Don’t Be Afraid, Just Have Faith…

One of the most powerful and difficult (to do) statements in all of scripture are here in Mark chapter 5 verse 36. Jairus has just been informed that his daughter has died. Jesus overheard the conversation, and tells Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith”. Only the One Who gives life can make a statement like that. Mere mortal men cannot say this. Doctors may help prolong a life, and first responders may help extend your life, but only God can give life back to us. Jesus tells the man to not be afraid. Jairus is probably thinking, “my daughter is dead, what does He mean don’t be afraid?” Then his desire to see his daughter again overrides his disbelief in grief, and hopes that Jesus can bring her back to life. Just think, Jesus tells him (and us) to not be afraid. Why? Because He is bigger than our fears. He has the power to overcome any difficulty we may face. Faith overcomes fear only when it’s placed in Jesus. For He is the only One Who holds the power to overcome the grave. Just one more reason why we can trust Him.

35 While He was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”36 But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”37 Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with Him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. 39 He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”40 The crowd laughed at Him. But He made them all leave, and He took the girl’s father and mother and His three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. 41 Holding her hand, He said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. 43 Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then He told them to give her something to eat. Mark 5:35-43

God Wants to Heal Us…

I’ve read this passage so many times, but today a thought came to me that I’ve never had before (once again proving God’s word is alive and active). The woman with the chronic problem of bleeding touched Jesus robe and was healed. It was her faith in Him that healed her. The thought I had was this: God wants to heal us. It’s in His (for lack of a better way to describe it with words) DNA. Jesus was all about restoring people, healing them of their infirmities. He didn’t even have to try. Just by touching His garment the woman was instantly healed. If God’s Being is so powerful, that if we touch His robe we are healed, then what does that say about His desire for us? His love for us? His priorities on this earth? If He is for us, who can stand against us? Think about that for a second. Does it change the way you view God? Does it change the way you view yourself? It certainly did for the suffering woman.

24 Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around Him. 25 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. 26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind Him through the crowd and touched His robe. 28 For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch His robe, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.30 Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from Him, so He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched My robe?”31 His disciples said to Him, “Look at this crowd pressing around You. How can You ask, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”32 But He kept on looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of Him and told Him what she had done. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” Mark 5:24-34

Priorities Matter….

One sign of a true follower of Jesus is how they view their money. Having money gives us the inclination to say “NO” to God. When the Spirit, God gives us, is given priority in our lives, we use the money we work to get to enhance the lives of others as well as ourselves. Those that don’t view God as important, will squander their money. A great example of this is when I go to the grocery store and see the people putting their hard-earned money into the Lottery machines, hoping to strike it rich. In all my life I’ll never be able to understand how someone can work hard to earn money, then put it into a machine, squandering it in an instant, all for a pipe dream of gaining wealth, only to squander it away as well (if they were to win). If someone doesn’t have a godly view of money with the little they have, gaining more won’t change their attitude. Priorities matter. The most important priorities don’t involve money, even though many think they do. The godly use their resources to enhance their lives, as well as others. Money is just a tool for us, and a test from God to see where our true treasure really lies.

16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. Proverbs 10:16

It’s Our Duty….

The reason a Christian is to stand up and call sin evil, is because it’s his duty. When you know the truth it sets you free from the lies and deception of Satan. Also, when we call our sinful behavior, we won’t be guilty of being silent about it. God says He hates sin. So when we make known sinful behavior, we show we agree with Him and stand on His side. The first place we start this process is with ourselves. And when we see it in our society, we do it with gentleness and respect. But we still do it. God owns it all, and those that belong to Him, obey His commands to call evil evil, regardless of the cost. In sacrifice, true joy is found.

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give the people of Israel these instructions, which apply both to native Israelites and to the foreigners living in Israel.“If any of them offer their children as a sacrifice to Molech, they must be put to death. The people of the community must stone them to death. 3 I Myself will turn against them and cut them off from the community, because they have defiled My sanctuary and brought shame on My holy name by offering their children to Molech. 4 And if the people of the community ignore those who offer their children to Molech and refuse to execute them, 5 I Myself will turn against them and their families and will cut them off from the community. This will happen to all who commit spiritual prostitution by worshiping Molech. Leviticus 20:1-5

People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. Proverbs 10:10

Harmony In The Midst Of Chaos…..

Reading through Leviticus chapter 19 I can’t help but think “when society doesn’t follow God’s prescribed way of living, chaos follows”. God is a God of order. He is Holy. He establishes things for reasons. These commands are to be followed. The most ironic thing about the society we live in today is that no matter what people say or think, every single person on this planet wants to be treated by these principles, but yet they don’t want to use them in how they treat others. Look at the justice system. Doesn’t it serve the purpose of settling cases in which someone was unjustly treated? Proof right there that these are ingrained in our soul. God is always for the underdog, those treated unfairly. Why does He have all these decrees? Why does He care? Because of His love for us. He doesn’t need us to continue to be God, but He chooses to be involved in our lives. He created every single one of us for a reason. He’s given us a way to live. When we live this way, we find peace, solace, joy, purpose, and contentment among the chaos. When we don’t, the chaos eventually envelopes us. His precepts for life create order, as well as maintain it. And the most intriguing part, what we strive to do, has no law. When we humble ourselves and love each other as ourselves without complaining, we show the world that God’s way is what truly works. Yes we may suffer for our beliefs, but we won’t do it guilty of our accusations. It’s what we were meant to be like. It creates harmony. But since we live in a fallen world, at least when we live out His precepts, we can create harmony in the midst of the chaos.

