Being Present….

“Living in the now”, “being present”, means recognizing opportunities to do good. I’m not talking about “being religious”. I’m talking about “doing right”, helping others in time of need, listening and acting on an interpreted necessity. I would go as far as saying that when we don’t act on something we know needs addressing, especially when we have the means to meet that need, we lose out. We lose out on witnessing God’s provision. We miss out on taking part in His Divine Plan. And eventually (for believers), we miss out on the reward we will never receive. If we truly want to be God’s hands and feet, we must consciously be aware of the needs of people. We do this by asking God to send us people each day. We ask Him to help us use the provisions He has blessed us with to bless others. We ask Him to use us to help shine His light into a dark world. When our attitude is to love God first, our actions will be focused on loving and helping others. It starts with prayer and continues with “being present” with people. It’s a gift that God gives to those that ask. Always. “Being (the) present” is the best gift we can give others. It’s proof that God holds our heart.

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. Proverbs 3:27

How Can God Condemn Them?

When people ask me about other religions being wrong, the question always arises, “what if they are taught certain practices, how can God condemn them for that?” The answer is simple. We are not condemned for practicing other religions. We are not even condemned for not choosing Jesus. We are condemned because we are sinners. Every single person on this earth is a sinner. And it’s only when we repent of our sin and place our trust in Jesus, that we are forgiven by God and become “saved”. With this in mind, when someone is brought up Muslim or under Judaism they believe certain things. They see their sin differently, and they try to work out their salvation by doing “good works”. But in the process, if they really want to know God, to know if their belief system is “right”, they will ask, “God, if You are real, reveal Yourself to me”. It’s when the authenticity of heart pushes up into our minds, and we act it out in humility by truly asking God Who He is, that He shows up. He reveals Himself to those with humble and sincere hearts. A humble and sincere heart is one that when truth is revealed, it accepts it as it is. A humble heart never tries to justify one’s behavior, or twist and distort truth just to suit one’s comfort or ability levels. God will always reveal Himself to those who ask Him. So the next time someone presents this question to you, you’ll have the answer for them. God will never abandon those who search for Him with sincere hearts. This is a truth you can build your life on.

7 But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from His throne.8 He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. 9 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,a refuge in times of trouble. 10 Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You. Psalms 9:7-10

The Name Of Jesus…

The name of Jesus. It’s either the hope of the world, or condemnation to it. The name offends or it brings comfort after we work through the reason for the offense (our pride). It’s hope to those who trust God. It’s guilt and shame to those who reject Him (with no hope of rescue). It’s so ironic that one name can affect all people so differently. We use it to praise God, and to pray to God. And we use it as a cuss word, without ever realizing the magnitude of how badly we abuse it. Either way, Jesus name will be exalted, regardless of how we see it, God has set His name above all names. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess, “He is Lord”, either in this life, or the next.

And His name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:21a

When The Lord Is Our Security….

When the Lord is our security, we sleep soundly without fear. The world has no answer for this. The peace that God gives has no companion. You either know Jesus and know peace, or you have no peace because you don’t know Jesus. Rest assured, peace comes to those who make Jesus Lord of their lives. When the Sovereign, Almighty, Creator of Everything is made Lord, we’re insulated with a security, comfort, and peace that disarms the world’s allure to pull us away from knowing where our identity comes from. And no one can ever take that away.

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.Hang on to them,22 for they will refresh your soul.They are like jewels on a necklace.23 They keep you safe on your way,and your feet will not stumble.24 You can go to bed without fear;you will lie down and sleep soundly.25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,26 for the Lord is your security.He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:21c-26

Hunker Down, And Keep Moving Forward….

It’s always refreshing to read the words of Jesus. This prayer specifically humbles and comforts at the same time. You ask how this can do both seemingly opposite effects? Knowing God controls who sees Him and experiences Him is humbling. He is ultimately in control, we are not. If that doesn’t humble you then you need to examine your heart. It’s not very receptive or submissive. Secondly, this prayer brings comfort. Knowing Jesus has already walked through the valley of suffering and tells us His burden is light gives us a clearer picture of what we can expect when we walk through our valleys. Knowing God helps us know ourselves. Knowing when we fail, Jesus will be there with us, gives us the resolve to hunker down and keep moving forward, when all seems lost. Knowing Jesus walked through this, gives us confidence that we will make it through. There’s no other name under Heaven, given among men by which we can be saved. Thank you Lord, you are too wonderful for words.

