Not What People Think…

What is the purpose of the law? Not what most people think. It’s purpose is to show us our sin. It was given for a short period of time, until Jesus came. It was never meant to save people. God’s purpose was to establish it in order to point His people to Jesus, the Savior of the world. I only know One Person Who kept the law, and it wasn’t me or you.

19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave His law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. 20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when He gave His promise to Abraham.21 Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:19-22

God Will Not Share His Glory With Anyone….

God will not share His glory with any one. He will not give the glory He rightly deserves to anyone else, much less an idol someone has determined to worship. It is this truth that human beings must accept and get over that will allow them to serve Him whole-heatedly. God is the Great I AM, we are not.

8 “I am the Lord; that is My name!I will not give My glory to anyone else,nor share My praise with carved idols.9 Everything I prophesied has come true,and now I will prophesy again.I will tell you the future before it happens.” Isaiah 42:8-9

Where Our Next Breath Comes From…..

If you’ve ever wondered where our next breath comes from, or where life comes from, stop wondering. Your next breath and every new life that springs up from the earth comes from God. If He were to withdrawal, life would cease to exist. The real question you need to ask yourself is “Do I have life”? “Do I just exist, taking up oxygen and space, or do I truly live, with purpose and significance that only God can give”? The life God has in store for us is more than just breathing, it’s living within the boundaries He has set, giving birth to significance purpose, and peace.

God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out.He created the earth and everything in it.He gives breath to everyone,life to everyone who walks the earth.And it is He who says,6 “I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate My righteousness. Isaiah 42:5-6a

What Sets God Apart…..

What sets God apart from anything on earth, in the universe, is He can explain the past and predict the future. Sure, there’s been people who claim they can predict the future, but God has a 100% accurate track record. No one can say that. No one. Just one more reason we can trust and serve Him. When we choose to worship idols, they do not deliver, all the while polluting those that serve them.

I am doing this so all who see this miraclewill understand what it means–that it is the Lord who has done this,the Holy One of Israel who created it. 21 “Present the case for your idols,”says the Lord.“Let them show what they can do,”says the King of Israel.22 “Let them try to tell us what happened long agoso that we may consider the evidence.Or let them tell us what the future holds,so we can know what’s going to happen.23 Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead.Then we will know you are gods.In fact, do anything–good or bad!Do something that will amaze and frighten us.24 But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all.Those who choose you pollute themselves. Isaiah 41:20-24

26 “Who told you from the beginning that this would happen?Who predicted this,making you admit that he was right?No one said a word!27 I was the first to tell Zion,‘Look! Help is on the way!’I will send Jerusalem a messenger with good news.28 Not one of your idols told you this.Not one gave any answer when I asked.29 See, they are all foolish, worthless things.All your idols are as empty as the wind. Isaiah 41:26-29

Pursuing God Isn’t A Burden….

If God is the beginning and the end. If He summons each new generation from the beginning of time. If He gives man victory over many nations. Then why do we spend the middle focused so much on ourselves? Why is it so easy to place God far down on our priority list? Pursuing God isn’t a burden. It isn’t a drudgery. It isn’t difficult. It’s a mindset. A way of life. When you determine in your heart Who it is you’re going to serve, life makes more sense. It makes a purpose out of a seemingly meaningless existence. Most importantly, it’s the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do. The daily relationship with our Creator fulfills the greatest desire in our hearts, for He has placed eternity there. There’s no other avenue that makes a man whole than to convene with the Almighty. He is the Beginning and the End. Why not be consistent and spend the middle pursuing Him?

“Who has stirred up this king from the east, rightly calling him to God’s service?Who gives this man victory over many nations and permits him to trample their kings underfoot? With his sword, he reduces armies to dust. With his bow, he scatters them like chaff before the wind.3 He chases them away and goes on safely, though he is walking over unfamiliar ground.4 Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the Lord, the First and the Last. I alone am He.” Isaiah 41:2-4

Why Try To Complicate It?

What makes us right with God? Keeping the law? Being religious? Following a set of prescribed behaviors established by one single denomination? None of these are correct. What makes us right with God is believing in Jesus. Accepting His work on the cross. Trusting in God’s only way to be saved. If we could be made right with God by our own methods, then there is no significance in the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. This truth, this essential of the Christian faith, should put an end to our vain attempts to earn our salvation; or better stated, to earn brownie points with God. It should clearly show us that humility, love, and gratitude are the only proper responses to God’s grace. Paul makes it crystal clear in today’s passage. It’s that simple, so why try to complicate it?

