Transformed Human…..

The difference between “just being human” and being a “transformed human” by the blood of Christ, is knowing Who it is that cleanses his heart. The true believer, the one saved from the coming judgement, knows he’s not responsible for his cleansing.

9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart;I am pure and free from sin”? Proverbs 20:9

The Priorities God Wants From Us….

When God asked Solomon what he wanted, Solomon replied “give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them (His people) properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of Yours?” This shows a lot on Solomon’s character at that time in his life. He was grateful for the kingship. He knew his place in his position. And he knew these people were God’s people not his. God’s response is even better. It clearly shows us what He wants from us. God doesn’t want us to pursue riches, fame, an attitude of revenge towards our enemies, or even focusing on how long we can live. Our focus should be on serving others. We should be concerned for the well-being of others. God puts us in positions to do just that, help people. We should strive to obtain knowledge, but more importantly, we should focus on gaining the wisdom on how to use that knowledge so that God’s kingdom advances. Obviously, Solomon’s request proves that life is lived most abundantly when we seek God out daily. It places the right perspective; selflessness, humility, dependence upon God, and knowing our place, into our heads, and thus setting the thermostat of “right living”. Solomon got it. Unfortunately, Solomon wasn’t consistent in his pursuit of God. He allowed all the very things God told him He would give him in addition to the knowledge and wisdom, and it corrupted him beyond the many evil behaviors the future kings of Israel ever did. We must be careful to adhere to this story. We cannot allow those things God pointed out to Solomon to take the place of our Mighty God. If we do, we will follow in the footsteps of a “once mighty and powerful king” that lost his way. I don’t want that. Do you?

7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”8 Solomon replied to God, “You showed faithful love to David, my father, and now You have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, please continue to keep Your promise to David my father, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! 10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of Yours?”11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern My people–12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” 2 Chronicles 1:7-12

Significance, Equality, And Status…..

What the world longs for, but cannot attain, God Grant’s in the hearts of those who see Him as their treasure. The significance, equality, and status the world seeks can only be found in Jesus. The world may play favorites, but God does not. Racism doesn’t exist in God’s kingdom. Equality, significance, and self-worth is only attainable, one heart at a time. Integrity has no holiday. Is this what you strive for? If not, you’re pursuing on a dead-end street.

34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. Acts 10:34-35

God Loves A Joyful Giver….

I’m sure this can stir up controversy, but if you truly examine the scriptures, you’ll find this to be true. God loves a joyful giver. When we give from a grateful heart, the Lord rejoices. When we give out of obligation, the Lord isn’t pleased. Giving should come from a heart full of gratitude and never out of duty. Yes, we are to pay the government taxes, but give freely to the Lord from a joyful heart. He doesn’t want or need our money to begin with. What He’s more concerned about is the attitude of our heart more so than the amount of money in our hands.

9 The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy. 1 Chronicles 29:9

17 I know, my God, that You examine our hearts and rejoice when You find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched Your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. 1 Chronicles 29:17

Intimacy With God Has No Greater Reward….

There is no stronger charge a father can leave his family with than what King David left his son Solomon. As a matter of fact, there’s nothing more important than this in all the pursuits of this life. Learn to known God intimately. Serve and worship Him with your whole heart and willing mind. Seeking Him guarantees you’ll find Him. And remember if you reject Him, He will allow you to live without Him, forever. Take this seriously. You can’t get more simple than this. It’s our duty to live out this charge. Intimacy with God has no greater reward.

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek Him, you will find Him. But if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 10 So take this seriously. 1 Chronicles 28:9-10a

Wisdom Takes Searching….

Wisdom takes searching it out. It’s not an immediate one-and-done event. It’s not an instant gratification type of experience. It starts with conviction in the heart. Every single human being on the planet can gain wisdom. It’s just a matter of determination, persistence, and perseverance. God will grant you wisdom when you seek Him with all of your heart.

5 Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5

You Have What The World Doesn’t…..

When people have reverence for God, and live according to His will, success follows. Confidence comes in knowing you are accomplishing God’s purposes. Fear, worry, and stress are restrained when your heart grows close to God’s heart. If you’re wondering why our world is in such chaos, it must mean the above truths aren’t being put into practice. Search God with all of your heart, and you will receive the peace of knowing you have what the world doesn’t, everything in Jesus.

