Stay Humble My Friend….

As long as their is breath in our lungs, and we have the ability to relate, we will always have this humbling aspect to our lives. No one is bigger than his/her own “britches”. Arrogance and being over confident is not a character trait the Christian is ever to pursue or display. Pride has a way of robbing us from expierencing God by taking up space the Holy Spirit deserves. How is there room for Him if we are too full of ourselves? All this space filled with "hot air" isn't a worthy trade off. When we get to that place and give in, our next meal just might be a serving of humble pie for dessert. The best remedy for this is to always keep our eyes on the Truth, Jesus. And the Truth says we are never pure and free from sin, not until we reach Heaven will this statement be untrue. Humility is the conduit in which the Holy Spirit works in our lives. As the Dos Equis beer brand says (with a little change of words), “stay humble my friend”.

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

Stay Focused On The Essentials…

Do you ever have days where you just want to check out of society? Wish you were on a deserted island? Away from any social interactions with another human being? I certainly have. I experience them more and more the older I get. We live in a godless society. Everyone demands their own way. It’s frustrating to me to even want to participate. But then I’m reminded of the answer to this dilemma. We are not home yet. We were never meant to live in such a world. Since sin entered into it and corrupted its ways, we have to live here, but we are to promote the Gospel and make the best of our time here. We are not supposed to get comfortable here. Our comfort and rest will come when we arrive in a Heaven with our Lord Jesus. In the mean time, we are to continue to live with integrity. We are to constantly seek out God. We are to love people, regardless of how they treat us. And we are to not get caught up in worldly matters, for they will change. There’s nothing new under the sun; it’s all been done before, protests, riots, violence, changing of leaders, etc.... The only thing I settle on is the fact that this is all true. I continue to pursue God. And regardless how bad the world gets, I remember God is in control. Things may not be right on earth now, but someday, God will make it right, and assert His justice. That’s a guarantee. Until then, stay focused on the essentials. It’s the power God has given us to sustain us in this life.

13 “O our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name! 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give You only what You first gave us! 15 We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace. 1 Chronicles 29:13-15

Visiting Cornelius’ House….

Cornelius was a Roman military leader. He was also a God-fearing man. The Jews despised Roman soldiers, so Peter visiting Cornelius’ house would have been scandalous for the Church. However, as you read today’s verses, you see God showing Peter that Gentiles are just as important as the Jews were. Notice the irony and similarity of the commands Peter received from the Lord. The first was, “Get up, kill, eat”. The second was, “Get up, go downstairs, and go with them”. It even states “without hesitation, and don’t worry”. The revelation of this new concept, Gentiles and Jews were both clean and unclean, there is no distinction. The Jews were not the only chosen ones by God. Anyone with a willing heart can and will gain access to eternal life, and be given the Holy Spirit as a seal/guarantee of this truth. This passage opens up the door to conversations with unbelievers who don’t think they are worthy of God’s gift of grace (a form of pride). His grace is sufficient and offered to all willing to receive it. You don’t have to be born into a Jewish family to follow God, you just have to be born again. And that is possible through a repentant, honest, and willing heart. Cornelius is a great example in the NT of someone who believed God. He didn’t have the family lineage, religious training, or even a clue of the scope of what the Israelite history was all about. This gives me and everyone else hope. God is Savior of the world, there are no divisions when it comes to His mercy and grace. God’s offer of a relationship with Him is open to all. Have you accepted it yet? If not, why not? If yes, how’s your walk with Him?

