Lack Of Discernment…..

One of the biggest problems in the Church today is the lack of discernment. Whether it be out of selfishness, complacency, or any other reason, lack of discernment is crucial in a believer’s life. And the saddest part is it’s only a prayer and little determination away from us. Ask God today, to give you discernment, Its the cure for spiritual blindness.

121 Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,for I have done what is just and right.122 Please guarantee a blessing for me.Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!123 My eyes strain to see Your rescue,to see the truth of Your promise fulfilled.124 I am Your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,and teach me Your decrees.125 Give discernment to me, Your servant;then I will understand Your laws.126 Lord, it is time for You to act,for these evil people have violated Your instructions.127 Truly, I love Your commandsmore than gold, even the finest gold.128 Each of Your commandments is right.That is why I hate every false way. Psalms 119:121-128

True Peace And Rest…

In my 50+ years of life and my walk with the Lord, I’ve come to discover a truth that is easily forgotten. True peace and rest are only found in God. He is the only One that can give authentic peace. As long as we live on this earth, without God, there is no peace, for He is our peace. 7 All who found them devoured them. Their enemies said, ‘We did nothing wrong in attacking them, for they sinned against the Lord, their true place of rest, and the hope of their ancestors.’ Jeremiah 50:7 34 But the One who redeems them is strong. His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel. But for the people of Babylon there will be no rest! Jeremiah 50:34

We Can Challenge God’s Will, But…….

Regardless who your leader is, or if you are the leader, never forget there is always One greater, more powerful, wiser, more just, more loving, and capable of making things right. His name is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. And He will put us in our place if need be. We can challenge God’s will, but it will always be a humbling experience.

19 I will come like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan, leaping on the sheep in the pasture. I will chase Edom from its land, and I will appoint the leader of My choice. For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What ruler can oppose My will?” Jeremiah 49:19

Pride Deceives….

Pride deceives, regardless of what we think. And in that deception, it leads us down the wrong path, away from God. Think about our current political condition. We have one side willing to kill babies up till birth (and even after birth). We have people supporting and promoting homosexual behavior, to the point of indoctrinating our children in kindergarten. And that has led to the destruction of children’s bodies through Trans ideology. How can a Bible-believing, church-going, Jesus-following Christian support that? Simply put, PRIDE. There’s nothing beneficial with being prideful, unless we are purposely running from God, or pretending to follow Him. pride comes before the fall.

16 You have been deceived by the fear you inspire in others and by your own pride.You live in a rock fortress and control the mountain heights.But even if you make your nest among the peaks with the eagles,I will bring you crashing down,”says the Lord. Jeremiah 49:16

How We React To The Helpless…

One way to know the spiritual condition of your heart is how we react to the helpless. If it stirs our heart then we are heading in the right direction. If it causes us to act, and do something to help them, then we are much closer than we think. The difference is discernment, knowing who is really incapable and needs immediate attention, from those that are capable, and looking to take advantage of you. Regardless of your observation, God knows our heart.... for He uses the helpless to show us the current condition it’s in. When He reveals it to us, it always proves our heart is not meant to be fully focused inward.

9 Those who harvest grapes always leave a few for the poor. If thieves came at night, they would not take everything. 10 But I will strip bare the land of Edom,and there will be no place left to hide.Its children, its brothers, and its neighborswill all be destroyed,and Edom itself will be no more.11 But I will protect the orphans who remain among you.Your widows, too, can depend on Me for help.” Jeremiah 49:9-11

The Remedy For Complacency….

Never allow yourself to get too comfortable where you forget God. Humility is the remedy for complacency.

4 You are proud of your fertile valleys, but they will soon be ruined. You trusted in your wealth, you rebellious daughter,and thought no one could ever harm you. Jeremiah 49:4

A Perfect Picture Of Our Current Time….

If you don’t think God’s word is still relevant, maybe you need to take your blindfold off. God’s word is the only consistent, never changing, Hope filled, empowering agent in this life. It’s what we are to daily ingest and store in our hearts. It’s the food that sustains and nourishes our soul. It’s the sustenance that we need to endure, understand, and persist in this world. If you ever thought any less of God’s word, I hope today’s scripture proves otherwise. This was written over 2,000 years ago, but could’ve been written today, as it paints a perfect picture of our current time (human nature doesn’t change on its own). Hopefully we all see this, and respond accordingly. Our faith empowers us to be godly. And it’s through His word that we are taught “the way”.

1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9 But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres. 10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra–but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:1-17

God’s Justice…..

