Inner Focus and ‘Worldly Beauty’….

I’ll be the first to admit, this “women’s movement” we see today is man’s fault. If men did their job, treating women as they should, I don’t think we’d have this public outcry. Aside from this, I wish women would focus more on their inner beauty, and less on their outer appearance (as we all should). I once heard a story about NBA wives (married to NBA basketball players). They admitted their struggles in daily life. These women are the cream of the crop when it comes to physical appearance, and yet, every time they enter a room, either at an event or get-together, they feel so insecure. They state, “every time I enter a room, I feel like every other woman in the room is ‘sizing me up’”. Isn’t it ironic how the most attractive, and physically beautiful people are the most insecure? It doesn’t have to be this way. If women would focus on their inner beauty, their character, their value in Christ, their value to their husband and children, maybe we would not ever read about this type of situation. Unfortunately, without that inner focus, this “worldly beauty” is shallow, insecure, and fleeting. True beauty comes from God, and it’s lived from the inside out.

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3-4

Display Your Trust In God….

If you don’t know why you believe in God, I suggest you get busy in reading scripture. If you do know the reason, then get busy reading scripture, and heavily engage in prayer with God. Why? For many reasons, but the one you need to use is the reason you have hope. People in today’s society don’t have this hope, this confidence that we have in our God. Peter tells us to always be ready to give an answer for the hope we have to those who ask. Do you have your response ready? Someone may ask you today. If you find people aren’t asking you, maybe you’re not giving them reason to suspect you’re not any different than they are. Live out your faith. Display your trust in God. Expect people to take notice. And when they do, infuse them with the hope only God can give, being gentle and respectful in your approach.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15-16

Stirring Up, Calming Down….

Have you ever noticed how easy and quick someone can stir up trouble; agitating an entire group of people? And on that same thought, how long it takes to calm them down? Anyone can be an agitator, stirring up trouble, but it takes a wise man to know how to calm them down, and sometimes it can take a long, long time to do so.

8 Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger. Proverbs 29:8

There’s No Going Back….

Here’s an anology taken from today’s reading in Ezekiel chapter 46. The Lord is describing the Temple celebrations when the exiles are brought back to The Holy Land from exile. On the Sabbath, the Prince must enter and exit from the same point. However, the people must enter from one point and exit from the opposite entry point. You say, what’s the point? I don’t know exactly the reason why, but I can relate it to our salvation. Once you enter into a right relationship with the Lord, there’s no going back. You can’t live your old life, with this new found salvation mindset. You can’t put new wine in old wine skins (as Jesus said). Or as Paul reminds us to throw off the old coat and put on the new. When you enter into God’s presence, it’s impossible to leave unchanged (if you’re a believer). Leaving out the opposite entrance, only emphasizes that. Once saved, you can’t go back. At least you can’t live that old lifestyle and expect God to use you in full capacity. It just doesn’t work that way. When you enter God’s presence, you will leave differently, because you are a changed being. God’s presence has that kind of effect on people. It’s why many people stay away from Him (they don’t want to change).

8 “The prince must enter the gateway through the entry room, and he must leave the same way. 9 But when the people come in through the north gateway to worship the Lord during the religious festivals, they must leave by the south gateway. And those who entered through the south gateway must leave by the north gateway. They must never leave by the same gateway they came in, but must always use the opposite gateway. Ezekiel 46:8-9

The Guardian’s Example…

When people ask me where in the Bible does it say we are to behave like Jesus, to emulate Him? There are many places, but here is one of them. There’s not much room for confusion in its application.

21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. 22 He never sinned,nor ever deceived anyone.23 He did not retaliate when He was insulted,nor threaten revenge when He suffered.He left His case in the hands of God,who always judges fairly.24 He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.By His wounds you are healed.25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away.But now you have turned to your Shepherd,the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-25

There’s Got To Be More….

Living differently than the world lives, honors God. To be more specific, living a godly life, points others toward God, which brings Him Glory. When people see you living a life like Jesus, they don’t have any legitimate reason to persecute, ridicule, or hate you. Your behavior gives them a glimpse of what a life with purpose looks like. A life of meaning, living God’s way, shows others that there’s more to life than a selfish pursuit. It helps paint a vivid picture of what their life could be. It shows them there’s so much more out there, and that they’ve settled for mediocre. Living God’s way, honors Him, and the by-product is giving hope to those who know in their hearts, “there’s got to be more”.