1 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.”7 As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants. 8 He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa. Peter Visits Cornelius 9 The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12 In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” 16 The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven.17 Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, 18 they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.19 Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. 20 Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”21 So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”22 They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” 23 So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.24 They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” 27 So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. 31 He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! 32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” Acts 10:1-33

Ananias Faced A Dilemma…

Ananias faced a dilemma. God told him to go to Saul. If he did this he would certainly be persecuted, probably dragged back to Jerusalem and jailed. Ananias had a choice to make: trust God, or trust his instinct. His fear of persecution influenced his instinct, which opposed God. When these types of situations arise, we must set aside our “feelings” and go with what we know to be true. God will never ask or command us to do anything that would contradict Who He is. I mean God loves us so much that He would never send us out to attempt to do the impossible, if He didn’t have the power to actually do it. He would never send us out on a death mission, if it didn’t serve a purpose. God’s plans always achieve its goal, to bring Himself glory. And if we participate whole-heartedly, we receive the blessing as well. Ananias did just that; he overcame his feelings, and did what God asked him to do. In doing so, he got to witness one of the greatest conversions in all of history. He got to witness a sinful, bound for Hell, human being receive a heart transplant right before his eyes. He got to see the transformational power of God in the “now”. He got to witness evil turn to good. He got to see Saul turn into Paul. All of this happened because he was willing to be obedient to God’s call. The next time you hear the call, don’t ask God to take away your fear (of rejection), ask Him for more love. For perfect love drives out fear. Ananias learned this, and we should learn from this example as well. Obedience requires sacrifice, and that’s exactly what God says He wants from us. It’s our way of showing Him (and more importantly, ourselves) how much we love Him back. It may be hard, but what can compare to the reward?

Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”“Yes, Lord!” he replied.11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to Me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon Your name.”15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is My chosen instrument to take My message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:10c-17

His Idea Of What Religion Was….

The invisible realm of God can only be seen when God removes the scales from our eyes. Seeing “spiritually” is one of the greatest gifts God can give us while we are still on this earth. The ability to see beyond the “now”, beyond the “worldly pleasures”, beyond the “self-centeredness”, is what the Holy Spirit gives us. Saul (Paul) had his scales removed. He no longer was controlled by his “false” sense of religion/duty. His idea of what “religion” was supposed to be like, earning it through works of righteousness, was shattered. He must have been devastated. Knowing what you studied and put into practice your entire life, was now no longer part of your life, must have destroyed his pride. It didn’t last long though. All of his studies and knowledge were now going to be put to the test. A test that would show him what he was really made of, why God chose him. All of his preparations now made crystal, clear sense. All the religious practices now had a purpose, to show the world Who God really was. And what His purpose was for him, to have a real relationship with Him, through Jesus our Lord. In order to become a true believer, a faithful follower of Christ Jesus, we have to repent, lose the scales from our eyes. We must gain the ability to see spiritually. The only way that is possible is by receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. And the only way that will ever happen is if God grants us that gift. It’s His prerogative, not ours. Prepare your heart by humbling yourself through repentance, or at least be willing to be honest with yourself. So when your “Damascus road” event takes place, you react the same way Saul (the Apostle Paul) did, and you do your part in winning souls to Christ. Thank God today for His wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, a gift too wonderful for words. Our ability to see beyond what the world sees is directly related to our walk with the Lord. When we are lacking the insight we need, draw closer to the Lord, for He is the only One that has the ability to make us truly see.

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Acts 9:17-19a I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called–His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:18

A Fickle-Fest….

All humans are fickle. When you put a bunch of them together you get a fickle-fest. We can’t save the world, so why should we even try to fix its problems? The only thing we are commanded to do is to preach the Good News of the Gospel, to love one another, and be obedient to God. We don’t need to worry about what’s on the news, or how badly people behave, or even the state of our economy. We focus on God, and speak truth wherever and whenever the opportunity arises. We do it one person at a time. That’s the most effective way. It doesn’t take great preparation, like writing a speech. It’s just takes a heart in pursuit of God, experiencing Him and His blessings, so that you want others to experience the same. It’s the only cure for fickleness.

