Displaying the Value of the Gospel…..

If only we (believers) would do a better job at displaying the value of the Gospel. If only we could demonstrate to people the value of God’s word. If only we could live boldly and confidently, showing all the beauty and comfort that is at the foot of the cross. If only we would show the intimacy with God looks like. If only our words matched our behaviors. Yes, there would still be evil practices, but fewer and fewer people wouldn’t be deceived by Satan’s ploy to tarnish our view of God’s character. Pray that God would empower you today with His Spirit, showing at least one person how majestic, loving, and approachable He truly is.

4 He said to him, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city.”5 Then I heard the Lord say to the other men, “Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity! 6 Kill them all–old and young, girls and women and little children. But do not touch anyone with the mark. Begin right here at the Temple.” So they began by killing the seventy leaders.7 “Defile the Temple!” the Lord commanded. “Fill its courtyards with corpses. Go!” So they went and began killing throughout the city.8 While they were out killing, I was all alone. I fell face down on the ground and cried out, “O Sovereign Lord! Will Your fury against Jerusalem wipe out everyone left in Israel?”9 Then He said to me, “The sins of the people of Israel and Judah are very, very great. The entire land is full of murder; the city is filled with injustice. They are saying, ‘The Lord doesn’t see it! The Lord has abandoned the land!’ 10 So I will not spare them or have any pity on them. I will fully repay them for all they have done.”11 Then the man in linen clothing, who carried the writer’s case, reported back and said, “I have done as You commanded.” Ezekiel 9:4-11

Money and God Are Not Equal….

You can read throughout scripture that money is necessary, but it’s not to be held in equality with God. Over time, here in America, we have learned to put our trust and security in money and less and less in God. Yes, there are certain things having money can do, like purchase possessions, pay bills, provide food to eat, and entertain us. But it’s never an excuse to say, “No” to God. When it comes down to the serious things in life, like curing a disease, reconciling a broken relationship, buying lasting happiness, money fails to live up to its perceived ability. We must learn that money and God are not equal, no matter what society or Satan tries to tell us, it shouldn’t be the pursuit of our lives. Only God can meet our every need.

19 “They will throw their money in the streets, tossing it out like worthless trash. Their silver and gold won’t save them on that day of the Lord’s anger. It will neither satisfy nor feed them, for their greed can only trip them up. Ezekiel 7:19

There Comes a Time When…..

There comes a time when God has had enough. His judgement comes, and there’s nothing we can do about it. Sin has a way of deceiving people into believing there’s more time, but when that time runs out, there is no recovery. The saddest part of being human is knowing there’s a remedy for sin, yet refusing it because of our pridefulness. There comes a time when vile behavior receives no mercy.

10 “The day of judgment is here;your destruction awaits!The people’s wickedness and pridehave blossomed to full flower.11 Their violence has grown into a rodthat will beat them for their wickedness.None of these proud and wicked people will survive.All their wealth and prestige will be swept away.12 Yes, the time has come;the day is here!Buyers should not rejoice over bargains,nor sellers grieve over losses,for all of them will fallunder My terrible anger.13 Even if the merchants survive,they will never return to their business.For what God has said applies to everyone–it will not be changed!Not one person whose life is twisted by sinwill ever recover. Ezekiel 7:10-13

17 “Have you seen this, son of man?” He asked. “Is it nothing to the people of Judah that they commit these detestable sins, leading the whole nation into violence, thumbing their noses at Me, and provoking My anger? 18 Therefore, I will respond in fury. I will neither pity nor spare them. And though they cry for mercy, I will not listen.” Ezekiel 8:17-18

Do I Trust Him or ……..

Having faith is easy, and at the same time it’s difficult. Just imagine, for 40 years the Israelites witnessed God and all of His miracles, and yet they still had disbelief. I think it all boils down to the choice we all have to make: do I trust Him or do I trust myself. Whichever you choose has a direct effect on your faith. Not having faith isn’t the issue, for we all have it, rather, it’s where you choose to place it that makes the difference. Unbelief, hardening of one’s heart, is the consequence of placing it in anything other than God Himself, especially when you place it only in yourself. The heart of man cannot be trusted, that includes trusting yourself.