13 For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the Lord gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart! 1 Chronicles 22:13

God’s Mercy over Man’s Judgement….

Even in the midst of his sin, when David realized what he had done, he not only repented, but revealed what was in his heart. Here in 1Chronicles21, David took a census. This was in direct opposition of what God told him. We see this in Joab’s reaction to David’s request (v3&6). David was given a choice by God as to what the consequences would be. His choice revealed where his loyalties and confidence truly was placed. David’s confidence in God’s mercy was great. He’d rather be disciplined by God than by man, because he knew God is more merciful than man. He also revealed his love and concern for the people of Israel when he spoke with God after seeing the angel standing with sword in hand ready to destroy Jerusalem. A man after God’s own heart takes responsibility for his actions, and it looks exactly like David’s reaction here in this situation. Have you ever reacted this way? Do you choose God’s mercy over man’s judgement? Are you concerned how your behavior affects others? Read this passage and spiritually digest it. You’ll find that it’s not making the mistake that matters most to God, it’s what we do about it afterward that does.

1 Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel–from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north–and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.”3 But Joab replied, “May the Lord increase the number of His people a hundred times over! But why, my lord the king, do you want to do this? Are they not all your servants? Why must you cause Israel to sin?”4 But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab traveled throughout all Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalem 5 and reported the number of people to David. There were 1 ,100 ,000 warriors in all Israel who could handle a sword, and 470 ,000 in Judah. 6 But Joab did not include the tribes of Levi and Benjamin in the census because he was so distressed at what the king had made him do.  7 God was very displeased with the census, and He punished Israel for it. 8 Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”9 Then the Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer. This was the message: 10 “Go and say to David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.’ ”11 So Gad came to David and said, “These are the choices the Lord has given you. 12 You may choose three years of famine, three months of destruction by the sword of your enemies, or three days of severe plague as the angel of the Lord brings devastation throughout the land of Israel. Decide what answer I should give the Lord who sent me.”13 “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”14 So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel, and 70,000 people died as a result. 15 And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But just as the angel was preparing to destroy it, the Lord relented and said to the death angel, “Stop! That is enough!” At that moment the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.16 David looked up and saw the angel of the Lord standing between heaven and earth with his sword drawn, reaching out over Jerusalem. So David and the leaders of Israel put on burlap to show their deep distress and fell face down on the ground. 17 And David said to God, “I am the one who called for the census! I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are as innocent as sheep–what have they done? O Lord my God, let Your anger fall against me and my family, but do not destroy Your people.” 1 Chronicles 21:1-17

Self-Inflicted Process…..

Our sinful nature guarantees this truth: people whose goal in life is to stir up trouble will have thicker skin on their back. Those who deny God, deny truth, and end up mocking it, end up being beaten down for it. Don’t be a fool, unless you like being beaten down. It’s the way the world works; sinful nature punishes foolishness, often times it’s part of the self-inflicted process, evil and stupidity go hand in hand. God’s Justice always prevails, even if He uses sinful humanity to carry it out.

29 Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten. Proverbs 19:29

Wars, Lies, And Mistreatment….

If you’ve ever thought about how many of the wars in this world started, you’d probably be surprised that they were started by false information (lies), and mistreatment of people. Take WWl for example. It started with the assassination of one person. WWIl started for the US by the killing innocent people in the Pacific. Here in 1Chronicles19, numerous battles came out of the Ammonite King’s Son, listening to bad advice. If human Pride isn’t the cause of all of our problems, then I don’t know what is. Jesus is the remedy. Are you willing to surrender your pride today? If not, there are many wars in your future. And their cause will be self-inflicted. 1 Some time after this, King Nahash of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun became king. 2 David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun because his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent messengers to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death.But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon, 3 the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the land so they can come in and conquer it!” 4 So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved them, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame.5 When David heard what had happened to the men, he sent messengers to tell them, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance.6 When the people of Ammon realized how seriously they had angered David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent 75 ,000 pounds of silver to hire chariots and charioteers from Aram-naharaim, Aram-maacah, and Zobah. 7 They also hired 32 ,000 chariots and secured the support of the king of Maacah and his army. These forces camped at Medeba, where they were joined by the Ammonite troops that Hanun had recruited from his own towns. 8 When David heard about this, he sent Joab and all his warriors to fight them. 9 The Ammonite troops came out and drew up their battle lines at the entrance of the city, while the other kings positioned themselves to fight in the open fields. 1 Chronicles 19:1-9

Unbelief….