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world. 1 Peter 2:11-12

Don’t Want To Be Saved….

Men go to Hell because they don’t want to be saved. Think about how this truth can answer a lot of skeptics’ questions when it comes to God’s character.

7 Yes, you who trust Him recognize the honor God has given Him. But for those who reject Him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 1 Peter 2:7-8

Our Biggest Undiagnosed Problem…

Our biggest undiagnosed problem in America today is the inability to deal with guilt, shame, and regret. You see, sin causes all three of these to infiltrate a person’s life who doesn’t have the ability to deal with sin, which is all of us. People see sin as something that only matters in the end of life. Or they see sin as once forgiven always forgiven, meaning ask once, continue to be forgiven even if they are still practicing the sin. It doesn’t work that way. The ultimate penalty for sin is death, but that death affects every aspect of our lives now. It controls how we think, always having to justify our behavior, choosing methods that only prolong and complicate the process. Dealing with sin is simple. It’s confessing it. Trying to make right the transgression with the offended party. And making it right with God. Forgiveness is only possible through Jesus. God is the only One that can cast our transgressions into the depths of the sea, and be remembered no more. Any other way doesn’t work. Yet we try to conquer sin, or wish it away with other means. Sin destroys relationships, and it destroys lives. It makes living complicated and unbearable at times. It invites anxiety, stress, depression, and hopeless into our lives. The longer it goes on never being rightfully addressed it destroys lives. The answer to sin is Jesus. The problem is, most people don’t know Him. They are deceived in thinking He will restrict their freedom, when in actuality, it is only through Him that we are truly set free. People think that by making Him Lord they will never have fun anymore, but only through Him our joy will be made complete. The prominent and undiagnosed problem in America today is recognizing our sin, and finding a Method that effectively copes with it. The answer for the sin problem is Jesus. It always has been, and always will be. If you’re tired, hopeless, full of anxiety, and often depressed, chances are you’re probably living life by allowing your feelings to dictate your decision making. Feelings will only take you on a rollercoaster ride that never ends. The adrenaline will soon wear off and leave you emotionless. Then the only solution to your hopelessness will leave you with one solution, death. Isn’t that what sin intended to do from the beginning? Stop the cycle, fall on your knees before God and repent. Say, “I’m sorry Lord, fix me”. “I can’t do it myself”. “My pride isn’t worth it”. And He will hear your call, and respond with Grace, resurrecting the life you were meant to have from the beginning. Hope is just one breath away.

31 Then you will remember your past sins and despise yourselves for all the detestable things you did. 32 But remember, says the Sovereign Lord, I am not doing this because you deserve it. O My people of Israel, you should be utterly ashamed of all you have done! Ezekiel 36:31-32

26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27

Base Our Rescue On…

Just imagine if our leaders in America based their decisions on God’s Word? I wonder how different living here would be? I guarantee it would be more respectful. There would be more personal responsibility. There would be more freedom, but with restraint. There would be more unity. Of course there would still be sin, but we would be more sensitive to sin, so that most people would police themselves with accountability to God first. God’s ways are best, and until believers understand this, we are no different from those who live life solely for themselves. We must base our rescuing on God’s word. There is no alternative for the believer.

24 “They will serve as judges to resolve any disagreements among My people. Their decisions must be based on My regulations. And the priests themselves must obey My instructions and decrees at all the sacred festivals, and see to it that the Sabbaths are set apart as holy days. Ezekiel 44:24

Never Blend In….

One thing about God that we must never lose sight of us His Holiness. He is set apart. He is set apart for a reason. He is different from all other living beings. And when we are commanded to be holy because He is Holy, we must obey. We are set apart from the world. We are to behave differently, be different, and react differently from the ways of the world. When we do this, people take notice, they are intrigued (at least those that have the capability of knowing God). When Paul talked about this in the book of Ephesians, he told us to put off the old way of life, and put on the new. It’s like after getting clean from a long shower, why would you want to put on your filthy clothes when you’ve been given brand new, clean clothes? You wouldn’t. Our standard to follow is Jesus, Who is the living God. If He tells us to be different from the world, and gives us the desires to do so, why in the world would we not listen, and continue to be like the world? Being holy means you are set apart for God’s purpose. It’s to be different, to stand out by living your life emulating Jesus. Once you renew your mind and change your thinking patterns to make this a reality, you’ll guarantee one thing, you will never blend in, and go unnoticed with the world.