12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 15 Remember what it says: “Today when you hear His voice,don’t harden your heartsas Israel did when they rebelled.” 16 And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard His voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? 18 And to whom was God speaking when He took an oath that they would never enter His rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed Him? 19 So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter His rest. Hebrews 3:12-19

Stay Focused on What’s Important…

The resolve a believer must determine in his own heart before he can progress onward in his walk with God, is to keep displaying his courage while remaining confident in his hope in Christ. This is the key and the struggle we must all face while living here on earth. Our priorities must stay focused on what’s important, and not allow the distractions of this world sidetrack us. When we are weak, pray for His strength, and for others to be sent to your side to help you through trying and difficult times.

But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. Hebrews 3:6

Ignoring His Voice….

The heart of the “God issue” isn’t that He doesn’t exist (as many claim), it’s the hardening of one’s own heart when they ignore His voice, that’s the core issue. There are so many people who deny God because when His voice speaks to them, it triggers something in their past that’s too painful to confront. Some sin, some experience, or issue that doesn’t want to be dealt with. Denying His existence buys them more time to avoid the pain. Over time, it hardens one’s heart to His voice. Denial doesn’t change reality, it just wastes our most precious resource, time. And over time, our receptiveness to truth gardens, leaving us vulnerable to any and all kinds of deception and temptation. God wouldn’t call men if He didn’t have a purpose for them. Stop denying, running away, and respond with the only proper reaction, “here I am Lord, restore and use me to bring You glory”. Enter into God’s rest today, and use the rest of your time here on earth making eternal deposits.

7 That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear His voice,8 don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested Me in the wilderness.9 There your ancestors tested and tried My patience, even though they saw My miracles for forty years.10 So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their hearts always turn away from Me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’11 So in My anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter My place of rest.’ ”. 12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 15 Remember what it says: “Today when you hear His voice,don’t harden your heartsas Israel did when they rebelled.” 16 And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard His voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? 18 And to whom was God speaking when He took an oath that they would never enter His rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed Him? 19 So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter His rest. Hebrews 3:6c-19

Anarchy of the Soul….

The problem in schools, and in society in general, is the lack of reverence for God. This lack of respect for authority and the lack of discipline to stop it has caused every structure and duty to become burdened. When you take away the very Thing that governs one’s own heart, you give birth to anarchy of the soul. Here in America, our government and society was based on two things: accountability to God (responsibility), and the protection of our rights (freedom). When our freedom no longer has proper restraint, it crumbles. No accountability leaves my rights exposed to your rights. And the only place they can be resolved is in court. There’s no wonder why our court system is so back-logged, is there? The solution is to bring back that reverence for God. It’s the only solution that works. Will America do it? Probably not, but each individual can repent of this passive sin, and start making a difference in the lives of others. At least people will know truth still exists, God is in control, we are accountable to Him, and there are “prophets” still among them.

14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. Proverbs 28:14

Who Says God is Unfeeling?

Who says God is unfeeling? Who says God is a Tyrant? Who says God is an egocentric monster? Does this verse support those notions? Do these accusers actually know God? Do they pursue Him by reading His book?

8 “But I will let a few of My people escape destruction, and they will be scattered among the nations of the world. 9 Then when they are exiled among the nations, they will remember Me. They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols. Then at last they will hate themselves for all their detestable sins. 10 They will know that I alone am the Lord and that I was serious when I said I would bring this calamity on them. Ezekiel 6:8-10

Protecting Me From Myself….

Here’s a scary thought that few have ever grasped: God knows our heart, more so than we know it. He knows the depravity that exists in it. He knows the potential it has to do evil. To think He protects those who pursue Him from doing further damage to themselves is part of the Grace the Bible tells us that is incomprehensible. On the flip side of that, for those that do not follow or revere Him, He allows that depravity in their heart to run its course. The outcome is their own doing, letting their own nature cause them to do despicable things. Here in Ezekiel chapter 5 we see this very thing play out. The circumstances of Jerusalem being under seize, causes some to eat their own children. Can you imagine how bad things would have to be to cause a person to even consider it? All because of their refusal to repent. All because of their selfish behavior they would not stop. I have to ask myself, what do I do that is selfish and non-productive to the Kingdom? Even if it’s something passive, like not contributing to the Church; not sharing my spiritual gifts with someone in need. It’s scary to think of the potential for evil I have inside me. I thank God He knows this and protects me from myself. He does the same for all believers. Praise Him today for His protection. Praise Him for His knowledge of you. Praise Him for His mercy. And praise Him for His unconditional love. We may not be able to fully understand God, but we can continue to grow in His Grace, drawing us closer to our Maker, and have confidence that He’s got our back.

