Rolling Boulders….

The motive behind revenge and hatred matters more to God than the action carried out. God knows our thought life. He knows what lies in our hearts. He sees the evil thoughts that drive our sinful behavior. If we plan evil against another person, He knows the motivation behind it, and many times He’ll rearrange the intended outcome to rest on the person who initiated the plan. Evil never accomplished what it sets out to do, because God always overcomes evil. Rolling boulders eventually crushes the roller. Doing good is the only effective method proven to overcome evil. God knows what’s in our hearts, even before we do. One more reason to trust Him, wouldn’t you say?

27 If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead. Proverbs 26:27

Participate Willingly…. Or Refuse And ….

Every decision we make has a benefit and a consequence. When it comes to God, it’s no different. We can either participate willingly and reap the benefits, or refuse and have to accept the consequences. In the end there are no excuses. We can blame God, or follow the opposite end of our finger to find the real problem. We are either with God and for Him, or we are not.

7 Yet no one calls on Your name or pleads with You for mercy. Therefore, You have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins. Isaiah 64:7

When God Is Important To You….

When God is important to you, you take His Words to heart. And every future generation benefits from your obedient faith.

21 “And this is My covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken! Isaiah 59:21

Anyone Who Renounces Evil Is Attacked….

Over 2600 years ago Isaiah wrote this. Seems like modern day America, doesn’t it? Time goes by, things change, but people remain the same, sinful at the core. When society ignores God, there cannot be peace. Without Jesus, there is no rest. Without God, there is no justice. Without the Holy Spirit, there is not honesty, truth, or righteousness. Without God, there is no salvation. The world's ways contradict God's ways, so how can anyone experience Godly blessings when it's choosing ways that leave Him out?

8 They don’t know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good.They have mapped out crooked roads,and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace. 9 So there is no justice among us, and we know nothing about right living. We look for light but find only darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom.10 We grope like the blind along a wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. Even at brightest noontime, we stumble as though it were dark. Among the living, we are like the dead.11 We growl like hungry bears; we moan like mournful doves. We look for justice, but it never comes. We look for rescue, but it is far away from us.12 For our sins are piled up before God and testify against us. Yes, we know what sinners we are.13 We know we have rebelled and have denied the Lord.We have turned our backs on our God.We know how unfair and oppressive we have been, carefully planning our deceitful lies.14 Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets,and honesty has been outlawed.15 Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The Lord looked and was displeasedto find there was no justice. Isaiah 59:8-15

No Regrets When It Comes To Asking God For Help…

When we are down and out, “at the end of our rope”, there’s always Someone we can call. God is never too far away. He is not deaf to our prayers. He is not too weak to rescue us. No matter what anyone says, even on the darkest, most stormy day, clear skies are only 2 1/2 miles away, we just have to look up. God is our first and last resort. Never think He isn’t. He is the answer to life’s problems, no matter how big or small they may seem. And He’s right there waiting to rescue us when we call. Don’t ever allow yourself to think God isn’t capable or you are not worthy of His call. You are and He is. Kick your pride to the curb and run to Him. Throw off your grave clothes and embrace the One Who made you. There are no regrets when it comes asking God for help. Well maybe one, not asking Him sooner.

1 Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is His ear too deaf to hear you call. Isaiah 59:1

Before Their Time…..

