Rationalization Is Something We All Do….

I know this is going to rub some people the wrong way, probably because they don’t honor truth. They believe what they want to believe, to the point of seeking out false information and believing “its perceived truth”. This rationalization is something we all do, but for those who have surrendered to God, being honest with themselves comes easier because they know it honors God, and it’s His Spirit that guides. With all the situations involving police and the black community being in the news, one has to wonder why are some people distorting the truth in these cases, believing what they want to believe at the expense of common sense. In every one of these cases the law was broken. It’s the reason why the police (aka law enforcement) were involved to begin with. Once the police arrived, there was opposition, disrespect, disobedience, and drug intoxication. The media tends to only present facts that help narrate the story they want to tell, and hand pick the stories/situations that fit their narrative. It’s a huge disservice and downright sinful behavior. It’s like giving people poison and expecting them to drink it and be fine. My point here is when people honor fools, it’s exactly what they do when they put a convicted, drug intoxicated, long-criminal history felon above men and women who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect at any cost, they compromise the truth. I know there are corrupt police officers out there, but there are fewer than people think, and their job isn’t for the faint at heart. If you ever want to see their perspective adopt one as a friend. Their stories might just give you a new perspective. I mean what is a law-enforcement officer supposed to do when he/she is threatened for trying to make right a wrong, or prevent further damage being done? Any time a group honors a fool, it shows the true lack of insight on their part. And it shows how much of a Godless society we live in. You may disagree, and that’s fine, but the truth needs no defense. There is one truth, and it’s not possible to rationalize it away just to fit inside your own agenda. Truth’s agenda always tops man’s will.

8 Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot. Proverbs 26:8

Hundreds Of Fulfilled Prophecies…

The one thing the Bible has that no other book possesses is hundreds of fulfilled prophecies. You can read throughout both New and Old Testament and see how things written about beforehand, took place after it was written. That’s how God sets Himself apart from all other false gods. Here in Isaiah 44 we read about God predicting Cyrus commanding Jerusalem to be rebuilt. Cyrus wasn’t even a twinkle in his grandpa’s eye yet, he didn’t even exist at this time. The Persian empire wasn’t even in power yet. When People say there is no God, or command you to prove His existence, don’t even bother to pursue the conversation. Chances are those people wouldn’t believe you when you tell them about all the fulfilled prophecies in scripture, because they don’t want to believe (for that would make them have to be accountable). God is multi-faceted. So much so we can’t fully comprehend Him. He’s revealed enough about Himself to leave us without excuse for not trying to know Him. And His fulfilled prophecies are a sure-fire way to know He’s real and in control.

24 This is what the Lord says–your Redeemer and Creator:“I am the Lord, who made all things.I alone stretched out the heavens.Who was with Me when I made the earth?25 I expose the false prophets as liars and make fools of fortune-tellers.I cause the wise to give bad advice, thus proving them to be fools.26 But I carry out the predictions of My prophets! By them I say to Jerusalem, ‘People will live here again,’and to the towns of Judah, ‘You will be rebuilt;I will restore all your ruins!’27 When I speak to the rivers and say, ‘Dry up!’they will be dry.28 When I say of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd,’he will certainly do as I say.He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’;he will say, ‘Restore the Temple.’ ” Isaiah 44:24-28

Idolatry Starts When We Don’t….

Idolatry starts when we don’t stop, and take time to reflect. If you’re so busy that you don’t take time to meditate on and worship God, you’re only guaranteeing yourself of falling into idolatry. We were created to worship. If we don’t worship God, we will worship something else. Look around, idolatry is everywhere. Yoga this, yoga that. “Sending positive vibes/thoughts” (instead of prayers). “Don’t tell me what to do”. Look at the music and entertainment industry (look at the top 5 pop current songs). If we don’t stop and take the time to reflect based on what we know is true, we will end up worshipping what isn’t.