7 “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: You people have behaved worse than your neighbors and have refused to obey My decrees and regulations. You have not even lived up to the standards of the nations around you. 8 Therefore, I Myself, the Sovereign Lord, am now your enemy. I will punish you publicly while all the nations watch. 9 Because of your detestable idols, I will punish you like I have never punished anyone before or ever will again. 10 Parents will eat their own children, and children will eat their parents. I will punish you and scatter to the winds the few who survive. Ezekiel 5:7-10

Jesus Understands Our Pain….

Here’s a truth only believers experience: Jesus understands our pain; He “gets” me. He understands our joy too. When unbelievers criticize followers of Christ by saying He is a crutch, I’ll agree with them. He’s what I lean on when I am impaired, or broken. He holds me up, and allows me to continue when “I can’t”. He understands me when no one else does. He sticks closer than a brother. He helps me get through life. I am dependent on Him to walk when I can’t, and to stand when I am weak. My response to the critic would be, “I’m saddened you see it that way. I’m sorry you’re missing out on such a beautiful blessing. Yes, Jesus is my crutch, and I’d take two of Him if I could.”

18 Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:18

Defeating Death…..

Jesus’ resurrection was not only proof of God’s plan to be the Savior of the world, but it was also to cripple Satan’s power over us. By defeating death (overcoming it), Jesus frees all believers from the controlling fear of dying. Thus, setting us free to do the thing we are called to do, not having to refrain or hold back out of fear. What a liberating thought!!!

14 Because God’s children are human beings–made of flesh and blood–the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:14-15

It’s Easy To Drift Off The Path….

If we are not diligent and deliberate in our pursuit of Truth (God), it’s easy to drift off the path we are meant to travel. God’s Truth always stands firm, and His justice always prevails. It’s easy to be complacent with the message of the Gospel, so don’t allow yourself to go there. Jesus this, Jesus that, Jesus saves, yada, yada, yada.... once you allow this life transforming message sink to the level of mediocrity, it will be a long, and hard journey back. Even though the message is simple, it’s supposed to be. It’s so effective when God calls a person, we don’t need to over complicate it. Taking God’s grace for granted is easy to do. Once you start, it snowballs into an avalanche, burying alive your enthusiasm and zeal for the truth; the two necessary requirements for preaching an effective Gospel (Spirit and Truth). If you find yourself in this predicament, get on your knees and ask God to forgive you, and to restore the love for Him you once proclaimed to all. If you’re not there, ask Him to preserve this grace-filled attitude you have towards Him, keeping your faith solidly preserved to fully function in His will. It’s easy to drift, especially if you lead a busy life. But remember, God is never too busy to meet your needs, so we should never be so busy that we omittedly miss His calling.

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose. Hebrews 2:1-4

A Heart Sold Out….

The true test of a heart “sold out” to God is this: when it is confronted with sin, it will confess it and repent. The true believer knows pride comes before a fall. And a believer knows God hates pride. A true believer has died to self, so he knows that barrier (pride) that keeps him from God, isn’t worth standing up for. The true believer knows there is rescue from the weight of sin, for God is ready to forgive when we truly confess our sins to Him, the sooner we face the consequences, the sooner the healing begins. Knowing this, understanding that sin separates us from God, makes it sensible to let go of the very thing that robs us of the grace God has given us. Concealing our sin is a selfish act; it steals all that God has in store for us. Even more reason to drop “pride” off on the side of the road every day on your way to work. Your closeness to God is determined by how you handle your sin. Confess it, and receive mercy. Conceal it, and watch your heart drift away from the One Who determines everything.

13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13

The Impossible Isn’t Far Away….

The key to the Bible is this: it was written to YOU. It must be read, studied, and embedded in your own heart first. Only then, will you be effective in speaking it’s truth to others. Never use scripture to “cure” someone else, until you’ve run it through your own heart first, and applied it to your life. When it’s done in this manner, you’ll speak with a confident power and authority that will reach the heart of the listener. You can’t change another human being’s heart, only God can do that, but when your heart is aligned with Our Heavenly Father’s heart, the impossible isn’t far away.

