Sin is Opposition....

The one thing about a life without God, constantly reveling in sin, is it will eventually destroy you. There’s no way to sugar coat it. Living a sinful lifestyle will eventually send you to an early grave, devastating you, robbing you of any hope. The reason people who live these types of lives suffer from depression, and have higher rates of suicide and drug abuse is simply the fact that regardless of how you “feel” about sin, even if society accepts it, your soul knows the wages of sin. It knows it’s wrong. It knows a life without God is really no life at all. Sin destroys. It’s what it does, regardless of what people try to tell you. Sin is opposition to God. It will never win, not even once. Knowing God disapproves of your behavior should be a deterrent to stop, but unfortunately our nature and Satan fight against doing what is right. This leaves us in a state of despair, with no solution, with no joy, and with no hope. It’s no wonder why the pharmaceutical companies that make anti-depressants are thriving. Anything to escape the reality of the situation. And worse yet, trying to gain acceptance only compounds the issue.

43 Again and again He rescued them, but they chose to rebel against Him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Psalms 106:43

A Spirit of Foolishness...

The problem with certain mindsets today in America is it’s pure foolishness. God, Himself, has sent a Spirit of Foolishness on us. When we live a life, thinking “I got this, I’m wise”, without God you’re deluded. Think about all the issues currently going on. People fighting the nomination of a Supreme Court Justice who stands by our constitution. They’ve presented over 1200 questions to try to stump/stop the nomination. That’s more than 3 times the number of questions asked of the former president’s nominee, and more than all the questions combined of all the nominees in the history of our country. All in the name of fighting just to fight. Deluded foolishness, and people think we are more intelligent than people of old. More complicated, for sure, more wise, not in a million years.

13 The officials of Zoan are fools,and the officials of Memphis are deluded.The leaders of the people have led Egypt astray.14 The Lord has sent a spirit of foolishness on them, so all their suggestions are wrong. They cause Egypt to stagger like a drunk in his vomit. Isaiah 19:13-14

Timely Advice...

Timely advice is golden. It’s a shame most of us refuse it when we are struggling. Pride and selfishness tend to stamp out any reluctance of receiving it. But when the struggle makes us desperate, and God sends the right person to help, this wisdom from another is like a bucket of water at the end of a 3 day hike. It’s golden, more satisfying than the most delicious food. Timing is everything.

11 Timely advice is lovely,like golden apples in a silver basket. 12 To one who listens, valid criticismis like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Proverbs 25:11-12

They Shed Innocent Blood...

Abortion, a politically charged, controversial topic of our day. Sad to say that this issue isn’t even arguable. It’s wrong from every perspective. Looking back to Israel’s days in the wilderness seems ever so much like today’s views and ethics. God specifically told them to eliminate (yes, kill them) all the pagans in the land. They didn’t carry out God’s commands. What happened? They mingled in with these pagans, adopting their practices, eventually leading to the sacrificing their own sons and daughters. They polluted the land with murder. They shed innocent blood. Sound like America today?

37 They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons.38 They shed innocent blood,the blood of their sons and daughters.By sacrificing them to the idols of Canaan, they polluted the land with murder. 39 They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. Psalms 106:37-39

With or Without....

It’s sad that human beings have to go through hardships and struggles to strip away the rebellious pride in order to see God for Who He is. Those that never allow their pride to take a back seat experience loads of grief and unrelieved pain. They have no hope, no remedy. God is patient with us, He quietly watches us, waiting for the sting of sin to burn away our prideful ways. In the end there are only two outcomes: those that bow a knee in gratitude, and those that bow a knee in spite. Running towards or away from the only One that can save you is determined in how you respond to adversity. You can either go through hardship and disappointment with God, or go through it without Him. I choose the former, how about you?

10 Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you.You have forgotten the Rock who can hide you.So you may plant the finest grapevine and import the most expensive seedlings.11 They may sprout on the day you set them out;yes, they may blossom on the very morning you plant them,but you will never pick any grapes from them.Your only harvest will be a load of grief and unrelieved pain. Isaiah 17:10-11

4 For the Lord has told me this:“I will watch quietly from My dwelling place–as quietly as the heat rises on a summer day,or as the morning dew forms during the harvest.” Isaiah 18:4

Being a Christian Isn’t Easy....