In current America (October 31,2020), this proverb couldn’t be more fitting. Riots, protests, slander, our rights vs their rights, hating on our president, silencing/sensoring free speech, and of course social justice all are presented by the media as being unfair. In order to call something unjust, we have to know what just is. When you remove to Source of Justice (God) from our society, you can make justice mean whatever you want it to mean to fit your agenda. The reason why we have two opposing sides to this social justice dilemma is because one side thinks they understand while fighting against those that really do understand what justice really is. We all deserve justice, but it isn’t what we think it is. We are all sinners and are deserved of death (for the wages of sin is death). We all deserve to be punished eternally for our sin. Yes, we are all sinners. We are all guilty. The one who understands this, understands God’s justice, and understand His mercy and grace. From that perspective brings the proper attitude towards demanding justice versus properly carrying it out. Justice belongs solely to God. And those that understand it, play along with God’s way of carrying it out. One objective sign of someone who doesn’t understand the true meaning justice is when the conversation turns to name-calling and violence (either physical or verbal abuse). This shows the lack of understanding, the lack of trusting a system that was set up to carry it out, and unwillingness to hear the other side present their case. God’s justice is pure, it’s 100% accurate, and always distributed appropriately. The only thing we all miss sometimes is the fact that His timing may not always fit our timetable. God’s justice will always be carried out. It’s only a matter of time. And when it is, there’s no turning back, no regrets (on His end), and always deserved by the offender. The problem with today’s justice seekers is they want to do the punishing without God’s involvement. It won’t work. It won’t change anything. It will only divide, disappoint, and end in regret, when God isn’t in it. And more than anything else, when we demand justice without examining all the facts (only God can do that) we will be left with bitterness and a lot of unresolved anger. Justice is God’s job. Our job is to listen to Him and help carry out His justice (by doing it His way) when we have a role in seeing it played out. Without God there will never be true justice, regardless of what we think. Trust Him to do His job.

5 Evil people don’t understand justice,but those who follow the Lord understand completely. Proverbs 28:5

Never Allow Ourselves To Drift….

In a world that teaches us to live solely on our feelings, God’s word is our source of hope. God’s word doesn’t change. It doesn’t deceive. It’s 100% reliable and trustworthy. Having divided loyalties, believing God but living according to the world, will only rob us of hope. We cannot expect to live a consistent, vibrant, and understanding life all while straying from God’s ways. It just doesn’t work. After a while of pretending, we either have to fess up and repent, or abandon God’s word. The further we get away from God’s ways, the harder it is to get back. So the point here is to never allow ourselves to drift. And if we do, run full speed back towards God and beg for forgiveness. God rejects those that reject Him. He allows us to get what we want, and thus suffer from our own rebellion against Him. God designed us to live according to His ways, when we do, we benefit (and are filled with hope). When we don’t, we live a pretend, “Fakebook” kinda life, never really experiencing what we were created to experience.

I hate those with divided loyalties,but I love Your instructions.114 You are my refuge and my shield;Your word is my source of hope.115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,for I intend to obey the commands of my God.116 Lord, sustain me as You promised, that I may live!Do not let my hope be crushed.117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued;then I will meditate continually on Your decrees.118 But You have rejected all who stray from Your decrees.They are only fooling themselves.119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;no wonder I love to obey Your laws!120 I tremble in fear of You;I stand in awe of Your regulations. Psalms 119:113-120

When We Reject The Law….

With all the rebellion against the police, and those who want to defund law enforcement, here’s a truth to consider talking about with those who are rebelling. When we reject the law (of God), in essence we are praising the wicked. When we obey the law, we fight wickedness. No matter what anyone says, or who protests, or whatever other form of rebellion goes on, when we break a law, we are serving Satan. All those people we see supporting causes that either endorse lawbreaking or do nothing to stop it are promoting wickedness. As for me, I oppose evil because I stand with God. The justice wickedness demands is not the same justice that God will carry out. In the end we all will see this play out. Rejecting what God has set into play can only mean one thing: praising the wicked is opposing God Himself. Fighting evil means obeying the law, loving God above all else (that’s what true obedience is). It’s pretty simple. Don’t allow yourself to buy into “modern thinking”, it’ll deceive you before you realize it. And worse yet, when people reject God's law, they eliminate the conduit through which salvation comes.

4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. Proverbs 28:4

Manage Our Selfishness….