And this is the basic law of the Temple: absolute holiness! Ezekiel 43:12a

The Flower Fades…..

In the movie, “The Apostle Paul”, there is a scene where Paul is addressing a high ranking Roman official. He asks the Roman if he has ever sailed? With a response of “yes”, Paul tells this analogy. When you place your hand in the water and pull it out, the water runs off your hand, and no matter how hard you try to grasp it, you can’t. He relates this to all the desires and pursuits we have in life. He says our entire existence is trying to hold that handful of water. Paul then goes on to say that there is another world, one that is represented by the entire ocean. And that’s the one he lives for. Peter reiterated this truth here in 1 Peter 1. Just like that handful of water we try to hold onto is fleeting, so this life we have now will quickly end. Then for those that believe, you will live forever, experiencing the vastness of the entire ocean, and even more. Start living eternally today, it will change everything.

23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades.25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:23-25

Not Trapped….

One of the things people don’t realize about living life without God, is that there is no answer for sin. Living a sinful life is a trap, with no escape. You become a slave to sin; it dominates and controls your life. The believer doesn’t have this mindset, for he has be freed from the power of sin. He has reason to flee from it. Yes, he still may sin, but he is not trapped, hopelessly ensnared without escape. When Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected, He broke the power of sin and death. It’s through faith in Him that a believer is set free from that bondage. We have a way to deal with it; the only right, effective way. Shouldn’t we rejoice in this “Good News”? Shouldn’t we shout for joy?

6 Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy. Proverbs 29:6

Evidence Against Us….

Isn’t it ironic how the things we pursue out of our wealth are the very things that will condemn us in the end? All of our pursuits (in our wealth), stop us from treating people right, cause us to lower our respect levels, allow us to stoop to new lows. Our pursuit of “things” crowds out ability to see clearly and respond to the needs of others. Pursuing wealth only contributes to our selfishness. The more we do it, the more we get our way, the harder it is to say “sorry”, or do the right thing. The further we journey into the pursuit of wealth, the more lost we become, and the harder it is to turn around and come back to reality. Our treasures on earth will be evidence against us on the day of judgement.

Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 2 Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 3 Your gold and silver have become worthless. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment. 4 For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The wages you held back cry out against you. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.5 You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you. James 5:1-6

Flattery Is A Trap…..

Unless I truly know someone, I’ve always had a thing for not telling someone they are good looking, or good at doing this or that, because I know vanity leads to disappointment. When you praise someone for their performance or their looks, it raises the bar for their expectations. It sets them up for the next bigger “fix”. When it doesn’t come, disappointment sets in. Instead of using flattery, try praising someone’s character, who they are, not what they do. It will build them up, giving them motivation to continue to practice those qualities. Flattery may get you brownie points, but eventually will catch you in a trap. Once there, it’s hard to escape. Flattery comes from shallow people wanting something from you. Praise comes from those that love you, wanting nothing but the best for you.

5 To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. Proverbs 29:5

Another Forgotten Principle….

Pursuing God makes you accountable. It makes us a lot more than just accountable. People of our day need to understand that integrity, honesty, the ability to truly love, and be responsible can only be found in a relationship with Jesus (God). You can’t display what you don’t possess. You can’t be responsible if you don’t have Someone that will hold you accountable for your actions. Another forgotten principle in today’s society.

26 They will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness after they come home to live in peace in their own land, with no one to bother them. Ezekiel 39:26

Replacing Hardened, Stony Hearts….

If only we could get politicians and leaders to read and follow the Bible, we would have stability in our nation. Knowing God and desiring to be like Jesus, changes everything. Start with yourself, in the home and workplace. Determine Whom/whom you will serve, and what you will and will not do in advance. Then pray for our leaders, that God would replace their stony, hardened hearts, with a responsive hearts, dedicated to Him.

4 A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. Proverbs 29:4

DEO VOLENTE….

Have you ever gotten to the point where you said, “You alone know the answer to that” (referring to God)? As believers this has to be an attitude, determined in advance, so that when things happen, we already trust God for the purpose and outcome. Do you have this kind of fixed attitude towards God? “DEO VOLENTE”.

3 Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”“O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “You alone know the answer to that.” Ezekiel 37:3

13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. James 4:13-16

More Than Just Rescue….