Being a Christian isn’t easy. Especially living in a world that has pushed God out a long time ago. Truth matters. It stands the test of time. And no matter if people believe it or not, it has to be continued to be preached, regardless of the cost. What the world sees as foolishness, the believer sees as God’s way of communicating His plans with those that love Him. The core truth about those that don’t want God in their lives is simply because they don’t want to be accountable for anything they do. It’s ludicrous to think that we can live without responsibility. Ask a parent? A teacher? A police officer? Or anyone with a job? Responsibility is part of everyday life. Without it, there’s chaos. Imagine driving on the roads and not having anything to dictate the rules? Or taking a test? Or depositing money in a bank? I could go on and on, but without responsibility, life won’t work. And yet, people accept the responsibilities at work (even if they don’t like it), yet cringe at the fact that we are all responsible to God. You can only pretend for so long. This is why it’s paramount for believers to continue to live and preach the gospel. It’s the only answer to life’s biggest questions. And the only way to be forgiven. Satan tempts then accuses us when we fall into temptation. Repentance is the only rightful response, then it’s followed by forgiveness, which brings peace to the responsible soul. Living a life with Biblical integrity will never be popular, for you will always have opposition. But standing on the foundation of truth, Jesus, is the only way to stand when the storms of life come. And it’s the only guarantee to remain standing when the storms end. The modern day prophet will never be popular, but he will know he is serving a Purpose, far greater than his opposition can bring about. Why do we do it? Solely for our love and gratitude to God. Who benefits? The lost souls who are desperately seeking answers. So the next time you are opposed by someone for sharing the truth with them, remember, you honor God, and you love others by continually living and speaking out the truth. It shows what’s truly in your heart.

1 Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to Himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Confidence....

Confidence, it is a big word. So many people long to have it, while others act as if they have it in abundance. True confidence comes from God. It’s our trust that He will do what He says He will do. We can’t do great things on our own. It’s only if God allows it to happen that we can achieve great things. And what the world calls great, is a speck of dust to God. Ask God today to use you to achieve the impossible. It may be minuscule in the world’s eyes, but paramount to the recipient and God. Confidence comes from knowing you are in and doing God’s will. When you are confident in God, you are unstoppable. And arrogance and pride cannot enter into this kind of confidence. Is it in you?

1 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! 2 The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.4 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. 5 It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6 He has enabled us to be ministers of His new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

12 Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12

Stand in the Gap...

What does it mean to stand in the gap for someone? It’s when you know someone has done wrong or is doing wrong and you go to God and plead for His mercy on their behalf. It’s a selfless act; one that God recognizes, and sometimes answers on your behalf, withholding judgement. Moses did this very thing for the Israelites when they made the golden calf in his absence. God answered his plea, but not all survived because of Moses’ intercession. Today, you know someone who needs intervention. They need your intercession. They are lost, confused, and without hope. Stand in the Gap for them. And trust God to be sovereign. Jesus did it for you, now follow His example, and do it for someone else.

19 The people made a calf at Mount Sinai;they bowed before an image made of gold.20 They traded their glorious Godfor a statue of a grass-eating bull.21 They forgot God, their savior,who had done such great things in Egypt–22 such wonderful things in the land of Ham,such awesome deeds at the Red Sea.23 So He declared He would destroy them.But Moses, His chosen one, stepped between the Lord and the people.He begged Him to turn from His anger and not destroy them. Psalms 106:19-23

Justice....

Imagine for a minute, those in Hell. With all their suffering, all their anguish, all their rebelliousness, they stop to see it’s new inhabitants. Almost like a parade, they stand on their toes to witness the arrival of another powerful nation, leader, rebel being escorted into eternal torment. Every arrogant leader, prideful person, and opposer of God, will meet his fate one day. No matter how successful (in their own minds) they think they are, God opposes the proud and arrogant, and will fulfill His Justice. When we witness leaders abusing their power and carrying out atrocities, we tend to get rattled and fearful as if to lose hope. We have to remember, there is a time for every thing under the sun, but God’s Justice will be served. No matter how far the advancement of evil is perceived, it won’t last. God is the Ultimate Judge, and His Justice doesn’t need an adjective in front of it, and will be carried out. Pride, haughtiness, and deliberate evil won’t be allowed to last. Trust Him on this one.