 18 Such stupidity and ignorance!Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see.Their minds are shut, and they cannot think.19 The person who made the idol never stops to reflect, “Why, it’s just a block of wood! I burned half of it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat.How can the rest of it be a god?Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?”20 The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes.He trusts something that can’t help him at all.Yet he cannot bring himself to ask,“Is this idol that I’m holding in my hand a lie?” Isaiah 44:18-20

Faithfulness Believers Displayed…

Just think if it weren’t for God loving us enough to forgive us, and for all the faithfulness believers displayed in their obedience, carrying out God’s command to witness to the world, you and I wouldn’t be here. It’s our duty to carry on the Great Commission. If we don’t, someone else will. God will get His glory, either from us, or from someone else. If it’s the latter, we lose out on all that God has in store for us, and we end up living a mediocre and unfulfilled life, full of regret in the end. We were made for something more. And “that more” is glorifying God.

3 For I will pour out water to quench your thirstand to irrigate your parched fields.And I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants,and My blessing on your children.4 They will thrive like watered grass,like willows on a riverbank.5 Some will proudly claim, ‘I belong to the Lord.’Others will say, ‘I am a descendant of Jacob.’Some will write the Lord’s name on their handsand will take the name of Israel as their own.” Isaiah 44:3-5

Seeking Praise From Others….

Humility is a hard thing to be consistently practicing. It’s almost impossible living in a sin-promoting world. Sin always starts in the head, works it’s way into the heart, then breaks out in our actions. The second we commit one, our pride jumps in to rationalize it away. Any time we do something nice, or great, we want praise for it. We seek praise because we don’t give enough to God. We were created to praise, not be praised, but somehow sin and Satan seems to twist it around and use it to our detriment. It is God Who forgives. It is God Who washes our sins away. It is God Who buries the thought of them in the deepest recesses on the earth, never to be thought of again. And it is God Who blots out our sins for His Own sake, not ours, that gives us second chances. The next time you find yourself seeking praise from others, ask yourself “where are my priorities”? I guarantee you’ll find them living in and of the world.

24 You have not brought Me fragrant calamus or pleased Me with the fat from sacrifices. Instead, you have burdened Me with your sins and wearied Me with your faults. 25 “I–yes, I alone–will blot out your sins for My own sake and will never think of them again. Isaiah 43:24-25

His Glory Is Our Glory…..

Never forget, you were created for God’s glory. When we are not focused on that and not living it out, we can’t expect to find, peace, significance, purpose, or satisfaction that will last. It will only be temporary and unfulfilling when we serve ourselves. Our purpose is to point others to God. And we do it by pursuing a relationship with Him, while reaping all the benefits that go along with knowing Him daily. His glory is our goal. His glory is our glory. When we make it our goal, we are at our best.

7 Bring all who claim Me as their God,for I have made them for My glory.It was I who created them.’ ”. 8 Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind,who have ears but are deaf. 9 Gather the nations together!Assemble the peoples of the world!Which of their idols has ever foretold such things?Which can predict what will happen tomorrow?Where are the witnesses of such predictions?Who can verify that they spoke the truth? 10 “But you are My witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord.“You are My servant.You have been chosen to know Me, believe in Me,and understand that I alone am God.There is no other God–there never has been, and there never will be.11 I, yes I, am the Lord,and there is no other Savior.12 First I predicted your rescue,then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world.No foreign god has ever done this.You are witnesses that I am the only God,”says the Lord.13 “From eternity to eternity I am God.No one can snatch anyone out of My hand.No one can undo what I have done.” Isaiah 43:7-13

How Foolish Of Me….

Every time I read or hear of all the turmoil going on in our country, it makes me mad. I get perturbed when I see people protesting an injustice that really isn’t one. I get angry when I see people promoting a lie that others believe and begin to act on it. It frustrates me to see evil becoming popular deceiving many, especially young children. Then I think, how foolish of me to allow myself to get worked up over all of this. It’s not Heaven. It’s not home. It’s only temporary. It won’t last. Yes, there is something I can do about it, other than getting upset about it. I can preach the Good News to others. I can share the Answer to life’s biggest question with everyone (Jesus). I can focus my attention on Jesus, the Author of life. Whenever I find myself starting to argue with fools, becoming foolish myself, I turn my eyes upward, reminding myself Who is in control. It’s the only thing I know to do that works in resetting my focus. And it does wonders to my blood pressure. What do you do when you find yourself stressing over worldly issues?