1 The Lord also said to Moses, 2 “Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.3 “Each of you must show great respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe My Sabbath days of rest. I am the Lord your God.4 “Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.5 “When you sacrifice a peace offering to the Lord, offer it properly so you will be accepted by God. 6 The sacrifice must be eaten on the same day you offer it or on the next day. Whatever is left over until the third day must be completely burned up. 7 If any of the sacrifice is eaten on the third day, it will be contaminated, and I will not accept it. 8 Anyone who eats it on the third day will be punished for defiling what is holy to the Lord and will be cut off from the community.9 “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. 10 It is the same with your grape crop–do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.11 “Do not steal.“Do not deceive or cheat one another.12 “Do not bring shame on the name of your God by using it to swear falsely. I am the Lord.13 “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.“Do not make your hired workers wait until the next day to receive their pay.14 “Do not insult the deaf or cause the blind to stumble. You must fear your God; I am the Lord.15 “Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.16 “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people.“Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.17 “Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.19 “You must obey all My decrees.“Do not mate two different kinds of animals. Do not plant your field with two different kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven from two different kinds of thread.20 “If a man has sex with a slave girl whose freedom has never been purchased but who is committed to become another man’s wife, he must pay full compensation to her master. But since she is not a free woman, neither the man nor the woman will be put to death. 21 The man, however, must bring a ram as a guilt offering and present it to the Lord at the entrance of the Tabernacle. 22 The priest will then purify him before the Lord with the ram of the guilt offering, and the man’s sin will be forgiven.23 “When you enter the land and plant fruit trees, leave the fruit unharvested for the first three years and consider it forbidden. Do not eat it. 24 In the fourth year the entire crop must be consecrated to the Lord as a celebration of praise. 25 Finally, in the fifth year you may eat the fruit. If you follow this pattern, your harvest will increase. I am the Lord your God.26 “Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood.“Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft.27 “Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards.28 “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord.29 “Do not defile your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will be filled with prostitution and wickedness.30 “Keep My Sabbath days of rest, and show reverence toward My sanctuary. I am the Lord.31 “Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God.32 “Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord.33 “Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. 34 Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.35 “Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight, or volume. 36 Your scales and weights must be accurate. Your containers for measuring dry materials or liquids must be accurate. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt.37 “You must be careful to keep all of My decrees and regulations by putting them into practice. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:1-37

Maybe We Should Too….

When the wind and waves obey a man’s commands, maybe we should too.

35 As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t You care that we’re going to drown?”39 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41

Who’s In and Who’s Not….

God’s way of drawing people to Him, and yet still giving us freewill, is through parables. It’s His way of testing to see who’s in and who’s not. When Jesus spoke, He used parables. These were stories that had a point, but used analogies, things the people had common knowledge of, to explain it. Those who were in tune, delved deeper into these parables. Sometimes even having to research them afterwards. They sparked a curiosity, or better put, a conviction of the soul, to pursue God. The ones that eventually understood were the ones whose hearts were open to God. And thus, God gave them more understanding. For those that just wanted Jesus to do something for them, like heal their bodies, or get a free meal, they blew off His words and thus, lost out (in more ways than one). This is God’s way, it’s how He operates here on earth. The sooner we understand this, the quicker we are to discover His blessings.

33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in His public ministry He never taught without using parables; but afterward, when He was alone with His disciples, He explained everything to them. Mark 4:33-34

How Receptive Is Your Heart….

Understanding God is based on one simple thing: how receptive our heart is. Those that pursue God, gain more and more understanding of Who He is. With that understanding comes a clearer view of who we are. Those that refuse to follow God, what little understanding they have is taken away. The reason people don’t know or pursue God, is because they’ve shut their heart off to Him. And His response to those people is this: “if this is your wish, to not know Me, then I’ll grant you your wish. You’ll never know Me”. Sad, but true. The next time you’re around someone that has no regard for God, silently pray that God will open up their hearts to be receptive to the love He has for all of us. Then share and show them what that love looks like in Word and Deed.

21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. 22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”24 Then He added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given–and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” Mark 4:21-25

Having Integrity Matters….