11 “I, the Lord, will punish the world for its eviland the wicked for their sin.I will crush the arrogance of the proudand humble the pride of the mighty. Isaiah 13:11

9 “In the place of the dead there is excitementover your arrival.The spirits of world leaders and mighty kings long deadstand up to see you.10 With one voice they all cry out,‘Now you are as weak as we are!11 Your might and power were buried with you.The sound of the harp in your palace has ceased.Now maggots are your sheet,and worms your blanket.’ 12 “How you are fallen from heaven,O shining star, son of the morning!You have been thrown down to the earth,you who destroyed the nations of the world.13 For you said to yourself,‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars.I will preside on the mountain of the godsfar away in the north.14 I will climb to the highest heavensand be like the Most High.’15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead,down to its lowest depths.16 Everyone there will stare at you and ask,‘Can this be the one who shook the earthand made the kingdoms of the world tremble?17 Is this the one who destroyed the worldand made it into a wasteland?Is this the king who demolished the world’s greatest citiesand had no mercy on his prisoners? Isaiah 14:9-17

How to Tell the Difference Between....

You can tell the difference between a believer and a non-believer by how they react to God’s word. The believer acknowledges his/her accountability to God, by listening intently, and accepting the good and bad of the message. They apply it to themselves first, before pointing the finger at others. The unbelievers receive the message like a foul odor, not wanting anything to do with it. And most importantly, they use it as a defense or offense toward others, never applying it to themselves first.

15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

The Difference Between a Real Preacher and a Huckster...

One huge difference between a true preacher of the Word and a huckster, is the accountability heard in their message. True followers always allow the hearer to know they are accountable to God. This prevents them from saying whatever they “feel” like saying, and empowers them to preach truth, even when it’s not popular.

17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. 2 Corinthians 2:17

Reason to Forgive...

One of the reasons we need to forgive is it releases the blindness unforgiveness causes. When we refuse to forgive, our spiritual eyes fail to see God’s “big picture”. When we lose sight of that, we become worldly; we see the world from a Godless point of view. It’s Satan scheming, and manipulating us to forget God, which eventually leads to neglecting all that is important.

9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:9-11

Love Speaks Truth Even If....

Love speaks the truth, even if it hurts (both) parties involved, but it does it with patience, gentleness, and respect. True love cares more for the recipient’s well being, than just saving face. It’s hard to do, I guess that’s why fewer and fewer people are doing it these days. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s selfishness. Never forget that, especially when it comes to rescuing the lost or rebellious souls.

4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you. 2 Corinthians 2:4

In Spite....

“In spite”, you hear it all the time, most of it is negative. Think of spite when it comes to God. Substitute “in spite of” for verse 8’s “even so”, it’ll put things into better perspective. In spite of our sinful nature God still sent Jesus to save us. In spite of my “bad attitude” He continues to bestow Grace on me. In spite of an evil world that rebels against Him, He continues to protect and provide. I could go on and on. We need to realize it’s not about ME, in spite of what I think. We need to get off the “selfish” wagon, and humble ourselves, so God doesn’t have to. Easy to say, hard to do, but very necessary.

6 Like our ancestors, we have sinned.We have done wrong! We have acted wickedly!7 Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord’s miraculous deeds.They soon forgot His many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against Him at the Red Sea.8 Even so, He saved them–to defend the honor of His name and to demonstrate His mighty power. Psalms 106:6-8

Grace and Grave is Different by One Letter...

If only the lost could realize the true character of God, they wouldn’t be so adamant towards Him and His followers. He is for us, not against us. He came to seek and save the lost, not to condemn everyone. We as believers must do a better job of displaying how God’s Grace affects us. Think about it, the difference between Grace and Grave is one letter, but the outcome is eternal. The next time you’re around someone who doesn’t know God, use this scripture verse to help paint a picture of Who God really is. He is for us, not against us.

1 In that day you will sing:“I will praise You, O Lord!You were angry with me, but not any more.Now You comfort me.2 See, God has come to save me.I will trust in Him and not be afraid.The Lord God is my strength and my song;He has given me victory.” Isaiah 12:1-2

Everlasting Peace....

Imagine a world that has true peace. I’m not talking about a temporary “shangri-la”, I’m talking about everlasting peace. No more wars, no more violence, and no more evil. Every one will know God, and act accordingly. Even the animals will get along and not want to kill and eat each other. That’s what the believer has to look forward to. One day it will happen, and the best part is believers will get to experience it firsthand, forever.

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot – yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him–the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,the Spirit of counsel and might,the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.3 He will delight in obeying the Lord.He will not judge by appearancenor make a decision based on hearsay.4 He will give justice to the poorand make fair decisions for the exploited.The earth will shake at the force of His word,and one breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked.5 He will wear righteousness like a beltand truth like an undergarment. 6 In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,and a little child will lead them all.7 The cow will graze near the bear.The cub and the calf will lie down together.The lion will eat hay like a cow.8 The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.9 Nothing will hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain,for as the waters fill the sea,so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord. Isaiah 11:1c-9

Real Comfort....