4 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Proverbs 26:4

How Can A Loving God Send People To Hell?

When people say “how can a loving God send people to Hell”, it usually dumbfounds the hearer. They struggle to come up with an answer. I don’t have the deep easily understandable answer, but I do have an insight. When people choose to worship idols (anything other than God Himself), they pollute themselves. Hell is the consequence of a choice. God gives us the choice to either follow Him, or reject Him. He provides a rescue for that consequence. He sacrifices Himself on our behalf. He provides a way out of this doomed destination. But somehow, in someway, we listen to Satan’s ploy to sabotage God’s desire to rescue everyone from themselves. We end up serving ourselves and denying God. Either way, human beings will worship something. Hell is the consequence of not choosing God while following something else. And pollution in one’s life is the direct consequence of choosing to worship worthless idols. You can choose to not worship God, but when you choose your idol, you pollute your own life with lies and false beliefs, all the while pretending you know what you’re doing. Living a life without God in it, guarantees a very shallow, insecure, and meaningless existence, with the worst outcome starting at the end. It’s a life wasted on our unwillingness to accept what truth is. It’s no wonder people suffer from mental disorders, lifestyle diseases, and are so angry in the world. If only humanity could accept truth, Hell would be a much more desolate, less populated place.

24 But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all. Those who choose you pollute themselves. Isaiah 41:24

28 Not one of your idols told you this. Not one gave any answer when I asked. 29 See, they are all foolish, worthless things. All your idols are as empty as the wind. Isaiah 41:28-29

No One Like Him….

Have you ever thought about God’s calling? He has determined who will serve Him from the beginning of time. Every single generation of people has specific believers called to do His will. God isn’t bound by time or space. He is the first and last. He was there before the universe came into being and He’ll be there when it’s ushered out. There is no one like Him anywhere. Nor will there ever be one like Him. He knows the beginning from the end. He knows who will serve Him and who will reject Him. He knows our future, as well as our past, because He is the Great I AM. And the greatest thing about God, is that He loves us anyway. It’s a privilege to call Him Lord. Is He really Lord of your life? Your entire outlook on life and eternal destination depend on how you see God. If He is the Alpha and Omega, that only gives us two choices. Do we embrace the truth and live accordingly? Or do we deny the truth and live our lives wishing it away? The greatest part of all of this is God loves us enough to give us a choice. Does this give you a deeper insight into Who God is? Ask Him today to reveal more of Himself to you.

4 Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the Lord, the First and the Last. I alone am He.” Isaiah 41:4

The 10 Commandments Cannot Save Us…

If you believe the 10 commandments are to be strictly followed, you need to re-examine your faith. Yes they are principles to practice. Yes, they reveal God’s character, which we are to imitate. But they are impossible to follow. God is perfect, and that perfection is the standard that only He can accomplish. If you break one commandment, regardless of when it happened, you are guilty of breaking them all. The 10 commandments cannot save us, they only point us to the One Who can, a God full of mercy and grace, Who loves us enough to give us the freedom to choose. We cannot be perfect this side of Heaven, but we can be perfect in Christ. Viewing the 10 commandments in the right perspective, starts the process.

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

Not Doing Anything About It…

No matter where you are, even at Church, always be mindful of Satan’s attempts to distort the Good News we’ve come to know and preach to others. There’s nothing wrong with having conversations where you disagree. However, there’s something desperately wrong in allowing lies to be stated about Jesus, God, and the Bible and not doing anything about it. We have to stand up and expose Satan’s lies, even if those lies are coming from within the Church. The closer you come to God and the deeper your faith becomes, just know, Satan will amp up his attack on you and those around you.

4 Even that question came up only because of some so-called Christians there–false ones, really–who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. 5 But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you. Galatians 2:4-5

No Need To Protest….