The people ate their fill. He gave them what they craved.30 But before they satisfied their craving, while the meat was yet in their mouths,31 the anger of God rose against them,and He killed their strongest men.He struck down the finest of Israel’s young men. 32 But in spite of this, the people kept sinning.Despite His wonders, they refused to trust Him.33 So He ended their lives in failure,their years in terror.34 When God began killing them,they finally sought Him.They repented and took God seriously.35 Then they remembered that God was their rock,that God Most High was their redeemer.36 But all they gave Him was lip service;they lied to Him with their tongues.37 Their hearts were not loyal to Him.They did not keep His covenant.38 Yet He was merciful and forgave their sinsand did not destroy them all.Many times He held back His angerand did not unleash His fury!39 For He remembered that they were merely mortal,gone like a breath of wind that never returns.  Psalms 78:29b-39

In Diametric Opposition…

Selfishness and the Gospel are in diametric opposition with each other. You can’t spread the Gospel from a self-centered point of view. It won’t work. Have you ever tried? I’ve shared the Gospel with certain people and it was met with certain resistance. I wanted them so badly to accept the truth, but for some reason they wouldn’t. I left the conversation a little angry. I was frustrated. I was disappointed. The Gospel was never meant to be forced on people. It’s to be presented in a loving manner, but never watered down. I’ve had experiences where I just spoke truth with no motive behind it, and the recipient received it with joy. It’s all about the condition of the heart. We can’t fix someone else’s b broken heart, we can only speak truth into it, truth that comes from our heart, selfless in motive, full of real love and concern for others. God does the changing. The condition of our heart is the one and only factor that determines the effectiveness of your witness, the Gospel. God is the One Who does the changing. God can use stones to cry out, He doesn’t need us to do it. However, He chooses us to be the main conduit in which the Gospel is presented to the world, for we are His image bearers. And it’s the condition of our heart that determines how effective witness we will be. Selfishness has no part in this process. How’s your heart today?

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! 21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive your evil thoughts, 23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”24 “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!” Acts 8:18-24

He’s One Of Those Impossibilities….

If you think for once that God can’t rescue a lost soul, one that we think is impossible, maybe you should study the life of the Apostle Paul (called Saul here). He’s one of those impossibilities.

1 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. Acts 8:1-3

One Size Fits All….

One thing that is lacking in America today is humility. Knowing our place. Knowing Who’s in charge. Knowing we are dependent upon God for all things. Knowing we are responsible to Him, first and foremost. This is what’s lacking in our society today. If it weren’t, we wouldn’t be so hateful and unloving. We wouldn’t be so arrogant and divided. We wouldn’t be anywhere close to what you see every day on the news. Even if you’re a believer, you still need the awareness of where you belong, Who you belong to, and what your responsibilities are. Never allow yourself to choose larger pants than you can actually wear. Humility is “one-size fits all”. And it’s in-fashion 365 days a year forever.

1 When David was settled in his palace, he summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant is out there under a tent!”2 Nathan replied to David, “Do whatever you have in mind, for God is with you.”3 But that same night God said to Nathan, 4 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: You are not the one to build a house for Me to live in. 5 I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. My home has always been a tent, moving from one place to another in a Tabernacle. 6 Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s leaders, the shepherds of My people. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built Me a beautiful cedar house?”’7 “Now go and say to My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of My people Israel. 8 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! 9 And I will provide a homeland for My people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, 10 starting from the time I appointed judges to rule My people Israel. And I will defeat all your enemies.“ ‘Furthermore, I declare that the Lord will build a house for you–a dynasty of kings! 1 Chronicles 17:1-10

You Will Know Your Purpose…

The saddest thing that a person can ever do is deny God’s existence. There’s too much evidence against suggesting the earth got here some other way. And the worst part is when we put ourselves ahead of God, thinking we are the ones in control. The only thing we are actually in control of is our freedom to choose, but even that was given to us by God out of His love for us. Make the wrong choice and your life with be filled with a meaningless pursuit. Make the right choice, and it may still not be easy, but you will know your purpose. And it will be filled with meaningful treasures. Eternity is forever. Choose wisely. God is the Creator of the universe. Respect that by getting to know Him. It’s your real and meaningful purpose in life.