25 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank You for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 26 Yes, Father, it pleased You to do it this way!27 “My Father has entrusted everything to Me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”28 Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:25-30

A Testimony For Its Validity….

As a believer I’ve always trusted the truth. Jesus said, “the Truth will set you free”. I’ve always believed in nothing higher than the truth. It’s something I’ve based my life on. It’s something that I count on. It’s something that I fight for. It’s something that I’d even die for. Why? Because God is truth. You may be able to twist it, or distort it, or ever stretch it a little, but you can’t destroy it. When you base your life upon the truth, your house will continue to stand, because it’s built on solid rock. Feelings might try to sway you away from it, but as long as you are loyal to it, you’ll never be over-taken by Satan’s attempts to deceive you. The truth shall set you free when you embrace it. And the way you live your life will be an example for all to see. The truth is shown right when it’s consistently pursued in our lives. When you walk in the truth, you become a testimony for its validity.

But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” Matthew 11:19c

Fence Sitters…..

There’s only two kinds of people on this earth. Those that acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and those that don’t. There’s no in between. If you’re sitting on the fence, or indifferent about Him, you’ve denied Him by not choosing. It’s that simple. It’s either “Lord, Thy will be done”, or “my will be done”. There’s no room at the foot of the cross for fence sitters.

32 “Everyone who acknowledges Me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.33 But everyone who denies Me here on earth, I will also deny before My Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

The Most Heavily Persecuted People….

Isn’t it strange that of all the people in the world, the most heavily persecuted people are Christians? Christians don’t destroy things. They don’t fight you either. They don’t cause chaos. Christians simply speak truth. And it’s this truth that causes it hearers to be uncomfortable. Which eventually leads them to lash out, to hate so much that they begin to persecute. Look at current issues today. Radical agendas want to silence truth speakers. If you don’t agree and accept their point of view your persecuted. It’s not right or fair, but it is going to happen regardless of what you think. Jesus told His disciples this, and thus He’s telling each of us too. Part of being a follower of Christ is knowing people will hate us because of Him. Get used to it; it comes with the territory. Take heart though, those that endure will get a great reward in the end.

21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.22 And all nations will hate you because you are My followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:21-22

This Mindset Devalues Knowledge….

With technology where it is today, education has slipped in its effectiveness. Many young people think, “I don’t need to learn this, to clutter my brain. If I ever need to know this, I’ll just google it from my phone”. This type of thinking is backwards. What happens if you lose or break your phone? This mindset devalues knowledge. Wisdom, according to scripture, is worth more than gold. You see, having information right at your finger tips is beneficial, but it doesn’t replace wisdom. Wisdom is when experience and relationships intertwine with information. This knowledge and insight becomes beneficial for future endeavors. It’s worth more than the highest valued gems, like rubies and diamonds. If the Bible tells us wisdom is far more valuable than we think, why aren’t more people doing everything they can to obtain it? Don’t ever confuse access to information with wisdom, there’s a huge difference. Without relationships and experience, knowledge is just information waiting at the bus stop for a ride that will never come.

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,and her wages are better than gold.15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;nothing you desire can compare with her.16 She offers you long life in her right hand,and riches and honor in her left.17 She will guide you down delightful paths;all her ways are satisfying.18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:13c-18

The Very Thing You Think You Fear…

When we are persecuted because of our faith it’s because God sees us worthy to be His witness to a lost, rebellious, and dying world. Instead of seeing it in a fearful way, see it as an opportunity to reach a deceived soul. Your response and your words may just be the prescription someone in that room may need to hear in order to be saved. We are vessels used by God to reach those He has chosen to hear His words. Wear it as a badge of honor, not proudly arrogant, but with humility and respect. The very thing you think you fear, might just be the very thing God uses to rescue a sinner in need of a Savior.

16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are My followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about Me.19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.20 For it is not you who will be speaking–it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:16-20

The Ultimate Outcome Of Evil….