If I were to state the basics of life, including Christianity, the most important thing we can do as human beings is this: learn to manage our selfishness. It seems too simple, but if you think about it, it’s what drives sinful behavior. It starts wars, arguments, divorce, destruction, or any type of evil behavior. It’s what separates, divides, and destroys relationships. It’s the root of greed, power struggles, and corruption. It’s what bad parenting, teaching, and managing people are all about. Its the source of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. It’s what gets more people into “hot water” than any other cause. If I were to tell you, “learn to manage your selfishness”, do you think your life would be better? Of course it would. Now, how do we do it? On our own it’s impossible. We can’t. If we try we will fail, and fail miserably. The only way we can learn to manage our selfishness is by obtaining the power of God. It’s His Spirit that enables us to overcome our inability to deal with our selfishness. How is that possible? What’s the opposite of selfishness? Love. And what does the Bible say God is? God is love, right? Does this makes sense? The only way we will ever be able to overcome our selfishness is to learn to manage it. It’s a daily, moment by moment process. And it’s only possible through love. Faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is Love. Jesus said, “they will know us” by what? Our love. When we love, our focus tends to shift off of ourselves, at least off of our own problems and onto what we can do to help someone else. This focus shift is selfishness management 101. God gives us the ability to love, ask Him today. To help you “Love one another”, and watch the power of selfishness start to lose its grip on you, do what Jesus tells us to do, “die to self”.

5 Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 45:5

Why Is God’s Word Always Opposed By The World?

Why is God’s word always opposed by the world? Because it cannot be chained, or stopped. It accomplishes what it is set out to do, bring salvation to all God has chosen. Satan doesn’t want this to happen, so he opposes God’s word out of pure hatred. If you ever witness opposition to The Bible or God’s word, know that the people opposing it are serving Satan by either deception, or allegiance, or both. We continue to speak truth because of this very reason. The gospel is good news to those God has destined to be His, and bad news to those who have pledged allegiance to Satan by rejecting Jesus. Never lose sight of this, especially if emotions come into play. We preach the Gospel to rescue those deceived by the world, and in the process, remind those who willing serve Satan of their eternal destination of choice (Hell). This is why God’s word is often rejected in today’s society. A brave and mighty soldier doesn’t fear what’s in front of him in battle because he knows what’s behind him is worth fighting for.

1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with Him,we will also live with Him.12 If we endure hardship,we will reign with Him.If we deny Him,He will deny us.13 If we are unfaithful,He remains faithful,for He cannot deny who He is. 14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. 15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Timothy 2:1-26

The One Thing That I Can Count On…

We live in a day of uncertainty. Anxiety, stress, and depression run rampant. People are so caught up in pursuing things that give them pleasure that they miss what they are really longing for, security. Reading through today’s Psalm, what really resonated with me was the certainty of God’s word. The security in it. It’s the one thing that I can count on to be true, to get me through the day full of up and down emotions. It’s the one thing that gives me hope in a hopeless world. If it weren’t for God’s word, His truth, His forgiveness, and His grace, I probably wouldn’t be able to make it through another day. The certainty, security, and dependability of God’s word is invaluable. It’s just what I need to start, get through, and start again, every day of my life. In a world full of uncertainty, why wouldn’t people look for something to remedy the problem? Why wouldn’t we seek out things that are consistent? Things that bring hope? Bring stability? Infuse life in us? God’s word does this, and is everything to me. Does it do the same for you?

 97 Oh, how I love Your instructions!I think about them all day long.98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,for they are my constant guide.99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,for I am always thinking of Your laws.100 I am even wiser than my elders,for I have kept Your commandments.101 I have refused to walk on any evil path,so that I may remain obedient to Your word.102 I haven’t turned away from Your regulations,for You have taught me well.103 How sweet Your words taste to me;they are sweeter than honey.104 Your commandments give me understanding;no wonder I hate every false way of life. Psalms 119:97-104

Neglecting Our Responsibility….

When you take calamity to its root cause the most common factor is lack of responsibility. Lack of responsibility is evidence of the absence of God in one’s life. When we replace God (abandon Him), we have to fill the void with something. That something comes in the form of idolatry. God will not be patient for long when idolatry dominates our lives. With all that happened to Jeremiah (read earlier post) the people who rescued him from the assassins, asked him to inquire from God what to do. When Jeremiah told them, they didn’t listen. Time after time Jeremiah continued to tell them if they went to Egypt they all would die, including their children. They refused to listen. The point I’m trying to make is this: we are to blame for 99% of our problems. We bring calamity upon ourselves when we don’t listen to God. God always, always, always, (did I mention always), warns us ahead of time, so our deaf ears are proof that we bring disaster and calamity upon ourselves. We are our worst enemy. We destroy ourselves. And you wonder why anxiety and depression run so rampant in today’s society, especially with the younger generation. Personal responsibility is the root cause of our problems today, and it’s destroying the fabric of America. When we begin to worship creation over our Creator, everything takes on new meaning. This idolatry only corrupts what is good. Why do we do it? Why do we bring suffering upon ourselves? Why are we destroying ourselves and blaming everyone else in the process? Why don’t we see it? Because when we abandon God, we lose the ability to see spiritually. Without spiritual insight, we eventually destroy ourselves. It’s like walking in the dark, stumbling around, hurting ourselves, all while having a flashlight in our pocket but refusing to take it out and turn it on. We are our own worst enemy. Neglecting our responsibility to God is always tragic. Jesus is the remedy, but He requires repentance and honesty on our part. Are you willing?