One of the benefits of walking with God is that integrity acts as a barrier that protects its possessor. It’s almost like wearing crampons on your boots when treading in icy fields. The spikes on the bottom grip the ice, preventing the traveler from slipping and falling. God has a way of protecting those who walk humbly in obedience with Him. Integrity has no holidays. But it has a Sabbath. Those who do not fear God, or lack integrity, travel through the ice fields with no crampons, and thus slip and fall many times through the journey. Having integrity matters, especially when it comes to important things, like how you treat others. And it’s only obtainable by asking God to extend His mercy and grace to you. Pursuing God isn’t easy, but what’s the alternative? I’d rather see the beauty of the winter wonderland with solid footing, than not be able to take it all in because I can’t stand still long enough to appreciate the view.

9 People with integrity walk safely,but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. Proverbs 10:9

Accepting the PC Interpretation…..

What I’m about to say may seem controversial in today’s views because of its Political Incorrectness, but it may help combat the liberal agenda to destroy the framework of our country. God tells the Israelites about the sexual practices that are unacceptable to Him. These practices were common among the people currently living in the land God was about to give the Israelites. It was going on then, so we shouldn’t be so surprised when we hear about today (it’s been going on since sin entered the world). They were instructed that these sexual practices were forbidden. The land was about to “vomit out” these people because of their evil, vile, perverse, detestable, and defiling acts. Today, when we talk about the people in Israel, or the West Bank, that are hostile to the Israelites, or the PC point of view, being discriminated against, we have to think back to this chapter in Leviticus (ch 18). It was the Israelites failure to drive them completely out, that has resulted in this dilemma. God was kicking them out because of their despicable practices, which included sexual immorality of all kinds. Their land wasn’t stolen away from them, they were evicted by God because of their detestable and perverse behavior. It’s only when we truly study History, that we learn the real reasons why things happened. God has a way of making things right, and we must pursue Him with a sincere heart. Until we do that, it’s impossible to view the world from His perspective. And thus we try to interpret it through our own eyes, and fail, usually accepting the PC interpretation. Living a deceived life, believing that any thing goes, particularly in the sexual behavior realm, will only end up with one result: the land will eventually vomit you out. America must take heed, and repent of its sexual practices. Sooner or later their will be too much vomit to clean up.

1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. I am the Lord your God. 3 So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. 4 You must obey all My regulations and be careful to obey My decrees, for I am the Lord your God. 5 If you obey My decrees and My regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord.6 “You must never have sexual relations with a close relative, for I am the Lord.7 “Do not violate your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual relations with her.8 “Do not have sexual relations with any of your father’s wives, for this would violate your father.9 “Do not have sexual relations with your sister or half sister, whether she is your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born into your household or someone else’s.10 “Do not have sexual relations with your granddaughter, whether she is your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, for this would violate yourself.11 “Do not have sexual relations with your stepsister, the daughter of any of your father’s wives, for she is your sister.12 “Do not have sexual relations with your father’s sister, for she is your father’s close relative.13 “Do not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s close relative.14 “Do not violate your uncle, your father’s brother, by having sexual relations with his wife, for she is your aunt.15 “Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law; she is your son’s wife, so you must not have sexual relations with her.16 “Do not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife, for this would violate your brother.17 “Do not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. And do not take her granddaughter, whether her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter, and have sexual relations with her. They are close relatives, and this would be a wicked act.18 “While your wife is living, do not marry her sister and have sexual relations with her, for they would be rivals.19 “Do not have sexual relations with a woman during her period of menstrual impurity.20 “Do not defile yourself by having sexual intercourse with your neighbor’s wife.21 “Do not permit any of your children to be offered as a sacrifice to Molech, for you must not bring shame on the name of your God. I am the Lord.22 “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.23 “A man must not defile himself by having sex with an animal. And a woman must not offer herself to a male animal to have intercourse with it. This is a perverse act.24 “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, for the people I am driving out before you have defiled themselves in all these ways. 25 Because the entire land has become defiled, I am punishing the people who live there. I will cause the land to vomit them out. 26 You must obey all My decrees and regulations. You must not commit any of these detestable sins. This applies both to native-born Israelites and to the foreigners living among you.27 “All these detestable activities are practiced by the people of the land where I am taking you, and this is how the land has become defiled. 28 So do not defile the land and give it a reason to vomit you out, as it will vomit out the people who live there now. 29 Whoever commits any of these detestable sins will be cut off from the community of Israel. 30 So obey My instructions, and do not defile yourselves by committing any of these detestable practices that were committed by the people who lived in the land before you. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 18:1-30

Everyone Has Their Own Opinions….

Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs about things in the Bible. Some are good and beneficial, and some are not. One in particular is the belief that Mary remained a virgin the rest of her life. I don’t understand the purpose of this notion. Why is it important to see Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a woman who never had sex? Why would God allow her to marry Joseph, and never have sex with him? Why would God want her to remain a virgin? What point does it solve or represent? Then come the bigger questions: who were the brothers and sisters talked about in this passage? Was James a liar, claiming to be Jesus’ brother? In Matthew chapter one it says, “but he (Joseph) did not have sexual relations with her (Mary), until her son (Jesus) was born”. What does “until after her son was born” mean? I guess my point is clear. We can argue about personal opinions until we are blue in the face, but we must remember, arguing non-essentials only breeds disunity, the very opposite of what the NT is all about. Is our pride worth being disobedient to God? Is holding onto a tradition worth being divided over? In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity (love). Let’s start to let go of the silly non-essential things and focus on the essentials, for they unite rather than separate what God wants “UNITED”.