The ultimate outcome of evil for the one driven by rebellious desire is the plans of violence will fall back upon their own head. You reap what you sow. Do good, good follows. Do evil, you eventually fall into your own trap. Think about hatred, or violence, or unforgiveness; it controls the the one holding on so tightly. It’s a prison created by themselves, for themselves. Kinda gives a new meaning to Jesus’ words about being “set free”, doesn’t it? Evil is self-destructive. It’s another reason why God hates it so much.

14 The wicked conceive evil;they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies.15 They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves.16 The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. 17 I will thank the Lord because He is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalms 7:14-17

If Jesus Really Is God…

If Jesus really is God, when we trust Him with our life, we really have nothing to fear, do we?

23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey Him!” Matthew 8:23-27

Paved Upon God’s Will….

This proverb isn’t a guaranteed, one-time duty. It’s a way of life. When we lose ourselves in pursuing God, striving to be like Him (not becoming God), our focus brings life. Peace, security, confidence, and completeness follow. Trusting God is a daily, moment by moment action. It’s a lifestyle, a worldview, that determines our attitude as we find the path to go on. Regardless what road we are currently on, seeking God’s heart determines how effective our witness will be. When our will is to please God, we won’t fail. The road to success is paved upon God’s will, and by choosing it, we guarantee our arrival destination. When we choose To glorify God instead of “tooting our own horn”, we will always win.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.6 Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

We Walk By Faith…..

When we think we have things figured out and start to get a “big head”, be careful. When we don’t have a clue on what to do and start going on our own path, be careful. For it’s not until God opens our eyes that we truly see, clearly enough to continue. The point here is this: don’t allow self-confidence or despair to rob you of life. Stay close to God. It’s the only way believers can make it through this life. We walk by faith. I’m certain Abraham told Hagar and Ishmael that God promised to make his descendants into a great nation as well. So when Hagar and her son were exiled away, she reached her breaking point. She lost focus in her circumstances. The urgency of the immediate, over rode her knowledge of Ishmael’s future. Either God does what He says He’ll do, or He doesn’t. There’s no in between. When Hagar stumbled into despair, God opened her eyes just enough to find rescue. God knows us better than we know ourselves. Just one more reason to trust Him more than we should trust ourselves.

8 When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. 9 But Sarah saw Ishmael–the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar–making fun of her son, Isaac. 10 So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!”11 This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. 12 But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. 13 But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.”14 So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.15 When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. 16 Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die,” she said, as she burst into tears.17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18 Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”19 Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink.20 And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, 21 and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt. Genesis 21:8-21

The Problem Humans Have With Judging…

The problem humans have with judging lies solely in the standard that is used. If we use our own standards, we will always fall short. But when we use God’s standard, His plan is always carried out. The main difference between God’s criteria for judgement and our criteria is this: God’s standard of judgement includes me first. When we use God’s standard to judge, it applies to us first. That means before we apply His standards toward others, we must first apply it to ourselves, including our past and present. Once we realize we fail or have failed, this discernment gives birth to compassion, grace, and love. Then our judgements can be made with accuracy. God is the ultimate judge, and it’s His standard we must use. It starts with applying it to ourselves first. Read Jesus’ words, and see if this makes sense.

1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. Matthew 7:1-6

Concern vs. Worry…..

Worry is not trusting God with your circumstances in life. Concern is trusting God, believing He’s in control, and reacting with confidence in times of uncertainty. There’s a huge difference. When we look at life through the lens of selfishness, we tend to leave God out of the equation. This makes us focus more on ourselves, which leads to worry and anxiety, because we know deep down inside we are not the One in control. So in essence worry is loss of control in a situation due to our inability to handle it (rarely can we handle adversity on our own). It focuses on what we can’t do, eventually leading to depression and other mental disorders. Worry is a failure to understand God's divine provision, priority, privilege, preference, paternity, and pleasure. Concern is giving a situation some thought, but instead of focusing on what we can’t do, we focus on what God can do. So the remedy to worry is getting closer to God. Knowing Him helps us know ourselves, and with that comes trust. Trust breeds confidence (in Him), and that confidence gets us through the situation. I call it “Godfidence”. Our outlook on life, when it’s trusting God, frees us from the holding power of worry, anxiety, and many other of the disorders that plague America today. Think about all the issues going on in our world: climate justice, social justice, abortion, transgenderism, protests, euthanasia, political correctness, and on and on. Aren’t they all leaving God out of the picture? Aren’t the “rainbow” and the word "love" stolen from God, and used to promote things contrary to Him? So the next time you start to worry, pray to God; ask Him to take care of the issue. He won’t leave you high and dry. He will answer your prayer, and replace worry with a little more faith. If this weren’t true, it wouldn’t be so plain to see here in Matthew chapter 6.