Sin is sin. “There is not one greater than another”, you hear all the time, however some sins have greater consequences than others. If you read carefully through the words of Jesus, you’ll find that there is one sin that holds the greatest of significance. It is the sin of unbelief. It is impossible for God to save if we don’t trust Him. This not only applies to unbelievers (hence the name), but also for those who call themselves Christians. Think about it, those who have trusted God with their souls by repenting of their sin and being baptized, and yet worry and stress over things because they don’t believe God will provide, protect, or walk with them through a dark time, only shows how deep and real their faith is or isn’t. I’m guilty of this quite often. Not taking God at His Word, and not believing He’ll do what He has promised, makes Him angry. I mean what does He have to do to gain our respect and trust? Hasn’t He done enough? He gives us the air in our lungs that supplies the oxygen to our brains to remember all that He’s done in the past, correct? He’s given us the intellectual ability to override our feelings when they lead us down the wrong path by recalling the truths of scripture, correct? And most importantly, we are still here, meaning His love and patience for and with us demonstrate we are still useful enough to Him and that He’s not done with us yet, right? Trust Him today, with all of your heart, it’s what He wants, and it’s the only thing we can really do to show Him we are grateful for all that He’s done.

17 Yet they kept on sinning against Him,rebelling against the Most High in the desert.18 They stubbornly tested God in their hearts,demanding the foods they craved.19 They even spoke against God Himself, saying,“God can’t give us food in the wilderness.20 Yes, He can strike a rock so water gushes out,but He can’t give His people bread and meat.”21 When the Lord heard them, He was furious.The fire of His wrath burned against Jacob.Yes, His anger rose against Israel,22 for they did not believe God or trust Him to care for them.23 But He commanded the skies to open;He opened the doors of heaven.24 He rained down manna for them to eat;He gave them bread from heaven.25 They ate the food of angels!God gave them all they could hold. Psalms 78:17-25

A Man After God’s Own Heart….

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. He was like no one before him or after. As you read today’s scripture verses I hope you see what I see. David cared about his future, and the future of Israel. God told him that He would bless David’s lineage. God would always keep a relative of David on the throne. It stays true to this day. You ask how is that? Jesus is on the throne. Jesus is a direct descendant of David. When David was told this by God, he went before the Lord to pray. He prayed a prayer of thanksgiving. His prayer showed his gratitude toward God and his humility in that he knew he didn’t deserve this grace God bestowed upon him. If you read through the OT about the kings of Judah, for they were the only good kings to come after David, even though God said some were good, most of them, when told that God was going to punish Israel but only after their life was over, seemed relieved and content that at least it wasn’t going to happen in their lifetime. This was not the case with David. When God told him that he would not be the person that would build His Temple, David didn’t accept it and do nothing, rather he prepared all the materials and supplies so that his son Solomon could build it. David was truly a man after God’s own heart, and even though he was a fallible, sinner, he always repented of his sin when he realized it; something we all can look to as an example of a behavioral pattern God seeks out in us all. Align your heart with God’s heart, and you’ll emulate King David’s desire to please Him.