31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him. They stood outside and sent word for Him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and Your brothers are outside asking for You.”33 Jesus replied, “Who is My mother? Who are My brothers?” 34 Then He looked at those around Him and said, “Look, these are My mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is My brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:31-35

24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named Him Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25

That “No” Leads To “No” Forgiveness….

There is no forgiveness for those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit. What exactly does this mean? Simply put, when you refuse to accept Jesus being God, refuse His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and refuse to accept the only remedy for our sin that God provides, we will not be forgiven. How can God substitute Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf when you don’t feel you need it? How can God give you eternal life in Heaven when you refuse the ticket that gains your entrance? How can a sick man be healed with medicine when he refuses to take it? How can a man run and win a race, when he never signs up to enter it? The only thing that stands between man and God is pride. When a man’s pride fills him up, there’s no room left for God. Refusing to believe God, leads to rejecting His atonement for our sin, which ultimately leads to our rejection into His kingdom. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is saying “NO” to God’s love for us. And that “NO” leads to “NO” forgiveness. God cannot, and will not forgive someone who refuses His forgiveness. How can He?

28 “I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven,29 but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.”30 He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.” Mark 3:28-30

Whose Spirit Speaks Through You?

Job responds to his (so called) friend Bildad with a question all believers need to ask themselves daily. “Whose Spirit speaks through you?” It can only be one of three answers. It’s either the Holy Spirit, our own spirit, or Satan’s spirit. Whichever answer fits, I can guarantee the status of your life, your joy, peace, and purpose are either thriving, suffering, or stagnating because of it. Are you full of yourself? Pursuing worldly things? Or following the Creator? How do you treat people? Like they are important or just someone in the way of getting what you want? Are you so focused on yourself that depression and anxiety pay you a visit daily? If you are a believer, God’s Spirit must be welcomed by making room for Him. And Jesus told us how to do this. We must die to self, take up our cross, and follow Him. Who’s Spirit is speaking through you?

4 Where have you gotten all these wise sayings? Whose spirit speaks through you? Job 26:4

Selfishness Drives Out Perfect Love….

Being religious is when you make your convictions someone else’s burden. When we hold non-believers to our standards, it becomes a burden to them. They begin to hate us for trying to control their lives. Regardless of what you believe, the love of God will never be known when we place burdens on others due to our convictions. Practicing “being religious” guarantees one thing, the love God has for us will never be made known to others because placing burdens on people shows the love of God is absent in our life. The Pharisees didn’t have the love of God in them. There was no room. The only love they had was misdirected love of self. And that’s an oxymoron to begin with. True love is selfless, religious love is selfish; the exact opposite. If people don’t do exactly as prescribed by the ”religious”, then no love is shown. What the PC of “religiosity” doesn’t get, is they don’t have the ability to love, for selfishness leaves no room for it. God opposes the proud, or better stated, “there is no room for God in the life filled with only love for oneself”. God’s agenda is so much greater than what we “think” it is. And we can only begin to experience it when we get out of our own way, and commit to serving Him fully. We must always be aware of the pull of pride. The Bible says “perfect love drives out fear”, well this must be true too, “selfishness drives out perfect love”.

1 Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched Him closely. If He healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse Him of working on the Sabbath.3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then He turned to His critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer Him.5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 6 At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus. Mark 3:1-6

The Purpose of the Law…

The purpose of the law is not to keep it perfectly, for that is impossible (humanly speaking). The purpose of the law is to point us to Jesus. It reveals to us that we are sinners, violators of God’s law. Every time we break God’s law, we realize we need to be forgiven. It points us back to God, and draws us into His power to forgive. Breaking the law makes us look to God for forgiveness. It’s a reminder of Who’s in charge, and what He’s done to make forgiveness possible. If you have a disease and you know Who has the cure, wouldn’t it make sense to pay the man with the cure a visit? The problem in society today is that most won’t admit they are sinners (law breakers). And they won’t even allow the law to be posted in public. But it doesn’t really matter, because God has written His law on our hearts, and every single soul knows what’s right and wrong. It’s only when people stop listening to there conscience, that it sears it, nullifying it’s power to convict. It may numb the feelings of guilt, leaving you less and less aware, but it still doesn’t remove the guilt. Jesus tells us about this when He tells the story of King David eating the showbread that only the priests were supposed to eat. God never created laws strictly to satisfy Himself with. The laws were always designed to benefit man. Ultimately, the law was to drive man back to God, and thus benefit both.

23 One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, His disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. 24 But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”25 Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 26 He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.”27 Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Mark 2:23-28

Good News or Just News….

The Gospel is very simple. It’s Good News to those who see themselves in need of rescue. For those who think they are fine, it’s just news, not relevant to them.