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life–whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34

He Prays Only To God….

I wonder what people who call themselves Christians would say about this verse. David says he prays only to God. He doesn’t pray to dead canonized people. He doesn’t pray to the moon or stars. And he doesn’t pray to mystical characters. He simply prays to God. The Angel told John in Revelation not to bow down and worship him. For only God is the One in Whom we direct our prayers. No one else. When we consistently open our hearts to the One that knows us best, we grow, and mature spiritually. And best yet, we know God on a deeper, more intimate level. We are to only pray to Him and no one else.

O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,for I pray to no one but You.3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly. Psalms 5:1-3

Selflessness Has Greater Value….

When we do things to advance our own glory, whatever praise and recognition we receive is our only reward. When we humble ourselves, and advance God’s causes, we not only receive human praise, but also God rewards us for acting and pointing others toward Him. When God gets the glory we all rejoice; we all benefit. The rewards for serving God and honoring His name are way more than just human praise. Prayer and Giving are two areas that showcase this type of behavior. They reveal what’s truly in our hearts. I wonder why more people aren’t seeking this out. I guess it’s because most people seem to be satisfied with mediocre. The world cannot give what it doesn’t possess. And the world seems to inflate the value of human praise, all the while missing out on God’s best for them. Selflessness has greater value then most realize. And when your focus is on God, the rewards are immeasurable.

1 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do–blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Teaching about Prayer and Fasting 5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-6

For Wisdom Will Enter Your Heart….

Seeking/Pursuing God is our priority and greatest reward.

1 My child, listen to what I say,and treasure my commands.2 Tune your ears to wisdom,and concentrate on understanding.3 Cry out for insight,and ask for understanding.4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,and you will gain knowledge of God.6 For the Lord grants wisdom!From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.8 He guards the paths of the justand protects those who are faithful to Him. 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,and you will find the right way to go.10 For wisdom will enter your heart,and knowledge will fill you with joy.11 Wise choices will watch over you.Understanding will keep you safe. 12 Wisdom will save you from evil people,from those whose words are twisted. Proverbs 2:1-12

The Sermon On The Mount…

If you read chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew, you’ll probably get confused. You probably ask, “are we supposed to gouge our eyes out? Or never have a lustful thought?” Maybe even believe “divorce is wrong”? Or God is against vows. You might even think, “how is it possible to love someone I hate”? Or even, “turning the other cheek” to have someone slap it too. Or carry a hated Roman soldier’s gear an extra mile. How is it even possible “to be perfect”? If you’ve ever asked these questions you’re on the right track. It’s not possible, not normal, and not something we humans ever even consider doing or not doing. Jesus’ point here is to raise the bar on works righteousness. It’s to show us, specifically the most “religious people”, that it’s impossible to earn God’s grace. Jesus raises the bar of self-righteousness beyond actions into our thought-life. It’s as if He is saying, “oh yay, you think you’re good enough, better than all others, special enough to abide in all of the Law; well think again buddy. You’re not even close. Until you can refrain from even thinking these things, you’ll never be able to earn my favor, because it can’t be earned. It’s a free gift, equalizing all of humanity. Grace levels the playing field for all people. And it’s only available to those who realize it’s free. The only requirement is you have to surrender your pride, acknowledge your sin, and allow Me to do it for you by doing it through you. Empty yourself of your own selfish desires and embrace what I have to give you”. That’s it. The sermon on the mount isn’t to be taken literally. It’s purpose is to show us it’s impossible to earn God’s favor. It’s impossible to earn “a ticket to Heaven” based on our works. It’s to show us we are sinners in need of a Savior. We need rescue. Once you understand that, you’re well in your way to receiving the one gift God has for everyone, His grace. And that gift changes everything.