15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law–I stopped trying to meet all its requirements–so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. Galatians 2:15-21

The LORD Has No Equal…

The Lord has no equal. There is no one thing we can make that resembles God. We are not to make idols or carve statues in His resemblance, for none would be accurate. The most important part of this is that He wants it this way. Why? So we don’t begin to worship creation instead of the Creator. And secondly, we remain humble and keep pursuing the immeasurable and immutable God of the Bible. He has no beginning and no end, so our pursuit should follow, in that it should have no end either. Eternity exists because of this, for He has put it (eternity) in our hearts. No one can compare to God. He has no equal.

12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand?Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?Who else knows the weight of the earthor has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord?Who knows enough to give Him advice or teach Him?14 Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice?Does He need instruction about what is good?Did someone teach Him what is rightor show Him the path of justice? 15 No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket.They are nothing more than dust on the scales.He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.16 All the wood in Lebanon’s forests and all Lebanon’s animals would not be enough to make a burnt offering worthy of our God.17 The nations of the world are worth nothing to Him.In His eyes they count for less than nothing–mere emptiness and froth. 18 To whom can you compare God?What image can you find to resemble Him?19 Can He be compared to an idol formed in a mold,overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains?20 Or if people are too poor for that,they might at least choose wood that won’t decayand a skilled craftsmanto carve an image that won’t fall down! 21 Haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand?Are you deaf to the words of God–the words He gave before the world began?Are you so ignorant?22 God sits above the circle of the earth.The people below seem like grasshoppers to Him!He spreads out the heavens like a curtainand makes His tent from them.23 He judges the great people of the worldand brings them all to nothing.24 They hardly get started, barely taking root,when He blows on them and they wither.The wind carries them off like chaff. 25 “To whom will you compare Me?Who is My equal?” asks the Holy One. 26 Look up into the heavens.Who created all the stars?He brings them out like an army, one after another,calling each by its name.Because of His great power and incomparable strength,not a single one is missing.27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?28 Have you never heard?Have you never understood?The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of all the earth.He never grows weak or weary.No one can measure the depths of His understanding.29 He gives power to the weakand strength to the powerless.30 Even youths will become weak and tired,and young men will fall in exhaustion.31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.They will soar high on wings like eagles.They will run and not grow weary.They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:12-31

A Solid Platform To Stand On….

If you want a cause to support, a solid platform to stand on, and a purpose for your being to fashion your life around, try establishing God’s word in your life. It’s something that you can stand on to weather the storms. It’s proven worthy, dependable, and solid. It can withstand any test life has to bring, including time. It has proven itself time and time again on earth and beyond. God’s word is worthy of our dedication. It’s a cause worth supporting, and better yet, it’s a cause that will support you back.

8 The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Loving People vs Pleasing Them…

As a Christian our duty is to love people. We are to serve them. There’s a huge difference between loving people and pleasing them. If God is your Lord, you know the difference. As Jesus told us, “fear God or fear man”, whichever you choose determines which agenda you live out. If you love people, you love them enough to do the hard things. Pleasing people and loving them are not the same thing. Once you understand this, your witness will be more effective.

10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

Rescued For His Glory….

When I think about Jesus rescuing me for His Glory, I can’t help but feel significant, loved, and empowered to do more in response to it.

3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave His life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Political Correctness Ignores The Truth…..

In today’s “PC” world, watering down the truth falls into the same category as opposing it. Political Correctness ignores the truth, in order to not offend. Christians cannot oppose the truth. That goes against every fiber in our being. The Holy Spirit is Truth, so when we ignore, water down, or even oppose it, we break the connection with Him. It’s not possible to break a connection with God and expect God to be there to bail you out of the mess you created when you decided to be “PC” because you didn’t want to offend someone. Get over it. Accept the fact that the Truth will always offend anyone who tries to deny it. It’s not you offending, it’s the Truth’s job that does that. Whose side are we on when we suppress (truth) what God commands us to speak? The only thing we need to do is pursue knowing Truth. For when we do, it sets us free; free from stressing over what to say when someone confronts us on a topic we aren’t thoroughly knowledgeable in. Get to know God on a daily basis and you will know the truth. And you will be able to stand during times of opposition. It’s how God works. He empowers us to stand even when we may not know exactly what to say. When you speak truth, you never have to worry about what you said.

