Stick To The Script….

It’s easy to forget the core message of the saving grace of God. The Gospel is so simple, easy to memorize, yet hard to do. The world wants to complicate salvation. It wants us to add to it (which is impossible). The best thing you will ever do is speak truth and live truth out in your lifetime. Part of that is sharing the Gospel message with others. It’s simple, and uncomplicated. Regardless of what people try to make it out to be, how hard they try to complicate it, or how they lead you off the path of speaking the Gospel’s saving message, don’t let yourself think you need to present it in a certain way, or explain it in an easier method. Stick to the script. If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. It’s that simple. Don’t make it complicated. No matter how bad you want someone else to believe and be saved, stick to the simple message of the Gospel. God will do the rest. Life is too short, and too simple, for us to make it too complicated. Stick to the script. Never stray away from the only message known to save a man. Share the Good News with a needy soul today.

8 In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand;it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on Him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”14 But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:8-15

Will One Day Be Powerless….

Job describes God’s sovereignty in-depth here in chapter 12. The descriptions are thought-provoking for sure. Take for example the overthrowing of those with long years of power. All of those corrupt, unethical politicians we’ve had in our government will one day be powerless. All of their work to destroy the moral fabric of our society will be for naught. They will sit in their retirement homes lamenting the lack of power and influence they once had, silenced in the emptiness of their dwelling. God is all powerful. He is in control, even when we don’t see it. He is worthy of our attention, regardless of how we think or feel.

13 “But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are His.14 What He destroys cannot be rebuilt. When He puts someone in prison, there is no escape.15 If He holds back the rain, the earth becomes a desert. If He releases the waters, they flood the earth.16 Yes, strength and wisdom are His; deceivers and deceived are both in His power.17 He leads counselors away, stripped of good judgment; wise judges become fools.18 He removes the royal robe of kings. They are led away with ropes around their waist.19 He leads priests away, stripped of status; He overthrows those with long years in power.20 He silences the trusted adviser and removes the insight of the elders.21 He pours disgrace upon princes and disarms the strong. 22 “He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; He brings light to the deepest gloom.23 He builds up nations, and He destroys them. He expands nations, and He abandons them.24 He strips kings of understanding and leaves them wandering in a pathless wasteland.25 They grope in the darkness without a light. He makes them stagger like drunkards. Job 12:13-25

God Is The Reason….

God is the reason we exist. Give this some deep thought today. It might just help you come up with more reasons to appreciate your life, your friends, your family, and God Himself.

10 For the life of every living thing is in His hand, and the breath of every human being. Job 12:10

God Made Me This Way…

When I read Romans chapter 9, I can’t help but think about people who say, “God made me this way” (referring to their sexual orientation). It’s almost as if they are making an excuse to their self-admitted sinful behavior. Paul clearly tells us that God does things His way in order to bring more glory to Himself. If people decide to follow their sinful behavior and reject God, He knows it in advance and will use it to help those who do follow Him. We were never meant to “play God”. We weren’t even meant to waller in sin. It’s God’s design, His love for us that allows (in its purpose) people to chose good or bad behavior. When we choose bad behavior, we will always try to justify it. When we choose good behavior, we don’t have to defend it. Either way God uses it for His glory. And a sweet side effect is it benefits those of us who trust Him. We may never know the reason why things happen, but we can trust the One allowing them to happen. His ways are not our ways. And His thoughts are way above our thoughts (Isa 55). Stop playing God. Let the Master do His work. It will save you so much pain in the end.

15 For God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose,and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” 16 So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.17 For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying My power in you and to spread My fame throughout the earth.” 18 So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and He chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.19 Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what He makes them do?”20 No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t He have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? 22 In the same way, even though God has the right to show His anger and His power, He is very patient with those on whom His anger falls, who are destined for destruction. 23 He does this to make the riches of His glory shine even brighter on those to whom He shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory. 24 And we are among those whom He selected, both from the Jews and from the Gentiles. Romans 9:15-24

Justice Will Always Prevail….

If you ever think of taking advantage of someone, think again. The outcome will never unfold without serious consequences. Consequences that you cannot handle. God is just. And Justice will always prevail.

22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. 23 For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them. Proverbs 22:22-23

Life Begins When…..

It’s really sad that Job who lived almost 4000 years ago knew the value of life, and yet some today question its authenticity. He knew when life began. There was no question about it. Life begins when God Guide’s your conception. If you go from the womb to the grave you are still important to God.