“David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who actually built it. 48 However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, 49 ‘Heaven is My throne,and the earth is My footstool.Could you build Me a temple as good as that?’asks the Lord.‘Could you build Me such a resting place?50 Didn’t My hands make both heaven and earth?’ Acts 7:46-50a

Hate Him, Love Him, Question Him, Repeat…

We live in what some would call tumultuous times. People have abandoned God. There is little responsibility. And a certain section of people, growing larger and larger everyday, are trying to turn this country on its head. I have never seen a society hate one man so much, to the point of destroying things and blaming him for it. Anyway, this isn’t new. It’s happened from the beginning. People are fickle. Take Moses for example. Born in Egypt, taken in by royalty, and raised by the elite. He came back to his own people but they rejected him. He spent 40 years in the wilderness. Then he meets God. He returns to Egypt where his people rave and accept him. He leads them out of Egypt only to be rejected constantly. The cycle continues: hate him, love him, question him, repeat. It wasn’t until God eliminated all the older generation that they were allowed to go into the promised land. All human beings are fickle. Don’t be surprised when you see this type of behavior, especially when it’s done collectively. God is in control. His plans will always prevail. Remember, we are not home yet, this is just temporary. Our leaders are put in positions by God, like it or not. Our job is to share the Good News with the world, one soul at a time.

5 “So God sent back the same man His people had previously rejected when they demanded, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?’ Through the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush, God sent Moses to be their ruler and savior. 36 And by means of many wonders and miraculous signs, He led them out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and through the wilderness for forty years. Acts 7:35-36

Why Not Do It Willingly?

No matter how much we think we are right. No matter how much we want to do it ourselves. No matter how much we care or do not care. No matter how much we want to do it “our” way. No matter how “fail proof” we think our plans are. No matter what, God’s purposes always prevail. They prevail regardless if we are for Him or against Him. They prevail with or without us. They even prevail when we are in opposition to them. Take this truth to heart and stop fighting the impossible. We cannot separate the pleasure from the purpose, or the pain from the consequence. The only way you can win is to be on His side. It may not always be fun, or glorious, or stress-free, but you will always prevail in the end. If the end goal of humanity is for man to seek God and bring Him glory, why not do it willingly?

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

Never Lose Hope For Someone….

It’s never to late to be rescued by the Gospel. Never lose hope for someone whom you desperately want to be saved. God is greater than any impossibility.

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

Life Is Found In…..

Life is found in our relationship with our Creator. Anything outside of that relationship is only temporary satisfaction. When we accept His truth, His plan, and His Sovereignty, we truly find life. There’s no other way to live than to live according to our design. A hammer can break and smash things, buts its design is to drive nails, to build things. When’s it’s used to build, join, and correct badly driven nails, it’s serving its purpose. When we live in opposition to His design, there’s no excuse for our behavior. The consequences that follow have no outside blame. It’s like building your house on an active volcano, sure the views are spectacular, but it’s only a matter of time before the risk outweighs the view. God made us, so we are to be as He created us to be, in His image. We are God’s image bearers for a reason.

16 Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death. Proverbs 19:16

Psychics And Mediums….

For all that call themselves “Christian” and yet think psychics and mediums and horoscopes are fine to dabble in, you are doing yourself a huge disservice. God is the One we are to go to for all things. Trusting or believing a psychic is turning your faith away from God and placing it into the hands of the devil. Do you think God wants that from us? It didn’t work out for Saul, and it won’t work out for you either. Get right with God today, and set your mind on things above. Seeking out advice from God is the only true means of enlightenment. Anything else is wondering around in the dark, thinking you’re headed in the right direction.