1 This is the message Jeremiah received concerning the Judeans living in northern Egypt in the cities of Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis, and in southern Egypt as well: 2 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: You saw the calamity I brought on Jerusalem and all the towns of Judah. They now lie deserted and in ruins. 3 They provoked My anger with all their wickedness. They burned incense and worshiped other gods–gods that neither they nor you nor any of your ancestors had ever even known.4 “Again and again I sent My servants, the prophets, to plead with them, ‘Don’t do these horrible things that I hate so much.’ 5 But My people would not listen or turn back from their wicked ways. They kept on burning incense to these gods. 6 And so My fury boiled over and fell like fire on the towns of Judah and into the streets of Jerusalem, and they are still a desolate ruin today.7 “And now the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, asks you: Why are you destroying yourselves? For not one of you will survive–not a man, woman, or child among you who has come here from Judah, not even the babies in your arms. 8 Why provoke My anger by burning incense to the idols you have made here in Egypt? You will only destroy yourselves and make yourselves an object of cursing and mockery for all the nations of the earth. 9 Have you forgotten the sins of your ancestors, the sins of the kings and queens of Judah, and the sins you and your wives committed in Judah and Jerusalem? 10 To this very hour you have shown no remorse or reverence. No one has chosen to follow My word and the decrees I gave to you and your ancestors before you. 11 “Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I am determined to destroy every one of you! 12 I will take this remnant of Judah–those who were determined to come here and live in Egypt–and I will consume them. They will fall here in Egypt, killed by war and famine. All will die, from the least to the greatest. They will be an object of damnation, horror, cursing, and mockery. 13 I will punish them in Egypt just as I punished them in Jerusalem, by war, famine, and disease. 14 Of that remnant who fled to Egypt, hoping someday to return to Judah, there will be no survivors. Even though they long to return home, only a handful will do so.”15 Then all the women present and all the men who knew that their wives had burned incense to idols–a great crowd of all the Judeans living in northern Egypt and southern Egypt–answered Jeremiah, 16 “We will not listen to your messages from the Lord! 17 We will do whatever we want. We will burn incense and pour out liquid offerings to the Queen of Heaven just as much as we like–just as we, and our ancestors, and our kings and officials have always done in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For in those days we had plenty to eat, and we were well off and had no troubles! 18 But ever since we quit burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and stopped worshiping her with liquid offerings, we have been in great trouble and have been dying from war and famine.”19 “Besides,” the women added, “do you suppose that we were burning incense and pouring out liquid offerings to the Queen of Heaven, and making cakes marked with her image, without our husbands knowing it and helping us? Of course not!”20 Then Jeremiah said to all of them, men and women alike, who had given him that answer, 21 “Do you think the Lord did not know that you and your ancestors, your kings and officials, and all the people were burning incense to idols in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 22 It was because the Lord could no longer bear all the disgusting things you were doing that He made your land an object of cursing–a desolate ruin without inhabitants–as it is today. 23 All these terrible things happened to you because you have burned incense to idols and sinned against the Lord. You have refused to obey Him and have not followed His instructions, His decrees, and His laws.”24 Then Jeremiah said to them all, including the women, “Listen to this message from the Lord, all you citizens of Judah who live in Egypt. 25 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘You and your wives have said, “We will keep our promises to burn incense and pour out liquid offerings to the Queen of Heaven,” and you have proved by your actions that you meant it. So go ahead and carry out your promises and vows to her!’26 “But listen to this message from the Lord, all you Judeans now living in Egypt: ‘I have sworn by My great name,’ says the Lord, ‘that My name will no longer be spoken by any of the Judeans in the land of Egypt. None of you may invoke My name or use this oath: “As surely as the Sovereign Lord lives.” 27 For I will watch over you to bring you disaster and not good. Everyone from Judah who is now living in Egypt will suffer war and famine until all of you are dead. 28 Only a small number will escape death and return to Judah from Egypt. Then all those who came to Egypt will find out whose words are true–Mine or theirs!29 “ ‘And this is the proof I give you,’ says the Lord, ‘that all I have threatened will happen to you and that I will punish you here.’ 30 This is what the Lord says: ‘I will turn Pharaoh Hophra, king of Egypt, over to his enemies who want to kill him, just as I turned King Zedekiah of Judah over to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.’ ” Jeremiah 44:1-30

The Government Will Rest On His Shoulders….