10 Then He added, “Son of man, let all My words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. 11 Then go to your people in exile and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Do this whether they listen to you or not.” Ezekiel 3:10-11

Going in the Same Direction…

If you want to know God, then know Jesus. It’s that simple. Pursuing God means reading His Word. Pursuing God means studying the life of Jesus. Knowing God comes from Him revealing more of Himself to us when we fully dedicate our 100%, undivided attention onto Him. If Jesus was our example of how to live, then why are we not emulating Him more? If the Bible tells us to be like Christ Jesus, wouldn’t it make sense to pattern our behavior like the behavior He displayed throughout His lifetime? To know Jesus is to know God. It’s clear. It’s just not easy when we try to live with one foot in this world, and the other foot marching toward Heaven. Unity is the key. We must get our body and mind going in the same direction, or we will stagnate moving but still staying in the same spot. Our position in Christ is secure, it’s our practice (walk) that needs to live up to this position. When we imitate Christ, the closer we come to meeting this goal.

3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 4 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave Him is greater than their names. Hebrews 1:3-4

Damaging the Cause of Christ….

With elections right around the corner, it so disheartening to see the nastiness of people boldly on display arguing for or against certain candidates. It hurts my soul to see Christians reveal their most inner thoughts. When a Christian proclaims his or her loyalty to a candidate that doesn’t value life, or the sanctity of marriage, I feel sorry for that person. To think that someone who claims to be a Bible-believing, God-fearing, Jesus-follower, votes for practices that God has clearly stated He hates, shows me there’s something wrong with that person’s theology. How can a person who’s position in Christ is eternally secure, and who’s practice is focused on emulating Jesus, willfully violate God’s character? Maybe their proclaimed alliance to Christ isn’t real? Maybe they are truly traitors of the Gospel? Maybe they are in the beginning stages of their walk, and are still struggling with their worldly ways? Whatever the case, it grieves my heart to see these mixed messages being sent out, further damaging the cause of Christ. Pray for those people, for nothing is impossible for God. And more importantly, examine your own heart, and ask God to draw your heart closer to His.

158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for Your word. Psalms 119:158

Ricochet Evangelism….

Can you imagine God telling you to go and tell someone something (speak truth), and then tell you that the person you’re going to tell won’t listen? It reminds me of a story that Lee Strobel tells in his speaking engagements. He says that God put an atheist friend of his on his heart. So he goes to him at work (after hours) and witnesses to him. He and this atheist friend are the only ones there. He gets this from his friend, “you’re wasting your time with me, Strobel, I’ll never believe in your Jesus”. Strobel leaves there frustrated and confused. He thinks, “Why would God tell me to go and share the gospel with a hard-hearted man”? To this day, this atheist friend is still anti-God. He thought he had wasted his time, only to find out a few years later that while he was sharing the truth of the Gospel with this atheist, unbeknownst to him, there was a desperate man on the floor (out of site) installing new floor tiles. He had heard every word Strobel enthusiastically expressed to this atheist friend. This tile-installer guy was so convicted that he went home and told his wife that they were going to church on Easter Sunday. He later became a believer, and eventually found Strobel and told him about what had happened. This “ricochet evangelism” may have frustrated Strobel, but he was reminded that God’s word never returns void; it’s never wasted. It always accomplishes what it’s supposed to, even if we don’t see it or understand the situation. Here in Ezekiel, God appoints Ezekiel to be His prophet for the exiled Jewish nation. But God tells Ezekiel to speak truth, even though they’re not going to listen. God tells Ezekiel that even though they won’t listen, they will know they had a prophet among them. The next time you are obedient to God’s call to witness to someone, speaking truth into their life, remember this passage, and the Strobel story. God’s word is never wasted, it accomplishes exactly what it’s supposed to. Your obedience to proclaiming God’s word is more important than the unknown purpose you’re still trying to figure out. It glorifies God, every time it comes out of your mouth, setting into motion it’s mysterious path, and accomplishing exactly what it’s supposed to, even if you never know the reason “why”.

5 And whether they listen or refuse to listen–for remember, they are rebels–at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.6 “Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. 7 You must give them My messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious! 8 Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:5-8

10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.11 It is the same with My word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:10-11

One in Spirit….