When tragedy happens and someone loses their life, we as human beings always question “why?” Our hearts cannot fathom the loss, so we question God. Some eventually turn away from God out of bitterness. They “feel” a certain way and their only form of solace is to blame God. We all have done this. God is the Ultimate Scapegoat for human suffering and loss. It’s easy to go down that path because it takes less effort. However, if you are one of those blessed with the ability to be honest with yourself (also at times a curse atleast from a human perspective) you stop the blame game. You don’t allow yourself to blame God for taking a loved one. Deep down inside our souls, lies the ability to accept loss. And the only reason it’s possible (eventually) is because we know God loves us. Which brings us to the point of today’s scripture: the reason some die “before their time” (as they common phrase goes) is because God is protecting them from future evil. For some this is still hard to swallow because we still question God. Why didn’t He just stop the evil? Why didn’t He just.......? How could He ......? God is God. His ways are above our ways. His thoughts are above our thoughts. We can question His motives all we want to, but God doesn’t have to do what we always want Him to do. It’s not what the Christian Faith is all about. He’s not a genie in a bottle or a doting grandpa. What I’m about to say may see off to some, but I realized this a long time ago and have held it as sacred in my heart ever since. When people die, destined for Heaven, they get to be with God. When their time is up, “cut short” or “before their time” as some might say, they get to experience God sooner than we do. They get to have His arms wrapped around them, and hear the most important words possible, “well done, good and faithful one”, and “I love you, welcome home”. When we arrive in Heaven their will be no more tears, no pain, and no more suffering. Our bodies will be perfected, the best they ever were or will be. We will be reunited with loved ones, and never again be tempted by sin. It will be better than the Utopia that many think is possible here on earth. Some still may think, “how can God take them from me”? God is sovereign, He knows the beginning from the end. He’s like a judge in a courtroom. When all the facts are presented, He knows everything. He’s examined everything. He’s got video evidence of everyone’s “thought life”. He knows every relevant detail of every relevant and irrelevant fact that happened. He has a perfect understanding of the case, so we He rules and gives a verdict, it’s 100% accurate, just, and appropriate. Nothing happens outside of His knowledge, so that’s means there are no mistakes made by God. The Bible says “not even one sparrow falls to the ground” without His awareness. So when we think about tragedies happening to people, “cutting their life short”, it’s not the same way God sees it. He is sparing the person from more future suffering and pain. He’s rescuing them from future evil. This may not always be the case or some, but it most certainly has this concept woven into it. Knowing this certainly brings me comfort, especially when I think of the 63 million aborted babies that have entered into His presence since 1973 (just in America alone). God knows what He’s doing. We just have to trust Him and take Him at His word. Even when things seem tragic to us, and we find ourselves question His reasons, giving into our uncontrollable emotions, He is still there, still sovereign, and still granting peace to troubled souls.

1 Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. 2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die. Isaiah 57:1-2

The Way We Live Matters….

The way we live matters. The way we live either testifies to our faith in Jesus, or it reveals the pseudo faith we pretend to have.

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy.25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:17-32

The most Powerful Thing God Gives Us….

The most precious gift God gives us is His grace. The most powerful thing God gives us is His Word. The most valuable thing God gives us is time. If we realize these truths and honor Him by extending grace to others then His purpose is fulfilled. If we have been given the power, the time, and the freedom in His grace to live a purposeful life, why aren’t we doing it? To abuse His gifts is a tragedy. Knowing what we’ve been given, there’s only one real, appropriate response: living a grateful life. What’s holding you back from living the life God intends for us to live? If His word never returns void, and it accomplished everything it was meant to do, we are flat out stupid for not using it for His glory. I’m not under-stating this point either.

11 It is the same with My word.I send it out, and it always produces fruit.It will accomplish all I want it to,and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:11

Crooked Is Straight….

If you’ve ever wondered why people do evil things, here’s a possible reason: they live under God’s anger. When people only follow their passionate desires and inclinations of their sinful nature, what good can we expect? A life lived without God is characterized by blind faith, following our instinct, which is totally from a selfish point of view, leading us down a path surrounded by God’s anger. If we expect to walk a straight path, we must have something straight to guide us. Without it, we think crooked is straight.

1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil–the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.4 But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.8 God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.  Ephesians 2:1-10

Longing For Acceptance And Equality….

With all the efforts to establish equality, there’s only one way to truly achieve it. It’s not until you come to the foot of the cross, repent of our sin, and humbly submit control in our life over to Jesus that we achieve God’s purpose (at least willfully). And His purpose is to equally share in His glorious riches. Did you catch that? Equally is the emphasis here. Equality will never be achieved through man’s effort. It can’t. You can not force hatred and anger out of someone. Punishment doesn’t change a person’s heart. The heart of man can never change. That’s man’s dilemma. The only solution is to have a heart transplant; to get a new heart, not one of stone, but of flesh. That’s what happens when we come to Jesus. A great exchange happens. We are given a new heart with new desires. The old is thrown out. And best yet, we are given the right standing with God, because now He sees Jesus when He looks at us. That’s what it means to become a Christian, a believer, by putting out trust and faith in Jesus. We are given new hearts and we get to experience God’s plan: equally (United) sharing in God’s glorious riches. Equality on earth without Jesus is like searching for a specific grain of salt in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s just not gonna happen. Jesus is the answer to the longing of the human heart. He gives meaning to life. Choose Him and you’ll get to experience peace in your longing for acceptance and equality. Reject Him and you’ll find your protests lasting throughout eternity, continually raising a fist in vain.