8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8

Drinking Tainted, Polluted Water….

If godly people don’t stand up and fight evil in this world, eventually we all will be drinking tainted, polluted water.

26 If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. Proverbs 25:26

Do You Treasure God?

How many people see God as their treasure? Do you? Jesus talked about this in the Gospels, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Do you treasure God? If so, your heart will follow. If not, you’re out of alignment. Make God your treasure today, and watch your heart explode with unspeakable joy. You’ll watch as the lures of this world lose their value in comparison to what you already possess.

6 In that day He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6

Confidently Hungry…..

A strong young lion stands over its kill. A bear stands on a kill surrounded by ravenous wolves. Nothing phases them. Why? Because they are confidently hungry. They are so focused on eating that nothing will stop them. This is the kind of confidence we are to have in God. We are not to fear our enemies when God has our back. This is one of the blessings money can’t buy. It’s one blessing many have never realized. Being a Christian isn’t about monetary prosperity, rather it’s about spiritual prosperity. And this is one example in tangible form. When we hunger for God, it’s not easy to forget Him. We stay focused on the task of pursuing Him, and we don’t fear what the world wants us to fear. Our confidence in God overcomes the fear Satan wants us to instill in us.

  4 But this is what the Lord has told me: “When a strong young lion stands growling over a sheep it has killed, it is not frightened by the shouts and noise of a whole crowd of shepherds.In the same way, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will come down and fight on Mount Zion.5 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will hover over Jerusalem and protect it like a bird protecting its nest. He will defend and save the city; He will pass over it and rescue it.” Isaiah 31:4-5

You Can’t Legislate A Heart…..

One reason we have the Bible, the OT, is to witness to us about the sinful nature of man. Does this sound like America today? Are the hearts of many hardened? Do many desire and trust God? When you turn away from the God of the Bible, your heart hardens spiritually. The result of that is detrimental not only to you, but to all those around you. The answer to America’s problem is not found in the government legislating the issues. The only solution to America’s problem is a heart transformation. And there’s only one Person capable of that, the Great Physician, God Himself. The heart of the problem is the heart itself. You can’t legislate a heart, can you?

 8 Now go and write down these words.Write them in a book.They will stand until the end of time as a witness9 that these people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the Lord’s instructions.10 They tell the seers,“Stop seeing visions!”They tell the prophets,“Don’t tell us what is right.Tell us nice things.Tell us lies.11 Forget all this gloom.Get off your narrow path.Stop telling us about your‘Holy One of Israel.’ ” Isaiah 30:8-11

15 This is what the Sovereign Lord,the Holy One of Israel, says:“Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved.In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:15

18 So the Lord must wait for you to come to Himso He can show you His love and compassion.For the Lord is a faithful God.Blessed are those who wait for His help. 19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem,you will weep no more.He will be gracious if you ask for help.He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. Isaiah 30:18-19

Why Do We Think We Know Better?

There’s only one thing worse than living a life without God, and that is living without God by willful choice. When we do things without asking God, it leads to our own demise. There’s no greater joy, comfort, security, or satisfaction than knowing you are doing the will of God. It starts by placing Him on the throne of your life. It starts by asking Him to use you for His purposes. It starts with seeking Him out daily. And it starts with seeking out that which is closest to His heart. The Israelites panicked; they sought help without consulting God first. They were so caught up in their feelings that they acted on the immediate instead of living with the Eternal in mind. It cost them a lot more than their hurt feelings. It cost them their livelihood. Seeking out God is essential. It’s the surest, most effective proven method known to man. If God is sovereign, why do we think we know better? Why do we think we are in control when things get out of control? The truth is things are never out of control with God. Why not trust Him to help you work things out?

“What sorrow awaits My rebellious children,”says the Lord.“You make plans that are contrary to Mine.You make alliances not directed by My Spirit,thus piling up your sins.2 For without consulting Me,you have gone down to Egypt for help.You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection.You have tried to hide in his shade.3 But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated,and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.4 For though his power extends to Zoan and his officials have arrived in Hanes, 5 all who trust in him will be ashamed. He will not help you. Instead, he will disgrace you.” Isaiah 30:1-5

The Entire Point Of Scripture…

The entire point of Scripture is to show us God: Who He is, What He’s done, and His care and love for us. The only way you’ll ever experience God in an intimate, real way, is to read the Bible. It’s that simple.