1 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.25 “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. Teaching about Adultery 27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 So if your eye–even your good eye–causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 And if your hand–even your stronger hand–causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Teaching about Divorce 31 “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Teaching about Vows 33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne.35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is His footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Teaching about Revenge 38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Teaching about Love for Enemies 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:21-48

A Sense Of Security Throughout Life….

There is a peace that passes all understanding. A peace that soothes the soul. There’s a peace that protects the heart from invasion. It’s the peace of God. It comes only from Him, and it sustains us in all situations. It doesn’t prevent us from experiencing hard times, it just protects us through them. Paul tells us in Ephesians to put on the shoes of peace, for they give us traction and stability, the ability to hold one’s ground in battle. In a world of anxiety, worry, shame, depression, and relentless attacks on our souls, it so comforting to known God can grant us peace in the middle of a storm, for He is the rock on which we build our house. He is the secure place we can send our fear for disposal. God’s ways promote peaceful living, and a sense of security throughout life. Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace.

33 But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33

The Real OBJECT Of Our Gratitude…

Our mission as believers is simple, we are to point others to the truth. We are to encourage people to go to God for everything. It’s our words and actions, when they are consistent, that lead others to God. When we live out what we believe, people see authenticity in the reality of God’s existence. They see all that comes with an authentic life of faith. They see the real Object of our gratitude, the Recipient of our gratefulness. They see how we react to adversity and prosperity, and it gives people a real glimpse of Who God really is. In essence believers are to be like the moon (moonshiners), reflecting the light of the SON (Jesus). When people look at the moon, they know where the Light (truth) comes from.

16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

We Can’t Be Trusted….

It’s only when you pursue God and know Him that you truly see yourself for who you really are. The first thing we learn about ourselves is that we can’t be trusted. We tend to want to do things our own way. We have a “bent towards evil”, it starts when we are born and lasts until we die. But it’s necessary because without this knowledge we would never have need for a Savior; we’d be ignorant of our need for rescue. The only hope we have is when we repent of our sin and ask God to fill us with His Spirit. It’s a constant battle, living with this “nature”, but it’s possible to overcome. When we listen and do what our nature tells us, we experience pain, suffering, and fractured relationships. When we follow the Spirit inside of us, we end up doing the “right thing”, which brings hope, security, and peace. Knowing God is way more than most people think. It’s the surest and only way to truly know oneself.

21 And the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Genesis 8:21-22

Male and Female…

With all the issues being trivialized these days it’s refreshing to be reminded of the importance of being “male and female”. God created us in His image, and thus that makes us significant. We serve a greater purpose than to just exist. Ultimately our purpose is to know God, to know what He’s done for us, and thus glorify Him in our actions. Putting all that aside, God created us to sustain the earth, and to take care of it. In order for this to continue, we must conceive children, raise them up by teaching them about God, and showing them how to live to ensure they follow in our footsteps. All this is only possible by having both male and female in relationships called marriage. Without both, life on earth would cease to exist. So regardless of what you hear and see everyday on the news and in your world, remember, God made them “male and female” for a reason. And it’s for this very reason you and I, and all the rest of the people trying to change His order and distort His purpose even exist.

3 Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird. There must be a male and a female in each pair to ensure that all life will survive on the earth after the flood. Genesis 7:3

The Definitive Evidence Of An Authentic Follower….

The reason true followers act and do as they go through life is not to gain acceptance from God, or to earn favor or salvation, rather it’s to prove they have repented and already received God’s grace. The definitive evidence of an authentic follower of Christ is how they live. The source of their strength and motivating factor is what they already possess, not by what they are trying to gain. You can’t give what you don’t possess.

7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Matthew 3:7-9

You Rob Yourself Of Life….

Money, it’s necessary to live, but our attitude towards it determines the quality of our lives, not the possession of it. The real issue is not how much you own, rather it’s how much of it owns your thoughts and desires. When your mind is consumed by gaining wealth, you lose out on living in the present. When you are consumed with getting rich, you literally rob yourself of life. God will provide for our needs, so there’s no real need to get rich. God gives us a present every day, so when we waste it being consumed with trying to gain wealth, we miss out on this gift. The day before today is called yesterday. The day after today is called tomorrow. Today is called the present. Get it? Live in the now by trusting God with your life, for He will provide. Don’t waste your life pursuing something that robs you of life. The true wealth of life is knowing and living out this principle.