Think about this question for about 5 minutes: does God ignore our rights? Then think about all the causes and injustices that happen in the world. Does God reward evil behavior? Why did this happen to this person, seems unfair? Maybe it’s the way we see it that is the injustice. And maybe it’s our reaction or the reaction to our action that is the actual justice being carried out. Does this make sense? Maybe God ignores our “perceived rights”, because we are abusing the rights we actually have (if you want to call them rights). Maybe God ignores our troubles because we purposely created them ourselves, and it’s Him being righteousness to allow the consequences to play out. Maybe people suffer because they ignore God’s clear commands to not do what He says. Suffering is not always brought about this way, but it certainly is when we lose sight of Who He is and what our responsibilities are. Maybe some of these protests going on are just people’s way of coping with their inability to deal with the root of the problem (their own irresponsibility)? And maybe the violence going on has nothing to do with any injustice, it’s just a way for evil people to be evil. Justice will be carried out. God is just, and He doesn’t change. It’s just a matter of time. God does what He says He will do. He comforts those who need comfort. He strengthens those who need strength. He helps those who need help. Maybe if we align our will with His will there will be no need to protest. Make sense?

27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:27-31

To See The Gentle Side Of God…

One of the saddest and most tragic things that goes on constantly here on earth is when people never see or lose the ability to see the gentle side of God. God’s heart for us is like a mother holding her newborn close to her heart. It’s like a father picking up his toddler and tossing him in the air just to see him smile. It’s like a grandparent cuddling up with their grandchild and reading them a story. We’ve all seen animal hug their off-spring like it was the last time they would ever see them. That’s how we are to see God. Yes, He’s just. Yes, He disciplines. Yes, He allows questionable things to happen. But love does hard things. And Yes, He loves us dearly and wants to hold us close in His arms. Once you start seeing God for Who He really is, it changes everything. And you won’t be so afraid to approach Him. He loves us and wants us to see His gentle side. Do you?

11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd.He will carry the lambs in His arms,holding them close to His heart.He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. Isaiah 40:11

Maybe Your Faith Isn’t Where It Needs To Be….

God’s word stands forever. His word stands all the tests, including time. It’s eternal, works here on earth, and beyond. When you trust His word you touch eternity, you guarantee your future. If that doesn’t bring you security and give you hope, maybe your faith isn’t where it needs to be.

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

As If It Will Last forever….

In today’s day and age of anything goes, we see so many young girls doing things that were once done behind paid-closed doors. They strut around sticking their backsides out, doing things that should embarrass a sailor, but to no avail. They put on all this makeup to try to look a certain way, attracting all male suitors regardless of their tainted past. Today’s women look at beauty and vanity as if it will last forever, and thus associate their self-worth based on how many likes they have on social media. Listen up. Physical Beauty fades, flat tummies and rock solid arms eventually turn soft and bulky. Creases form and skin loses some of its elasticity and starts to head south. Hair thins, and fat stores begin to settle in places where they once were never allowed. Here’s my point: physical beauty and vanity doesn’t last long, enjoy it while you can. That doesn’t mean abuse it. And when that time comes, hopefully you’re mature enough to cope with all the inadequate feelings it brings with it. The best way to see beauty and vanity is to see with God’s eyes, from His perspective. Take care of yourself, your body, mind, and spirit. See physical beauty for what it is, temporary while we live on this earth. Don’t try to hang onto something that has no grip. Appreciate it when you see it, but understand the true beauty resides inside every human being. I know it can get depressing watching your body age, slowly losing the abilities you once performed without much effort, but remember, for those that give attention to their spiritual side, by believing God and taking Him at His word, you’ll eventually get a perfected body. You’ll get the best version of you. One that will be even better than the best you, you had on earth. See physical beauty as fleeting. As a Springtime bouquet of flowers, giving an aroma and catching the eye of a lover. It will only last for so long, then start to diminish. When it starts to take place, turn your focus inward, onto your spirit, and start to see the beauty that resides there. And always keep in mind, God has a perfected body waiting for you in Heaven, because of your faithfulness to Him. That’s the proper perspective we all should have when it comes to physical beauty and vanity. If only the world would be honest enough to listen... and accept the truth.