17 When Jesus heard this, He told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17

The Gift of Faith Must Be Exercised…..

Faith comes from God, and it grows only when you exercise it. It’s not a mystical power. It cannot be generated on our own. Faith is God giving us special insight into the spiritual world. It’s only then that this faith we are to have, begins to transform us into new creatures. It’s not a one time occurrence, rather it’s a daily, volitional choice we make to embrace. Once God grants us the gift of faith, it’s up to us to put it into action. Faith without works is dead, and faith not received from God isn’t real faith either. People think, “if only God would send me a sign, I’d have the faith I need to get through this or that”, but the truth is if you’re not asking God specifically to give you the faith necessary to make it through a trial, don’t expect to “Dream it up” yourself. A great example of this are the teachers of the religious law. They witnessed Jesus say “your sins are forgiven” to the paralyzed man, and even witnessed Jesus heal him, but they couldn’t get over the fact that He forgave the man of his sin. They refused to accept Jesus’ miraculous healing as coming from God. They didn’t ask God to help them with their doubts or unbelief, as the man did Whom Jesus healed his son. Unless we ask God for the gift of faith, and exercise it when He does answer our prayers, we will be like the religious leaders who get caught up in the details and miss the entire point of the Gospel. Faith comes from God, if you don’t ask, your faith will never be the kind that can save a soul.

1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that He was back home. 2 Soon the house where He was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While He was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above His head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”6 But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, 7 “What is He saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”8 Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so He asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 9 Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’?10 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”12 And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” Mark 2:1-12

What We Can’t Do On Our Own….

Just think what disobedience causes? Here we have a man who was healed from leprosy. Jesus specifically told him to not tell anyone, but go show himself to the priest. What did the man do? Exactly what he was not supposed to do; he went and told everyone. What was the consequence of his disobedience? Jesus could no longer go into the towns. He had to stay outside the towns in remote places. The man thought he was doing good by telling people about how Jesus healed him, but in reality he was being disobedient to Jesus’ command. How often do we do this? How often do we disobey God, and think we are doing what’s right? King Saul did the same thing. Look where it got him, stripped of his kingdom and having it given to the one he despised, David. We need to stop trying to be god, and start being obedient to Him instead. It starts with asking Him to help us accomplish what we can’t do on our own.

40 A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If You are willing, You can heal me and make me clean,” he said.41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” He said. “Be healed!” 42 Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. 43 Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: 44 “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”45 But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and He couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to Him. Mark 1:40-45

Go With Our Doubts….

We are all fickle. Human beings are fickle. There’s no other acceptable explanation. What I mean by this is if we see something with our own eyes, witnessing something we can’t fully explain, but know it to be true, yet we still question it and go with our doubts. Here Jesus cast out a demon from a man. The people witnessed the event. They heard the demon call Jesus the “Holy One of God”. Why didn’t they believe? Why were most still hesitant on following Him? If Jesus was the Holy One of God, that meant He was God incarnate doesn’t it? This just goes to show us that unless God draws us unto Himself, miracles won’t even change our lives. Ask God today to grant you the request to live independently dependent upon Him, to give you eyes to see and ears to hear, attuned to His Spirit.

22 The people were amazed at His teaching, for He taught with real authority–quite unlike the teachers of religious law.23 Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, 24 “Why are You interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are–the Holy One sent from God!”25 Jesus cut him short. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” He ordered. 26 At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.27 Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey His orders!” 28 The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee. Mark 1:22-28

Just A Matter Of Time……

When the religious leaders heard the guards of Jesus tomb tell them what happened, they immediately gave them a bribe and made up a story for them to spread around. If the religious leaders were true God-seekers, they would’ve repented. They would’ve dropped everything and went out to find Jesus. The fact is, this story reveals what was really in their hearts. Some people flat out deny Jesus. Some pretend to follow Him. And some do pursue Him sincerely. Of the three, reality exposes the pretenders the most. It’s just a matter of time. What’s in the heart eventually comes out in behavior, revealing who’s in and who’s out. The deniers and pretenders will expose themselves in time, it’s just a matter of being discerning when it happens. God calls it “knowing a tree by the fruit it produces”. Don’t you think this applies to the days we are living in now?

11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole His body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today. Matthew 28:11-15

The Economic Spectrum of Forgiveness….