9 Remember that You made me from dust–will You turn me back to dust so soon?10 You guided my conception and formed me in the womb.11 You clothed me with skin and flesh,and You knit my bones and sinews together.12 You gave me life and showed me Your unfailing love. My life was preserved by Your care. Job 10:9-12

18 “ ‘Why, then, did You deliver me from my mother’s womb? Why didn’t You let me die at birth?19 It would be as though I had never existed, going directly from the womb to the grave. Job 10:18-19

Stuffers And Projectors…

There are two kinds of people in this world when it comes to dealing with problems: stuffers and projectors. Stuffers surpress their feelings by keeping them inside. Over time, they will explode because they can’t keep it inside. Sometimes that’s an atomic bomb going off, but most of the time it’s slowly released in little firecrackers going off. Sadly, it’s commonly dealt with by medicating the body and mind. The projectors get it off their chest immediately. Commonly in the form of “cutting” or derogatory remarks. These people don’t mean to hurt others, but often do by getting it “of their chest” in a hurry. Either way, we learn here in Job chapter 10 that we can’t stuff our problems inside. We must learn to let off steam in a productive, and non-hurtful way. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are hopeless in our journey of learning to “handle life”. Without God’s help we are just one problem away from exploding. Pray for His help today. Ask Him for guidance on how to deal with your current issue. Another human being was never meant to be the target of our unresolved, emotional bombs. It has to come out, learn how to do it God’s way.

“I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain. 2 I will say to God, ‘Don’t simply condemn me–tell me the charge You are bringing against me. 3 What do You gain by oppressing me? Why do You reject me, the work of Your own hands, while smiling on the schemes of the wicked? 4 Are Your eyes like those of a human? Do You see things only as people see them? 5 Is Your lifetime only as long as ours? Is Your life so short 6 that You must quickly probe for my guilt and search for my sin?7 Although You know I am not guilty, no one can rescue me from Your hands. Job 10:1-7

Job Knew….

Job’s words here are prophetic. He knew God’s judgements are final. He knew he was a sinner. His question of a mediator bringing him back together with God was answered when Jesus came. Jesus is our Mediator. He is the One who makes us right with God. The One that brings us together with Him. The One Who gives us strength to carry on. I think deep down inside Job knew. He knew God would provide for him. He knew God would rescue and save his soul.

32 “God is not a mortal like me,so I cannot argue with Him or take Him to trial.33 If only there were a mediator between us,someone who could bring us together.34 The mediator could make God stop beating me,and I would no longer live in terror of His punishment.35 Then I could speak to Him without fear,but I cannot do that in my own strength. Job 9:32-35

The Pain Never Serves Its Purpose….

No one knows pain like the one experiencing trials. Personal experience with adversity either destroys or refines a person. Yet people try to numb their pain through alcohol and drugs, or through popularity and power. No matter what we do, we can never elevate pain and sorrow like God can and does. Without Him, we really have no hope. Until we deal with our demons, they will haunt us till our last breath. God gives our pain a purpose. Without Him, we will never know or grow through our trials. And most importantly, He will never walk with us through the adversity. It’s not about being guilty, it’s about our response to the conviction God brings through the guilt. Our sinful condition was never meant to be permanent. So when we go through life trying to fix things by ourselves (without God), we walk alone. And the pain never serves its purpose. 27 If I decided to forget my complaints,to put away my sad face and be cheerful,28 I would still dread all the pain,for I know You will not find me innocent, O God.29 Whatever happens, I will be found guilty.So what’s the use of trying?30 Even if I were to wash myself with soap and clean my hands with lye,31 You would plunge me into a muddy ditch,and my own filthy clothing would hate me. Job 9:27-31

Compared To God….

Compared to God we are all wicked. Imagine the sweetest grandma, or the most innocent newborn baby, they don’t even compare. God is so pure, that even this grandma or newborn couldn’t be in His presence because of our sin nature. Like a dry leaf that gets too close to an open flame, poof! But yet He made a way for us to experience Him relationally, allowing us to get close (from a distance). It’s called Grace, unmerited favor. It’s the great equalizer in our universe. It’s what gives us the ability to love and be loved. Job understood this. Do you? Just one more reason for gratitude towards Him, right?

20 Though I am innocent, my own mouth would pronounce me guilty. Though I am blameless, it would prove me wicked. Job 9:20

Give Up Your Rights For A Greater Cause….