The one thing the world does not have, for it cannot get it from the Source (God Himself), is comfort. In times of conflict, times of trouble, times of grief, and times of abandonment, God gives those faithful to Him comfort. And with that same comfort, we can give it to others in their time of need. The unbeliever wants this kind of comfort, but refuses to seek it from its Source. Peace, joy, and comfort all come from God, and when you receive it, no one can take it away from you. Just one more misconception people have about Christians, failing to see what we possess in Christ.

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Until We Accept This....

Never, never, never, forget this: it’s God’s privilege to do as He pleases, and it’s our duty to obey. When we discover this, or better yet, accept this truth, then and only then we gain the ability of discovering His hidden treasures.

2 It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them. Proverbs 25:2

Happiness is Temporary, Joy is Forever...

The difference between happiness and joy is happiness is temporary, and the joy is eternal. When you do the right thing and deal justly with others, the joy it brings never leaves. Sure, you may not “feel” joyful on the outside all the time, but deep down inside you know that someday you will reap the rewards of knowing what you do is right in God’s sight. That kind of joy lasts forever, and it’s gets you through the tough times. Knowing God, pursuing Him daily, brings a sense of purpose and security that no one can take away. And that joy, as Jesus said, “is complete”. True joy, beyond most human comprehension, is God’s nearness to us.

3 There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. 4 Remember me, Lord, when You show favor to Your people; come near and rescue me. Psalms 106:3-4

We Don’t Have to Fully Understand to Accept it

God’s sovereignty, who can fully understand it? I think it’s more important to accept it, and trust Him with it, than try to understand it. God uses all people, good or evil, to take part in His plans. He uses evil people at times to discipline those He loves. But they don’t get away with it. And they don’t see their evilness as being bad or even used by God. The sovereignty of God overrides our plans, if we don’t pay attention, we won’t even know it’s happening.

5 “What sorrow awaits Assyria, the rod of My anger. I use it as a club to express My anger.6 I am sending Assyria against a godless nation, against a people with whom I am angry. Assyria will plunder them, trampling them like dirt beneath its feet.7 But the king of Assyria will not understand that he is My tool; his mind does not work that way. His plan is simply to destroy, to cut down nation after nation. Isaiah 10:5-7

12 After the Lord has used the king of Assyria to accomplish His purposes on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, He will turn against the king of Assyria and punish him–for he is proud and arrogant. 13 He boasts, “By my own powerful arm I have done this.With my own shrewd wisdom I planned it.I have broken down the defenses of nationsand carried off their treasures.I have knocked down their kings like a bull.14 I have robbed their nests of richesand gathered up kingdoms as a farmer gathers eggs.No one can even flap a wing against meor utter a peep of protest.” 15 But can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it?Is the saw greater than the person who saws?Can a rod strike unless a hand moves it?Can a wooden cane walk by itself?16 Therefore, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,will send a plague among Assyria’s proud troops,and a flaming fire will consume its glory. Isaiah 10:12-16

24 So this is what the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, says: “O My people in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrians when they oppress you with rod and club as the Egyptians did long ago. 25 In a little while My anger against you will end, and then My anger will rise up to destroy them.” Isaiah 10:24-25

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen to Good People?

I hear people, unbelievers mainly, always ask, “why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?” I can’t fully answer the question (for only God knows) but I can give a little insight into it. First off, I would ask the question, “How do you define good? Bad?” Secondly, and more importantly, “Who is Good?” According to the Bible we are all sinners and fall short of His Glory. We all see ourselves as better than we really are. We don’t even know ourselves that well, only God does. When we turn our backs on God, we only show our depraved, self-centered nature. It’s pure disobedience and rebellion. When a child purposely defies his or her parents, what is the result? If the parent loves their children there is discipline. It’s necessary to teach a person to learn from their mistakes. It helps them see certain behaviors are detrimental to their being. If the parent doesn’t love their children, they do nothing and let the consequences play out. Either way it’s an imperfect parent making the decisions. It’s the same way with God, except that He is perfect, He has all the facts, He’s fully just, and He loves us more than our parents ever could. He makes the right decision, 100% of the time. The problem lies with us, not God. When God disciplines, it’s accurate, appropriate, and 100% deserved. So the next time you are asked, “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?”, you’ll at least have a platform in your thinking to stand on and respond.