Give deep thought to this proverb. Be honest with yourself. Ask the right questions. Then digest what the answers really reveal. Salvation will never arrive on Air Force One. In case you’re still confused, the government will never save us, no matter who is in charge. Jesus is our only hope. One day, the government will rest on His shoulders, not the other way around.

2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. Proverbs 28:2

Being Blessed… Or Missing Out….

In a day of uncertainty, it’s so refreshing to know God’s word is so powerful. God is in control. He’s got our back. His word and ways work as much today as it did long ago. It never loses its power or relevancy. Do you trust Him? Do you see it as it is? Do you live your life seeking Him out? Or do you live by seeking things of this world? Whichever the case you’re either tapping into His power and being blessed, or you are abusing the grace He has made available to us all, and missing out on the best life you can possibly live while here on earth (and I’m not talking about a false preacher’s book about living your best life now). Even perfection has its limits, but God’s word has no limits. What are you tapping into? How’s it working for you?

Your eternal word, O Lord,stands firm in heaven.90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation,as enduring as the earth You created.91 Your regulations remain true to this day,for everything serves Your plans.92 If Your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,I would have died in my misery.93 I will never forget Your commandments,for by them You give me life.94 I am Yours; rescue me!For I have worked hard at obeying Your commandments.95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,I will quietly keep my mind on Your laws.96 Even perfection has its limits,but Your commands have no limit. Psalms 119:89-96

Are You Honest With Yourself?

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you’ll know that being honest with ourselves is the greatest thing we can do when it comes to pursuing God. It’s one thing to hear God, but it’s an even bigger thing to respond to it appropriately. How we view God determines how we see ourselves. If we are honest, we respond like Jeremiah does here. The Reader’s Digest version of Jeremiah’s situation reads as follows: Judah is exiled to Babylon. Jeremiah is left behind. He is imprisoned for speaking the truth. The King of Judah is taken into exile. A leader is appointed by the Babylonians. This leader has taken care of Jeremiah. The leader is assassinated. Jeremiah is captured. Jeremiah is rescued by a small band of Israelite freedom fighters. They ask him to pray, for they are fearing for their lives from what the Babylonians will do because of the assassination. They tell Jeremiah that whatever God tells them they will do or be held accountable. They don’t listen and do the very thing they were not supposed to do. Now, does this pattern seem familiar? Does it not represent the history of Israel? God rescues, people rejoice, people prosper, take God for granted, make unfaithful promises, serve others gods, get punished by God, suffer, repent, then repeat the process over and over again. The second we lose the ability to be honest with ourselves, sorrow and tragedy await us. And the most important part, this ability to be honest with ourselves, is God given. It’s why it’s crucial to stay close to Him. The more we get to know God, the better we know our true selves. And that gives us this ability to be honest with ourselves. God is in control. He is in charge. He is the only One capable of doing the job. We are not, and we were never meant to play God either. Understanding this one truth, sets in motion our ability to related to all things. The world tries to tell us to trust ourselves. That only leads to rebelling against God. And worse yet, the very thing we want to escape from (in their case: death, war, and famine) will be the exact thing we experience (when we refuse to obey God by taking heed to the world’s request). If you want this ability, to be honest with oneself, drawing close to God is the only proven method to get there. Are you honest with yourself?