6 A voice said, “Shout!”I asked, “What should I shout?” “Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. Isaiah 40:6

There Is No Greater Witness….

There is no greater witness for the Lord Jesus than a changed life. Paul exemplified this, and so can you, regardless of your past.

21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the Christians in the churches in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me. Galatians 1:21-24

You Have The Potential….

It’s always good to be reminded that we were rescued for God’s glory. You have the potential to bring God the greatest honor by how you live your life. We serve a purpose, it’s just a matter of believing it, and then doing something about it.

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

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace. Then it pleased Him 16 to reveal His Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. Galatians 1:15-16a

Idolatry Has Taken Its Toll…..

If you want to understand why America has fallen so far in such a short time it can be attributed to this one issue: believers have allowed things to take the place of God. Either material, relational, power seeking, significance seeking, job related, or whatever you can put here, idolatry has taken its toll. The number one thing idolatry does to its practitioner is it keeps them from telling others about God’s faithless, mercy, and grace. How can we expect others, including our own children, to be respectful, moral, and God-honoring if we don’t do it ourselves? We cannot allow things to distract us. God deserves better. He deserves our best. Anything less is utter failure on our part. Our job is to pass on to others, and the next generation of Who God is and how our faith helps us cope. Pray to God today. Ask Him to forgive you of your idolatry. Then commit yourself to sharing the Good News with every soul you have conversation with. It’s not our obligation, it’s the only response that is appropriate to Receiving His Grace. Don’t wait, do it now. Our response to God’s grace shows Him what He means to us. Share it today. It’s how we rescue one soul at a time, and help flood the earth with Heaven-bound, God Worshippers.

 16 Lord, Your discipline is good,for it leads to life and health.You restore my health and allow me to live!17 Yes, this anguish was good for me,for You have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins.18 For the dead cannot praise You;they cannot raise their voices in praise. Those who go down to the grace can no longer hope in Your faithfulness.19 Only the living can praise You as I do today. Each generation tells of Your faithfulness to the next.20 Think of it–the Lord is ready to heal me! I will sing His praises with instruments every day of my lifein the Temple of the Lord. Isaiah 38:16-20

Mercies In Disguise…..

I’m reading through Isaiah and came across the story of Hezekiah’s response to the king of Assyria’s threat to destroy Jerusalem (chapter 36-37). The one thing that really stands out is God’s sovereignty. With all the gloom and doom that came along with Assyria’s threats, Hezekiah took it to the Lord in prayer. Assyria’s belief in their own power didn’t compare with God’s sovereignty. The Jews could either believe the Assyrians and be terrified, or they could believe God, and trust Him to save them. How does this apply to our world today? With the current times (Sept 2020 as of this writing), do we not face the same type of conflict? Racial equality being pushed out with hatred, trying to end hatred. Violence against our law enforcement staff. Two political parties that diametrically oppose each other, and not withholding any respect in “one-upping” the other at any cost. Our votes determining many moral/immoral issues. Not to mention all the COVID-19 pandemic stuff. It’s easy to get depressed, or even terrified during these times. But for believers we have the Holy Spirit. He calms our fears and eases the burdens of our feelings. Knowing God is in control, and that He wants what’s best for us, I can honestly take comfort knowing there is security in God’s sovereign reign. I can dismiss all of the selfish, “woe is me” thoughts that rage through my mind. I can set aside all the feelings of “the world sucks right now”, and look up to God in Heaven, believing He’s got my back. His ultimate goal is to restore peace among the chaos. All that’s bad in this world can be used for good. It can rescue many from the chains of despair, once they realize what’s really happening. As Laura Story sings in her song “Blessings”, “what if my greatest disappointments, or the aching of this life, is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy. What if trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights, are Your mercies in disguise”. God’s sovereignty extends far beyond our simple thoughts. It’s not until we experience Him personally that this comfort only He can give, slowly drowns out all the noise the world has to offer to gain our attention. Ask God today to to empower you with His Spirit, and let the noise of the world vying for your attention fade away in comparison to His Grace.