1 When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . . 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending His grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God Himself revealed His mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by His Spirit He has revealed it to His holy apostles and prophets.6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving Him by spreading this Good News.8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, He graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was His eternal plan, which He carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.12 Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. Ephesians 3:1-13

One Person At A Time….

If America wants to heal from this division, it must do it individually, one person at a time. And that’s only possible if Jesus becomes our Lord. The foot of the cross is level. Jesus is the equalizing Factor. The answer to the world’s conflicts is Jesus. One Spirit. Peace in Christ. We have the answer. Now get out there and start sharing it with your mouth and behavior.

11 Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to Him through the blood of Christ.14 For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in His own body on the cross, He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in Himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of His death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.17 He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from Him, and peace to the Jews who were near. 18 Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. Ephesians 2:11-18

We Don’t Have To Fear What We Can’t Control….

With all the chaos and uncertainty of our modern times, being a believer in Jesus has its benefits here on earth. The most important being we don’t need to be afraid. We don’t need to live in fear. God is in control. He is for those of us who are close to Him. He will see to it that our faith in Him will be passed on to the next generation. If you think about it, the reason we have our current problems is because of people’s lack of faith in Him. And thus, raising generations of children who don’t know right from wrong. How can you expect people to behave if they are not responsible to anyone (specifically God). We know God, and we teach Him to our children. We don’t have to fear what we can’t control, because we trust the One Who is in control. Jesus is worthy of our trust.

7 “Listen to Me, you who know right from wrongyou who cherish My law in your hearts.Do not be afraid of people’s scorn,nor fear their insults.8 For the moth will devour them as it devours clothing.The worm will eat at them as it eats wool.But My righteousness will last forever.My salvation will continue from generation to generation.” Isaiah 51:7-8

“I, yes I, am the One who comforts you.So why are you afraid of mere humans,who wither like the grass and disappear?13 Yet you have forgotten the Lord, your Creator,the One who stretched out the sky like a canopy and laid the foundations of the earth.Will you remain in constant dread of human oppressors? Will you continue to fear the anger of your enemies? Isaiah 51:12-13b

What Do You See?

Close your eyes and imagine this: you’re standing in front of a mirror. What do you see? You’ll probably say a person with many flaws. But look harder, look deeper. Which set of eyes are you looking with? If you tune into your spiritual eyes you’ll start to see an enormous power. You’ll start to see the One Who spoke and the universe leapt into existence. You’ll see power that divides seas and rivers. Power that stops time and even sends it backwards. You’ll see power that heals sick people on their deathbeds from great physical distances. And you’ll see power that can give life, take life, and resurrect life. This image you see in the mirror, does it resemble you? Do you recognize it? Is it familiar? You see the only thing that keeps us from doing the will of God is our selfishness. When we are consumed with self, there is no room for God. He’s not a bully, He will not force His way in. It’s only when we submit to God to do His will that we have access to all of this power. This power is not to use for ourselves. It’s not for us to abuse. It for us to help unify, to build up, to love, to share with people , and in the process bring Glory to God. What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it an image of you? Or is it an image of Jesus? There’s only room for One in your life. Either you serve yourself, or you serve God. If you choose the former, there will be no room for God’s Spirit to empower you. If you choose the latter, then you must do what Jesus tells us to do, that is doing what He did. In order to make room for Jesus, we must die to self, take up our cross, and follow Him. The world yearns for power, focuses on getting power, then abuses it when they get a little bit of it. Christians have a power beyond the capacities of this universe. We have the answer to life’s problems, but yet never realize or use it because we tend to focus solely on ourselves. To think we have the potential to move mountains and rescue lost, hurting, and lonely people, restoring them and giving them hope, should’ve more than enough reason to deny ourselves, taking a back seat in order for Jesus to take over at the wheel. It’s just a matter of dying to self (denying yourself). Once you make that daily decision, your world will never be the same. Who/what do you see when you look in the mirror?

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else–not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. Ephesians 1:19-23

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?27 For the Son of Man will come with His angels in the glory of His Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.28 And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.” Matthew 16:24-28

To Unite….

