapter 12, Paul talks about how each member of the Church serves a purpose. Each member is important. Each believer functions to make the Church whole and complete. We are to protect each other, honor each other, and care for each other. This creates harmony among believers, which allows things to get done. When the Church suffers, it’s members suffer, and when the Church is honored, all parts are glad. This surpasses socialism. It’s God’s way. It works. It always has, and always will. Believers need to focus on the concepts the Bible distinguishes as right, as obedient, and pleasing to God. We are all important. We all serve a purpose. Stop comparing yourself, as if you are in a competition. Each one of us serves a purpose, and as a whole, can accomplish all that God has in store for us. Synergistically we can do the impossible. Satan knows this. It’s why he so badly wants to destroy the Church. Fortunately for us, Jesus won’t allow that to happen. Jesus’ agenda is building it up.

So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:23c-26

Keeping in Tune...

I’ve always said, “humble yourself, so that others won’t have to”. It’s examining ourselves, judging ourselves, seeing if we are in a right standing with God. When we do this, God is pleased. I don’t have this “life” thing figured out, but I do know Who does. And when He tells me to examine myself, for whatever reason, I’d better examine myself. Keeping in tune with God, allows us to play sweet music with with the instrument our life.

31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 32 Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Resiliency of the Believer....

Never under estimate the resiliency of the believer. It’s one trait God empowers all believers with. It’s only through His power that we can over come. It’s His power that always overcomes, it just might not be in the way we expect.

16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. Proverbs 24:16

God Establishes Boundaries...

God establishes the boundaries in which all things must adhere to. Even inanimate objects have their specifics. And so does man. If they obey, so should we. When we don’t, we have no one to blame but ourselves. The sovereignty of God is not negotiable.

7 At Your command, the water fled; at the sound of Your thunder, it hurried away.8 Mountains rose and valleys sank to the levels You decreed.9 Then You set a firm boundary for the seas, so they would never again cover the earth. Psalms 104:7-9

Advice from a Wise King...

The wisest man of his time. The wisest king (second only to Jesus) said at the end of his life, “ fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad”. Coming from a man who had it all, who lived an opulent life, who had no restraint when it came to indulgences, his final conclusion speaks volumes. It says, “God should be the determining factor in your life, so when you come to the end of it, you can rest assured you’ll be welcomed into His presence with open arms”. This attitude will drive your passions, but also allow restraint to help keep those passions in check. It will help you see yourself as important, but not the “center of the universe”. It will help keep you humble in a world the promotes “self” and pleasure above responsibility and true freedom. Fear God. Know Him. And He will make your path straight. He will give you purpose and meaning. He will give rest to your soul. Solomon came to his senses (at the end of his life), we should listen and take heed to the “wisest of Kings”.

13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Truth Hurts Sometimes...

Truth has a way of penetrating the most cynical and hardened heart, if you welcome it in. Truth hurts sometimes, because we allow ourselves to get away from it. Just like a fresh cut, antiseptic used to clean it burns, but its purpose is to clean, to kill germs, preventing infection, and promoting healing. It’s the same way with wise words. Truth sets us free, but can be initially painful. It’s when it hurts, that it starts the process of healing.

11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods–painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep. Ecclesiastes 12:11

True Freedom...

True freedom is found in Jesus. It’s knowing when to use it and when to have restraint. We are free to do anything, but anything is not always beneficial. True freedom lies in knowing when your selfishness needs humility, to use restraint in keeping someone else from stumbling. True freedom contains a large quantity of humility (selflessness), and is balanced out with equal amount of responsibility.

3 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Real Treasure, Real Pursuit...

If only we could believe this 24/7.... wait a minute, we can. God is faithful to His Word, and so should we be faithful. We accomplish this by believing Him, and acting accordingly. The only reason we fail, having nothing to do with Him, even though we blame Him for our troubles, is our lack of faith, which is brought about by our desire to be autonomous. Pride is the essence of Autonomy. If we only took the time to pursue God, to know Him, to open our hearts up fully, we would see all that this Psalm states about His character to be true. We would see what we are meant to see. In the Old Testament, it seems few people saw God as loving. It was those who sought Him our whole-heartedly that found this peace, security, trust, and unending love. What Jesus does for the New Testament is reveals to us what those in the Old Testament (that truly knew God) already knew and experienced. God is righteous, always doing the right thing. He is just, always dealing fairly with us. He’s compassionate and merciful. He’s slow to get angry and He’s very patient. His unfailing love in never ending. He does not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry when He could. He doesn’t deal harshly with us, as we deserve. He has removed the guilt and shame that comes with our sin, while being tender and compassionate with us. He extends salvation from to generation after generation to those who are faithful to Him. Does this sound like Jesus? Does it sound like the God of the Old Testament? Does it sound like the God the world tries to describe, as to why they don’t follow Him? We will never truly find peace, joy, and rest, until we rest our souls in Him. Get to know Him, you’ll find salvation and satisfaction, a real treasure for your soul.

 6 The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed His character to Moses and His deeds to the people of Israel.8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.9 He will not constantly accuse us,nor remain angry forever.10 He does not punish us for all our sins;He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.11 For His unfailing love toward those who fear Himis as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.12 He has removed our sins as far from usas the east is from the west.13 The Lord is like a father to His children,tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.14 For He knows how weak we are;He remembers we are only dust.15 Our days on earth are like grass;like wildflowers, we bloom and die.16 The wind blows, and we are gone–as though we had never been here.17 But the love of the Lord remains foreverwith those who fear Him.His salvation extends to the children’s children18 of those who are faithful to His covenant,of those who obey His commandments! Psalms 103:6-18

Gossip Spoils Everything...

Gossip spoils everything, especially yourself. It eventually leads to your own demise. Follow the advice Jesus gave, “do unto others as you would have done unto you”. The golden rule covers gossip as well.

20 Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts.And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom.For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said. Ecclesiastes 10:20

A “Know-It-All”...

Everyone has met a “know-it-all”. Maybe at some point in your life you were once one (I can say I was). But we know there’s no such thing, for it’s not possible, only people who think they know it all. People who have answers for everything might be considered wise in some people’s eyes, but they usually don’t rank high on anyone’s like-ability scale.

16 In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people’s burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. 17 I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim. Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

Freedom and Responsibility....

Here’s a contributing factor to America’s downfall. It’s what happens to a society that doesn’t learn to handle prosperity. When crimes aren’t punished immediately, people think it’s okay to push the envelope of immorality. When schools have little or no discipline, when courtrooms and judges use non-constitutional rulings, and when people in high positions abuse their power, people get the idea that immoral behavior is okay. It’s not. It never is. Those who fear God (what our constitution was based on) are better off. Why? Because we know we are accountable for our actions. Those who do evil, don’t think they are accountable to anyone, that’s why they do it. Those that refrain from evil, know they are accountable for their actions, thus don’t participate because of the circumstances. If a society that has lost its way (it’s moral compass) wants to re-establish order and morality, it must start with God. Having the proper view and reverence for God, sets all things on track to a civil society. It’s how it’s supposed to be. Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. You can’t have one, without equal amounts of the other. Imbalances create chaos. Look around, do you see why our system is failing?

11 When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. 12 But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off. 13 The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows. Ecclesiastes 8:11-13