Independently Dependent….

What is it that gets people through tough times? Is it their wealth? Is it their physical attractiveness? How about their political status? Or even their ability to divert the thoughts through “wishing it away” or escape methods? For me, it’s my faith in God. My trust in His promises. My trust in His sovereignty. Without the resolve that God will provide, protect, and walk with me through the dark valleys, I would probably not be able to withstand the issues that come along with adversity. Without my Biblical faith, I wouldn’t be able to endure life. What’s your method of dealing with the ups and downs of life? Or do you have a way of dealing with adversity? Unless your faith is firm, standing firm through it all; it will wear you down to nothing. Ask God to help you trust Him, when you do, you’ll find confidence in your dependence on Him. Learn to be independently dependent upon God.

8 for Syria is no stronger than its capital, Damascus,and Damascus is no stronger than its king, Rezin. As for Israel, within sixty-five years it will be crushed and completely destroyed.9 Israel is no stronger than its capital, Samaria,and Samaria is no stronger than its king, Pekah son of Remaliah. Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.” Isaiah 7:8-9

The Resurrection Gives Us Hope….

No matter what adversity we face. No matter hard things get. No matter how painful things can be, nothing we do for God is ever wasted. Never forget this, because that’s real hope. The resurrection gives us hope and steadfastness; it enables us to go on in the face of overwhelming and difficult circumstances. It’s the anchor of our soul. It’s the well-spring of life. It’s where our significance gets its purpose. It’s what feeds a hungry soul. What the world longs for, and cannot attain, Jesus gives freely. This free gift transforms death into life. As Jim Elliot once said, “he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”.

56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:56-58

Our Duty Is Simple…..

The basics of Christianity are simple, and the charge is even simpler. Our duty is to simply pass on the truths of the Gospel. When we pursue God, and live daily to serve Him, we are granted wisdom and power that only God can give. This blessing allows us to understand our purpose. Then we just pass on what we know to be true. Paul knew this. He tells us in today’s reading. We are to pass on to others, what others have passed on to us. And that is the Gospel of Jesus. It doesn’t change. It’s message is powerful and effective. It’s the only thing that can transform a life. It doesn’t get any simpler than this. So why try to complicate it?

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, He was seen by more than 500  of His followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then He was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw Him. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favor on me–and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by His grace. 11 So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed. 1 Corinthians 15:3-11

Faith In It’s Proper Place….

If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s this: human beings will always disappoint us. Our Faith is meant to be placed in God alone. Human beings are weak, fragile, and insecure. When we put our faith in them, we won’t get out of what we put into. Only God is worthy of our faith and trust. When we place our faith in its proper place (in God alone), He allows our trust in humans to be limited, and thus protects us from major disappointment, and yet He allows us to love without fear. It’s a strange phenomenon, I can’t fully explain, but I can absolutely tell you, it’s true and worthy of our full attention.

22 Don’t put your trust in mere humans.They are as frail as breath.What good are they? Isaiah 2:22

Humble Down….

Pride is man’s way of trying to be God. It’s his way of wanting it his way. The opposite of pride is humility. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, rather it’s thinking of yourself less. Whenever you feel the urge of Pride coming on, humble down. You’ll save yourself some pain in the end. Only God is worthy of humanity’s praise, only God.

11 Human pride will be brought down,and human arrogance will be humbled.Only the Lord will be exaltedon that day of judgment. 12 For the Lord of Heaven’s Armieshas a day of reckoning.He will punish the proud and mightyand bring down everything that is exalted.13 He will cut down the tall cedars of Lebanonand all the mighty oaks of Bashan.14 He will level all the high mountainsand all the lofty hills.15 He will break down every high towerand every fortified wall.16 He will destroy all the great trading shipsand every magnificent vessel.17 Human pride will be humbled,and human arrogance will be brought down.Only the Lord will be exaltedon that day of judgment. Isaiah 2:11-17

When God Starts A Fire….

When God starts a fire, only He has the ability to extinguish the flames. Only God has the power to overcome.

31 The strongest among you will disappear like straw; their evil deeds will be the spark that sets it on fire. They and their evil works will burn up together, and no one will be able to put out the fire. Isaiah 1:31

Our Master’s Care….