1 Then all the guerrilla leaders, including Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people, from the least to the greatest, approached 2 Jeremiah the prophet. They said, “Please pray to the Lord your God for us. As you can see, we are only a tiny remnant compared to what we were before. 3 Pray that the Lord your God will show us what to do and where to go.”4 “All right,” Jeremiah replied. “I will pray to the Lord your God, as you have asked, and I will tell you everything He says. I will hide nothing from you.”5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord your God be a faithful witness against us if we refuse to obey whatever He tells us to do! 6 Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we are sending you with our plea. For if we obey Him, everything will turn out well for us.”7 Ten days later the Lord gave His reply to Jeremiah. 8 So he called for Johanan son of Kareah and the other guerrilla leaders, and for all the people, from the least to the greatest. 9 He said to them, “You sent me to the Lord, the God of Israel, with your request, and this is His reply: 10 ‘Stay here in this land. If you do, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you. For I am sorry about all the punishment I have had to bring upon you. 11 Do not fear the king of Babylon anymore,’ says the Lord. ‘For I am with you and will save you and rescue you from his power. 12 I will be merciful to you by making him kind, so he will let you stay here in your land.’13 “But if you refuse to obey the Lord your God, and if you say, ‘We will not stay here; 14 instead, we will go to Egypt where we will be free from war, the call to arms, and hunger,’ 15 then hear the Lord’s message to the remnant of Judah. This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and live there, 16 the very war and famine you fear will catch up to you, and you will die there. 17 That is the fate awaiting every one of you who insists on going to live in Egypt. Yes, you will die from war, famine, and disease. None of you will escape the disaster I will bring upon you there.’18 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Just as My anger and fury have been poured out on the people of Jerusalem, so they will be poured out on you when you enter Egypt. You will be an object of damnation, horror, cursing, and mockery. And you will never see your homeland again.’19 “Listen, you remnant of Judah. The Lord has told you: ‘Do not go to Egypt!’ Don’t forget this warning I have given you today. 20 For you were not being honest when you sent me to pray to the Lord your God for you. You said, ‘Just tell us what the Lord our God says, and we will do it!’ 21 And today I have told you exactly what He said, but you will not obey the Lord your God any better now than you have in the past. 22 So you can be sure that you will die from war, famine, and disease in Egypt, where you insist on going.” Jeremiah 42:1-22

What True Contentment Really Is About…

The Christian view of prosperity could very well be this: godliness with contentment is true wealth. Having the ability to want what you already possess is what true contentment really is about. Having the ability to wait for what you don’t possess is also part of the contentment equation. If we are born with nothing, and we can’t take any tangible object with us when we die, true contentment makes perfect sense. For those that long for what the world offers, pierce themselves with manner sorrows. And these sorrows drive them away from practicing and pursuing God. Allowing ourselves to strive for riches will only pull us away from God and leave us spiritually bankrupt. True Contentment only comes from God. We have to ask for it. When we receive it, it truly is our greatest wealth. It’s just a matter of the right perspective.

Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.  1 Timothy 6:2c-10

The Perfect Example Of God’s Sovereignty….

Jeremiah is the perfect example of God’s sovereignty. He was promised by God to be taken care of, as long as he continued to speak for God to His people. He endured hardships and beatings, imprisonments and persecution. But Jeremiah was taken care of, just like God had promised. This passage shows how intricately woven God’s plan can be, so much so, it leaves us scratching our heads. The Babylonians have captured Jerusalem. They have killed many and taken most back to Babylon as subjects and slaves. However, they had left a few Israelites in Judah and given them vineyards and land to take care of. Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian ruler tells his army leader to find Jeremiah, and take care of him. How in the world would the most powerful king in the known world, know anything about a small, no-name prophet like Jeremiah? And better yet, out of all that was going on, tell his lead officer to find him and give him anything he wants? That’s God’s sovereignty. That’s God honoring those who honor Him. And that gives us hope to carry on being obedient to our Lord. God rewards those who are faithful, it may not be with money or possessions, but it is with protection. If He can use a pagan, ruthless, king to honor and protect a insignificant (to him) prophet that no Israelite liked, just imagine what He can do for us? Pretty awesome, huh? God is sovereign, and today’s example is just another reminder how awesome God really is.

11 King Nebuchadnezzar had told Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, to find Jeremiah. 12 “See that he isn’t hurt,” he said. “Look after him well, and give him anything he wants.” 13 So Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard; Nebushazban, a chief officer; Nergal-sharezer, the king’s adviser; and the other officers of Babylon’s king 14 sent messengers to bring Jeremiah out of the prison. They put him under the care of Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, who took him back to his home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people.15 The Lord had given the following message to Jeremiah while he was still in prison: 16 “Say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, 17 but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. 18 Because you trusted Me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 39:11-18

1 The Lord gave a message to Jeremiah after Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, had released him at Ramah. He had found Jeremiah bound in chains among all the other captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being sent to exile in Babylon.2 The captain of the guard called for Jeremiah and said, “The Lord your God has brought this disaster on this land, 3 just as He said He would. For these people have sinned against the Lord and disobeyed Him. That is why it happened. 4 But I am going to take off your chains and let you go. If you want to come with me to Babylon, you are welcome. I will see that you are well cared for. But if you don’t want to come, you may stay here. The whole land is before you–go wherever you like. 5 If you decide to stay, then return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan. He has been appointed governor of Judah by the king of Babylon. Stay there with the people he rules. But it’s up to you; go wherever you like.”Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, gave Jeremiah some food and money and let him go. 6 So Jeremiah returned to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and he lived in Judah with the few who were still left in the land. Jeremiah 40:1-6

When You Take Away Consequences…..