15 The leaders of Israel are the head,and the lying prophets are the tail.16 For the leaders of the people have misled them. They have led them down the path of destruction.17 That is why the Lord takes no pleasure in the young men and shows no mercy even to the widows and orphans. For they are all wicked hypocrites,and they all speak foolishness. But even then the Lord’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike. Isaiah 9:15-17

The First Place We Should Go...

The first place we should go when we are going through a trial or for guidance is to God. But how often it’s the last place we turn to? People turn to psychics and mediums, thinking they will give them answers. How can you get an answer from a dead person? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? God is where we should go, for all things, at all times.

11 The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, 12 “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.He is the One you should fear.He is the One who should make you tremble.14 He will keep you safe.But to Israel and JudahHe will be a stone that makes people stumble,a rock that makes them fall.And for the people of JerusalemHe will be a trap and a snare.15 Many will stumble and fall,never to rise again.They will be snared and captured.” 16 Preserve the teaching of God;entrust His instructions to those who follow me.17 I will wait for the Lord,who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob.I will put my hope in Him. 18 I and the children the Lord has given me serve as signs and warnings to Israel from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies who dwells in His Temple on Mount Zion.19 Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?20 Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict His word are completely in the dark. 21 They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven 22 and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness. Isaiah 8:11-22

Standing in Adverse Times...

Standing in adverse times is directly related to your faith. If your faith is firm, you will stand firm. If your faith is weak, you will fall.

Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm. Isaiah 7:9c

Thoughts on Death and Resurrection...

1 Corinthians 15 is a fascinating read, especially about the resurrection of the dead and our bodies. Here are some thoughts on this. 1. our earthly bodies cannot inherit what will last forever, death allows that transformation process to occur allowing us to live eternally with God 2. The resurrection gives Hope and steadfastness to the believer. It enables us to go on in the face of overwhelming and difficult circumstances. 3. God’s order: Spirit, soul, body. Man’s order: body, soul, spirit. 4. How we view death: unconfessed sin, and unforgiven sin makes man fear death. If we know we are forgiven, we can face death with confidence. 5. To the believer death is transforming. To the unbeliever death is the beginning of eternal punishment. 6. Nothing is ever wasted when done for God.

35 But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?” 36 What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. 37 And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. 38 Then God gives it the new body He wants it to have. A different plant grows from each kind of seed. 39 Similarly there are different kinds of flesh–one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.40 There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies. 41 The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each have another kind. And even the stars differ from each other in their glory.42 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. 44 They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.45 The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam–that is, Christ–is a life-giving Spirit. 46 What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. 47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. 48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. 49 Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.55 O death, where is your victory?O death, where is your sting?” 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Think, Speak, Stand....

In today’s time, we as believers need to be careful who we associate with. Bad company corrupts good character. If you constantly hang around people who are bitter and angry at the world, you will eventually adopt their same outlook in life, or at least refrain from speaking up for what is right. Instead of seeing God in everything, you’ll start seeing God absent from everything. And the end result is lack of faith in people (become apathetic). You’ll lose hope, which leads you down a road you don’t want to go. Think diligently about what is right, speak up when the truth is suppressed. Stand for God and His people. This quote sums it up precisely, by Martin Niemöller, a German theologian during World War Two,

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—      Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—      Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—      Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Big or Small or Not At All...

When God asked Isaiah, “Whom should I send as a messenger to His people? Who will go for us?” Isaiah responded, “Here I am, send me”. Do you love God? Enough to be willing to serve Him regardless of the cost? Isaiah did. Will you? God wants us to be willing. He will use us if we are willing. Big or small, or not at all, willing souls are rescued for His Glory. Are you willing?

He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”I said, “Here I am. Send me.”9 And He said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, Isaiah 6:7-9a

Living as if There is No God...