Have you ever noticed how dogs are loyal and receptive to their owners. It’s only the abusive masters that cause their dogs to retreat in fear. When an owner takes care of his dog the dog responds with loyalty. My dogs love me. They are obedient, loving, and dedicated. Yes, I’m the one who feeds them, so they show their loyalty in their behavior. Animal pets treat their owners better than human beings treat God. Proof of this is stated in Isaiah chapter 1. This should be a reminder to those who believe that their our behavior is a direct witness to those who don’t. We will either serve God like a faithful, obedient dog, or we won’t. There’s no in between. Recognizing our Master’s care is proof that our pursuit of Him is on track. Stay on track, for nothing compares to a derailed train wreck. Ask Israel, they know.

3 Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master’s care–but Israel doesn’t know its Master. My people don’t recognize My care for them.” Isaiah 1:3

The One Thing Paul Did Consistently…

The one thing Paul did consistently, was his desire to help people not stumble. If his behavior might have caused someone to be confused about his message, he made sure he corrected it. Paul saw the bigger picture. He saw past himself. He lived his life as a millstone rejector; one that Jesus talked about. Paul lived his life always keeping in mind that his behavior influenced people. And if his behavior was selfish in nature, he would become a stumbling block to those either trying to live out the Gospel, or a roadblock to those hearing it for the first time. The key is doing what’s best for all, not just yourself. This is what imitating Christ really looks like.

31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

An Appointment With Death….

Death, we all have an appointment with it. There’s no escaping it. Yet so many people fear it with an anxiety that has no remedy. The debilitating effect it has on some drive them to live their lives solely based on it. Some try to escape with substance abuse, while others ignore it all together. When it finally comes, it’s like a shock to the system. For those that have placed their trust in Jesus, the fear of death loses its sting. Sure, there’s still some uncertainty, but one things for sure: those who believe and live out their faith in Him will be with Him as soon as Death invades the body. Just one more thing about the Christian faith that rarely gets talked about. Jesus comforts us and answers the biggest question we can have, what happens to me when I die? Knowing this answer, brings a peace and sense of security that those without Him can’t ever experience.

7 Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen? 8 None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked. Ecclesiastes 8:7-8

Integrity Has No Holiday….

Integrity has no holidays. God honors those that honor Him. God will always provide a way out, that doesnt involve sin. Its just a matter of acting on the trust you have in Him.

5 Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, 6 for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble. Ecclesiastes 8:5-6

Help Shape Or Destroy One’s Life….

With all the ups and downs in life, I always wonder how people who do not pursue God deal with it all. Life, death, gain, loss, uncertainties, worries, anxieties, and all the other issues and events that happen during a lifetime, can either help shape or destroy oneself. For the faithful believer, he has a permanent, consistent, enduring, and reliable way of dealing with life. His name is Jesus, a rock upon which he stands. The one thing about Real, true Christianity, is believers have a relationship with the God of the Universe. The One that has all the answers. The One that can comfort any hurting, lost soul. The One that has the power that overcomes death. True followers of Christ have a way of dealing with life that unbelievers do not. God honors those that honor Him. He does this by helping them in times of need. His power can overcome any situation. And the best part is that believers never are left alone trying to deal with life’s ups and downs. I wonder how people who don’t see God as important deal with everyday life, especially the hard times? Where do they search for answers? Who do they look to for comfort? Who do they give credit to when blessings come their way? How do they deal with loss? God tells us that He has our back. He will be there for us, and never let us bear more than we can handle, for He knows our breaking point. Knowing this gives me peace. It gives me confidence to move forward in tough, and uncertain times. Our worldview matters; for it determines our outlook on life. When you really think about it, that’s everything. I give thanks to my God, for He is worthy of my praise.

12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Life Is Uncertain….