The only proper response to God is humble gratitude. Even if we think we are right in any given situation, God is more right. In the end He is in control. It’s the number one reason people reject God; they refuse to humble themselves. It’s the reason why people refuse to serve Him. What most people never understand about their rights is this: in order to fully live out freedom, you have to be willing to give up your rights for a greater cause. The love of God is that greater cause. He has forgiven us, so we ought to forgive others, including ourselves. What is the definition of forgiveness? Giving up your right to get even. The difference between a saved and sanctified believer and everyone else is he/she understands what’s rights he/she really has and is willing to give them up out of gratitude to the Giver of those rights. Love and forgiveness is what lacks in the world today. Ask God to give you a daily dose so you can truly start to live again. The right attitude starts with knowing your place. And that starts with your walk with the Lord. Extend God’s love and forgiveness to someone today. Be that ray of hope in someone else’s life. Point them to Jesus, by being Jesus “with skin on”.

14 “So who am I, that I should try to answer God or even reason with Him? 15 Even if I were right, I would have no defense. I could only plead for mercy. Job 9:14-15

Humble Honesty….

The one thing I admire about Job was his humble honesty. Job complained, and he even wished he hadn’t been born, but this just shows us he was human. He had feelings and emotions like the rest of us. The key to his character was his humble honesty. He knew God, at least the best you could know Him back them, at that point in his life. It was a daily thing for Job to commune with God. To Job it was personal. When all of the tragedy happened, Job’s friends were giving him the “religious answers”, which only made things worse. Job’s friend were speaking truth in principle, but they were leaving out the most important part, the relational aspect of it. God can do all things, and we are supposed to do His will. The problem comes in when we speak truth while putting God in a box. It doesn’t work. Truth is truth, and when we walk in it we usually have a straight path to journey onward. But there are times when that path makes sharp, steep turns and we aren’t ready for them. All the directions in the world can only paint a picture of what terrain lies ahead, actually walking the path is a entire different experience. The directions may tell us to take caution, but caution is different to many people. That’s where God comes in. He guides us through our journey, feelings and emotions, and when we arrive at our destination, the truth we all know, now has more deeper, personal meaning. Job knew his friends had good intentions, he knew what they were saying was true, but it didn’t apply to him in this case. Through it all he remained humble. And when it was all over, he knew Truth to a much deeper level. When you allow yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes, you’ll always benefit more than you know. It takes humble honesty to do it, and Job definitely had it. It’s one thing to know truth, and it’s entirely another to live it out. What makes sense isn’t always clear, that’s when our walk with the Lord plays it’s vital role. You can’t just make a wish in troubled times and expect to understand it all. It takes consistent, daily interaction with the Almighty. Job knew this, and did this. It’s why he came out of it a deeper, wider, and wiser man.

1 Then Job spoke again: 2 “Yes, I know all this is true in principle.But how can a person be declared innocent in God’s sight?3 If someone wanted to take God to court,would it be possible to answer Him even once in a thousand times?4 For God is so wise and so mighty.Who has ever challenged Him successfully? Job 9:1-4

Even In Old Age….

A huge difference between those who believe in God and follow him by seeking him daily and those who don't, is when these followers grow older they still serve a purpose. We are still significant. We have reason to know we are important. Don’t ever get tired of the sanctification process, for it gives us hope, which anchors our soul.

12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.13 For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.They flourish in the courts of our God.14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.15 They will declare, “The Lord is just!He is my rock!There is no evil in Him!” Psalms 92:12-15

Walking In Someone Else’s Shoes…

Be careful when talking with people who are suffering. The best thing you can do is be there for them and not say much. Their state of mind may misinterpret any truth you may present. Put your arm around them and just be there. There’s no confusion in doing this. Job’s friends did this for a week, but then opened their mouths and inserted their foot. And 98% of the book of Job is about responding to their misapplied advice. It’s gives a whole new perspective on walking in someone else’s shoes, doesn’t it?

14 “One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.15 My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks in the spring Job 6:14-15

26 Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation? 27 You would even send an orphan into slavery or sell a friend.28 Look at me!Would I lie to your face? 29 Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong.30 Do you think I am lying? Don’t I know the difference between right and wrong? Job 6:26-30

5 If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do. Job 13:5

We Cannot Separate God From Truth….