43 Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord. Psalms 107:43

Let Them Make Peace With ME…..

Here’s a simple, and yet profound truth: God wants us to make peace with Him. And most importantly, He provides a way of doing it. The only thing that prevents this from happening is our PRIDE. Let’s be honest, is your pride working? Is it delivering the peace, significance, and purpose you’re longing for? We get ourselves in trouble, and our pride keeps us there. Our consequences punish us, not God, so there’s no reason to blame Him. He is for our good. He is the One Who wants our relationship restored. He is the only Way to restore peace. Ask Him today to do just that. When He does, you’ll realize your PRIDE was holding you in bondage all along, or as the Bible calls it, we are “slave(s) to sin”.

Let them make peace with Me; yes, let them make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5c

Do You Trust Unworthy People?

How often do people evaluate their trust levels in others? How often do people trust unworthy people? In today’s day and age, trust is of huge importance, yet people go into agreements never evaluating the character of the people involved. A discerning person will always consider the character of a person before doing business with them. If they fail to, it’s no surprise when their venture fails as well. Very few people are worthy of the confidence of others. And to be honest, only God is worthy of our trust and confidence. Put your trust in Him alone, and He will send you people who have enough character to accomplish the task at hand.

19 Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. Proverbs 25:19

Stillness Is A Gift…..

It’s easy to forget everything that’s good comes from God. From much needed rain for the farmer to the very next breath we take. The one gift that cannot be obtained without God is peace. No amount of effort, extreme wealth, or any other pursuit can gain the peace that only God can give. It’s priceless. It’s life giving. Stillness is a gift. It’s necessary to live a sane life here on earth. Praise God for all of His gifts, especially the one called peace. If you possess it, show God your gratitude today.

12 Lord, You will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from You. Isaiah 26:12

They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,and He saved them from their distress.29 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.30 What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor!31 Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them.32 Let them exalt Him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation. Psalms 107:27-32

Repentance Is The Desire To….

Repentance is the desire to make things right. It’s starts with God, and finishes with people. Sorrow has a way of leading us towards repentance. Godly sorrow will always bring you back, restoring your relational status with God. It’s starts with seeing God for Who He really is, The Almighty, One-of-a-kind, no one compares, LORD. The response we have is awe, shame, gratitude, and praise. Intimacy with God does not preclude His authority. We have to see Him in His proper place before the shame we feel about our sin, turns into gratitude and praise, realizing only God makes it possible to commune with Him. Give thanks to God, for His mercies extend to all. When we make things right with God, He makes things right with us. His forgiveness frees us from the burden of guilt and shame. He is the only One that can do this. If only the world could understand this, it wouldn’t try so hard to earn it on its own.

11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. 2 Corinthians 7:11

Two Types Of Sorrow….

There are two types of sorrow: that which leads you away from sin and results in salvation, and the kind that lacks repentance which results in spiritual death. The only difference between the two is the former leaves you with no regrets. When you see the world through God’s eyes, you live moving forward, pressing on toward a goal still in front of you; for the best is yet to come. If you view the world without acknowledging God, you live looking backwards, always questioning your life; regret holds you in the past, because you think the best has already come. Repentance projects you forward into your future. It keeps us focused on our ultimate destination (Heaven). Which do you tend to experience? What’s stopping you from living forward?

I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants His people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. 12 My purpose, then, was not to write about who did the wrong or who was wronged. I wrote to you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how loyal you are to us. 13 We have been greatly encouraged by this. 2 Corinthians 7:8-13a

Having The Proper Attitude…

This is what true humility looks like. Having the proper attitude that focuses on God and others, puts us in a place where self-centeredness finds it hard to live. It helps us stay on the right path of dying to self daily. When you make a commitment to live for God, humility, the very attitude God wants us to have, will come in and make its home with you.

5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. 13 I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us! 2 Corinthians 6:5-13

A Sincere Heart….

When you stand in front of a mirror, or lay your head on your pillow at night, the only thing that really matters is the condition of your heart. Is it sincere, or is it self-centered. If you find yourself concerned with what others think, wanting to please them by being someone you are not, you might need to re-evaluate the situation. We were never meant to compare, make ourselves look better than what we are, or even to focus solely on ourselves. A sincere heart wants what God wants. And that’s what is best for me and others. If you can honestly say you agree with God, and are willing to do His will, then you have a sincere heart. You probably sleep well at night, and what you see in the mirror is okay. God’s blessings are so much more than wealth and provision. The true value of God’s grace is the peace and security that comes along with sincerely serving Him. And what that looks like in real life is a sincere heart. A sincere heart loves what God loves, hates what God hates, and does what God wants us to do. Truth matters, but a sincere heart focused on God’s truth by living it out matters more. It’s what you do with it that counts.