When you read through the book of Ecclesiastes it easy to get confused. Solomon talks about everything being meaningless, and yet speaks about fearing God and trying to enjoy life. In chapter 7 we read a simple yet profound statement telling us that wisdom and money are both beneficial. However, wisdom is the only one that can save us. Money may bring material possessions, and get you further in life, but only knowing God, Jesus, is the only way to be made right with Him (be saved). That’s the point Solomon is making here. Life is uncertain, God is certain, and money can’t save us. Even in all of He depravity in pursuing the meaning of life, Solomon knew, without God, or as he calls it “under the sun”, life is meaningless. It’s only when we realize it’s life “in the Son” not under the sun, wisdom is found. The kind of wisdom that saves, as Solomon states here.

12 Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. 13 Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what He has made crooked? 14 Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life. Ecclesiastes 7:12-14

Christians Have Two Priorities….

As Christians we have two priorities. First, is to love and pursue God. Second, is sharing the Gospel with all. You accomplish the second goal by concentrating on the first priority, for you can’t share good news if you aren’t connected to the Source. When it comes to dealing with people, the most important thing you can do is make a connection. You do this by finding common ground. Common ground breaks down walls. Common ground builds relationships. Common ground helps common interests become common bonds. Where there’s a connection, there’s possibility. That possibility is the salvation that God brings. Paul’s goal was to share the Gospel with everyone. To share the blessings God bestowed upon him with others. I think he succeeded, don’t you? Times haven’t changed. People haven’t changed. Finding common ground still works. Make today a day that you find common ground with someone in need of hearing Good News.

22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Under The Sun….

When King Solomon says “under the sun”, he means without God. So when he says “everything is meaningless”, he means all of our attempts to find happiness and peace, security and significance, is all in vain. A life not pursuing truth, not seeking out a “made right with God by the work of Jesus” relationship, is futile. You’ll never receive forgiveness and a right relationship with God without knowing He is our first priority in life. And the only way we can get to this point is to realize we are sinners in need of a Savior. It’s the first step in repentance, the only way to be made right with Him. “Under the sun” means without God.

17 So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless–like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:17

The Most Important Things In life…..

The most important things in life are not things, it’s people. True joy doesn’t come from anything this earth can provide. And even if it did, who would you share it with without people?

1 I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless–like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

Ignorance Is Bliss….

Education has its benefits, but if it’s your “magic bullet”, sole purpose in life, you’ll be disappointed in the end. Your knowledge won’t save you. Your intellect won’t bring the joy you think it will. Matter of fact, the deeper your wisdom, the greater the grief. Maybe the old saying has much more to it than we think, “Ignorance is Bliss”. Either way, a life lived without being made right with God is a life all about pretending; putting off the important. Use the wisdom you are blessed with to make deposits in Heaven’s bank. That way, you’ll be able to make withdrawals even after this life ends.

16 I said to myself, “Look, I am wiser than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. I have greater wisdom and knowledge than any of them.” 17 So I set out to learn everything from wisdom to madness and folly. But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind. 18 The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow. Ecclesiastes 1:16-18

Without A Bond With The Truth….

Have you ever thought about life? I mean deeply thought about how nothing is new. Water fills the sea only to be brought back to the river to flow back into the sea again. People revolt, over throw governments, disease, sickness, detrimental storms. It’s all happened before, there’s nothing new. People experience these things for the first time, so it’s new to them, but to the earth and God, it’s not new. The sad part is that people don’t remember the atrocities brought about by evil, selfish desires, so they end up repeating them. It’s a vicious cycle, especially for those that have a short memory. For those without a bond with the truth it’s even shorter. Why do we long to own things? Why do we throw our hard-earned money at things that will eventually be thrown away or belong to someone else? Our only true pursuit should be on things that last, things that have eternal value (for they are worthy of our time and effort). So the next time you watch the news and witness something that seems tragic, remember, there’s nothing new to God; He’s seen it all, and more importantly, He’s in control and knows how to handle it.

The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. 6 The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. 7 Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Ecclesiastes 1:5-7 No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.9 History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. 10 Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. 11 We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now. Ecclesiastes 1:8c-11

When My Father Passed Away….