Eliphaz’s 1st response to Job is full of truth. The problem is Eliphaz doesn’t know the Author of this truth personally. Eliphaz is telling Job to confess his sin, and all of this will go away: “This kind of stuff doesn’t happen to a righteous man”. Even though his words accurately describe God, if he knew Him personally, his approach wouldn’t have come across as though he was more “righteous” than Job. This is the problem when we put truth itself, ahead of God Himself. We cannot separate God from Truth, because God is Truth, but yet we try and end up creating chaos. We don’t have life figured out. God does. So by being dependent on Him for the next few steps, we treat others with respect by remaining humble. How many times do we get caught up in speaking truth to people, but yet forget the Person behind the truth? Truth matters, knowing God personally matters more, because we draw it from the Source. It makes us treat others in ways that not only please God, but also benefits mankind. God keeps Truth in proper perspective. We cannot separate Truth from God, if we do we separate God’s perspective from our misguided perception of how relationships really work. Truth is not a weapon to destroy, rather it’s a tool to heal. Eliphaz misapplied to Job what he knew about God, and it created chaos in the relationship between the two of them. And worse yet, it created chaos between Eliphaz and God. Be careful when using God’s word with others, if we are not right with God ourselves, we may end up hurting others more than bringing healing to them (which they need). Being right with God gives us the right perspective of what God actually wants. And that is to restore peace in the lives of all human beings. Don’t taint God’s truth by misapplying it from your own perspective, rather use His perspective and it will accomplish His purpose.

People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire. 8 “If I were you, I would go to God and present my case to Him.9 He does great things too marvelous to understand.He performs countless miracles.10 He gives rain for the earth and water for the fields.11 He gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer.12 He frustrates the plans of schemers so the work of their hands will not succeed.13 He traps the wise in their own cleverness so their cunning schemes are thwarted.14 They find it is dark in the daytime,and they grope at noon as if it were night.15 He rescues the poor from the cutting words of the strong,and rescues them from the clutches of the powerful.16 And so at last the poor have hope,and the snapping jaws of the wicked are shut. 17 “But consider the joy of those corrected by God!Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.18 For though He wounds, He also bandages.He strikes, but His hands also heal. Job 5:7-18

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 NO, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:35-37

Questions We May Never Know The Answer To….

In reading the beginning of Job, after experiencing the tragedy he did, Job begins to question his life. He wishes he was never born. He asks questions we may never know the answers to. One of them is this: “why is life given to those with no future, those God has surrounded with difficulties?” Have you ever asked this question? Or have you ever met someone that has this type of mentality? I mean someone who is angry at God, or has no regard for Him or life itself? The only answer I have is that God is sovereign. He knows what He’s doing. The better question we need to be asking ourselves is “do we trust Him with our life”? It’s one thing to question God, but it’s totally another thing to not care about the possible answer. When people start to play God they start asking questions that seem put God in a box, i.e. make God look bad. When we start to step into God’s role, nothing good will come of it. Our role was never meant to do God’s job. Yet when we look to ourselves or others to answer questions only God can answer, we find ourselves in this predicament. Job is distraught with grief; he just lost his 10 children, his wealth, and his health is suffering. Even though his emotions were taking him down a dark road, he never blamed God for any of his suffering. Can you say this? I know I surely can’t. But the older I get the less and less I find myself distraught over answers I may never get. I guess it’s because I’m trusting God more. Do you find yourself doing this too? We need to step aside and trust God to do what He does. And in the process understand that feelings often times point us in a direction away from God. We need to go with what we know to be true. God is sovereign. Do you really believe this? Job did.

23 Why is life given to those with no future, those God has surrounded with difficulties? Job 3:23

We Are Not Free From Sin….

We are not free from sin. We are free from the power of sin. We have the knowledge of what sin is, the consequences, and Who to ask for help to flee from it. We no longer live under the law. We are free to choose this because we now live under grace. This is huge. Never forget it.

12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Romans 6:12-14

Two Mindsets In People….

If you really think about it, there are two mindsets in people: those that think they deserve things, and those that know they don’t. There may be variations, but you are either moving away from one toward the other, or vice versa. Life can be cruel at times, and for those that think life “owes them” something, they will always be the victim. For those that realize life can be both fair or unfair, they know it’s what we make of those situations that matter most. It’s our reaction to this mindset that determines our attitude and gratitude in life. Always being a victim breeds ingratitude and vengeance. Whereas accepting adversity as a test, allows us to grow and expand, reaching more depth of character, breeding security and hopefulness, which we exemplify to others. It’s Hope that anchors our soul. Where do you sit on this issue? Are you a lost ship drifting through life always making excuses, anchor less, never arriving at the port of peace? Or are you a ship that channels the wind to discover new horizons, knowing the port of peace is always within reach?