When believers are united, one in Spirit, and ask a favor, the Spirit in us prompts our willingness to respond with a “yes”, rather than agreeing out of guilt, force, or obligation. Another one of those mysteries God has that no one can explain, but can experience. United in the Spirit accomplishes much, much more than united by man alone.

14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. Philemon 1:14

Wisdom’s Counterfeit Brother….

Having money has the potential of blinding eyes to spiritual matters. Why is this so? Because having “means” makes us think we can so “NO” to God. If we have plenty of it, we think we can do anything. This false security slowly allows callouses to grow over our eyes, because God pulls away from those who refuse His presence. True Wisdom only comes from God, so without Him, the deception that money brings, only allows wisdom’s counterfeit brother to be attainable, pseudo-wisdom; a.k.a. Arrogance. Take a survey for yourself. What is the percentage of wealthy people you know who revere God, versus the number whom God is not even an after-thought?

11 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. Proverbs 28:11

Innocent Blood….

In the Bible, the shedding of innocent blood is mentioned throughout. God hates this. He hates it so much, He repeats it over and over. This consistent repetition should be a reminder that shedding innocent blood is not acceptable. And when it happens, God will punish the oppressors. When a person, or even a nation, disregards this despicable practice, look out, discipline is on its way. It’s one reason America is so divided with disdain for each other, The shedding of innocent blood is now legal, and irrationally renamed “reproductive rights”. No matter what anyone will argue, the term God uses “shedding of innocent blood” couldn’t be more accurate in describing ABORTION. No one can argue that’s exactly what happens when a woman chooses to use her “reproductive rights” to shed innocent blood. God is not pleased, and He will discipline a nation when it doesn’t bat an eye at this despicable practice.

13 Yet it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the sins of her priests, who defiled the city by shedding innocent blood. Lamentations 4:13

Enough To Take the Heat…..

The reason people don’t like to be judged is because they have never submitted themselves to the only Judge in our universe. When people fear man more than God, the judgements they receive hold more value than they should. But when you fear God over man, His 100% accurate judgements trump any one man can offer. Once you know where you stand with God, everything else fails by comparison, and your confident enough to take the heat of man’s criticism and judgement.

57 Yes, You came when I called;You told me, “Do not fear.” 58 Lord, You are my lawyer! Plead my case! For You have redeemed my life. 59 You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord. Be my judge, and prove me right. Lamentations 3:57-59

The Condition of One’s Heart…..

The condition of one’s heart is the most important factor when it comes to living life. God is in control, we are not. Once we accept and understand this, our heart can begin the journey of walking by faith. It’s not until we accept His Sovereignty, that we are able to truly live. Yes, it’s a struggle, but it necessary. Freedom without restraint, really isn’t freedom. The condition of the heart matters. A wild and free heart has no place in God’s economy of saving that which is lost. A lost heart cannot save itself.

31 For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.32 Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion because of the greatness of His unfailing love.33 For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow. 34 If people crush underfoot all the prisoners of the land,35 if they deprive others of their rights in defiance of the Most High,36 if they twist justice in the courts–doesn’t the Lord see all these things? 37 Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission?38 Does not the Most High send both calamity and good?39 Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? 40 Instead, let us test and examine our ways.Let us turn back to the Lord.41 Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven and say,42 “We have sinned and rebelled, and You have not forgiven us. Lamentations 3:19c-42

Even If You’re Not “Feelin’ It”……

While Jeremiah was witnessing the devastation of Jerusalem, and probably in and out of depression, he still placed his hope in God. When the “chips are down”, and you can still have hope, because you trust in the Lord, this is a blessing. The faithful love of the Lord never ends, even if you’re not “feeling it” at the moment. God is good to those that depend on Him.

20 I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.23 Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;therefore, I will hope in Him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who depend on Him,to those who search for Him.26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of His discipline: Lamentations 3:19c-27

Division Causing Behaviors….

Modern day politics are bad enough, but when mixed in with the media and social platforms like Facebook, it only exacerbates these division causing behaviors. Among believers this is just one more way Satan plans on causing disunity, the opposite of God’s unifying agenda. God wants to unite His people, yet we fall prey to the deceptive practices of the Devil. Ask God today to open your eyes spiritually, to remove the veil of distraction, busyness, and deception, to see what He sees, and to equip you with the full armor of God. Only then can we see what it is we are really fighting against.

9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. Titus 3:9-11

12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:12-18

Retreating From Where It Came…..