13 So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. He failed to obey the Lord’s command, and he even consulted a medium 14 instead of asking the Lord for guidance. So the Lord killed him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

We Don’t Need To Pretend…

Growing up there were people in my life who did a lot of pretending. They would always try to “look” better than they really were. Now, being many, many years later, it’s interesting seeing how many of them actually grew up. We are all faced with the pull of the world to be successful, to look good, to be great parents, to live in a nice house, etc.... to live the “Facebook Life”. But where we seek our significance from determines our ability to deal with this “look at me” attention-needing dilemma. When we pretend to look better than we really are, we begin to believe it. It eventually leads to our downfall. When we pretend to be someone other than ourselves, we are merely actors playing a role in life. Eventually the movie will end. Then what? On to a new role? Our significance comes from God alone. Believers are sons and daughters of the King. We are created in His image (image bearers), made for His purpose, and reap the blessings when we chose to honor Him in our actions. We don’t need to pretend because we know where our worth comes from. If you haven’t realized this truth, maybe you need to read the New Testament. There you’ll find why Jesus died for you and me. And where His motivation came from in doing it. God loves us, so much so He came to earth, giving up His place in Heaven. He came to be the atoning sacrifice for all humanity. To erase the barrier keeping us separated from Him. His death and resurrection are proof. And the Holy Spirit is His deposit for us to help us through to the other side. We don’t need to pretend anymore. We just need to surrender to His Spirit daily, and watch what happens. There’s a reason actors get paid lots of money these days; it’s to help them cope with the reality of fame and the disappointment when their roles end. Today’s scripture verses show us firsthand that we don’t need to pretend. God will love you no matter what. You don’t have to try to impress Him.

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

He Uses Their Disregard As A…..

When people rebel against God, they think they are hurting or punishing Him. They think they are the ones in control. We as believers know God is sovereign. He is always in control. This brings peace and comfort to us. Unfortunately for those who resist God, and live their lives as if He doesn’t exist, their defiance only enhances God’s glory. He uses their disregard for Him as a weapon. Their rebellion, evil acts, or ill-intended plans are used to destroy rebellion, evil acts, or ill-intended plans. He even uses it to bring others back to Him. It’s what His sovereignty is all about. God will get the Glory. Why fight it? We will either honor Him and His ways with how we conduct ourselves, or we will be used by Him with our rebellion to bring Him Glory any way. I guess it’s just a matter of which side you stand on that determines what kind of spiritual insight He gives us or withholds from us. Interesting, isn’t it?

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

Denying Our Creator Isn’t An Option…

Why is it some people cave when it comes to peer pressure and some don’t? I don’t have an exact answer, but I can say that once you have experienced God’s grace, His love, and His Holy Spirit, you simply cannot deny His existence, His power, or His sovereignty. You can say “He doesn’t exist”, but it will just be empty words. You can’t deny a real life experience. You may interpret it differently, but you certainly can’t deny it didn’t happen. Christians view life from an experiential/relational standpoint. Denying our Creator isn’t an option. Simply put, the Israelite religious leaders couldn’t deny the miracle that took place when Peter healed the lame beggar. They couldn’t figure out what to do to suppress this “Jesus” movement. The last resort (the last weapon in the bag) that the opposition has when trying to combat/oppose God, is threatening and name calling. Sound familiar?

The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. 15 So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves.16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than Him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”21 The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God 22 for this miraculous sign–the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. Acts 4:13-22

Sent First To The Jews….

Jesus was sent first to the Jews, His own people, but then (because of them) to every soul on earth. There’s no prejudice in a redeemed heart. The Holy Spirit helps us become more like Jesus. He empowers us to show the world what God is like, for we are God’s image bearers. The odd thing about Christianity is that it’s the solution to the problem of sin, and yet so many reject it (including the very ones He came to save first), trekking on through life trying to find the freedom and peace Jesus (the Messiah) can only bring. What the world longs for, Jesus provides. Refuse to let pride stand in your way, receive God’s free gift today. Take advantage of Israel’s denial of God’s reconciliation, before it’s too late. Then thank Him for such a gift.