5 After King Hezekiah’s officials delivered the king’s message to Isaiah, 6 the prophet replied, “Say to your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against Me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. 7 Listen! I Myself will move against him, and the king will receive a message that he is needed at home. So he will return to his land, where I will have him killed with a sword.’ ” Isaiah 37:5-7

26 “But have you not heard?I decided this long ago.Long ago I planned it,and now I am making it happen.I planned for you to crush fortified citiesinto heaps of rubble.27 That is why their people have so little powerand are so frightened and confused.They are as weak as grass,as easily trampled as tender green shoots.They are like grass sprouting on a housetop,scorched before it can grow lush and tall. 28 “But I know you well–where you stayand when you come and go.I know the way you have raged against Me.29 And because of your raging against Meand your arrogance, which I have heard for Myself,I will put My hook in your noseand My bit in your mouth.I will make you returnby the same road on which you came.” Isaiah 37:26-29

Read ch 36-37 to get full picture

Cannot Ring Any Louder….

Paul’s words cannot ring any louder and truer than they do here. If he were speaking to us in modern times, he wouldn’t change a word of his speech. What does that tell us? Truth doesn’t change over time. If it appears to change, it’s not truth changing, it’s people’s belief in truth that changes. Hold on to truth, it will set you free. This kind of freedom can never be taken away.

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

Grow Old In An Empty Room….

Proverbs are true sayings from people who lived close to God. They are not guarantees, for we are talking about human behavior, and it’s sinful when left alone. They are things that if we put into practice or stay away from help us live a life that’s pleasing to God. They make life easier to deal with, but still doesn’t guarantee a stress-free, pain-free life. Here we have a statement that was truer of American society a hundred years ago, but not so today. This proverb is in direct opposition of what the world (especially in America) today promotes. “Indulge, eat all you want, seek pleasure over doing the right thing, tell no one their behavior is detrimental and destructive, seek all the glory for yourself, and it’s all about me”. This is what we hear everywhere these days. God’s ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah ch 55). If we listen to the world we will never have peace, or eternal security. If God tells us to be humble, than be humble. There’s nothing worse than a self-centered, egocentric person trying to be social. When we seek to satisfy ourselves, we leave no room for authentic relationships, we leave no room for growth, and we leave no room for God. You know what that means? We grow old in an empty room, all by our lonesome selves. Does that sound like something you are wishing for? Me neither.

27 It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. Proverbs 25:27

I Don’t Want To Drink From A Polluted Spring….

If someone ever asks you for the reason why you fight for what God says is right, give them this simple answer: I don’t want to drink from a polluted/muddy spring. Standing with God means opposing the wicked. What spurs us on is not so much about who we are fighting against as much as it is about what we are fighting for, and Who stands behind us in the fight. We don’t hate our enemies, rather we love our God. We do hate evil because it’s what hinders and tries to destroy what God calls good.

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

This Trend Won’t Last Long….

Every time I hear of a politician, or athlete, or famous person make stupid statements that people believe I think, “this trend won’t last long”. These verses bring comfort knowing that God only allows evil for so long. In the meantime, continue to witness the truth with gentleness and respect. God will honor you for it.

5 In that day ungodly fools will not be heroes. Scoundrels will not be respected. Isaiah 32:5

Doing Things Our Way…

The ability to be honest with oneself is paramount in life. In America the popular belief is to do things yourself, but when they don’t turn out the way we want, we look for someone or something to blame or be our excuse. Not asking God, or better yet, not aligning our will with His will guarantees failure. Wanting to “do things our way” is what gets us into trouble, not accepting the responsibility of our actions is what keeps us there. Honesty with oneself helps begin this restorative process when aligned with the truth. And it also protects us from ever having to endure our self-created dilemmas.

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

Only A Temporary Stay….

The main reason why real Christians should never get too comfortable here on earth, is because it’s only a temporary stay; we are just passing through. No matter how much our nature, the world, our good intentions, or Satan tries to get us to love being here, it will never be like what God initially intended. That’s what Heaven is for. And to think, Isaiah wrote this over 2,800 years ago. Why is it so easy to forget?