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:1-5

Wisdom And Age….

If we are growing older, we should be growing wiser as well. If we are not, we are really not living, are we? Wisdom and age go hand in hand. Unfortunately, it’s not a guarantee. Some grow old and remain immature, never learning from their mistakes. While others grow in wisdom because they apply truth to everything they do. The key is the ability to be honest with oneself, and the desire to want to please God by doing what’s right. If you don’t have these desires you will grow old yet never reach your wisdom potential, and remain immature. Time is the equalizer of man. Those who use it wisely, truly learn to live life to the fullest. Those that don’t just grow old, aging beyond their ability to enjoy and appreciate the gift of a long life.

12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalms 90:12

Describe Your Home…..

If I were to ask you to describe your home, you’d probably say, “It’s a light tan color, 3 bedrooms....”. I mean describe your HOME. It’s a place of rest, security, comfort, and relaxation. It’s a place where we play, grow closer to our loved ones, and have fun. You probably would say it is a place of completeness. A place of great memories, and love. Now with that concept in mind, to the Jew this is what God is to them. You always read of David referring to God as his place of refuge. Well, this is the way it’s supposed to be. If we are just passing through, or as Paul says “just a temporary stay” (my paraphrase), then God should be our home. He is a place we go for comfort in times of turmoil. He’s a place of security in an insecure world. He’s where we get our significance from (being chosen by Him). He is life. The next time you think about home, instead of thinking about colors and square footage, think of all that your home means to you. Then give thanks to God for giving you more than just a material structure. You have some much more than that. He’s waiting for you to make Him your real HOME.

1 Lord, through all the generations You have been our home! 2 Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, You are God. Psalms 90:1-2

The Irony Of Worldly Justice Seekers….

It doesn’t matter what skin color you have. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are. And it doesn’t matter what your socioeconomic status is. When you promote violence and destruction, it’s a heart issue. It’s a sin issue. You can call it protesting, fighting for your rights, or even making a wrong into a right, but when your actions turn violent, it is no longer justified. The irony of worldly justice seekers is in the pursuit retrobution, their behavior becomes unjust, for they lack the wisdom only God brings. If your heart is full of hatred, violence, and selfishness, you will act it out. When your heart chases after evil you will be punished. Your reign of violence will end. It may seem good and right at the moment, but in the end, it won’t equal the destruction and the torment you will face. It won’t be worth it. Like I said, it's a sin issue, and that means it’s a God issue. How can you fix a spiritual issue through worldly means? You can't. You will be held accountable for all that you have done. In these uncertain times we currently live in, take heart, reset your eyes on the prize. God is just. And he will not let evil reign for long. We are to overcome evil with good. It’s how it’s done, and it’s the only way it’s done. Pray today that God will give you the strength, and empower you with His Spirit to overcome evil with good. It starts with a transforming of the heart, and it’s a daily practice. Address yours today.

Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. Proverbs 22:8a

Allow Yourself To Feel The Discomfort….

Have you ever been rejected by someone? Returned home depressed because you feel unworthy? Take heart. The remedy is right here. The reason you are down in the dumps is normal. The reason you feel this way is because you’re seeking significance from the wrong place, living in the wrong kingdom. People are social beings, we are not meant to live isolated lives. However, just because we are social doesn’t mean we are to seek our self-worth from others. Our significance comes from God alone. We are chosen by Him, for Him, and thus get our worth and importance from Him. Knowing we are His, gives us the substance necessary to be social. Our job is to give love, live truth, and be there for people. In return when we give of ourselves, God rewards us with loyalty, companionship, and special bonds with certain people. When we get hurt, it’s probably because we take our eyes off the prize. Getting hurt is part of humanity. It’s part of relationships. It serves a purpose: to humble us, to make us more sensitive to others, and the list goes on. The next time you are let down by someone, take it all in. Allow yourself to feel the discomfort. Then refocus, talk with God, and set your path back on track, with God’s will being your will. It may sting, but it will deepen your resolve and get your mindset back on track. A change of heart is evidence of God’s Spirit working in us.

29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. Romans 2:29

It’s Not Fair For People….