4 “Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today. 25 You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up His servant, Jesus, He sent Him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.” Acts 3:24-26

Will Always Bring Turmoil…

Regardless what anyone says, no matter how much time passes after someone lies or testifies falsely, lying will always have consequences. Bearing false witness, aka lying, will always bring turmoil to its abdicator. Either it be public humiliation, loss of a job, desertion of important people, there will be repercussions. Even when we don’t see any tangible evidence of the aftermath, there still looms enemies of the conscience. No peace, inability to sleep well, lack of meaningful relationships, and the list goes on. If you don’t believe it, ask yourself this question: why are liquor stores considered essential (not closing for COVID safety)? The reason most people abuse drugs and alcohol is to escape their reality. That reality involves lies and deceptions. I think I’ve made my point. Denying this truth only complicates things for the worst. If you want a peaceful night’s rest, make lying part of your past. Your conscience with thank you for doing so.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape. Proverbs 19:5

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed. Proverbs 19:9

Responsibility For One’s Self….

We live in a world that makes excuses for everything. Every wrong that’s brought to light is met with justification. People are so defensive when it comes to critique or criticism. The bottom line to all of this is the inability to take responsibility for one’s self. If we are not responsible for our own behavior, then who is? Our parents, teachers, friends, the government? I mean look at the world now. People are removing statues thinking it will help their cause. They are trying to solve racism by being aggressively racist. You can’t shake hatred out of someone. You can’t force it either. It’s not until a man examines his own heart, revealing all of the turmoil inside of it, that he can see clearly enough to diagnose the problem. And the problem is the sinfulness in one’s own heart. If you want to change the world you don’t force people into agreeing with you, that’s a temporary emotional high, not a solution. You change the world by changing your own heart. Once you do that, only with God’s help, can you then start influencing others to do the same. The world can only change for the better one heart at a time. It starts with mine. There’s really no one to blame for our foolishness but ourselves. We can point the finger at others and even toward God, but in reality, no one but me is responsible for my behavior. Real change starts in the heart on every human being. It’s one person at a time. It may be a slow process, but it’s effective and one that’s worth the effort.

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

How People Take “Free” For Granted…

It’s amazing how people take “Free” for granted. At first “Free” is desired, pursued, and accepted, but after a short time it’s expected, then no longer desired, and eventually scoffed at. It’s like a cycle. Our pride welcomes free, then takes it for granted when received. After that our pride no longer wants it, thus rejecting it. This must be part of the reason why so many reject the Gospel. It’s free. It will always be free. Free is only good as long as it benefits us, with no obligations. Christianity is free. It’s free to those who believe. It’s free for those that call on the Name of the Lord. We don’t have to do anything. We don’t have to pray 5 times a day facing in a certain direction. We don’t have to respect all creatures to the point of sharing our food with rats. We don’t need to make a once in a lifetime trip to any holy place. We don’t even have to wear specific clothes to worship services. All of these are “works based” practices done exclusively to try to please a false god. It’s an attempt to be “good enough”, to justify our sin, and to earn our salvation. Christianity requires nothing. It’s simply putting your trust in Jesus. Calling on the Name of the Lord gets met with God responding to your call. That’s it. Is your pride embracing the “free” gift that God gives? Or is it rejecting this “free” gift because it doesn’t require any human effort to earn it? Open your Bible. Read it. Come to know the God Who gives “freely”. You’ll realize the only thing that keeps a person from God is pride misinterpreting the meaning of “free”.

But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:21a

Riches Solve Every Problem….

One of the greatest, most consistent deceptions man constantly faces is the allure of wealth. “Riches solve every problem”, most people believe. Money has never cured cancer. It’s never brought someone back from the dead. And it’s never saved anyone. Money makes life easier, yet it also complicates things. The more you have, the more your brain has to manage. The more you have the more it takes to maintain, or even replace when it breaks or stops working. How many murders have taken place based on money? How many evil acts have occurred over money. How many millionaires died happy and full? You see money gives us the ability to say “NO” to God. It’s “easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter Heaven”, Jesus said it Himself. So how are we supposed to view money? As a means to live. As responsible to use it. But never as a replacement for God. That’s it. Keep life simple. Don’t over complicate it by living your life in pursuit of riches. It’s not a defense and it doesn’t keep you safe. Living a life full of integrity and helping others when in need is where true riches are found. God is our safety, and our wall of defense. That’s something money could never buy. That’s how we should view money. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in its deception.