When I think of man’s sinful nature, his pride, or selfishness, I realize why so many people stay away from God. Pride tells a man he can do it himself, he doesn’t need help. Pride tells a man he is good enough. Pride tells a man when he messes up he doesn’t need to apologize for any wrong doing. Pride tells a man he has to earn things by working hard. Pride tells a man he doesn’t need God, or his works will make himself right with God. This is not biblical. If it were true, then why does God consistently say throughout scripture that He hates pride, or that He opposes the proud? Sin is such an offense to God that it demands shed blood. Sin demands our death as a restitution payment. Yet God in His merciful character allows the shedding of an animal’s blood as a temporary, substitutional payment for our sin. Not only that, but He allows substitutions for the sacrifices based on our ability to provide it. Our economic status is considered in our “making things right with God”. In Leviticus chapter 5 we read that according to our ability to provide the sacrifice, it can either be a female goat or sheep (for the wealthy), doves or pigeons (for the middle class), and flour (the poor). God takes into account all things, and provides ways to be made right with Him, because He knows the severity of sin. Does this sound like the God Our society tries to paint a picture of? An old, antiquated, controlling Dictator of a god? The point to all of this is God provides a way to be made right with Him and there’s no excuse we can legitimately have for not adhering to His view of sin. When you realize you’ve sinned, make it right (repent). Don’t allow Pride to step in and stop the process. Sin (every time) will make you want to run from God. He knows this, that’s one reason why He takes it so seriously. And in His great love for us, He has provided the One and Only way to be completely, not just temporarily anymore, made right with Him. Jesus covers the economic spectrum of forgiveness. And it’s absolutely free, mind you, it does cost you your pride. Are you willing? Daily? Dying to self? God is good, no matter what you choose to believe. But once you do see this, there are no excuses.

1 “ ‘If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.2 “ ‘If anyone becomes aware that they are guilty—if they unwittingly touch anything ceremonially unclean (whether the carcass of an unclean animal, wild or domestic, or of any unclean creature that moves along the ground) and they are unaware that they have become unclean, but then they come to realize their guilt; 3 or if they touch human uncleanness (anything that would make them unclean) even though they are unaware of it, but then they learn of it and realize their guilt; 4 or if anyone thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil (in any matter one might carelessly swear about) even though they are unaware of it, but then they learn of it and realize their guilt— 5 when anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned. 6 As a penalty for the sin they have committed, they must bring to the Lord a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for them for their sin.7 “ ‘Anyone who cannot afford a lamb is to bring two doves or two young pigeons to the Lord as a penalty for their sin—one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. 8 They are to bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one for the sin offering. He is to wring its head from its neck, not dividing it completely, 9 and is to splash some of the blood of the sin offering against the side of the altar; the rest of the blood must be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. 10 The priest shall then offer the other as a burnt offering in the prescribed way and make atonement for them for the sin they have committed, and they will be forgiven.11 “ ‘If, however, they cannot afford two doves or two young pigeons, they are to bring as an offering for their sin a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour for a sin offering. They must not put olive oil or incense on it, because it is a sin offering. 12 They are to bring it to the priest, who shall take a handful of it as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar on top of the food offerings presented to the Lord. It is a sin offering. 13 In this way the priest will make atonement for them for any of these sins they have committed, and they will be forgiven. The rest of the offering will belong to the priest, as in the case of the grain offering.’ ” Leviticus 5:1-13

Irony In Scripture….

Irony in scripture is fascinating to me. What one thinks will benefit himself, usually is the very thing that bites him on the backside. Haman built gallows to impale Mordecai on, that were eventually the ones that took his own life. Nabal cursed at King David that eventually caused his own death by heart-attack. Ananias and Sapphira lied, thinking it would protect them, only to drop dead because of it. And so we come to Matthew chapter 27. After all the Jewish leaders did to erase Jesus’ presence from them, they had to continue to oppose Him even after His death. They went to Pilate and demanded Jesus’ tomb be sealed to prevent His disciples from stealing the body and claiming He rose from the dead. The very thing they wanted, Jesus out of the scene, they did by crucifying Him on a cross. But it was the exact thing God planned to save the world from its sin. They very thing the Jewish leaders did to prevent Jesus’ prophecy of rising from the dead after three days, backfired. If they could’ve provided His dead body, their goal would’ve been achieved. Fortunately for them and the rest of the world, they couldn’t achieve their goal, their plan failed. But because of their attempt to kill Jesus and be done with Him, it ushered in salvation for all who believe. God uses all things for His good. Even for those who mean “bad”, God rotates the tables and turns it into good. The irony in the Bible couldn’t be more precisely placed and written about, could it?

62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while He was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent His disciples from coming and stealing His body and then telling everyone He was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it. Matthew 27:62-66

Knowingly Or Ignorant Of Our Sin….

Like it or not, we are all guilty before God. Without repentance, we cannot be made right with God. Even if we don’t realize we have sinned, we are still guilty. Reading through Leviticus chapter 4, it very clear that our unawareness of sin doesn’t excuse us of our guilt, we are still guilty. I think about how the entire world longs for significance, peace, and acceptance, yet it doesn’t acknowledge its sin. It’s like they are unaware of it. Regardless, if we are unaware of our sin or not, we are still guilty. And it’s not going away. Without true repentance, and trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, everyone will remain guilty before God. We all will stand before God and give an account of our lives. Some will be Heaven-bound, due to their willingness to repent and God’s Grace; and some will be Hell-bound, due to their unwillingness to acknowledge their sin. The bottom line to this is we are all guilty, knowingly or ignorant of our sin. The remedy is acknowledging our guilt with contrition. Sadly, we all, at times, believe we are the ones in control, until that day comes when our guilt rolls off our tongue and await the judgement of God. Don’t wait. Don’t put it off. Come before God and admit whatever it is you need to come clean with, even if you’re unsure. A repentant and contrite heart is our ally. Don’t abuse it, with the thought, “I’m not guilty, I’ve done nothing wrong”. You’re only deceiving yourself.