1 When David was settled in his palace, he summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant is out there under a tent!”2 Nathan replied to David, “Do whatever you have in mind, for God is with you.”3 But that same night God said to Nathan, 4 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: You are not the one to build a house for Me to live in. 5 I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. My home has always been a tent, moving from one place to another in a Tabernacle. 6 Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s leaders, the shepherds of My people. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built Me a beautiful cedar house?”’7 “Now go and say to My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of My people Israel. 8 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! 9 And I will provide a homeland for My people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, 10 starting from the time I appointed judges to rule My people Israel. And I will defeat all your enemies.“ ‘Furthermore, I declare that the Lord will build a house for you–a dynasty of kings! 11 For when you die and join your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, one of your sons, and I will make his kingdom strong. 12 He is the one who will build a house–a temple–for Me. And I will secure his throne forever. 13 I will be his father, and he will be My son. I will never take My favor from him as I took it from the one who ruled before you. 14 I will confirm him as king over My house and My kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever.’ ” 15 So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision. David’s Prayer of Thanks 16 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far? 17 And now, O God, in addition to everything else, You speak of giving Your servant a lasting dynasty! You speak as though I were someone very great, O Lord God!18 “What more can I say to You about the way You have honored me? You know what Your servant is really like. 19 For the sake of Your servant, O Lord, and according to Your will, You have done all these great things and have made them known.20 “O Lord, there is no One like You. We have never even heard of another God like You! 21 What other nation on earth is like Your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have You redeemed from slavery to be Your own people? You made a great name for Yourself when You redeemed Your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations that stood in their way. 22 You chose Israel to be Your very own people forever, and You, O Lord, became their God.23 “And now, O Lord, I am Your servant; do as You have promised concerning me and my family. May it be a promise that will last forever. 24 And may Your name be established and honored forever so that everyone will say, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, is Israel’s God!’ And may the house of Your servant David continue before You forever.25 “O my God, I have been bold enough to pray to You because You have revealed to Your servant that You will build a house for him–a dynasty of kings! 26 For You are God, O Lord. And You have promised these good things to Your servant. 27 And now, it has pleased You to bless the house of Your servant, so that it will continue forever before You. For when You grant a blessing, O Lord, it is an eternal blessing!” 1 Chronicles 17:1-27

Beauty Is Found in Character….

Here’s a simple truth when applied changes your outlook on people. It’s character displayed over a period of time that makes and keeps a person’s attractiveness. Here’s the situation, a not very pretty (physically) person always treats you with respect. This person is kind and encouraging to you. Over time their character becomes beautiful to you to the point of their physical appearance is no longer non-attractive. On their other side of the coin you have this beautiful, physically appealing person come to you. Without saying a word you think “wow”. Then they open their mouth, spitting out negative, non-edifying words. They are not a team player and show you no regard in the respect category. You will not like them much, and over time their physical features become less and less attractive to you, to the point of being downright ugly. Physical attractiveness and beauty are two different things. Beauty is found in the character of a person not in their physical features.

22 Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. Proverbs 19:22

A Little Dirt Versus Doing It Myself…..

When I read the story of Uzzah and the Ark of God (1 Chronicles 13), I always wondered why Uzzah died for trying to keep it from falling off the cart. You can also read about it 2 Samuel 6. In each story we are not given the answer. However, two chapters later (1 Chronicles 15), we get the answer to the question; David did not ask God how to move it. You see Moses was instructed how to build it, where to place it, what its purpose was, and how to move it. The Levites were the only people to ever move it, and they were to carry it with the poles it was designed with, never on a cart. Under King Saul’s leadership, this procedure was abandoned and neglect of the ark took place. And David’s reverence for God took an ignorant turn because of it. Uzzah was just trying to steady the cart, but God had already had enough of being tolerant of David’s miscue. When Uzzah touched the art that was it for God’s patience. To think that ultimately it was Uzzah’s thinking that it would be better to touch the cart with sinful hands than for a little innocent dirt to get on it was enough for God to put an end to this ignorant and blatant non-sense. So how does all of this translate to our lives? How often do we do things without asking God first? How often do we think we are doing God a favor when it’s our thinking and not God’s will? How often do we play God without even consulting with Him? This story seems tragic, and even cruel to those not in pursuit of knowing God, but when the truth (purpose behind it) is revealed we have a choice to make; either accept it, or question God still. The latter of the two will always end up steering us away from God. It’s just the nature of our flesh to do it. It’s the difference between “thinking and feeling”. Both can lead us down a path of disappointment, but thinking on what we know to be true, and acting on it is the better choice. As I always say, “feelings are legitimate, but often overrated”. Consult With God on every major decision you make, and you’ll find out that a little dirt is often better than touching something sacred without permission.

13 Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly.” 1 Chronicles 15:13

God’s Purpose Will Prevail…..