Reading through the Bible you begin to see this truth come to life. When someone plans evil against a righteous man, it most always backfires. The evil used towards the righteous has a way of retreating to where it came from. Another reason to be solely accountable to God. It prevents you from harming yourself.

10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. Proverbs 28:10

A Sure Thing….

The one thing about being a believer (in God) that non-believers don’t see is GOD IS TRUSTWORTHY. His word can be trusted. He is the only One worthy of our loyalty. What He says comes true, for He is Truth. People put their trust in other people only to be let down. This causes man to not trust anyone. It’s how we view God. When a father lets down a child by breaking a promise, that child loses trust in his father. And when we are let down by people, we tend to blame God for these shortcomings. We can’t associate people’s behaviors with God’s character. Don’t ever let yourself go there. He is 100% trustworthy. Every single promise God has ever made has come true or is in the process of coming true. People go to casinos wanting to strike it rich, they want a “sure thing”. Gamblers bet on games that are a “sure thing”. People spend part of every one of their paychecks on lottery tickets in hope of “striking it rich”. Yet we fail to believe God, as if He is a lottery ticket unworthy of our purchase. God can be trusted. His promises are a “sure thing”. It’s not until we see God as the “first cause” of everything, then start trusting Him as a “Sure Thing”, that we will truly start to live. He is the Compass of life. He sets our direction, our life journey, and the Magnet that pulls us back on track when stray from His path for us. It’s what gives us consistency, reliability, security, and confidence; all in trusting Him with our lives. He is worthy of our devotion, and worthy of our trust. Why not start seeing the value in that? It will change your entire outlook on life.

 137 O Lord, You are righteous, and Your regulations are fair.138 Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.139 I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded Your words.140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.141 I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget Your commandments.142 Your justice is eternal, and Your instructions are perfectly true.143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in Your commands.144 Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. Psalms 119:137-144

Calling People Out….

When we discreetly point out sin, people oppose you. It’s a natural reaction. The entire point about “calling people out”, is to see what the condition of the heart is. How you react to this “calling out”, tells you where your loyalties reside. They are either with God, or for yourself, there’s only two choices. The entire purpose of exposing sinful behavior is to prick the conscience into doing its job, turning us away from sin, and back to God. Remember, we must do this with gentleness and respect. If we truly love people, we will care enough about them to speak the truth. God will work out the details.

14 Your prophets have said so many foolish things, false to the core. They did not save you from exile by pointing out your sins. Instead, they painted false pictures, filling you with false hope. Lamentations 2:14

What Grieves the Heart of God should….

What grieves the heart of God should also grieve the hearts of His faithful followers. When we rationalize practices that clearly violate God’s character, we should ask ourselves, “how can this be”? “What is it about me that I see this differently than God”? “What am I missing”? Only then will we ask God to lift the veil of deception from our eyes, to search our own heart, then be willing to make any necessary changes to realign our heart with His.

11 I have cried until the tears no longer come; my heart is broken. My spirit is poured out in agony as I see the desperate plight of my people. Little children and tiny babies are fainting and dying in the streets. Lamentations 2:11

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24

No Regard for the Future…

One sign of spiritual maturity is the value placed on the future. When you are in a tight spot, and need to make a decision, placing value on how that decision will affect your future should be considered. Living for the “now” only is a sure sign if immaturity. Quick gratification doesn’t apply the type of discernment God calls for us to use in our decision-making. This instant gratification trumping long-term concern is what has gotten America in the predicament She’s currently in. Simply stated, having no regard for the future isn’t Biblical.

9 She defiled herself with immorality and gave no thought to her future.Now she lies in the gutter with no one to lift her out. “Lord, see my misery,” she cries. “The enemy has triumphed.” Lamentations 1:9

Accuracy in Its Predictions…..

The one thing that the Bible has been consistent with throughout is its accuracy in its predictions. The prophecies fulfilled are historically accurate. Just like Jeremiah predicted, the Medes marched in and conquered Babylon not too long after his prophecy was told. If you don’t believe it, research it yourself. Another reason to read and study God’s word; not only a part of history, but you’ll grow closer to the Writer of HIStory.

11 Sharpen the arrows! Lift up the shields!For the Lord has inspired the kings of the Medes to march against Babylon and destroy her. This is His vengeance against those who desecrated His Temple. Jeremiah 51:11