13 “If the entire Israelite community sins by violating one of the Lord’s commands, but the people don’t realize it, they are still guilty. Leviticus 4:13

22 “If one of Israel’s leaders sins by violating one of the commands of the Lord his God but doesn’t realize it, he is still guilty. Leviticus 4:22

27 “If any of the common people sin by violating one of the Lord’s commands, but they don’t realize it, they are still guilty. Leviticus 4:27

Through this process, the priest will purify the people from their sin, making them right with the Lord, and they will be forgiven. Leviticus 4:35c

Before I Condemn…..

I’m guilty of abusing my privilege of knowing God, just like every soul here on earth is. I’ve learned to live knowing my imperfections, my inability to do what’s right on my own. It’s never more clear than when I read the dialogue that took place while Jesus hung on the cross. The condemnation that was projected out of the mouths of the people get under my skin. “If... then let Him...”, “He can’t...”, and “Look at You now...”, these are all human interpretations of the event, but they reveal more than the average person gives thought to. They reveal our desire to be in control, our distorted habit of comparing, and what being “religious” is really about. And even though we don’t like to admit it, they are no different from us (humanly speaking). We all have found ourselves participating in this kind of behavior. We step into the role of God when we judge, because we rarely “judge rightly” as Jesus talked about. We jump to conclusions without exhausting all the facts. We see things from a worldly perspective, instead of a heavenly one. And we act out of selfish pride rather than humbling ourselves out of reverence of our Maker. Any time we read of people abusing God in the Bible, we must ask ourselves, “before I condemn, do I do these things?” You see the Bible is God’s word to us first (me first). It’s purpose is to address ”me first”, in order to prevent a “me first” mentality. It’s not until we see the bad behavior in the Bible as being “our behavior”, or at least a possibility within us, that we can truly begin to understand what was done on the cross. Understanding the bad news about ourselves, is what makes the Gospel such “GOOD NEWS”. Knowing our potential for good and bad, is the proper perspective we should always have. It’s what humility is all about. It’s active and alive, so we must treat it that way.

35 After they had nailed Him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice. 36 Then they sat around and kept guard as He hung there. 37 A sign was fastened to the cross above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against Him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left.39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 “Look at You now!” they yelled at Him. “You said You were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if You are the Son of God, save Yourself and come down from the cross!”41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but He can’t save Himself! So He is the King of Israel, is He? Let Him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in Him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue Him now if He wants Him! For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with Him ridiculed Him in the same way. Matthew 27:35-44

ONE-OF-A-KIND GOD…..

Can you imagine your dog biting you as you feed it? Or your child rebelling against you to the point of suing you unjustly? Or a friend selling you out for another? Or your spouse leaving you to be with another? When I read these verses describing the harsh treatment Jesus received during His trial and crucifixion, I can’t help but feel the injustice. To think that the creature, spit in the face of its Creator, and He allowed it. When the creature turns on the Creator, it shows the unfathomable love God has for us to hold back His power to stop it or retaliate. This humility is the exact same humility God wants from us. Why? Because it demonstrates what He did for us. When people see this kind of behavior, they don’t understand. It’s foreign to them, other worldly. It gives them a glimpse of what God is like. And thus touches their soul. How they react is up to them. Every time someone denies God, blows Him off, or acts out of rebellion toward Him, He relives this exact same type of treatment He received on the cross all over again. Treating God this way is terrible. But fortunately for us, His reaction is other-worldly, filled with love. We serve a ONE-OF-A-KIND GOD. And one day, Justice will be served.

27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on His head, and they placed a reed stick in His right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before Him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on Him and grabbed the stick and struck Him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking Him, they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him again. Then they led Him away to be crucified. Matthew 27:27-31

Most Brilliant Designed Plan….

It’s hard to grasp the concept of a one-time, once-and-for-all act that saves pre-event, current, and post-event people. When Jesus died on the cross, He rescued people who had already died, who lived on credit, the current people living at that time, and those of us not yet born, who live by debit. Of course those of us who are alive today, have the Bible to reveal truth and understanding, but it still blows my mind how the God of the Bible came up with such a plan to rescue people, past, present, and future. It’s the most brilliant designed plan anyone could ever dream up. It’s what makes the Good News, Good News. We must tell it to our children, then our grand children. And they must tell it to their children and grand children. It’s how God designed it. It’s the perfect plan that will keep producing disciples until God ushers in Eternity. We must praise Him for being Sovereign, and sharing it with us.

31 His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born.They will hear about everything He has done. Psalms 22:31

Our Nature Says “No”…..