When my father passed away (yesterday, as I right this) I thought about a lot of things. During the night I didn’t sleep much. The thoughts of walking in and finding his lifeless body wouldn’t leave my mind. When morning came I sat in my chair and began to read my Bible. In the last chapter of Job we find God accepting Job’s repentance, and restoring Job back to health. God also blessed Him twice as much as He did during the beginning of his life. It then ends by telling us Job died an old man who had lived a long, full life. In the beginning stages of my grieving I realize to a deeper level now, how much God and His Word means to me. As soon as I started reading my thoughts shifted away from the disturbing images in my head and onto the hopeful, encouraging, and uplifting power of scripture. It brought me comfort in a time of deep sadness. The magnitude of my dad’s passing hasn’t even begun to set in, but it’s such great comfort to know that God’s word is alive and active, and powerful enough to aid me in my grief. I thank God for my dad. He was one of the greatest examples of how one human being can love, no matter the cost. I know God love’s me. I know to a deeper level because He gave me an earthly father who loved me by proving it every single day he was alive. Thank you Lord, for giving me my dad, You knew exactly what I needed. And You know exactly what I need now. Help me in this difficult time.

7 After the Lord had finished speaking to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has. 8 So take seven bulls and seven rams and go to My servant Job and offer a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer on your behalf. I will not treat you as you deserve, for you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.” 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord commanded them, and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer.10 When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! 11 Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring.12 So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. For now he had 14 ,000 sheep, 6 ,000 camels, 1 ,000 teams of oxen, and 1 ,000 female donkeys. 13 He also gave Job seven more sons and three more daughters. 14 He named his first daughter Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. 15 In all the land no women were as lovely as the daughters of Job. And their father put them into his will along with their brothers.16 Job lived 140  years after that, living to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. 17 Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life. Job 42:7-17

Telling God He Is Wrong….

The one thing God requires from us is the one thing we have a problem doing. Repentance is admitting our guilt, and making the decision to choose God’s side. It’s a simple concept, yet difficult to do. Our pride, if you truly think about it, is our rebellion against God. It’s like telling Him He is wrong, discrediting His justice and condemning Him just to prove we are right. Human pride is the root of all evil, yet God continues to love us anyway. He loves us enough to provide a way to make us right with Him. His selfless, sacrificial service led Him to the cross where He laid down His life in order to make for us a way back to Him. He wants us to love and honor Him. If admitting our guilt and agreeing with God that He’s right is too much to ask, I think we need to re-evaluate the concept of “too much”? It’s just a matter of pride.

1 Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that You can do anything,and no one can stop You.3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorance?’It is I–and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,things far too wonderful for me.4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!I have some questions for you,and you must answer them.’5 I had only heard about You before,but now I have seen You with my own eyes.6 I take back everything I said,and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” Job 42:1-6

If God Chooses…..

Elihu made many true statements about God, but he missed one very important one that he states, yet doesn’t connect the dots. “If God chooses....” is the statement (v29). God did choose Job for Satan’s testing. No one on earth knew this, especially all of Job’s so-called friends. God can do as He pleases, so we must always remember this. The second we think we have God figured out, look out, Pride sets in. Our job is to know God and trust Him, it’s not to figure Him out. Elihu was talking from a prideful point of view, which is always dangerous ground.

But if He chooses to remain quiet,who can criticize Him?When He hides His face, no one can find Him,whether an individual or a nation.30 He prevents the godless from ruling so they cannot be a snare to the people. 31 “Why don’t people say to God, ‘I have sinned, but I will sin no more’?32 Or ‘I don’t know what evil I have done–tell me. If I have done wrong, I will stop at once’? 33 “Must God tailor His justice to your demands? Job 34:29-33a

One Reason I Trust God….

One reason I trust God is because He judges fairly. His knowledge is complete. His timing is perfect. His ways are above our ways. Basing your life on trusting Him brings security and peace. It’s why He’s God and we are not. He is the best at what He does. I trust Him for that, even if I don’t want to, or disagree, for my knowledge is limited, and my love is flawed without Him. God’s sovereignty surpasses my desires to serve myself. I can trust Him, because He is trustworthy. Now that’s real treasure.