When people say “it’s not fair for people who have never heard of Jesus to be condemned”, how do you respond? Do you agree? Disagree? Do you even know how to respond? Here in today’s scripture verses we get a glimpse of what Paul’s response would be. Earlier in Romans chapter 1, we hear Paul tell us we are all without excuse. Here in chapter 2 we read that when we follow our conscience by doing what is right we are agreeing with the law and realize God’s law is written on our hearts. When someone seeks out truth, asks God to reveal Himself to them, He answers. The key is that you do it whole-heartedly, not haphazardly. If someone is condemned, it’s not because they never heard the name of Jesus. They are condemned because they denied God by not listening to their conscience; the place where God reveals Himself to all people. When you stop listening to your conscience, you seal your own fate. It’s how God communicates with us. A seared conscience means you live your life with only one goal, one purpose, and that is to please yourself. God has written His law on our hearts, it’s translated through our conscience. Do you listen to yours? If so, how finely tuned are you to adhering to what it tells you?

12 When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. 13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in His sight. 14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know His law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. 16 And this is the message I proclaim–that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life. Romans 2:12-16

Time Is All We Really Have….

There are only two outcomes of the human condition. And no matter how much we agree or disagree, it won’t stop them from happening. You are either for God, and your actions follow. Or you are against Him, regardless if we think our actions are good enough. We will either receive eternal life and live accordingly, or we will be the object of God’s anger and spend eternity without Him and without hope of being relieved of the torment. It says it right here in today’s scripture. The real question we should be asking ourselves is this: what am I going to do about it while I still have time? For time is all we really have. What we do with it determines everything.

6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil–for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good–for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:6-11

Born This Way….

Regardless of what anyone says, when we sin, we suffer within ourselves the penalty we deserve. When we buy into the lie the world continually tries to feed us, we exchange the truth for a lie. And worse yet, we have no excuse, even though we try to justify our actions. The misery that goes on inside a person may never be seen by anyone else, but if you are a diligent observer, you will see it acted out. Every sin that’s accepted today as legitimate, falls into this category. “Born this way”, “love is love”, or “it’s my body, it’s my right”, are just man’s way of justifying his sin. Truth is truth no matter how unpopular it is. Sin is sin no matter how popular and accepted it is. In the end, I want to be on God’s side, for the world won’t matter any more. I don’t want to live my life trying to please myself at the expense of my tormented soul. I want to live near the Well-Spring of life. The source of joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.... is God Himself. When you seek Him first, you don’t have to justify any action you may display.

18 But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities–His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. 26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. 29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. 30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. 31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. 32 They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. Romans 1:18-32

Money Is Not A Significance Maker….

Money is not a significance maker, God is. He’s the only One that can give us what we don’t deserve, filling the eternal void created by sin, that brings peace to the soul. We can’t earn it. We can’t do anything to gain it. We just have to ask Him to grant us the unmeasurable grace that changes us, forever. Our significance comes from knowing God. Knowing we belong to Him, and that is enough. God has created us for Himself. Our restless hearts will not find rest until it rests in Him.

2 The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both. Proverbs 22:2

Once It’s Gone….

Character matters, it’s more valuable that riches. Once it’s gone, you can’t buy it back.

1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

Hang On To This Truth….

God disciplines us because He loves us. And no matter how bad it may seem, He will never break a promise He has made. Hang on to this truth when times get tough. You can depend on God, always.

30 But if his descendants forsake My instructions and fail to obey My regulations,31 if they do not obey My decrees and fail to keep My commands,32 then I will punish their sin with the rod,and their disobedience with beating.33 But I will never stop loving him or fail to keep My promise to him.34 No, I will not break My covenant;I will not take back a single word I said.35 I have sworn an oath to David,and in My holiness I cannot lie:36 His dynasty will go on forever;his kingdom will endure as the sun. Psalms 89:30-36

Look Up At The Moon….

The next time you look up at the moon on a clear night, remember that it is a faithful witness in the sky. It signifies creation. It should be a reminder of the power of our Creator. The moon’s light governs the night. It also reflects the sun, a reminder of what we are to do, reflect the Son. But even more so, it reminds us that we have a Creator Who loves us more than we will ever know. God is in control. His will be done. The moon is His faithful witness in the sky.

It will be as eternal as the moon, My faithful witness in the sky!” Psalms 89:37

God Is In Charge….

Regardless of how the world seems to be doing, God is in charge. If bad things are happening, then God is allowing it to happen for a reason. Evil will never triumph; it will only exist for a short time. No one can stand against God. It’s just not possible. Take heart in this truth. Examine your own heart. And take refuge in the Lord at all times, not just when they seem bad.

30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30

If Your Desire Isn’t For All People….

If your desire isn’t for all people in earshot of your witness to become faithful followers of Jesus, then your following and preaching a false gospel.

28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”29 Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:28-29