19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life. Proverbs 1:19

It’s Trying To Be God….

The problem with humanity is not “being like” God, it’s trying to be God. There’s a huge difference, and knowing that makes all the difference in this world.

1 This is the written account of the descendants of Adam. When God created human beings, He made them to be like Himself. 2 He created them male and female, and He blessed them and called them “human.” Genesis 5:1-2

Too Great For Me To Bear…

Of all the people in the Bible it was Cain who experienced Hell on earth. When he killed his brother Abel, God banished him from the land and His presence. Cain’s reply, “my punishment is too great for me to bear”. Imagine, that’s exactly what people want who reject God. They live in a Nod-like life, out of God’s presence, wandering around trying to make sense of everything. And worse yet, when they die, the live eternally without God in Hell. All of this because of their refusal to repent of their sin. Their inability, due to purposeful rebellion/rejection of God, leads to a purposeless life, wanting what they can never achieve. Senseless if you ask me.

1 Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift–the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but He did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from Your presence; You have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!”15 The Lord replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. 16 So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Genesis 4:1-16

The Grass Isn’t Greener….

If you really want to know what our sinful nature really is, it’s this: we want to be like God without seeking His wisdom and knowledge. In a nutshell, we want to be God, instead of serving Him. Eve’s conversation with the serpent in the garden makes this crystal clear. She wanted the knowledge the fruit would give her knowing it was a disobedient act that violated God’s command. Isn’t that exactly what we do when we sin? We want something but we don’t ask God for it. Rather we pursue it without Him. In essence we leave Him out because we step into His role leaving no room for Him. When this happens our relationship with Him is severed, and our lives become less meaningful and more frustrating. Learn from this example, the grass isn’t greener without God. It’s greener when we know and abide in our designed place.

1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’ ”4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”10 He replied, “I heard You walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”12 The man replied, “It was the woman You gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”“The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursedmore than all animals, domestic and wild.You will crawl on your belly,groveling in the dust as long as you live.15 And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,and between your offspring and her Offspring.He will strike your head,and you will strike His heel.” 16 Then He said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy,and in pain you will give birth.And you will desire to control your husband,but he will rule over you.” 17 And to the man He said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the treewhose fruit I commanded you not to eat,the ground is cursed because of you.All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you,though you will eat of its grains.19 By the sweat of your browwill you have food to eatuntil you return to the groundfrom which you were made.For you were made from dust,and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:1-19

The Purpose Of Proverbs…

The purpose of the book of proverbs is stated in the first 7 verses of chapter one. The purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline; to do what is right, just, and fair. It’s aimed at the simple and the young. It’s foundation is based on this one thing: a strong reverence for God. Fearing God is the foundation of true knowledge. Every thought, evaluation, and emotion must be filtered through this world view. It’s the basis of understanding. Think about it, if you have a world view based on evolution, then your worth and significance come from what you can do, because there’s nothing to base your importance on. Your entire existence is based on your performance. When you fail, or are compared to someone better, you lose any confidence you thought you had. If you base your significance on a Biblical world view, then you know it’s because of what Jesus did on the cross that proves your worth to God. You don’t have to perform to earn that. And when others outshine you, there are no worries because your significance isn’t based on your performance (failure). Your worldview matters more than you know. The correct and healthiest view starts with a reverence (fear) of God. It shapes your attitude and outlook on life, and it’s spelled out right here in the first chapter of proverbs.

1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,to help them understand the insights of the wise.3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,to help them do what is right, just, and fair.4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,knowledge and discernment to the young. 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.Let those with understanding receive guidance6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:1-7

True Worship….

True worship, what God really desires from us, is praising Him with every fiber of our being. When we truly do this, we are rewarded with more of His presence. And what a reward it is.

1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary;praise Him in His mighty heaven!2 Praise Him for His mighty works;praise His unequaled greatness!3 Praise Him with a blast of the ram’s horn;praise Him with the lyre and harp!4 Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing;praise Him with strings and flutes!5 Praise Him with a clash of cymbals;praise Him with loud clanging cymbals.6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalms 150:1-6