12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 2 Corinthians 5:12

15 He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:15

Don’t Judge Me…..

I’ve written about this many times. When you hear “Don’t judge me”, what exactly does it mean? People in today’s society think it’s not right to judge. They’ve taken a biblical concept and twisted and distorted it into a mindset of false reality. When people use this phrase today, in essence, they are saying “Don’t tell me what to do”. If they are sinning they don’t want to be told it’s wrong. Judgement in the Bible comes from God. It’s the condemnation of sin. Ultimately it’s being punished for unrepentant, sinful behavior during one’s lifetime. I mean the denial of God, and refusal to embrace what Jesus did for us on the cross. In other words, it’s our pride that keeps us from God, and is ultimately judged when we die and stand before God. That kind of judgement is only God’s responsibility, not ours. But society has taken that concept and applied it to all things. “It’s not right to judge” has been transformed from God’s Sovereignty, to all people’s ability to discern right and wrong. Jesus Himself tells us to judge rightly. This means we must use a standard in which determines what’s right from what’s wrong. It’s okay to judge behavior. It’s necessary to judge behavior. Not in the ultimate condemning of Final Judgement, that’s only up to God, but in a “I’m trying to help you avoid the Destruction you’re behavior will bring upon you and others if you don’t stop and realize it” kind of way. We make judgements every day. Make sure you understand this truth. So the next time you here “Don’t judge”, you don’t retreat and allow the person to think their behavior is okay. Some times it takes a difficult criticism in order for a person to “get it”. Love always does the hard things. It always gives us a choice. It always warns. If you truly love someone, you’ll love them enough to speak truth into their lives. And sometimes that means confronting their sinful behavior, if they like it or not. Didn’t Jesus mention something about that when He talked about cutting off your hand and gouging out an eye in order to go to Heaven? Using truth standards to assess one’s behavior is not only correct and smart, but it’s also necessary in the realm of godly, biblical living. Don’t discount it, even if it means standing alone. God will always be right by your side when you honor Him by speaking truth in love. I’d rather be judged by a human being over a simple behavior, then stand before the Almighty and not be able to defend myself for a lifetime of bad behavior. Go ahead and “judge me”, it’s okay, for my concern is focused on behaving in such a way that pleases God, not by the methods or standards in which the world judges.

I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you–something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. 2 You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship.3 Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man 4 in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. 5 Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5

11 Timely advice is lovely,like golden apples in a silver basket. 12 To one who listens, valid criticismis like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Proverbs 25:11-12

9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10

Suffering For Jesus…..

Every time we suffer for the sake of Jesus (persecuted for our faith), we become more like Him when we see it for what it truly is. Instead of exhausting the “why” of the situation, we need to humble ourselves and allow God to continue to transform us into the likeness of His being. Suffering for Jesus allows us to experience what He experienced and thus creates a like-bond with Him. We understand better what He went through when we understand how it felt. How we respond to suffering has a two-fold effect. First it allows others to see Jesus in us when we react with His Spirit in us. And second, it helps us experience what He went through. Both of these allow us to grow closer to God, benefitting both us and those around us. Experiencing suffering because of our faith helps us deepen our trust in God and draws us closer to Him because of the bond it forms between us. Like experiences help understanding. But even more so, they help us come together in a new way. Persecution for our faith will come (if our faith is real), and when it does it shouldn’t be a surprise. It’s necessary for our faith and trust to increase. It helps us separate from the false lures of this world. And most importantly, it helps us to know God on a much deeper level. Ask anyone who has shared a highly emotional and traumatic experience. They will tell you the bond it forms is beyond words; it forms a connection that wouldn’t happen any other way. That’s exactly the point I’m trying to make. God can use any experience for His glory, and especially ones that seem unpleasant. What the world sees as tragic, God sees as a turning point in people’s lives. Fix your eyes on Jesus and stay focused, for the unseen rewards are greater than we can ever imagine.