14 If God were to take back His spirit and withdraw His breath,15 all life would cease,and humanity would turn again to dust. 16 “Now listen to me if you are wise.Pay attention to what I say.17 Could God govern if He hated justice?Are you going to condemn the almighty judge?18 For He says to kings, ‘You are wicked,’and to nobles, ‘You are unjust.’19 He doesn’t care how great a person may be,and He pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor.He made them all.20 In a moment they die.In the middle of the night they pass away;the mighty are removed without human hand. 21 “For God watches how people live;He sees everything they do.22 No darkness is thick enoughto hide the wicked from His eyes.23 We don’t set the timewhen we will come before God in judgment.24 He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone,and He sets up others in their place. Job 34:14-24

If God Took Back His Spirit….

Here’s a thought provoking question, “If God took back His Spirit, and withdrew His breath, what would happen”? According to Elihu in Job chapter 34, “all life would cease, and all humanity would return to dust”. Let that concept settle in your mind for awhile. Then put into action the only proper response you might have.

14 If God were to take back His spirit and withdraw His breath,15 all life would cease,and humanity would turn again to dust. Job 34:14-15

Higher Esteem….

Never hold people in higher esteem than God. And never allow one person or a group of people to be an example for God. People with always disappoint. Regardless if they are successful and evil, or poor and righteous, fearing God is the beginning of wisdom. This truth needs to trump your feelings when you start to feel others are benefiting in this world. Let God be your standard, not people. He will reward you when you are consistent in honoring Him.

17 Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.18 You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed. Proverbs 23:17-18

Trust In Money….

Wealth has a way of turning our focus solely onto ourselves. We think having “means” allows us the opportunity to say “NO” to God. How many people do you know when they came into money became better, deeper, followers of Christ? Do you think money makes you happy for the rest of your life, taking away all your worries? Job knew where his riches came from. He knew where they went when his trials came. God is the source of LIFE. It’s only in Him, that we find true fulfillment. It’s only in Him that we find true security. It’s only in having that right relationship with Him that we are truly rich.

24 “Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold? 25 Have I gloated about my wealth and all that I own? Job 31:24-25

The Urge To Take The Credit…..

It’s impossible for anyone to know God on his own. Studying scripture may teach you about God, but unless you ask, and He reveals Himself to you, thus eliminating the urge to take the credit, you will never know Him through human wisdom. Pride and human wisdom go hand in hand, and we all know what God says about pride. It comes before a fall. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself today, it will save you a lot of pain in the future. We cannot know God on our own. It’s up to Him to reveal Himself to us. All we have to do is ask, and humbly wait for His response.

20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom, He has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. 1 Corinthians 1:20-23

If You Want God To Rejoice….

If you want God to rejoice because of something you did, put into action some of His characteristics. Be honest, be just, show compassion, and love one another. Being godly always brings joy to our Lord.

15 My child, if your heart is wise,my own heart will rejoice!16 Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15-16

It Starts With Proper Reverence….

Wisdom comes only from God. It is found no where else. It’s value is immeasurable. If you think education brings wisdom, it doesn’t. If you think experience brings wisdom, it doesn’t. It is God Who gives wisdom. He uses your education and experiences to develop it. It’s God’s insights that turn these two things into wisdom. It starts with a proper reverence for Him, and a decision to agree with Him on what is good and what is evil. This is true education and experience. Wisdom is evaluating the world from God’s perspective. And that’s worth more than this world has to offer. Ask Him today for wisdom, and share it with as many as you can, once He answers your prayer.

23 “God alone understands the way to wisdom;He knows where it can be found,24 for He looks throughout the whole earthand sees everything under the heavens.25 He decided how hard the winds should blowand how much rain should fall.26 He made the laws for the rainand laid out a path for the lightning.27 Then He saw wisdom and evaluated it.He set it in place and examined it thoroughly.28 And this is what He says to all humanity:‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom;to forsake evil is real understanding.’  Job 28:23-28

Satan’s Work Has An Expiration Date….

Evil will always run its course and be extinguished. Satan's work has an expiration date. Voltaire is one example of this truth. He disposed Christianity to the point of great opposition. In the end, his estate was bought, and turned into a place where bibles were printed. God can and will use evil to accomplish His good. It’s a universal truth.

16 “Evil people may have piles of money and may store away mounds of clothing.17 But the righteous will wear that clothing, and the innocent will divide that money. Job 27:16-17

What Sets God Apart….