If you really think about living life your way, in the end God prevails. People think they are hurting God when they purposely live without Him. They have no reason to live like this, but out of whatever rebellion you want to call it, they think they are going to prevail (I will hurt Him with my life). God’s will is for every single human being to come to know Him. He knows who will and who won’t. And even though God doesn’t want anyone to perish, but have eternal life, His plan for both decisions is carried out. For the believer, they experience His goodness and grace. They begin to understand His purpose and focus their lives on accomplishing His will. For the unbeliever, they live their entire lives seeking out pleasure, significance, and self-glory, only to find emptiness and unanswered questions. Eventually, they enter into eternity without God to experience suffering that has no relief or end. God didn’t design Hell for people, yet it’s the consequence or reward to those who chose it. God’s purpose of Heaven and Hell prevail. Our plans will always end up turning out in accordance to His purposes, regardless of how we think they will. God uses both good people and evil ones to fulfill His plans, for no one can stop them. And even though sometimes it’s tragic for those who rebel, God does what He says He’s going to do. In the end people get what they want, for God - Heaven; for Self (without God)- Hell. Wouldn’t it makes sense to seek Him out in order to find out what that is?

21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21

Lending To The Lord….

This proverb is profound. Helping the poor is considered lending to God. Think about that for a second. If everything belongs to God, then what we possess belongs to Him too. If He gives it to us, there must be a reason, right? When we use our resources, and it’s not always just money, to help someone in need, it’s seen as lending God back what He has given us. And the strange thing about it is, He will repay us for doing it. The key is to always see what God has given us as temporary. It all belongs to Him. Grace is a complex process, but the end result is always to our benefit. It doesn’t always make sense, but we always reap God’s goodness when we receive it with a grateful heart. To think that God grants us possession of what belongs to Him, like taking out a loan, and yet of having to pay Him back, He rewards us even more when we use it to His Glory. It certainly doesn’t follow the patterns of this world; loans are meant to be paid back with interest. Yet God’s interest is with our hearts, and rewards those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. We serve an awesome God.

17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord–and He will repay you! Proverbs 19:17

Places We Never Knew Were There…..

Sometimes we have to trust God, for He makes paths through places we never knew were there. Because we can’t always see spiritually, faith is the bridge in which God allows us into His Grace. Trust Him today with your life, He will give you the ability to see paths to take that you never knew existed.

16 When the Red Sea saw You, O God,its waters looked and trembled!The sea quaked to its very depths.17 The clouds poured down rain;the thunder rumbled in the sky.Your arrows of lightning flashed.18 Your thunder roared from the whirlwind;the lightning lit up the world!The earth trembled and shook.19 Your road led through the sea,Your pathway through the mighty waters–a pathway no one knew was there!20 You led Your people along that road like a flock of sheep,with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds. Psalms 77:16-20

Be Prepared To Give An Answer…..

Peter tells us in one of his letters that we always need to be prepared to give the answer for the hope that resides in us. Jesus also tells us that God will give us the words to say when we stand before others demanding answers. Here is Acts chapter 6 we get an example of this being lived out. Stephen, being a man of integrity and of deep faith, spoke boldly to the men accusing him of blasphemy. The Holy Spirit gave him wisdom that no one could oppose. His speech (continued into the next chapter) is one of the highlighted events in all of scripture that shows us this truth. God will always give us the words to say when the necessary moments come. It certainly helps to be grounded in His Word (daily), but if you ask in prayer for God to help you, He will. He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6). He will always provide us with what we need to get through a trial. The major factor is that we stay connected to Him. When we seek out God’s will for our lives, and actually do it, He meets our needs (Matt 6:33). He changes our attitudes. He gives us our significance. Be prepared to give an answer for the hope that resides within you, so when it happens, it’s no real surprise.

10 None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. Acts 6:10

The Gospel Has Power….

The Gospel has the power to transform even the most prideful and stubborn of souls. If it can convert a Jewish priest, the ones who put Jesus to death, than it can transform any willing soul.

7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Acts 6:7

Justice….