The biggest problem in society today (setting aside the root of our problem, lack of respect for God) is the lack of discipline. It’s everywhere. No discipline in schools. Fewer and fewer states implore the death penalty. The wealthy have lawyers to get them out of messy situations. When you take away consequences from bad behavior, you only encourage more bad behavior. The lack of discipline, has destroyed our educational system, and our sense of justice. Look at the current desires of most liberals. Let’s lift up criminals, treating them as heroes, instead of the violent lawbreakers that they are. Discipline is God ordained. It’s God’s way of helping us deal with the consequences of natural law. Without discipline, we have mass chaos. Watch the news. Do We need any better evidence of this truth? And even more importantly, we need it back in the Church. Discipline is a strong deterrent for bad behavior. It always has been, and always will be.

Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others. 1 Timothy 5:19-20

Worse Than Unbelievers….

Anyone who doesn’t provide for his own family, and calls himself a believer, is a liar, a cheat, a phony, and is worse than unbelievers. Did you get that? Worse than unbelievers. Worse. What does that tell us? God takes our words and intentions seriously. What we say matters. Our attitudes of trying to make ourselves out to be better than what we truly are is hated by God. Living a Fakebook life is the worst thing we can do as believers. Anyone who says they love their family, and yet fails to meet their needs, is not a genuine believer. He has abandon his faith, and the love of God is not in him. The disintegration of the American family can be traced all the way back to our selfishness. The concept of selfishness and family cannot co-exist. Love us what makes a family. And selfishness (the opposite of love) is what destroys it. Taking care of our own family is the basic building blocks of responsibility. And it’s the first sign of love we learn as children. If we destroy the family, there is no America, no civilization. The family is the heart and soul of society. Now do you see why God’s attitude towards those that neglect their families is so intense?

8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. 1 Timothy 5:8

The Most Attractive Thing A Woman Can Do….

The most attractive thing a woman can do isn’t fixing her hair, or putting on makeup, or even dressing in a way to reveal the shape of her body. Don’t get me wrong, physical beauty is attractive, but over doing it doesn’t make her more attractive. The most attractive thing a woman can do is walk in dignity, carry herself in a manner that displays integrity, and do good things. Who you are is more important than what you look like on the outside. A woman’s character will attract alike character. If a woman wants a man who has integrity, who has morals, and is sensitive but with thick skin, she should do more to attract him by her behavior, than by how she dresses. True Beauty goes far beyond the few millimeters of her epidermis. Character matters more than most people will admit. And it makes a woman more beautiful to those who recognize it.

10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. 1 Timothy 2:10

Knowing God…

Knowing God, is more valuable than gold. Our relationship with Him is the best Thing we can ever possess. He gives purpose to our pain, and the reason for our joy. He is the Right Path, and helps us return when we stray. He fills our minds with what’s good, and focuses our desires on what truly satisfies. He never breaks His promises, and bails us out with His grace by taking the punishment we deserve. More than anything else, God loves us and demonstrates it every single day. God is our treasure. Do you treasure God? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

65 You have done many good things for me, Lord,just as You promised.66 I believe in Your commands;now teach me good judgment and knowledge.67 I used to wander off until You disciplined me;but now I closely follow Your word.68 You are good and do only good;teach me Your decrees.69 Arrogant people smear me with lies,but in truth I obey Your commandments with all my heart.70 Their hearts are dull and stupid,but I delight in Your instructions.71 My suffering was good for me,for it taught me to pay attention to Your decrees.72 Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalms 119:65-72

When We Don’t Take Heed….

When we don’t take heed to God’s warnings, it always gets much worse.

32 So Jeremiah took another scroll and dictated again to his secretary, Baruch. He wrote everything that had been on the scroll King Jehoiakim had burned in the fire. Only this time he added much more! Jeremiah 36:32

Serving God Is A Gift….

Never forget serving God is a gift and a privilege.

18 Then Jeremiah turned to the Recabites and said, “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed your ancestor Jehonadab in every respect, following all his instructions.’ 19 Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Recab will always have descendants who serve Me.’ ” Jeremiah 35:18-19

Deciphering Flattery From Praise….