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to Himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

A Beautiful Aroma…

When you preach the Gospel from a sincere heart, truly presenting it in an accurate way, it is like a beautiful aroma flowing through the air, delighting the senses as it passes by. To those who oppose God, our message is received as an awful stench. We will always be opposed by the world when it comes to speaking God’s truth. But we must remember, God is watching, waiting for us to be that which brings delight to those ready to hear the Good News of Jesus. Be that perfume today. Behave in such a manner to delight another. Send a pleasing message to someone needing to hear it today.

14 But thank God! He has made us His captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Trials Are Food For Our Faith….

There are so many distractions in our world today. So many things that occupy our time. It’s hard to stay focused, especially focused upon God. Here in 2 Corinthians we read about Paul addressing the Church in Corinth about his struggles and what he learned from them. Paul tells the Church that because of his struggles he learned to stop relying on himself and now rely upon God alone. Trials are food for our faith, never forget this. Not only that, but Paul goes on to tell them/us that his confidence goes into and comes from God alone. His faith in God continues to rescue him from the adversary of this life (the devil). When we become independently dependent upon God, it changes everything. Our worldview matters. Where we seek our significance matters. The proper view of oneself matters. Paul clearly states these truths here. We need to read and take heed. The only One worthy of our faith is God, placing it anywhere else will only lead to disappointment, regret, and wasted time and effort.

8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Our View Of God Matters….

The older I get the more I realize when people oppose God, they think they are doing right. They think they don’t need Him in their life. They think they can live an abundant life. What they don’t understand is this opposition, this rebellion, this lack of acknowledgement, becomes a stumbling block to them. They constantly find themselves picking up pieces of their lives broken and disassembled, all because they live life “their way”. Our view of God matters. He will either be the Rock on which we stand; the Sustainer of our lives, or He will be the Stumbling Block; the lack of sure footing that causes us to fall. Our view of God matters; it determines the stability of how we stand in life. If you’ve ever been in the ocean, you know exactly what I mean. Solid ground is always preferred.

But to Israel and Judah He will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem He will be a trap and a snare.15 Many will stumble and fall, never to rise again. They will be snared and captured.” 16 Preserve the teaching of God; entrust His instructions to those who follow me.17 I will wait for the Lord, who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my hope in Him. Isaiah 8:14c-17

19 Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Isaiah 8:19

Faith Sustains….

I’ve recently had two conversations with people whose faith seems unfocused or misdirected. In one of the conversations, I emphasized Justice. I told the listener that justice will always be served. They disagreed. I finished that part of the conversation with, “it’s just a matter of time. Justice will always be served”. It was amazing to think that their doubts or unbelief didn’t phase my trust and belief in God’s sovereignty. He is just, and His justice will always be served, because sin will always be punished. God does not allow sin to go unpunished. I’m sure you’re asking, “but what about those that get away with ____________ (full in the blank)”. I’d say look a little deeper into it. Do they sleep good at night? Do they abuse substances that take their minds off of their issues? Do they have peace? And ultimately, are they right with God? People don’t ever think about these things, its justice starting to be served. However, during our lifetime (on earth) God gives us numerous chances to turn around. Justice comes with grace. However, after this life is over, there are no second chances. My other conversation had to do with dealing with being mistreated. My take on this topic is pretty simple: hurting people hurt people. I’m not making excuses for others. What they do does not excuse their accountability. I addressed the fact that God has a better, more effective way of dealing with people than I could ever dream up. Instead of seeking revenge, I pray for them. I give up my right to get even by forgiving. That way, I’m not held captive to their issues. Many times it doesn’t even have to do with me anyway (the mistreatment). Again God is sovereign, so I must trust Him with it. The point to all of this is through those two conversations I saw how my faith, the way I see the world, helps me cope with life. I don’t play the victim. I don’t see the unfairness of life and get depressed. I see God in control, and trust Him to do what He says He will do. I realized my belief is solidified in God so much that it overcomes the inclination to fret over it. I’m not saying I’m invincible, so don’t even go there, I’m just as weak, and fragile, and insecure as all people are (I’m human). I’m just saying that trusting in God, and believing His Word, sets me free from the enslaving thoughts of the unanswerable “whys” of this life. I trust Him, and thus my faith sustains me with the difficult questions of life. It gives me hope; it anchors my soul.

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, 12 “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.He is the One you should fear.He is the One who should make you tremble.14 He will keep you safe. Isaiah 8:11-14a