11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. Proverbs 18:11

Naaman’s Conversion, About Heart And Head….

I’m sure you’ve probably asked yourself this question, if I were being tortured and told that if I denounce Christ, I’d be set free, would I do it? Peter denied Jesus 3 times. Judas denied him too. What was the difference? Peter believed in his heart that Jesus was the Messiah, Judas did not. I think that is the key. If you say with your mouth you don’t believe in God, but in your heart you really do, God knows that. He knows we are weak, fragile, and insecure. Yes, He’d be proud of us standing up for Him, but when we fail, He knows what’s in our heart. Why do I say all of this? In Reading today’s scripture, we learn of Naaman’s conversion. He was a pagan. He was converted when God healed him of leprosy. Once he knew God was real, and the only God in all the universe, he changed. His heart was devoted to God. He even went so far as to haul dirt from Israel back to his home, so he could sacrifice on Israel’s turf to the One and Only God. He even asked Elisha to ask God to forgive him when he bowed to his King’s false god when he had to go into the temple of his king’s god. Elisha’s response settles this issue for me, “go in peace”. God knows our hearts. That’s what truly matters.

1 The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.2 At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. 3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”4 So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. 5 “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750  pounds of silver, 150  pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “This man sends me a leper to heal! Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”8 But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’ ” 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”16 But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.17 Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord. 18 However, may the Lord pardon me in this one thing: When my master the king goes into the temple of the god Rimmon to worship there and leans on my arm, may the Lord pardon me when I bow, too.”19 “Go in peace,” Elisha said. So Naaman started home again. 2 Kings 5:1-19

More Than You Bargained For…

The irony in the Bible is consistent. When someone wants something not meant for them to have, God has a way of granting that wish but not in the manner they ever thought of. Here’s the perfect example of this. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, was perturbed that Elisha didn’t take any of Naaman’s gifts for healing him of leprosy. So Gehazi schemed to go get some of the treasures himself, by lying to Naaman. Gehazi’s very words came true, but not in the way he wanted. Gehazi said, “... I will chase after him and get something from him”. Gehazi did get something from Naaman, but it wasn’t what he desired. His greed caused him to desire riches from the wrong motives. Thus what he got from Naaman was his disease, leprosy, not his silver and gold. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get more than you bargained for.

20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the Lord lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi set off after Naaman.When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. “Is everything all right?” Naaman asked.22 “Yes,” Gehazi said, “but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75  pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.”23 “By all means, take twice as much silver,” Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi. 24 But when they arrived at the citadel, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house.25 When he went in to his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?”“I haven’t been anywhere,” he replied.26 But Elisha asked him, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? 27 Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow. 2 Kings 5:20-27

Our Hope and Ability To Overcome….

Our hope and ability to overcome, is directly related to our faith in Jesus. We get this strength from no where else. Thank Him today for this awesome privilege and ability. And make sure to share it when needed.

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Why We pray In Jesus’ Name….

If you’ve ever wondered why we pray in Jesus’ name, here’s the answer. We pray to God through Jesus because He atoned for our sins. He went back to Heaven to act as our advocate. He actually sent the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate while we are still in this earth. When we pray in His name God listens, because it shows our faith in Him. He’s our gobo (go between). He’s our mediator. Our High Priest. Do you actually have to use the word Jesus when we pray for God to listen? I don’t know for sure, but it’s because of Him that God does listen. Why not acknowledge that in your prayers. It only seems fitting to honor what He did for us.