Discernment is necessary in deciphering flattery from praise. In today’s world people will say anything to get their way. They blow smoke, make non-guaranteed promises, and will tell you what you want to hear just to shut you up so they can leave the conversation. Believers must always be aware of this, and apply discernment in all that people say. We know it’s not our objective to gain glory for ourselves, glory belongs to God. However, it is our duty to have the right perspective on how we interpret praise and flattery. When praise comes our way it is a test. It reveals what’s in our heart. How we take it in shows God where our true focus really lies. Praise was never meant to puff us up, especially human praise. True praise from God helps build our character, and it’s always received with humility. Discernment is necessary in our lives. And it’s put to the test every time we receive praise from others. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. Proverbs 27:21

Salvation Will Never Arrive On Air Force One….

In modern day America we need discernment. We have governmental leaders stating facts that aren’t facts at all, more like opinions. They lie, cheat, steal, and are more corrupt than most mobsters. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the political agendas of not only Washington, but Fakebook, social media, the news media, and many more avenues. What we need to remember is that the script written for Christians is simple. It hasn’t changed in over 2000 years. And there’s only one way to be saved (have eternal life). That is through Jesus. God wants us all to be saved. He’s provided a way for us to be saved. But it’s His way, through repentance and dying to self. Forgiveness is available to all, but it only works if we embrace it and follow it. Salvation will never arrive on Air Force One.

1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity–the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating–just telling the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-7

The Image Is Incomplete….

Without God human beings will never be satisfied. God designed us to worship Him. When we do, we are fulfilled. When we reject God, and try to replace Him with something else to worship, we find ourselves longing for more, never satisfied, never at peace. Why is drug use, alcohol abuse, and mental illness at an all time high? God is our only source of true peace, true longing that can be satisfied, and true purpose. Without God, life is a vain attempt to complete a puzzle that has a lot of missing pieces. When we get it together, it won’t satisfy because the image is incomplete.

20 Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Proverbs 27:20

Best Pieces Of Advice….

One of the best pieces of advice I could ever give a young believer is to document all that God has done for you, so that you never lose your way.

13 The young women will dance for joy,and the men–old and young–will join in the celebration.I will turn their mourning into joy.I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.14 The priests will enjoy abundance,and My people will feast on My good gifts.I, the Lord, have spoken!” Rachel’s Sadness Turns to Joy 15 This is what the Lord says: “A cry is heard in Ramah–deep anguish and bitter weeping.Rachel weeps for her children,refusing to be comforted–for her children are gone.” 16 But now this is what the Lord says:“Do not weep any longer,for I will reward you,” says the Lord.“Your children will come back to youfrom the distant land of the enemy.17 There is hope for your future,” says the Lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.18 I have heard Israel saying,‘You disciplined me severely,like a calf that needs training for the yoke.Turn me again to You and restore me,for You alone are the Lord my God.19 I turned away from God,but then I was sorry.I kicked myself for my stupidity!I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’ 20 “Is not Israel still My son,My darling child?” says the Lord.“I often have to punish him,but I still love him.That’s why I long for himand surely will have mercy on him.21 Set up road signs;put up guideposts.Mark well the pathby which you came.Come back again, My virgin Israel;return to your towns here.22 How long will you wander,My wayward daughter?For the Lord will cause something new to happen–Israel will embrace her God.” Jeremiah 31:13-22

Turn Your Indifference Into Making A Difference….

We take God for granted. We overlook His daily involvement in our lives, usually forgetting to thank Him. Over time, this takes the form of a blase attitude. One of the greatest things God does for us, and it’s just a matter of seeing it, is His ability to turn a tragedy into triumph. God has the ability to turn mourning into joy, and exchange our sorrow for rejoicing. It’s just one more thing God does that makes Him above all. Take time today to thank Him for that time He took your sorrow away, and replaced it with comfort and peace. For only He can do this. The Christian life has so much to offer, it’s just a matter of recognizing it, then acting on it in the form of gratitude. It just might turn your indifference into making a difference. Start today.

13 The young women will dance for joy,and the men–old and young–will join in the celebration.I will turn their mourning into joy.I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.14 The priests will enjoy abundance,and My people will feast on My good gifts.I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 31:13-14

If He Cares Enough To Discipline….

If people think that allowing crimes to go unpunished will fix our justice system, think again. God disciplines all people with justice. If he cares enough to discipline those that believe in Him, imagine what punishment awaits those who choose evil?

11 For I am with you and will save you,”says the Lord.“I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you,but I will not completely destroy you.I will discipline you, but with justice;I cannot let you go unpunished.” Jeremiah 30:11