I hear people give testimonies and use analogies like God rescued me, He saved me from drowning. But in reality, God did more than that; He resurrected you from the dead. Before we know God, we are dead to Him. Once we see the error of our ways and repent, God resurrects us back to life, actually a new life. He performs heart transplant surgery. We are no longer the same; we are fit for Heaven and ready to go there. Once this happens, there is no turning back. The old is gone, and the new is ushered in.

26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27

Doesn’t God Own It All?

How often do you hear people talk about land being taken by foreigners as their own? So many people talk about Israel and the West Bank. They even talk about the Native American Indians having their land stolen by white man. They argue it’s not right for people to do that. They argue for the native people to get their land back. How about we start by giving back their own property first (I’d love to see their reaction to that). It’s a shame that some of these people call themselves Christians. I guess these people have never read their Bibles very carefully. Doesn’t God own it all? Isn’t it His prerogative to give it to whom He chooses? Isn’t God sovereign? How many of us forget this, getting caught up in the politics of our day? You either trust God being sovereign, or you don’t. Your words reveal what’s truly in your heart. It shows where your true loyalties lie.

5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My jealous anger burns against these nations, especially Edom, because they have shown utter contempt for Me by gleefully taking My land for themselves as plunder. Ezekiel 36:5

Faith Is Like a Muscle….

The number one reason our faith may seem weak or even non-existent at times is because our actions don’t make our faith complete. Faith in action is how we show our love for God. If you say you believe, yet do nothing to cultivate it by putting it into action, it will never grow. What kind of message are you sending? Faith is like a muscle, exercise it and it grows, let it sit idle, and it atrophies. Faith without works is a dead faith. It can’t get any simpler than this.

14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”–but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:14-26

What We Put Into It…..

Life isn’t so much about what we can get out of it, for we can take nothing with us when we depart it. Life is made by what we put into it. What we invest in people and God’s word (those that are eternal) will be great rewards in our next life, while infusing us with hope and satisfaction in this one.

13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you. James 2:13

There’s No Reason….

A prophetic statement from the Psalms. There’s no reason for us not to be saved. Unless of course we don’t want to be saved.

8 He Himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin. Psalms 130:8

Be Doers….

Times change, but do people really change? It would be hard to quantify the number of people in my church who fit this description. I’d bet the % is higher than you think. James, the brother of Jesus said, “be doers of the Word, not just hearers only”. What good is knowing something if you never use it?

31 So My people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. 32 You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don’t act on it! Ezekiel 33:31-32

Giving Him What He Wants…

If only people would examine their own hearts, they would see the heart of God. They would see His true mission. If they were honest with themselves, they would know God’s heart is for us, and not against us. They would see their own doing in their demise. They would see the heart of God longing for them to return to Him. They would see His grieving heart. If this is what God wants from each one of us, what’s stopping you from giving Him what He wants (your whole heart)?

10 “Son of man, give the people of Israel this message: You are saying, ‘Our sins are heavy upon us; we are wasting away! How can we survive?’ 11 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?12 “Son of man, give your people this message: The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins. 13 When I tell righteous people that they will live, but then they sin, expecting their past righteousness to save them, then none of their righteous acts will be remembered. I will destroy them for their sins. 14 And suppose I tell some wicked people that they will surely die, but then they turn from their sins and do what is just and right. 15 For instance, they might give back a debtor’s security, return what they have stolen, and obey My life-giving laws, no longer doing what is evil. If they do this, then they will surely live and not die. 16 None of their past sins will be brought up again, for they have done what is just and right, and they will surely live.17 “Your people are saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right,’ but it is they who are not doing what’s right. 18 For again I say, when righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and turn to evil, they will die. 19 But if wicked people turn from their wickedness and do what is just and right, they will live. 20 O people of Israel, you are saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right.’ But I judge each of you according to your deeds.” Ezekiel 33:10-20