In today’s tumultuous and divided times, never forget its God’s plan to unite and bring everything under the authority of Jesus. Only then will things work as they were first designed to do. Only then there will be world peace. Only then will the lion lay down with the lamb. And only then will man be able to get along with his neighbor. It’s all just a matter of time. Remember this the next time you get caught up in the worry of the day.

9 God has now revealed to us His mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill His own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ–everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan. Ephesians 1:9-11

Self-Sufficiency…..

Self-sufficiency can be a blessing and a curse. The only difference is how you see it. If you put all of your faith in yourself, eventually God has no room in your life, and selfishness will be the dominating factor at the detriment of your relationships. But if God blesses you with the ability to get things done, without trusting solely in yourself, it’s definitely a blessing that your relationships will benefit. A blessing and a curse, it’s all in how you see it. Ask God today for better spiritual insight, and make necessary changes where you need to. Self-sufficiency that works, is better known as God-dependency. Even though you may work alone and be sufficient, you’re never alone and the result involved Grace. God’s grace is the only thing that’s really sufficient.

11 But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from Me: You will soon fall down in great torment. Isaiah 50:11

The Answer To Life’s Problems….

As Christians we have the answer to life’s problems. If we are not sharing Jesus with others, our love for them isn’t real love. Examine your motives, are they selfless or selfish? Who’s Spirit are you listening to today? If you are not using the gifts God has given you, then you are wasting them. And you are not serving the purpose you were meant to serve.

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will. Isaiah 50:4

Turn Us Into Nominal Christians….

Why do we as Christians listen more to the world than we listen to God? Just because the world is tangible, right there, rubbing against us, doesn’t make its values more important. If God can speak the universe into existence, or dry up the sea by one command, or heal a servant just by speaking from miles away, don’t you think His words take precedence over the world’s agenda? The problem is we give into our feelings more than setting them aside, and going with what we know to be true. In order to see spiritually, the only way to hold God’s word above all else, we must be in it daily. We must be reading it, digesting it, and living it out. We must be pursuing God, longing for the intimacy that relationship brings. If we don’t, the world will seep in slowly, without our awareness, and turn us into nominal Christians. In order to share in the power of God’s word, we have to know the God Who is, not the god we want Him to be. Be honest with yourself; it’s the only way to experience God, and the power of His Word. He is the most worthy recipient of our trust.

2 Why was no one there when I came?Why didn’t anyone answer when I called?Is it because I have no power to rescue?No, that is not the reason!For I can speak to the sea and make it dry up!I can turn rivers into deserts covered with dying fish.3 I dress the skies in darkness,covering them with clothes of mourning.” Isaiah 50:2-3

Never Be put to Shame….

We may suffer for Him. We may be shamed by others living on this earth. We may even give our lives for Him in actual death. But one thing is crystal clear throughout scripture both NT and OT: we will never be put to shame for trusting God. We never have to worry about that. Regardless what we suffer for Him here on earth, it won’t compare to the reward of His presence in Heaven. One part of the Hope we have that sustains us. Stay focused, and stay faithful. Your reward is coming.

23 Kings and queens will serve you and care for all your needs.They will bow to the earth before you and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Those who trust in Me will never be put to shame.” Isaiah 49:23

Hands That Have Your Name Written On Them….

When you think of people getting tattoos, and piercings, they have all kinds of reasons. Some are selfish, while others get them as reminders to never forget a person or event, to mark a significant time in their life. To think that a person would permanently stain/disfigure their body for a selfless cause means something. Now imagine a person who does it 100% from a selfless point of view. Imagine someone sacrificing their life in order to set you free from prison, or a death sentence. Would that mean something to you? How would you take that if it was a stranger, someone you don’t know? Would you embrace it? Reject it? Be grateful? Be apathetic? Someone has done this for you, Jesus on the cross. He died in your place. He paid the penalty you deserve. The question arises, how are you going to react when you see Jesus face to face? And He reaches out with His two scarred hands? Hands that have your name written on them. What you do about it now, determines if those hands will be reaching out to embrace you, or pointing you in the direction of a place to eternally live without Him.

14 Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us;the Lord has forgotten us.” 15 “Never! can a mother forget her nursing child?Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?But even if that were possible,I would not forget you!16 See, I have written your name on the palms of My hands.Always in My mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins. Isaiah 49:14-16

Can You Set Aside Your Feelings….