Reading Proverbs chapter 8 could easily be mistaken for being one of Psalms. It talks about God’s sovereignty. About how the oceans and seas have boundaries. And so, man has boundaries too. Yet our nature says “No”. If the seas have boundaries, and yet have the freedom to rage and swell, ebb and flow, so do we. Why is it that we cannot learned to live within these boundaries? Nature does without complaining, never missing a beat. For those who learn to live within these boundaries, they find life, and receive favor from the Lord. But for those who don’t, they injure themselves, by confusing death for life.

29 I was there when He set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when He marked off the earth’s foundations, Proverbs 8:29

35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.36 But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:35-36

Moses’ Obedience….

As you read through the last two chapters of Exodus, it’s really easy to speed-read to the end. All the details of the tabernacle, it’s components, and the clothing the priests were to wear, can be a little monotonous. If you’re not careful you may miss one big theme that stands out. It’s mentioned numerous times: “(Moses did) just as the Lord commanded him”. Moses’ obedience is the staple of these last few chapters. If it weren’t for this, we wouldn’t be able to appreciate and understand the significance of the Cross of Calvary. The sacrificial system, the Holy of Holies, the curtain that separates the ark from the rest of the Tabernacle (that was torn the moment Jesus completed His mission)... I could go on, but I think you get the point. Didn’t Samuel tell King Saul that God wants our obedience rather than sacrifice? Moses obedience is what pleased God. And it’s our obedience that still pleases Him today.

16 Moses proceeded to do everything just as the Lord had commanded him. 17 So the Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year. 18 Moses erected the Tabernacle by setting down its bases, inserting the frames, attaching the crossbars, and setting up the posts. 19 Then he spread the coverings over the Tabernacle framework and put on the protective layers, just as the Lord had commanded him.20 He took the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant and placed them inside the Ark. Then he attached the carrying poles to the Ark, and he set the Ark’s cover–the place of atonement–on top of it. 21 Then he brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Tabernacle and hung the inner curtain to shield it from view, just as the Lord had commanded him. Exodus 40:16-21

Preserving Self….

Here’s is why we can’t trust ourselves, even if we are believers. Because when push comes to shove, we will fail. Unless God is in control of our lives, meaning we have submitted to the Holy Spirit, we will fail. That means letting God down, letting others down, and disappointing ourselves. Peter did it, and he did it well. He denied Knowing Jesus, Whom he walked with for 3 years. Why? To preserve himself. That’s exactly what our human, sinful nature does. It tries to preserve self over truth. Promote self over others. Preserve self over God. It’s not until we realize that it’s the Holy Spirit that drives us, empowers us, and helps us live the way God intended, that we “get it”. It’s not out of obligation, or trying to earn our salvation, rather it’s a response to what was given to us, God’s Grace. It’s dying to self every day, taking up our cross, and following Jesus that we truly begin to live. I don’t fully understand what all of this entails, but I do know that I can’t trust myself. I can only trust God to direct my life in the way He wants me to live. Humility starts with this realization. And it grows and matures the more we allow the Spirit of God to work in and through us. Peter learned this, and we should learn from Peter’s example. Of course we can learn from our own failures (proof of the truth of this passage), but you can save yourself a lot of pain by learning it now (from reading this) and from Peter’s failure documented in scripture. Jesus can heal and restore a broken soul. Why not start today? Ask Him to forgive you of your struggle with self, and hand the reins over to Him. He’s been driving a lot longer than you or me.

69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying–I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know Me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75

How Do We Find God?

For those who have ever asked the question, “How do we find God”? And “How do we know if He is real or the Right One”? The Bible gives us clear instructions on how to know these things: Seek Him with all of your heart, and He will reveal Himself to you. The real question should be, “What is stopping you from seeking Him with your whole heart”? Because we know God is faithful to His Word. To the one standing right now on the edge of the ocean, staring out at the vast opening of water and sky, ask Him, “God if You are real, reveal Yourself to me”. Pursue Him, seek Him daily. He will reveal Himself to you, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

17 “I love all who love Me. Those who search will surely find Me. Proverbs 8:17

Enough Is A Matter Of Unity….

When God stirs the hearts of people, there will always be more than enough to complete the task at hand. God appointed craftsman to build the tabernacle, ark, and all other things necessary for worship. When the men started working, they realized they had more than enough to complete the job. Moses had to tell the people to stop giving. The unity that Jesus and Paul talked about so much in the NT, is exactly the kind of “oneness” that’s happening here. It’s the kind of unity God desires from all who call on His name and follow Him. We always have enough to complete the task God calls us to do, sometimes it just takes a group effort of giving. Imagine how effective our witness could be if the modern church truly “died to self” each and every day?

1 “The Lord has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded.”2 So Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and all the others who were specially gifted by the Lord and were eager to get to work. 3 Moses gave them the materials donated by the people of Israel as sacred offerings for the completion of the sanctuary. But the people continued to bring additional gifts each morning. 4 Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. 5 They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!”6 So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. 7 Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project. Exodus 36:1-7