We live in a day and age of social justice. The irony of it is the fact that all people want justice. Justice, the act of making things right, comes from God, yet people distort it by taking matters into their own hands leaving God out of the picture. We see all kinds of causes brought about on social media. We see the different approaches of how each cause is promoted, through education, violence, threats, to name a few. Some of these causes are pushed through social media by manipulation, deceit, and quite often bullying methods. People push their agendas based on what they perceive to be true. Here’s two truths about the success or failure of these methods of promoting a cause. First, most of these causes will not last, they are only temporary because they are not true. The method in which it is promoted exposes this. An example of this is when people are told to “accept our agenda, if you don’t, you’re labeled a hateful, racist, bigot.” In other words, “accept what we believe, without arguing or opposing it.” You are not allowed to have an opposing opinion/viewpoint. Violence or intolerance of tolerance will never successfully promote a cause. It’s hypocritical. It may succeed for a short time but it won’t last. The second truth about this is if it goes against God, it will not last. I don’t think I have to explain this. God has designed our world to work in a certain way, so when we violate this order, it guarantees the doom of the promoted cause. The reason why is because it violates God’s character. Justice comes from God, so without Him, it will never be fully met. It’s only a matter of time until God’s patience and tolerance of rebellious behavior (sinful acts disguised through social justice) comes to and end and He squelches the movement. He doesn’t not like it when people give false descriptions of His character. When you fight against God, you’ll always lose. The sad part is that we all know this, and yet some still try; they go to their deathbed with a fist raised in the air pointed at God. Don’t be one of those. Examine your beliefs. See what’s in line with God’s order, and learn what’s not. The only way this is possible is to know God. Are you pursuing Him daily? If you are, you’ll understand these two truths. If not, why not? What’s the point of fighting a losing battle, and eventually losing the war? Is your pride worth it?

26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about Him, and you want to make us responsible for His death!”29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed Him by hanging Him on a cross. 31 Then God put Him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey Him.”33 When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. 34 But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. 35 Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! 36 Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400  others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. 37 After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:26-42

Fakebook…..

The story of Ananias and Sapphira is one of mystery and often misinterpreted. The main point here isn’t a legal one. It isn’t about giving all your money to the church. It isn’t even about money at all. The main point here is about status. It’s about reputation. It’s about pretending. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to be made out to be better than they were. They wanted people to think they are selfless, all the while still remaining selfish. You can’t fool God. He knows your every thought and motive. Paul talks about this in his epistles, we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. We need to know our place, and that starts with our relationship with God Himself. With Facebook and everything in our society screaming “you matter”, it’s easy to get caught up in the race to compare. Our desire to be better makes Facebook a dangerous temptation. I can tell you so many people who appear to have the perfect Facebook lives, are miserable in reality. I know, I’ve met them. Instead of participating on “Fakebook”, as I call it, why not just be honest. Stop bragging about your vacations, accolades, and accomplishments and just be yourself. Your children are little sinners just like everyone else’s are, and so are you. The one thing I know about living life, is people appreciate honesty. They can spot a fake from a mile away. God honors humility, the practice of honestly admitting your weaknesses. For when we are weak, He is strong, and He gets the glory in all of it anyway, right? Let’s stop pretending to be someone we are not, and stop worrying if people will “like us”. God loves those who are honest and faithful. That’s enough for me. Hopefully, it’s enough for you too.

1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?”“Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. Acts 5:1-11

Love’s Freedom Comes With Consequences…..

God’s love for humanity allows people to not follow Him, but when those people start to fight against Him, it’s foolish to think they’ll win. Love’s freedom comes with consequences, as do all choices that we make. When you choose selfishness over love, you experience these consequences, and you end up lonely, isolated, and sometimes dead.

22 Many of the Hagrites were killed in the battle because God was fighting against them. The people of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh lived in their land until they were taken into exile. 1 Chronicles 5:22

When We Do, Our Needs Are Met…..

God has given us everything we need for life, it’s just a matter of redistributing it. Selfishness is the core of our sinful nature. It’s the very thing God came to save us from. When our hearts align with His, anything is possible. For love is selflessness, the opposite of our sinful nature. No wonder Jesus’ core message was to love.... when we do, our needs are met.

32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:32-37

Helping His Purpose Play Out….

The sad but ironic thing about human nature is that in rebellion against God we think we are hurting Him, when in reality we are helping His purpose be played out. You can serve God and experience His rewards, or you can rebel, being used by Him to carry out His will, and suffer the consequences and not have your needs met. Either way, God’s will is done, the only difference is He rewards those who truly pursue Him with a committed heart.

Human defiance only enhances Your glory, for You use it as a weapon. Psalms 76:10a

You spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, Your servant, saying, ‘Why were the nations so angry?Why did they waste their time with futile plans?26 The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against His Messiah.’ 27 “In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, Your holy servant, whom You anointed. 28 But everything they did was determined beforehand according to Your will. Acts 4:25c-28

God Is Our Enemy, Until…..