The difference between one who values life from one that doesn’t lies in the heart. The one that values life has been given the ability to trust God even when they don’t want to. Do you have this ability? Are you honest enough with yourself when truth pays you a visit? Can you set aside your feelings to allow truth to take its course? Ask God today to help you in this area.

4 I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” Isaiah 49:4

When We Live By The Spirit…

We all need to read today’s scripture and digest it slowly. Once it’s in our head we need to put it into practice. When we live by the Spirit, allowing Him to direct our lives with a obedient attitude, our spirit is fulfilled. Think about the consequences of: gently and humbly helping another person back onto the right path, or sharing each other’s burdens, or knowing your real place on this earth, or not comparing yourself in order to justify guilty feelings you’re having, or honoring those who have taught you the most important life lessons, or refusing to give into to extremely selfish thoughts by acting them out. All of these things are above the law. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. So the next time you start a pity party for yourself, choose to follow God’s leading. You’ll forget your problems, losing them in the actions you begin to live out. And never get tired of living by the Spirit, for your reward is just around the corner. You’ll experience the satisfaction of knowing you are right with God now, and be rewarded even bigger when you see Him face to face. Do good, not for your own sake, or the praise of men, but for God’s sake, and the benefit of others. When you do, you’ll experience what true blessings really provide, security and satisfaction found no where else.

1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.7 Don’t be misled–you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone–especially to those in the family of faith.  Galatians 6:1-10

Arrogance Is Not A Virtue….

Arrogance is not a virtue God likes, rather its a symptom of pride. It’s something God opposes. Remember James 4:6, or Proverbs 3:34? if it states this truth in both the Old and New Tesraments, it must be pretty important, right? If we don’t see this, we obviously don’t pay attention when proud men fall/fail.

12 There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise. Proverbs 26:12

Live The Way God Intends….

When we live the way God intends for us, to live in this sin-dominated world, we experience what the world longs for but never achieves. We experience peace. We experience what it’s like to know we are made right with God. We are blessed with many descendants (good families). Life isn’t easy, but living God’s way certainly makes it more rewarding and more enjoyable than the alternative. Without God, there is no peace.

17 This is what the Lord says–your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:“I am the Lord your God,who teaches you what is good for youand leads you along the paths you should follow.18 Oh, that you had listened to My commands!Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle riverand righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.19 Your descendants would have been like the sands along the seashore–too many to count!There would have been no need for your destruction,or for cutting off your family name.” 20 Yet even now, be free from your captivity!Leave Babylon and the Babylonians.Sing out this message!Shout it to the ends of the earth!The Lord has redeemed His servants,the people of Israel.21 They were not thirstywhen He led them through the desert.He divided the rock,and water gushed out for them to drink.22 “But there is no peace for the wicked,”says the Lord. Isaiah 48:17-22

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise Him forever! Psalms 111:10

Not Showing Others Mercy…..

Not showing others mercy really ticks God off. Why? Because He shows us mercy and expects us to show the world what He has given us. Think about it, when we are shown mercy, not getting what we deserve, we are relieved of the consequences of what our actions create. Why do we so easily forget this relief? And why do we still want to inflict consequences upon others that have done the exact same thing? Isn’t part of the purpose of His mercy with us to pass it on to others? Isn’t the purpose of mercy to bring peace into the chaos humanity creates. When we are uncaring and even ruthless with others it only shows where our priorities are, 100% self-focused. When we are full of ourselves, there’s no room for anything else, and our relationships always suffer because of it. Do yourself a favor, show mercy to others. And if you find it impossible, ask God to give you some of His. He isn’t selfish with His mercy or His grace. It’s powerful stuff, powerful enough to change lives.

For I was angry with My chosen people and punished them by letting them fall into your hands.But you, Babylon, showed them no mercy.You oppressed even the elderly.7 You said, ‘I will reign forever as queen of the world!’You did not reflect on your actionsor think about their consequences. 8 “Listen to this, you pleasure-loving kingdom,living at ease and feeling secure.You say, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other.I will never be a widow or lose my children.’9 Well, both these things will come upon you in a moment:widowhood and the loss of your children.Yes, these calamities will come upon you,despite all your witchcraft and magic. 10 “You felt secure in your wickedness.‘No one sees me,’ you said.But your ‘wisdom’ and ‘knowledge’ have led you astray,and you said, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other.’11 So disaster will overtake you,and you won’t be able to charm it away.Calamity will fall upon you,and you won’t be able to buy your way out.A catastrophe will strike you suddenly,one for which you are not prepared. Isaiah 47:6-11

It’s Motivation Isn’t Godly….