One of the greatest chapters in all of scripture is Isaiah chapter 53. The two points I want to make are pretty simple, yet profoundly life-altering. First, the one thing that sets God apart from all other religions and practices is the fact that He prophesied the future with 100% accuracy. No one has ever done that in the history of planet earth. This chapter tells us the why, the how, the when and where of Jesus’ condemnation, trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection almost 700 years in advance, with such detail, it’s like it was written after the fact. Secondly, and just as important, this passage gives us a window that looks out into the answer to the question that the world is always asking in condemning God, but yet fails to look deeper into. The world will always ask the question, “Why does God allow pain and suffering”? This question reveals a lot about the questioner. They really don’t want to know the answer, they just use it as an excuse to deny God, and try to feel better about their self-righteousness. Here’s my response. If God is all mighty, all knowing, all powerful, and loving, why does He allow suffering? First, He can do whatever He wants. Who are we to tell God what to do? Second, maybe suffering serves a purpose. Isn’t the greatest lessons you’ve learned in life involved pain, suffering, and loss? Lastly, and most importantly, we have to ask ourselves, “if God is all of these things (mentioned above), what was He doing on a cross”? Answer, God does not remain distant from our human suffering, but He has become part of it. He stepped into space and time to participate and experience what it’s like to be human, all because of His love for us. If Jesus was willing to do that, it’s all the evidence I need to bow my knee and serve Him. Does that answer the question asked? It does for me. How about you? Because Jesus rose from the dead, he is going to be the ultimate judge. He traversed the human experience. He understands us, not only from a Creator point of view, but from a participant point of view as well. He knows how you feel when people betray you. He knows what losing a loved one feels like. He knows joy, pain, betrayal, distrust, being lied to, being rejected, and being loved are all about. The Creator of the Universe knows what it’s like to be human, every single aspect. I trust Him with my life, for He gave His life for you and me. I hope you now have a little more insight into Who God is, and what sets Him apart from everything.

1 Who has believed our message?To whom has the Lord revealed His powerful arm?2 My Servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,like a root in dry ground.There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance,nothing to attract us to Him.3 He was despised and rejected–a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way.He was despised, and we did not care. 4 Yet it was our weaknesses He carried;it was our sorrows that weighed Him down.And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God,a punishment for His own sins!5 But He was pierced for our rebellion,crushed for our sins.He was beaten so we could be whole.He was whipped so we could be healed.6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.We have left God’s paths to follow our own.Yet the Lord laid on Himthe sins of us all. 7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,yet He never said a word.He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,He did not open His mouth.8 Unjustly condemned,He was led away.No one cared that He died without descendants,that His life was cut short in midstream.But He was struck downfor the rebellion of My people.9 He had done no wrongand had never deceived anyone.But He was buried like a criminal;He was put in a rich man’s grave. 10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush Himand cause Him grief.Yet when His life is made an offering for sin,He will have many descendants.He will enjoy a long life,and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in His hands.11 When He sees all that is accomplished by His anguish,He will be satisfied.And because of His experience,My righteous Servant will make it possiblefor many to be counted righteous,for He will bear all their sins.12 I will give Him the honors of a victorious soldier,because He exposed Himself to death.He was counted among the rebels.He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. Isaiah 53:1-12

Call To God At Any Time….

Where do non-believers go when they experience troubles? How do they cope with the ups and downs of life? Where do they find solace or delight? Believers have God to delight in. Believers can call upon God at any time for comfort or help. When you don’t have that redeemed relationship with God, never being made right with Him, it’s like playing cards without the ones you need. Imagine playing slapjack without any jacks in the deck? Pointless, isn’t it? Job got it. Even in his suffering he knew his place. Even when his hope dwindled, he knew where to place his trust. Job knew where to go in times of trouble. And more importantly, he knew where to go to find delight. Do you take delight in the Almighty? Or do you just take Him for granted?

8 For what hope do the godless have when God cuts them off and takes away their life?9 Will God listen to their cry when trouble comes upon them? 10 Can they take delight in the Almighty? Can they call to God at any time? Job 27:8-10

One Place Where You Can Find Confident Hope….

There’s only one place where you can find confident hope, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Is He in you? And if He is, are you responding to His call?

13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13