Don’t Pray for Less Fear…

I can guarantee you believers that have the “preach the Gospel, but don’t offend anyone” approach, skip right through this chapter of Ezekiel. People say, “you have to have a relationship with someone to witness to them”, sure it helps but is not necessary. How can you witness to someone you meet on a bus? You have ten minutes. Is it possible to establish a relationship in 10 minutes? I know for a fact that you can “connect” in 10 minutes. We are responsible for warning people of the coming judgement. Yes, we will stand before God forgiven, but we will still have to hear what He has to say to us. All of the “I should’ve, could’ve, would’ve...”, will be taken into account. Imagine if you grew up in a loving family, with great memories, then at the end of your life found out a secret about them that shook your world, would you question their love for you? In the same way, we have an obligation to present truth to the world, regardless if they receive it or not. The responsibility lies with “me”. Whatever I don’t do, in regards to witnessing, will be an unrewarded experience when we stand before God. This isn’t supposed to scare you, or coerce you into action, it should just stir up the love you have for God and His people. This love should drive your actions to show people what life with God is all about. As my friend Ray Comfort says, “when it comes to reaching out to the lost, don’t pray for less fear, pray for more love, because that’s the problem.”

1 Once again a message came to me from the Lord: 2 “Son of man, give your people this message: ‘When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose one of their own to be a watchman. 3 When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. 4 Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. 5 They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives. 6 But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths.’7 “Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for Me. 8 If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 9 But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 33:1-9

It Has to Be Personal….

James couldn’t have been any more clear about the Christian faith than when he tells us to exam God’s truth, accept it, and to never forget it. This is the reward and consequence of a person’s faith. What this is essentially saying is that in order to make faith real it has to be personal, otherwise it’s just an ideology for all to read about, like all the others out there. People either do it, making it personal (as James states here) or they blow it off (never having the Spirit’s gift of insight due to lack of desire). Nothing more needs to be said. It’s just sad most people have never taken the time to “look carefully” into God’s word. God’s word is alive and active..... only revealed to those that choose to believe.

25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25

His Prized Possession…

Stop, for one minute, and think about this: All believers are God’s prized possession. Never forget this. Never allow something to come between this truth and any substitute. Allow it to motivate you, inspire you, or help you get up when you’ve been knocked down. It is the truth of the Bible; it’s why we have it. Never forget the reason you are here is because God wants a relationship with those who choose to love Him back. You are special, never forget that, but never allow it to go to your head. Keep this truth in your heart, and you’ll be alright, enough to fulfill your purpose in knowing God personally.

He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession. James 1:18

Divided Loyalty…

I would say living in America, I struggle with this “divided loyalty”, more than anything else. It’s not like I’m not dedicated to Truth, it’s just the consistency of being bombarded with news, advertising, people’s opinions, and the redefining of established concepts and definitions that distract me. It’s hard to stay focused theses days. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sold out to God, but easily distracted. Holding focus is something I struggle with being a small business owner. Trying to find the right niche and brand myself as a _________ type of photographer is my dilemma. I’ve established my non-negotiables (things I won’t compromise on), it’s just trying to live in a world that does everything it can to disrupt truth and fight God is hard to live in. When I get in this rut of divided loyalty, I always go back to what I know to be true. I pray that God will help put to sleep thoughts that are not productive to His will, and to empower me with a biblical mindset (one set on Him). It’s a struggle, but it’s one worth fighting. And I have no plans on ever giving up.

6 But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8

27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27

Many Haters Declare…

If God is such a tyrant or a killjoy as many haters declare, then why does He offer forgiveness? Why not eliminate all evil at once? If He kept a record of our sins, who would be worthy? God’s grace prompts us towards repentance. It helps us reverence Him (a healthy fear). If God wants everything His way, then why does He want our participation? It’s because He wants us to know Him. He wants us to relate to Him. Does that sound like the God all the haters are describing these days?

3 Lord, if You kept a record of our sins,who, O Lord, could ever survive? 4 But You offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear You. Psalms 130:3-4

4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4

Settling for Second-Best….

Do you ever think we as Christians settle for second-best? Just because the worldly answer is right there, doesn’t mean we have to settle for it. We think’ “I guess this is as good as it gets”, so we begin to settle for what we have. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a place for being content with what God has given us, but second-best is not one of them. Once we “settle”, it’s easy to allow bitterness to creep in. “I guess this is all there is, so I’d better take it while I can”. When this happens, dissension becomes part of the equation, something God does not want. If we see God as the “First Great Cause”, then we know His best for us isn’t second-best. Living a holy life, prevents this “second-best” mentality from happening. If it does, it lasts a short while, due to our perspective change (The Holy Spirit has a way of making things right through prayer). Don’t settle for second-best, when God’s best is right there in front of you waiting to be received.

14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 16 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. 17 You know that afterward, when He wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears. Hebrews 12:14-17