With all the hateful violence going on with the protests currently in America (election year 2020) you have to wonder is it justified? I mean can a Christian support BLM? I think Paul answers this question here in Galatians chapter 5. He says that we have freedom in Christ, but we are not to abuse that freedom. We use it to unify and build others up. We use it to show our love for one another. The BLM message is crystal clear, the protests I’m seeing are full of hatred and division. It’s not one that is unifying, it’s dividing our nation. That must mean one thing, and it’s pretty clear, it’s motivation isn’t Godly, it’s following our sinful, fleshly desires. Think about it, violence and destruction only breed dissension and chaos, the exact opposite of what God wants. Look at the cities that are being destroyed. Does destroying your own neighborhoods, your own friends’ businesses “in the name of seeking peace” really going to help the cause? These people are evil, and they are promoting an evil agenda. They don’t care about what happens to these cities, because they are paid rioters. Money is the motivating factor, not fixing a broken heart. And worst yet, these rioters are being manipulated and don’t even see it. And that will only mean one thing, it won’t conquer the hatred it set out to do (at least the perceived goal of ending racism). It’s simple math, hatred plus hatred equals more hatred. Unless God is in it, it will fail and bring destruction upon its self (exactly what it’s doing). If we were loving our neighbor as we are commanded to do, there would be no need to protest, would there?

3 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5:13-26

The Only Solution… Is A Changed Heart…..

We can talk about abortion all day long. We can argue with Pro-choicers about the details, “if it’s a baby or a blob of tissue”, until we run out of words. We can try to justify the baby’s rights to live. We can even help write legislation to slow down or even stop the killings. But we have to understand one important point: it’s God’s doing. When you abort babies you’re messing with God. Those that support abortion don’t believe in God, at least not the God of the Bible. So arguing with a person that doesn’t fear God is senseless. It’s only when they come to know Him personally that He opens up their minds to the truth about life. All life matters. Why? Because God made it, that’s why. If God tells us throughout scripture that He “knew us before we were born”. He “carried us before we were born. And He “hates hands that she’d innocent blood”. We don’t need to question the validity of the issue. People who support abortion can come up with the most ridiculous defenses, trying to rationalize abortion’s legitimacy, like it’s a woman’s right, it’s health care, it’s her body, but those same arguments can be used against them as well (what if the baby is female, doesn’t she get those same rights?). Some will argue that no one has the right to tell them, who, or where, or when they can have sex, but again God can, for He made all of us and He makes the rules. The only solution to this topic is a changed heart. And God is the only one capable of doing that. He’s made it crystal clear in His word where He stands on this topic. The only question you have to ask yourself is do you stand with Him, or on the opposite side of the road. God loves us all, and He has a particular fondness for little ones. When you think abortion is okay, you’re messing with God. Beware.

3 “Listen to Me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. 4 I will be your God throughout your lifetime–until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:3-4

The Answer Lies In Our Freewill….

There is only one God, no matter what people believe. Some may ask “why are there so many religions, why would God allow them?” The answer lies in our freewill. He loves us enough to give us the choice of choosing Him or choosing something else (there must be “perceived” alternatives in order to choose). You see it’s when God calls us (and He calls everyone), when we respond with an honest, receptive heart, we become His followers. Those that ignore His call, or reject His call, they remain blind, but they seek something else to worship. The only difference between the two is when we all bend our knee to Him, some will do it willfully and respectfully as they enter Heaven, while the others will do it unwillingly, in spite, then be cast into outer darkness. If you really think about it, life is temporary. So that means in the back of our minds we know this. Doesn’t the Bible tell us that “God has put eternity in our hearts”? For the believer, the more time goes on, the closer we get to our ultimate purpose, living in the presence of God forever (Heaven). So we constantly look forward to this. And for the unbeliever, they get closer to receiving the ultimate consequence of choosing to ignore God, which is an eternity of despair, with no hope of relief, and certainly no peace (Hell). Is it any wonder why people do what they do? Anxiety, worry, and despair follow people who choose this path. Trying everything they can in an attempt to escape this fate (or at least the feelings that go with it)? Some people realize their rejection of God means never gaining the peace for their soul, so they flat out do everything rebellious toward God out of pure spite. Our entire life on earth is determined by how we see God. Search for Him and you will find Him, along with purpose, security, and peace. Live your life without Him, and you’ll find yourself searching for purpose, security, and peace, but never being able to find them. In the end all people will bow before Him. The only difference will be our attitudes.