Every time I think about how far America has fallen, I can’t help but think of Israel before their exile. When people call good evil, and evil good the words in Isaiah chapter 6 ring out in my mind. Think about it, right now in America people believe these things. Abortion isn’t murder it’s a woman’s right. Marriage isn’t sacred it’s for all people, including same sex couples. If you oppose or disagree about homosexuality, you’re a bigoted hater, instead of a proactive, logical thinker, trying to prevent detrimental effects on the human body. If you don’t acknowledge there are 45 different genders you’re prejudice. If you stand for what the constitution says you’re a radical. And on and on. When pride inside a man rears it’s ugly head, his thinking becomes distorted, so much so, the common sense God gives everyone disappears. Opposites starts to flood the mind, and soon enough, man convinces himself that these contradictions become “his truth”. Satan has a way of deceiving that is so subtle over time that man doesn’t see it. It’s like a frog in a pot of water. If the temperature is raised slowly, he won’t recognize it, eventually boiling to death. So it is with our society. When you remove God from the equation, over time man starts to live as if there is no God, and opposes those that say there is. Those who think they are wise in their own eyes, and think they are so clever, only deceive themselves (or allow Satan to deceive them), and the only guarantee they have is God’s anger. This is America today, just like Israel in the Bible. This happens when people place their sin ahead of God’s Word and Ways.

 20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil,that dark is light and light is dark,that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.21 What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.22 What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wineand boast about all the alcohol they can hold.23 They take bribes to let the wicked go free,and they punish the innocent. 24 Therefore, just as fire licks up stubbleand dry grass shrivels in the flame,so their roots will rot and their flowers wither.For they have rejected the law of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies; they have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.25 That is why the Lord’s anger burns against His people, and why He has raised His fist to crush them. Isaiah 5:20-25a

Finishing Together....

Reading the parable of the vineyard workers seems a little strange and can be misconstrued very easily. The point is simple. God’s grace is given to anyone who repents of their sin and receives God’s salvation. It doesn’t matter if you’ve followed God for 90 years or 5 minutes. God grants the greatest gift, His love and forgiveness to every genuine believer. Everyone wins the million dollar jackpot (so to speak). People will say that doesn’t seem fair or right. It is fair and it is right. God’s standards are not our standards. God is not in a competition. He graciously rewards all of us the same. Is it not His prerogative to do? Can He not do with His authority what He wants to do with it? The problem doesn’t lay with God, rather it lies with us (when we try to play God). It’s our competitive, comparing nature that misinterprets this truth, revealing our fallible, selfish being. Man’s sinful nature is always trying to rationalize, compare, and promote himself above others. Our works-based mentality, tries to convince us that we have to earn salvation, which is impossible. We know that’s the exact opposite of what God’s Spirit promotes. We see The vineyard owner’s business plan as unfair to pay someone a full day’s wage that only worked 1 hour. And from a worldly view, that would be accurate. But God sees humanity differently. He gives all of us a lot of time to “see the light”. Some see it sooner than others and reap the benefit of living within His boundaries, walking with Him, and not being affected by sin and suffering more than those who take longer to “get it” (a reward within itself). That doesn’t disqualify the others who take longer, from receiving the same ultimate gift of salvation. God owns it all. And He sees to it that everyone receives the prize of salvation, regardless of how long it takes them to get there. It’s only after we receive this gracious gift (salvation) that we realize the scope of His grace and it no longer becomes an issue. God’s grace, His unmerited favor, equalizes humanity. It levels the playing field, humbling us, moving us past the point of unfair comparison. If we don’t deserve anything, than receiving something should be enough, correct? If we deserve condemnation, and yet receive salvation, should we even see this as “unfair”? If you still don’t understand this parable, think how is it possible for “the first to be last and last be first”? If we all start a race at different distances, going through life at different paces, there will be times when some people will be in front while others will be behind. In God’s race, we may not all start together, but we all finish at the exact same place, even at God’s finish line. And we all stand on the same level platform to receive our gold medal for first place. That’s why Jesus is so special. He eliminates the competition. There is not one winner, but all winners (those who make Him lord). When we get to Heaven there will be different rewards, but regardless who has more, we will lay them all at the feet of Jesus in gratitude for His ultimate gift. You see Jesus makes us all equal. God’s ways are not our ways and His thought are above our thoughts. When the Holy Spirit resides in us, our competitive, comparison nature, steps aside and welcomes in all those who didn’t start with us. What matters more, where we start, or where we finish? God makes it crystal clear what matters to Him. And He rewards us all the same for finishing.

1 “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard.2 He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work.3 “At nine o’clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing.4 So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day.5 So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o’clock he did the same thing.6 “At five o’clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, ‘Why haven’t you been working today?’7 “They replied, ‘Because no one hired us.’“The landowner told them, ‘Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.’8 “That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first.9 When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage.10 When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage.11 When they received their pay, they protested to the owner,12 ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’13 “He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage?14 Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you.15 Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’16 “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” Matthew 20:1-16