The earth suffers for the sins of its people, for they have twisted God’s instructions, violated His laws, and broken His everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore, a curse consumes the earth. Its people must pay the price for their sin. Isaiah 24:5-6a

The Greatest Satisfaction A Boss Can Receive…

When companies place integrity high on their company priority list, their hiring process takes more time. It takes more time because thoroughness in seeking out people who live above reproach can’t be detected in an 10 min interview, or read on a paper resume. Trustworthiness, deep character, and honesty, are all things that can be known in people, it just takes a more detailed, concerted effort. Why do you think Chick-fil-A is so successful? Because they do this exact process for every single person they hire. The greatest satisfaction a boss can receive, is knowing he can trust his employees to do what they’ve been trained to do, be responsible and act with integrity.

13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. Proverbs 25:13

Dismembering A Civilization…

When you give thought to the sovereignty of God do you apply His judgement only toward others? Do you think that in America today His sovereign Hand might just be working behind the scenes in all of the chaos going on right now? Division is a for sure way of dismembering a civilization. Once that takes place, implosion follows. Look at the majority of world powers throughout history. Division is one way God executes His sovereignty upon nations who have drifted away from Him; or better stated, rebelled against Him. America is no different from Egypt. The problem isn’t racism, or even hatred, it’s division. Until we see that collectively, there is no solution. Only Heaven will unite, and it will be forever.

“I will make Egyptian fight against Egyptian–brother against brother,neighbor against neighbor,city against city,province against province.3 The Egyptians will lose heart,and I will confuse their plans.They will plead with their idols for wisdom and call on spirits, mediums, and those who consult the spirits of the dead.4 I will hand Egypt over to a hard, cruel master. A fierce king will rule them,”says the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Isaiah 19:2-4

13 The officials of Zoan are fools, and the officials of Memphis are deluded. The leaders of the people have led Egypt astray. 14 The Lord has sent a spirit of foolishness on them, so all their suggestions are wrong. They cause Egypt to stagger like a drunk in his vomit. Isaiah 19:13-14

Our Walk Must Match Our Talk…

Our job as Christians is to point others toward God. It is to show all people that we need God. Our relationship with God is the most important relationship we can have. It’s the only one that really matters, for it fulfills our purpose. With this in mind, our behavior and our words must be in sync in order to be an effective witness. When we surrender or submit to the Holy Spirit, we achieve this way of life. It’s only when we live for ourselves that we run into constant difficulties and struggle to figure out what’s going on. Our divine purpose is to bring glory to God, and we do this by taking on the task of reconciling people to Him. In order for our talk to matter, our walk must match our talk. Integrity matters in life. Does your walk and talk match up? Is your goal each day to point others to God?

18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Who Can Stop God?

Who can stop God? Answer, no one. Is that comforting or terrifying to you? How you view this, matters. It determines everything.

27 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has spoken–who can change His plans?When His hand is raised, who can stop Him?” Isaiah 14:27

Thick Skin….

One character qualities every Christian has to possess is “thick skin” when it comes to the rejection of our witness. If we are living right, pursuing God and loving others, it will be a pleasing aroma to those who accept God as Lord. But for those that oppose God, our presence will be a stench in their nostrils. No matter what we do, say, or promote, it won’t make any difference to them. All they want is to get away from that putrid smell they perceive to be coming from us. Christians have to accept the fact that the world will hate us, not because we do anything personally to harm them, rather because their hatred towards God will spill onto us. Get used to it. Don’t allow it to change you, just stay close to the Lord and remember it’s because you love them (with God’s love) that you speak truth into their lives. Love always gives a choice, and it does the hard things. Sometimes it hurts us to speak truth into the lives of those deceived by Satan, but we are to continue because we never know who’s names will be on Heaven’s list because of our witness. The pain of being rejected is more than worth the celebration of winning one soul back to God. The words “well done good and faithful servant” will make that pain and sorrow over all the rejection we’ve ever felt fail in comparison to the exhilaration of knowing God is pleased will us. As the late actor Pail Newman once said, “if you don’t have enemies, you don’t have character”. Toughen up that skin.

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