20 “Gather together and come, you fugitives from surrounding nations. What fools they are who carry around their wooden idols and pray to gods that cannot save! 21 Consult together, argue your case. Get together and decide what to say. Who made these things known so long ago? What idol ever told you they would happen? Was it not I, the Lord? For there is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior. There is none but Me.22 Let all the world look to Me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other.23 I have sworn by My own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on My word: Every knee will bend to Me,and every tongue will confess allegiance to Me.”24 The people will declare, “The Lord is the source of all my righteousness and strength.” And all who were angry with Him will come to Him and be ashamed.25 In the Lord all the generations of Israel will be justified, and in Him they will boast. Isaiah 45:20-25

The Problem Lies In The Motive….

There’s nothing wrong about asking God questions. The problem lies in the motive behind the question. If it comes from a genuine, sincere heart wanting to know so you can better yourself, there’s no problem with that. However, if it comes from a prideful, “I want to argue with God because I don’t agree” attitude, then the problem lies with the asker of the question. God gives us free will. His love for us creates a choice. What we do with that choice determines everything.

8 “Open up, O heavens,and pour out your righteousness.Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together.I, the Lord, created them. 9 “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.Does a clay pot argue with its maker?Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying,‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’Does the pot exclaim,‘How clumsy can you be?’10 How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father,‘Why was I born?’or if it said to its mother,‘Why did you make me this way?’ ” Isaiah 45:8-10

Willingly Or Unwillingly….

Here’s a truth tucked away in Isaiah chapter 45 that most people are unaware of: God uses people who don’t even know Him to further His kingdom. Cyrus, a Persian leader, would be used by God to rebuild Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah predicted it over 100 years before it happened. God said that He would use Cyrus, granting him military power, strength, and allow him to conquer many lands, all the while without knowing God (at least not willfully serving Him). Think about it, God uses us willingly or unwillingly to serve His purposes. The only difference is those who are used unwillingly, miss out on the benefits of what a relationship with God brings about. God will get His glory regardless. Digest that thought for a while. Then ask yourself what are you missing out on?

1 This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, His anointed one,whose right hand He will empower.Before him, mighty kings will be paralyzed with fear.Their fortress gates will be opened,never to shut again.2 This is what the Lord says: “I will go before you, Cyrus,and level the mountains.I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.3 And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness–secret riches.I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,the God of Israel, the One who calls you by name. 4 “And why have I called you for this work?Why did I call you by name when you did not know Me?It is for the sake of Jacob My servant,Israel My chosen one.5 I am the Lord;there is no other God.I have equipped you for battle,though you don’t even know Me,6 so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God.I am the Lord, and there is no other.7 I create the light and make the darkness.I send good times and bad times.I, the Lord, am the One who does these things. Isaiah 45:1-7

Take Matters In Your Own Hands….

How often do you take matters in your own hands without asking God First? Isn’t Ishmael the perfect example of this? How did it turn out? Ishmael was sent away, not sharing the inheritance Issac was given. In the same way we will not succeed when we do things our way, not consulting God about it first. And the consequences will usually involve others that have little or nothing to do with it.

23 The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God’s own fulfillment of His promise. Galatians 4:23

30 But what do the Scriptures say about that? “Get rid of the slave and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” 31 So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman; we are children of the free woman. Galatians 4:30-31

Daddy…..

You’ve probably heard people say “we are all children of God”, many times. But we are not all children of God. Yes, we all have been created in His image, but it’s not until we put our faith in Jesus that we become a true child of God. Do not allow the the world to corrupt God’s word. Stay in this book daily. And ask God to empower you with His Spirit, so you will not be deceived. Only children of their Father call Him “Daddy”.

4 But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. 6 And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir. Galatians 4:4-7