23 At that time you won’t need to ask Me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and He will grant your request because you use My name.24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using My name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:23-24

The World Celebrates Things That…..

Oh, the irony of life. The world celebrates things that brings tears to God. And God celebrates what the world can’t understand. Sure, there are some things that the world sees as good that God does, but it refuses to give Him the credit. Serving God brings joy the world can never know. And that kind of joy can never be taken away. Now that’s something worth pursuing, isn’t it?

20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to Me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world.22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. John 16:20-22

Trading The Space Shuttle For A Bottle Rocket….

Do you know it, when you see people who say they believe in God and yet persecute those that actually do believe and think they are doing God a favor? People say that these people never were true believers to begin with. Paul before conversion is the best example of this. He went out of his way to persecute believers. Until his conversion, he thought he was doing God a favor. Well, here is the Bible backing up that truth. Here, Jesus’ words could never be more backing of the statement, “those that fall away were never believers to begin with”. Think about it, if your are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, you are changed forever. You are united with the very thing you were created for. It’s like a hammer being used to destroy things, but then discovering that driving nails to build stuff brings the significance it always knew it was created for. You’ll never go back to eating bologna when you’ve been given sirloin steak. And the great news is you don’t have to. Pursuing God, really making an all out effort to know Him, is where we find our significance. Abandoning that pursuit is like trading the space shuttle for a bottle rocket, and still expecting to orbit the moon. It just ain’t gonna happen. Those that abandon God, or persecute true believers, thinking they are doing Him a favor, are only pretenders, Hollywood actors playing a role. They aren’t real, because they never were. They are deceived and lead by Satan. Pursue God today. How do you like your steak? I’m a well-done kinda guy.

1 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God.3 This is because they have never known the Father or Me.4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember My warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer. John 16:1-4

Will Have Him To Speak For Us….

Another important point about about following Jesus is we are reconciled before God. Jesus atoned for our sin. He paid our fine. He stood before the Judge and set us free from the penalty of our offense. For those that reject Jesus or turn their back on God, they have no excuse. On the day of judgement, when every soul stands before God, we will have no excuse. None of us will be able to say a word that will appease the judge. However, believers, those who followed Jesus faithfully, will have Him to speak for us. Now that’s Good News.

18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first.19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.20 Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you.21 They will do all this to you because of Me, for they have rejected the One who sent Me.22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin.23 Anyone who hates Me also hates My Father.24 If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate Me and My Father.25 This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated Me without cause.’26 “But I will send you the Advocate–the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about Me.27 And you must also testify about Me because you have been with Me from the beginning of My ministry. John 15:18-27

We Don’t Choose Jesus….

Christianity is different from all other religions in many ways. Here’s just one more difference to ponder. We don’t chose Jesus, He chooses us. Let that sink in for a minute. If we don’t choose Him, we can’t take credit can we? If we can’t take credit, there’s got to be some humility involved in it. If humility is involved then we do things from a different perspective. Selfishness takes a backseat. God furthers His kingdom because He chooses us, not the other way around. Our confidence is solely in Him, and thus pride isn’t allowed. You will never see a prideful believer serving God, for its impossible. If you do, I’d suggest you’re witnessing a pretender dressed in the wrong outfit. When we serve God, we do it out of love for Him. The Bible says perfect love drives out fear. It also drives out our desires to serve our selves. Be grateful today that God chose you. Thank Him with all of your heart. Then go out and show someone how great He really is.

1 “I am the true grapevine, and My Father is the gardener.2 He cuts off every branch of Mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.4 Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.6 Anyone who does not remain in Me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.7 But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!8 When you produce much fruit, you are My true disciples. This brings great glory to My Father.9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love.10 When you obey My commandments, you remain in My love, just as I obey My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!12 This is My commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.14 You are My friends if you do what I command.15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in His slaves. Now you are My friends, since I have told you everything the Father told Me.16 You didn’t choose Me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My name.17 This is My command: Love each other. John 15:1-17