In Acts chapter 4 we read Peter addressing the religious leaders after he and John are detained for healing a crippled man of 40+ years. Peter boldly proclaims that Jesus is the only way to be saved. As we read further we come to the scene in which the religious leaders demand Peter and John to never speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter boldly tells them that God wants our obedience. Part of that is not obeying man when it violates Gods clear instructions for our behavior. Why is it that people despise the name of Jesus? Why is it that the world wants to silence faithful believers from proclaiming the Gospel? Why does the name of Jesus offend people? Simply because they know He is God. And God is our enemy until we submit to His sovereignty. I don’t even have to prove this. Go out on the street and talk about Jesus and the Gospel. You will get opposition immediately. If this weren’t true, you wouldn’t be told to keep quiet. It’s been going on since the origins of the NT, and it will continue until He returns a second time. It’s just proof that we need a Savior; we have a dilemma called sin, and the only remedy is Jesus. Save yourself some pain, come to Him today. The Gospel is called “Good News” for a reason.

1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected,which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. Acts 4:1-22

Redirected To Him….

One characteristic of a true follower of God is his/her ability to redirect praise toward God when it is intended to make them take the credit. Humility is knowing Who gets the credit, and making sure the focus is redirected to Him.

When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. Acts 3:9-13a

Lying…..

Lying has consequences, regardless of what we think.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free. Proverbs 19:5

You Can Count On That….

In Psalm 75 there are several concepts about God that are noteworthy. First, God will punish the wicked. It’s in His timing, not ours. It’s so easy to lose site of this. Next, it’s God Who holds the world together. When we think things are falling apart, He is the One Who keeps its foundations firm. Third point, boasting and defiance is not acceptable behavior according to God. God is the One Who Judges, not us. We don’t have all the facts, nor do we know all the motives. It’s God Who determines who will rise and who will fall. Lastly, it’s our gratitude to the Giver of the gifts, not the gifts themselves we need to focus on. When we focus on the gifts, our life follows temporary, and often misdirected motives. God will always break the strength of the wicked, because the wicked always opposes Him. And God will always strengthen those whose hearts are fully dedicated to following Him. He’s consistent with these concepts, for it’s in His character. And God doesn’t change. You can count on that.

1 We praise you, God,we praise you, for your Name is near;people tell of your wonderful deeds. 2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;it is I who judge with equity.3 When the earth and all its people quake,it is I who hold its pillars firm.4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;do not speak so defiantly.’ ” 6 No one from the east or the westor from the desert can exalt themselves.7 It is God who judges:He brings one down, he exalts another.8 In the hand of the Lord is a cupfull of foaming wine mixed with spices;he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earthdrink it down to its very dregs. 9 As for me, I will declare this forever;I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.” Psalms 75

Why Does God’s Word Pierce Some Hearts, And Not Others?

Why does God’s word pierce some hearts, and not others? The answer lies in the heart of each human being. Is it receptive to truth? Is it honest enough with itself? What makes a person’s heart like this? I don’t really know. What I do know is selfishness and pride play a huge role in it. Here in Acts chapter 2, we read of Peter’s speech piercing the hearts of about 3,000 people. These 3,000 hearts had the receptiveness to truth and was honest enough to ask the hard question: “what should we do?” Then they were willing to do whatever was required; repenting of their sins and putting their faith in Jesus. What makes a receptive and willing heart? God makes them. Do you have one? One filled with the Holy Spirit and willing to sacrifice yourself for His namesake? Willingness and honesty are gifts from God. But they need to be cultivated through the fires of refinement. It starts with dying to self. Selfishness is the roadblock of making any progress with accepting and sharing the Gospel. It’s time to “get over ourselves”. The right response to conviction is what we see here in Acts chapter 2. It’s what we all need to do when the Jesus comes knocking at our door.

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:36-41

Angry Towards Him?

Why are the majority of people, who profess they don’t believe God exists, angry towards Him?

3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. Proverbs 19:3

Paying The Ultimate Price….

Why does money turn people away from God? Because people think money empowers them, and it gives them “status”, and the ability to say “No” to Him. Its deception at its finest. To think that by possessing money, you become more important or better than others is absurd. Money can never replace the One True Living God. Nor can it transform your status from a unforgiven sinner into important. It’s man’s duty to pursue and know God. Until he does, he will continue to live pretending to be something he’s not (like an actor in a movie). And unfortunately for him, at the end of his life, the credits will roll and he will end up paying the ultimate price.

23 The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults. Proverbs 18:23